Six Tips When Shopping for Elliptical Exercise Machines

It's said you get what you pay for and that sage advice certainly applies to shopping for elliptical exercise machines. While machines sell for as low as $500, Consumer Reports warns that an elliptical exercise machine at that price most likely will not stand up to long-term use and will not have enough features to give you the flexibility to change your training routine over time.

Here are six suggestions to guide you in making your purchase:

1. Expect to spend at least $1,000 - $1,500 to get the kinds of features that will give you a good return on your investment. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $2,000 for a more reliable machine.

2. Look for comfort and safety. Are the foot pedals wide? Can you grasp the handles comfortably? Do the pedals come with safety rims?

3. Wear your sports gear and give the machine a try while it's on the store room floor. Do you hear any noises?

4. Bring your measuring tape. Trainers appear smaller on the store room floor but most are not collapsible so require lots of space at home.

5. Look for extra features like safety pins which prevent children from starting the machine. Consider carefully if the features add benefit or are simply add-ons which will add on extra cost. It might be great to have those extra gadgets but maybe the money would be better spent on an extended warranty for service repairs.

6. Consider trying out the equipment at local health clubs to learn what model best suits your needs and your budget.