Though at first glance all ellipticals may seem the same, there are many differences in features among brands that can dramatically impact your workouts. Stride length, top speed, steepest incline and the number of pre-programmed workouts all vary from machine to machine, so you'll need to consider which features are most appropriate for you. The Life Fitness 9500 Elliptical is a cross-training elliptical and is used in many commercial clubs, according to fitness equipment website All Pro Exercise. While this does suggest quality, it may also mean the Life Fitness 9500 has more features than you'll need for home use.
LifePulse Heart Rate Monitor
When working out, it's important to know your heart rate, as it can alert you if you're over-exerting yourself or not exercising hard enough. For this reason, the Life Fitness 9500 has a LifePulse heart rate monitor. According to FitnessOutlet.com, the LifePulse heart rate monitor provides accurate readings, rather than estimations. Your heart rate is displayed on the main console when using the LifePulse monitor.
Rimmed Pedals
As Elliptical Trainers Central explains, the Life Fitness 9500 offers rimmed pedals for your safety. This means the pedals of this elliptical have a raised lip, which helps keep your feet in place during motion. Depending on the speed of your workouts, a slip could cause serious injury. Even with the rimmed pedals, though, you still may slip and should exercise care when using this machine.
Resistance Levels
In addition to speed, you can vary your workout by altering the resistance level. This can help you build up the muscles of your legs in a similar manner to resistance training, or weight lifting. The Life Fitness 9500 has 20 different levels of resistance.
Pre-programmed Workouts
The Life Fitness 9500 comes with nine pre-programmed workouts. These workouts are designed for various fitness levels and challenges, and may be helpful for beginners or those looking for variety.
Upper-body Workout
One unique feature of the Life Fitness 9500 is that it provides an upper-body workout in addition to a lower-body workout. The moving arms allow you to work large groups of upper body muscles as you work your legs. In addition, you can reverse the motion of the elliptical to ensure that your muscle groups are worked evenly.
Low Impact
The Life Fitness 9500 offers a low-impact workout. This means that exercising on this elliptical won't put an excessive strain on your joints. While running has its advantages, pounding your feet onto the ground with each stride has the potential to cause joint damage. In addition, SportsInjuryClinic.net notes that injuries affecting your Achilles tendon, ankles and shins may result from the "repetitive nature" of running.
Price
The Life Fitness 9500 can be purchased at a variety of online retailers. As of summer 2010, the unit costs between $2,000 to $2,500 depending upon the retailer.
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