Enhance Your Workout with Quality Elliptical Machines

!±8± Enhance Your Workout with Quality Elliptical Machines

Compare the different brand names available to you. Here I have listed 6
different popular ones with their various features.

Deluxe II: Two ellipticals are offered by this manufacturer. Both are
light-weight, and relatively inexpensive. Small and compact, they are easy to
move and set up. One style can be easily changed from an elliptical to a stair
climber and stepper.

Useful features include:

Hand pulse

Programmable display

Quiet and smooth magnetic resistance

Foam padded dual-action handlebars (which means they move in sync with the
pedals - this allows you to work your arms out at the same time)

Bottle holder (some with water bottle included)

Wheels for portability

Sturdy steel frame construction

7 series elliptical cross trainer: Maintenance-free magnetic resistance and
impact-free motion are two big benefits with this type of exercise machine.

Useful features include:

Dual action, push and pull handle bars

Large, easy to read LCD monitor

Measures: speed, time, distance, calories, pulse and workload

Built in hand grip pulse sensors that provide contact heart rate

Telemetry heart rate monitor

Sturdy steel frame

Built-in transport wheels

Water bottle and holder

Maximum user weight: 300 lbs.

Life fitness: The top choice of health clubs all over the world. These are
popular with athletic training centers and the armed forces because of their
high quality. There are multiple versions of this type of elliptical machine -
some are larger than others, though they all can hold the same weight.

Features include:

Digital heart rate monitoring system - this is the most accurate method
available

Lower body movement and arm action leads to a total body workout

20 levels of resistance

9 pre-programmed courses

Maximum user weight: 400 lbs.

Comes with a storage and reading rack

Precor elliptical: Patented EFX(TM) technology and the Cross Ramp(TM) incline. These
types of elliptical machines mimic cross-country training, as well as skiing,
walking, running, and climbing.

Forward or reverse stride

Industry standard

Elevation from 10-25 degrees, or 10-35 degrees, depending on make

20 levels of resistance

Power options: 110 volt/220 volt

8 pre-programmed courses

Some contain Polar® to measure heart rate

Maximum user weight: 400 lbs.

Contains a reading rack

StarTrac Natural Runner: Supplies a total body workout, with minimal impact on
your joints. These were the first ellipticals to be self powered - something
other companies have now introduced.

Has the longest stride of all the machines

Total body workout with arm action

15 levels of resistance

10 pre-programmed courses

Fitness test

Polar(TM) telemetry and contact heart rate monitor

Maximum user weight: 350 lbs.
>
StarTrac Elliptical Edge: similar to the Natural Runner mentioned above, but
also contains a towel, bottle, and personal stereo holder.

Readouts: speed, time, distance, calories, calories/min, heart rate,
resistance level, course profiles

All other aspects of this machine are comparable to the one above.

The smallest machines are the first four mentioned - but that does not mean they
can carry less weight. Smaller machines are lighter and easier to move out of
the way if you have a living area that doesn't accommodate large machines.

Warranties vary depending on manufacturer, brand name, and retailer. On
individual machines, the warranty is often divided up according to frame,
electronics, motor, parts, manufacturer defects, and phone support.

Remember that you get what you pay for - so if you want the machine to last for
many years, you may want to splurge and purchase a more expensive elliptical trainer.
Either way, you will have a great workout without putting stress on
your joints!