If you are looking to purchase exercise equipment for your home, you may want to look into options available through ProForm. They sell a wide variety of strength-training equipment and cardiovascular machines. An elliptical machine falls into the category of cardiovascular equipment. This type of equipment is designed to give you an aerobic workout to help you burn calories and make your heart and lungs strong.
Identification
Ellipticals are large machines that consist of two separate pedals that you stand on and handle bars that move like a ski machine. They allow you to move your feet in a circular motion and provide a no-impact aerobic workout. Because the movement is circular rather then just straight walking, they can give you a more intense workout then a treadmill. An elliptical machine is also easier on the hips and knees then a stair climber. Ellipticals from ProForm come with many options.
Basic Features
ProForm elliptical machines allow you to change the level of resistance you feel as you move the pedals. Many also allow you to adjust the tension in the handlebars as well. Machines vary in a feature called stride length. This refers to the size of the stride you will take when "walking" on the machine. Depending on your leg length, you will find a stride length that feels most comfortable for you. In addition, some models also allow you to work out on an incline that simulates walking uphill.
Programs
Most of the ProForm elliptical machines come with as many as 20 built-in programs. These programs are designed to help you vary your workout and to make you work out for a certain length of time. A program will automatically vary the resistance and incline so you go back and forth between walking uphill and flat. Using these programs helps to keep you from getting bored and to work your muscles a little differently each time.
Additional Features
Many of ProForm elliptical machines come with a new technology called iFit Interactive. With this technology, you plug your elliptical into a CD player, TV or a computer with Internet connection. This gives you access to even more programs and variety. Some of the iFit programs include scenery from tropical places or through specific terrains, such as a mountainous area. This can make your workout more interesting as you visually follow the terrain as the program controls the elliptical to simulate flat roads and hills.
Cost
ProForm elliptical machines run between $500 to more than $1,000. Less expensive models tend to have fewer programs to chose from and smaller stride lengths. Some of the more expensive models have TV screens right on the machine so you can use the iFit Interactive without having to plug into an outside source. Each machine will have a different feel. It is always best to try out various models in the store before deciding which one to buy.
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