Commercial quality elliptical trainers have been available since Precor introduced the machine in 1995. Since then, the number of companies offering commercial elliptical machines has grown, with Precor, Life Fitness, Octane and Nautilus among the most well-known producers.
Workout Features
On an elliptical machine, the placement of the flywheel can greatly affect the smoothness of the pedal stroke. Most commercial elliptical machines have the flywheel placed in the rear of the machine, which the Elliptical Trainers website states is the best position for a smooth pedal stroke. Some models from companies like Octane and StarTrac have the flywheel in the front.
Commercial elliptical trainers with moving handles and adjustable pedals allow you to better fit the machine to your body size and the length of your stride. A high-quality elliptical machine must also have an eddy current brake system, as these are the quickest adjusting resistance systems on the market.
Comfort Features
The highest-quality elliptical machines are designed to deliver more than an intense workout; they are designed to give you the best possible without making you feel like you were hit by a truck. Top machines have adjustable inclines to increase or decrease the intensity of the workout. They are also equipped with television screens, reading racks, water bottle holders and cooling fans for maximum comfort during your training.
Electronics
According to the Exercise Equipment Expert website, "the display console is the heart of any elliptical trainer." When choosing between elliptical machines, it is important to select a machine with a display console that is easy to read, allows you to quickly change the workout program and has enough variety of workout programs that you will not become bored. The quality of the heart rate monitor on the machine you chose should be high, as this can greatly affect your ability to monitor your progress. The heart rate monitor should provide a steady readout even when you are sweating and preferably be wireless.
Price
The best elliptical machines available as of October 2010 range in price from just over $3,000 to $8,000 or more. The Elliptical Trainers website states in its buyer's guide that you should purchase your elliptical machine online to get the best possible deal. Machines that have a long warranty, lots of adjustability options and workout features that will fulfill your goals are what you should look for when comparing prices.
Adjustable Motion
Elliptical trainers are evolving and the very best machines in the industry are moving toward fully adjustable motion. The Precor AMT 100i and the Smooth Fitness Agile DMT have pedals that do not follow a fixed track, allowing you to train on up to 12 different motion planes. Though they are some of the most expensive elliptical trainers, adjustable motion machines are expected to be the future of elllipticals.
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