Elliptical Trainer Consumer Guide

CONTENTS

Introduction

Tips for mastering a decent workout

Things to keep in mind when buying

Keeping tabs on your fitness intensity

Some common misspellings

Treadmills vs. Elliptical Trainers

Protective exercise mat

Reviews and Ratings

Order elliptical parts online...

Elliptical trainer repair

GLOSSARY

Why is it called elliptical?

If you were to look at the motion of a user from a side view, you will notice that it is an oval shaped motion, which is why it is called elliptical. This motion, combined with the fact that it is virtually impact free on the joints, is why the elliptical machine is considered to be one of the most efficient of all exercise machines.

One reason elliptical trainers are gaining in popularity is they provide an efficient and effective way of exercising the large muscles of the lower body while providing an all around low-impact - cardiovascular workout. Elliptical machines actually mimic the same body movements engaged when walking, running or climbing. One advantage ellipticals have over other stationary forms of exercise equipment is they often include moving handlebars that work the upper body as well as the lower body. Elliptical trainers are an excellent selection if you have joint problems, because they provide a low impact yet efficient workout. There is actually some evidence that elliptical trainers provide more calorie burn for overweight people than treadmills and or stationary bicycles.

Elliptical machines vary in size. Some are 6 feet long, 2 feet wide, and as much as 5 feet tall. Because the elliptical machine is not a small machine, you should be mindful to measure the area where you plan to put the equipment. An elliptical trainer is an exceptional choice for anyone wanting a decent workout, you simply have to decide on a place in your home to place your new treasure on a permanent basis.

Elliptical exercise machines vary tremendously in price. Some cost a few hundred dollars whereas others are more than $4,000. The more expensive machines are often equipped with gadgets such as programmable consoles and other high-end features that afford you more versatility when working out. The good news is you can find a suitable elliptical machine in any price range -- depending on what type of "bells and whistles" you desire!

Tips for mastering a decent workout:

In order to get in shape you first have to get in the habit of working out regularly. Your elliptical machine won't do you any good at all if you don't set aside a reasonable amount of time, say 30 minutes every day or every other day for an aerobic workout.

A decent workout also requires that you maintain good posture. This includes keeping your shoulders back and head up, keeping your stomach muscles tight and ensuring that your weight is evenly distributed if possible across both feet. This will help alleviate any stress on your back.

One of the best ways to make sure that you get a decent workout is to keep track of your heart rate and variables including the amount of time you workout, distance you travel and speed you are traveling at. Some models will also allow you to keep track of the number of calories you burn via a computerized console. Still other models allow you to assess your heart rate by holding or squeezing the handlebar. Keep in mind you can also use a personal heart rate monitor while working out to keep track of your vitals and ensure you are getting a good workout. When you monitor your heart rate while working out, you can change your pace and vary your routine to make sure you stay within your target heart rate, which will ensure you are exercising at maximal calorie burning efficiency.

Keeping Tabs on Fitness Intensity

You should frequently monitor your exercise intensity if you truly want to establish a good workout pattern. Tracking your exercise intensity will ensure that you are working in your target heart rate zone and, therefore, are getting the most out of each workout. If you work too hard, you're likely to injure yourself and, possibly, burn out. The flip side of that is if you don't work hard enough you will probably get frustrated at the lack of results you'll get over time.

Tracking Your Heart Rate

When monitoring your fitness intensity you will want to keep track of your pulse, which is the best indicator of your workout intensity. You can do this easily by placing checking your pulse rate using your index and middle fingers. You should be able to detect your pulse slightly below your jawbone. Count the number of beats for 10 seconds and then multiply that number by six.

Be sure you monitor your pulse frequently during your workout so you can stay within your target heart rate zone.

Consider a Personal Heart Monitor

If you haven't already you should invest in a decent heart rate monitor! It will monitor your heart rate throughout your workout via a transmitter worn around your chest and a watch on your wrist.

Take Time to Talk

Most people don't realize that they should be able to carry out an ordinary conversation while working out. If you aren't able to chat or find yourself completely breathless chances are you are working out to hard. Slow down if this is the case. Remember too that dizziness and lightheadedness may be a sign of overexertion. Slow down and take things easy for a bit!

Things to keep in mind when buying:

The best elliptical trainer is the one that's right for you! The American College of Sports Medicine has offered some guidelines for consumers interested in selecting an elliptical machine:

• Safety features: You want to be sure that your trainer has a safety turn-off control button that works. You should also check to see whether or not the machine is stable and whether or not front and side rails are sturdy enough to help you maintain your balance when working out. Make sure the machine doesn't seem too wobbly, you don't want to tip over while working out.
• Noise level: Noise isn't necessarily a good thing for anybody when you are working out. There are many models out there that are noisy but many more than are comparatively quiet. Try to find an elliptical trainer model that uses magnetic resistance instead of a belt or strap, and one with a flywheel design if you want to workout more quietly. An elliptical trainer should never feel wobbly or jerky; some low-end machines have been reported to "walk" across the floor during use.
• Stride length: The machine you select should allow a full range of leg movement. There are some less expensive models that have short stride lengths. These aren't as good as ones that allow full range of motion.
• Non-slip pedals: Try to find a model that has pedals with a textured surface. This will help prevent you from slipping when exercising. The pedals should also be large enough to accommodate your foot size.
• Overall fit: You want to make sure the machine fits your body type. In general you should be able to workout comfortably in an upright position, without your knees bumping into the console and without your body brushing against the body handles.
• Space: If you're buying an elliptical trainer for a tight space, look for a machine that folds up or has wheels for easy transportation.

