Elliptical machines may be strange looking, but they're easy to use and provide a cardiovascular workout that's good for your heart. They give you a form of weight-bearing exercise that may help prevent osteoporosis. If you're in the market for a home elliptical, consider which type, features and budget are right for you so that you get the best results with the most bang for your buck.
Identification
An elliptical trainer is also called a cross-trainer and is a hybrid of a ski machine and stair-stepper. They first came on the market in the 1990s and quickly became popular, with 3.3 million Americans regularly working out on an elliptical exerciser in 2003, according to Consumer Reports.
Types
There are three types of ellipticals based on the location of the motor: rear-drive, front-drive or center-drive. One of the advantages of rear-drive units is the smooth motion that comes from putting the flywheel behind you. Most front-drive machines use aluminum, plastic or steel tracks in the base with rubber wheels traveling back and forth, a design that is found on less-expensive models and is jerkier and may require more maintenance.
There are two types of resistance and braking controls on elliptical machines: manual, which involves simply adjusting a knob to vary the machine's resistance, and electromagnetic, which uses an electronic control with magnetic currents for accurate braking and speed control at the touch of a button.
Features
Most ellipticals have exercise programs that vary pedaling intensity, and a few allow you to adjust the incline electronically as you work out. Many models come with heart-rate monitors, either a chest-strap version or one embedded in the handgrip. The high-end ellipticals have a console with such added gadgets as a CD player, a fan or an LCD TV. Some models have flexible pedal arms or plastic pads between each pedal and supporting arm, but Consumer Reports recommends avoiding such features as they are unnecessary and may add to a feeling of being unstable at some speeds.
Considerations
The American College of Sports Medicine points out that if you buy a motorized elliptical, you should make sure your home has the proper power supply where you'll be using the machine, as some models may require 120 to 220 volts. You should try it out before you buy to make sure the noise level is acceptable, the unit is sturdy and stable and the control panel is easy to read and use while working out. The pedals and handlebars should operate smoothly without putting any excess strain on your lower back, and the length of the stride should be comfortable for you. Units that only accommodate a stride length of 14 inches may be too small for a tall person.
Cost
Consumer Reports tested several elliptical models and found that the highest-scoring machines cost $2,000 and up (in 2010) and were less likely to have defects. If $2,000 is more than you want to spend, but you also want to avoid the cheapest models, Consumer Search says there's a sweet spot in the $1,000 range, with equipment manufacturer Sole having a reputation for building good quality treadmills that cost less than $1,500.
Expert Insight
The Sole E35 earned some of the best reviews, including a Best Buy award from TreadmillDoctor.com, according to Consumer Search. Another Sole model, the E55, was given a Best Buy pick by Fred Waters at Fitness-Equipment-Source.com, and TreadmillDoctor.com also ranked it as one of the best picks. For ellipticals under $1,000, NordicTrack's AudioStrider models scored well in expert reviews, as reported by Consumer Search. Consumer Reports tested 19 models in 2010 and handed out three Best Buys picks, including the Sole E35 for $1,300, followed by the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 for $900 and the LifeCore LC985VG for $1,000. If money is no object, the Treadmill Doctor ranked the True Fitness ESX as a Best Buy in the $4,000 and up category.
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