Elliptical trainers are pieces of cardio fitness equipment that won't put stress on your joints. Ellipticals have similar characteristics as stair climbers and cross country ski machines. Examples of manufacturers who produce elliptical machines include Fitness Quest, Precor, Schwinn, Horizon Fitness, Landice and Life Fitness. To get the best price on an elliptical machine, you need to compare prices from retail and online merchants.
Step 1
Visit a national sporting goods chain. Some suggestions from Consumer Reports include Sears, Wal-Mart and Sports Authority. Chains are more likely to sell budget models over the higher priced models sold at specialty sporting goods retailers.
Step 2
Find a close-out deal. Before a manufacturer introduces a new line of elliptical machines and retires the former models, the models are likely to get marked down to low prices. Amazon.com and Overstock.com are examples of online merchants who have close-out deals on pieces of fitness equipment such as elliptical trainers.
Step 3
Choose elliptical machines with good warranty coverage. Instead of paying for an extended warranty, buy a model with more than 90 days of warranty coverage, advises the Elliptical Trainers website.
Step 4
Request the total cost. If you want the best price, compare the final cost between retailers. If the price does not include shipping, Consumer Reports warns you could be paying an extra $20 to $50 more for delivery, as of November 2010.
Tips and Warnings
- If you do order an elliptical online as a way to get the best price, you should first visit a local retailer to test the machine. By testing, you can judge the sturdiness of the construction and your comfort level while working out.
- Avoid trial offers on elliptical machines as a way to get the best price. Since elliptical machines are expensive to ship, you may end up responsible for a large shipping bill if you wish to return the machine.
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