Some common misspellings

"Elliptical" is often misspelled with one "l", as in, elliptical. So watch for those in your searches! Here is a brief list of other search misspellings:

eliptical trainers
eliptical machines
eliptical trainer reviews
elipticals
eliptical exercise machines

Treadmills vs. Elliptical Trainers

Two of the more popular forms of home gym equipment include treadmills and elliptical trainers. Both treadmills and elliptical trainers allow you to get a high power aerobic workout indoors. Treadmills are the more traditional form of exercise equipments whereas elliptical trainers have only recently started gaining in popularity. Because treadmills are more commonplace most people think of them first when considering exercise equipment. That does not necessarily mean however that treadmills are better. Before you decide to purchase a treadmill or any exercise equipment for that matter, you should consider the pros and cons. Take a look below and see why elliptical trainers are gaining in popularity:

One reason that elliptical trainers are gaining in popularity is the simple fact that they are impact free.

When you use an elliptical trainer you aren't grinding your lower body into the ground by pounding the pavement, thus your joints suffer far less abuse than they would if you were running. A treadmill mat may be better for you than running on a cement surface, however your knees will still bear the grunt of your weight and suffer in the long term when you run vs. use an elliptical trainer.

However, treadmills have their fans as well. An obvious benefit of using treadmills is an experienced runner or jogger will get a more intense workout and training session using a treadmill compared with an elliptical trainer. A treadmill is also a nice option for experienced athletes training for a marathon or other long distance run when they don't want to go outdoors too often.

One thing to consider is the quality of your cardiovascular exercise routine. If you are looking to maximize your efficiency and get the best bang for your buck so to speak in the least amount of time, you really can't overlook the elliptical trainer. Why? An elliptical trainer will provide you with a total body workout particularly if you use dual action handlebars to exercise your arms and foot pedals for your lower extremities. Treadmills concentrate more on the lower body, thus they are a great workout to exercise the large muscles in the leg but don't do much in the way of a total body workout. Interestingly enough, there have been a number of studies that suggest that the lack of impact associated with use of treadmills actually allows your body to burn a comparable amount of calories as you would if using a treadmill but does so with much less effort.

Because of the low impact and highly efficient benefits of the elliptical trainer, they are an exceptional choice for exercisers that may have knee problems or other individuals who may by participating in some form of rehabilitation program.

Some people also forget to consider that elliptical trainers allow you to enjoy a variable aerobic exercise routine. One problem many people face when involved in a routine is staying motivated and interested in their workout as time progresses. There are a few things you can do to vary a treadmill routine, including changing the incline or intensity. This is one reason that treadmills are popular. However, the elliptical trainer affords you the same options but also has added features that make working out even more motivating and variable!

Consider for example the dual action handlebars. You can select to use a cross ramp incline and vary your intensity when using an elliptical trainer just as you might on a treadmill. However you also have the option of not using the handlebar and focusing your workout on your lower extremities. You have to admit, this is variety, plain and simple.

There is one outstanding feature however that separates the elliptical trainer from other exercise machines, and this is the reversible foot pedal feature. You can use an elliptical trainer to push forward pretending that you are skiing through the country on a mild winter day. OR, you can reverse the pedal motion and work on targeting your quadriceps muscles in a new and invigorating manner.

There are some that believe that ellipticals will one day beat the treadmill in the popularity game. While one can't necessarily say that ellipticals will ever be more popular than treadmills, they will certainly give the treadmill a run for its money. Elliptical trainers have come a long way, and have earned their place in the gyms and homes of exercise enthusiasts the world over.

Protective Exercise Mat

Mats provide you with light protection for your tile, wood, carpeted floors -- and your machine. Here's how: they feature vinyl cellular foam, and are constructed to prevent carpet fibers from entering the mechanism of your fitness equipment and reduce wear and tear to your tile or carpeted floors.

Reviews and Ratings

The following information we have compiled on elliptical trainers will save you the cumbersome task of searching any further for consumer reports and reviews.

So, below you will find a collection of a few of the reviews and ratings we believe to be most relevant, from the three main categories: High End ellipticals ($3,000+), and Low to Medium Range elliptical home gyms ( $300 to $3,000).

ProForm - These elliptical trainers feature dual-action engineering. That's a fancy way of saying they have arm handles to work both your upper and lower body at the same time. Most models are in the lower-end to medium range of $400 to $1,300. Also, some models (such as the ProForm 700) feature computer interface capabilities so you can hook your elliptical trainer up to your computer for new workouts.

