Elliptical machines offer the cardiovascular benefits of running in the comfort of your own home, with far less strain to your joints than jogging. Smooth ellipticals are one of the top-rated brands listed at review sites such as AllEllipticals.com and EllipticalTrainers.com. Despite the company's direct-to-the-customer sales model, the machines do not come cheap. However, more expensive exercise machines typically offer many benefits over cheaper alternatives.
Solid Construction
Smooth ellipticals are heavier and more stable than their less expensive competitors. They don't wobble from side to side or make annoying squeaks during operation like low quality elliptical machines do. This not only makes them more enjoyable to use but makes them safer. In their 2009 review of elliptical trainers, Consumer Reports labeled two of the least expensive models as safety risks because of their tendency to actually disassemble themselves during use. Smooth ellipticals typically won't pose this danger.
Long-Lasting
One telling detail about cheaper ellipticals is their warranty. Many of the low-end models offer warranties of only a year. Smooth ellipticals offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and some components, and at least three years on other components and electronics. A cheaper elliptical trainer might cost less today, but when you have to keep buying a new one every couple of years, you end up spending more than if you bought a high-quality elliptical machine on day one.
More Features
More expensive exercise machines typically come with features not seen on cheaper modes, and Smooth ellipticals are no exception. For example, AllEllipticals.com points out the Smooth CE 3.6, their "Best Value" elliptical machine for 2010, comes with many features hard to find even in equivalently priced machines and impossible to find in cheaper products. The ergonomic design minimized strain on your joints by allowing your body to move in a natural manner. The wireless heart-rate control automatically keeps you at your target heart rate by adjusting the elliptical trainer's resistance.
Are You Ready?
Smooth ellipticals offer better construction and more features than lower priced competitors, but is it worth it to you personally? That depends on whether this will be a regularly used exercise machine or a $1,500 coat rack. If you are not already committed to regular exercise, an expensive toy won't provide the motivation you need. At best the cost will guilt you into exercising, turning fitness activities into unpleasant chores.
How To Save Money
For many expensive exercise machines, you can save money by buying online. However Smooth Fitness only sells online, a business model designed specifically to keep their prices lower than those of their competitors. If you can't afford a new one, look around for a used model. If you buy it online, new or used, ask if you can personally inspect it before paying, or if there is a return policy.
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