Schwinn - Schwinn offers several mid-range models. For example, the Model 418 Elliptical Trainer features an articulating footplate and a lengthened 18-inch stride path that follows your body's natural motion. Smooth and silent with a high-inertia drive system and computer controlled magnetic resistance; the eddy current brake system makes transitions between resistance levels virtually unnoticeable. Course profiles displayed on an LCD screen and a choice of 12 different exercise programs, the Schwinn 418 Elliptical Trainer's contact heart rate monitoring and dual action handrails will provide you with everything you need to keep track of your workout and improve your cardiovascular health.

As another example, the 427p model of Schwinn elliptical trainers has all of the above features plus a Heart Rate Control program to allow you to have the most optimal aerobic workout. The 427p also gives you additional simulations of hill, random, summit, and intervals.

Both these models -- and others from Schwinn -- have the following warranty information: Frame-30 Years, Parts-3 Years, Electronics-2 Years, and Labor-1 Year.

Keys - This particular model is very popular particularly in gyms and fitness studios. One of the most popular Keys models is the Keys Fitness CardioMax 707EL elliptical which basically allows you all the benefits of a club from the comfort of your own home. With its dual elliptical functions -- upper and lower body -- showcasing a 22-lb. flywheel with a soundless, friction-less magnetic resistance... you simply can't get a better workout.

The model contains an EKG grip pulse sensor, which enables you allows you to work out at a monitored heart rate. The LCD display will reveal your distance, speed, time, calories burned and even reveal your heart rate while exercising. The 707EL also allows you to adjust your tension control automatically.

Features on many Keys models include:

• Reverse and forward action
• Dual action upper and lower body action
• Adjustable resistance (20 or more levels, speed, and incline level)
• Elapsed time readout display
• Heavy duty 148-lb. frame with front wheels for moving (275 lb. user weight capacity)
• Reliable belt-drive operation
• Water bottle holder
• Front handle bars

Trimline - Trimline's models feature "all-direction resistance", which works every major muscle group while simulating the natural arm and leg motion of walking and running. The benefit: A go-at-your-own pace, maximum calorie-burning exercise for your entire body that feels fun and invigorating. Advantage Trimline: Precision Path™ foot motion technology provides the perfect elliptical stride for a natural feel and workout performance. Trimline's elliptical geometry is a natural elliptical foot pattern. All Trimline models are designed to have a constant Pedal Acceleration Speed™ throughout the entire elliptical stride, eliminating the bounciness or jerky feel of less advanced ellipticals. The result is a fluid motion that gives you maximum comfort and control. Best of all, Trimline elliptical trainers foot motion technology minimizes stress to the ankles, knees, and back commonly associated with other forms of exercise.

The dual-action arm motion and synchronized stride work together to target all major muscle groups simultaneously, providing a fluid, natural movement that's safe, comfortable, and most importantly, effective. Most Trimline machines have a residential warranty of 3 years - parts and electronics and 1 year - labor.

Horizon - Many Horizon Fitness elliptical trainers are priced in the low to mid-range. With a manual control function, you are in control of the level of intensity at all times. Achieve your personal best and take the next step toward achieving your fitness goals with Horizon elliptical trainers.

Here are some of the features and benefits of all Horizon Elliptical Trainers:

Sears - Sears sells more elliptical trainers than any other national retailer. They don't have a brand-name model at this time, but feature name brands like ProForm, Gazelle and Nordic Track.

Keep exercising -- order elliptical parts online...

With consistent use, your elliptical machine will need some replacement parts from time to time. Even if you have used lubricants and care kits, some elliptical trainer parts will wear out.

Replacement parts are easy to find online here. You can purchase cranks, belts, electrical parts owner's manuals, and more. Select the correct manufacturer brand and model to ensure you get the correct fit.

• If you need elliptical parts, be sure to check your warranty to see if the part is covered.

Elliptical trainer repair

You likely won't run into many problems with an elliptical, but leave the larger repairs to professionals. The important thing is to properly maintain your machine by purchasing (and using) complete care kits.

Easy to use care kits are specially designed to:

• Minimize crank and belt friction
• Reduce noise
• Insure drive system performance
• Maximize elliptical trainer life
• Use hassle-free application.

Regular maintenance will improve your elliptical's performance and extend the overall life of the machine while minimizing expensive repair costs and down time.

GLOSSARY

aerobic -- This word, by itself, simply means "with oxygen", but it comes alive when used as an adjective to describe exercise. Aerobic exercise is exercise that is vigorous enough, lasts long enough and is done regularly enough to keep your heart and lungs in good shape. Aerobic exercises burn fat faster than any other type of exercise.

cardiovascular -- Cardiovascular exercise simply means that you're involved in an activity that raises your heart rate to a level where you're working, but can still talk (a.k.a., in your Target Heart Rate Zone).

low-impact exercise -- Exercise that is gentle on backs, knees, hips and joints.

target heart rate zone -- Your target heart rate zone (training zone) is the range between 60% and 80% of your maximum heart rate. Working within this zone gives you the maximum health and fat-burning benefits from your cardiovascular activity.

To determine if you're working within your zone, count the heartbeats for 10 seconds, then multiply by 6.

• For more information about elliptical trainers & elliptical machines,
  Please visit our Elliptical Trainer Buyers Guide