Elliptical trainers have become a popular choice for aerobic exercise since the first models were introduced in the 1990s by Precor. Rivaling even treadmills in popularity, many top fitness companies now offer quality elliptical trainers at a variety of pricing points. Choosing among the best elliptical trainers within your budget can be difficult, as many of the machines have comparable workout and comfort features.
Mechanical Features
A majority of the best elliptical trainers have the flywheel of the machine positioned behind the pedals. Companies including Life Fitness, Nautilus and Precor all place the flywheel on the back of the machine to guarantee a smoother, more natural pedal stroke. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the foot platforms and stride length should be comfortable for your body. High quality elliptical trainers have raised grooves in the foot platforms to keep your feet stable and the stride length will be at least 18 inches long. The best ellipticals have an adjustable stride length to fit the movement of your body perfectly.
Resistance System
The type of resistance used in an elliptical trainer affects how smooth the pedal stroke is and how quickly you can switch between training programs. Low quality machines have manually adjusted magnetic brakes that have a very slow response time as you dial them in. When searching for a high quality machine, choose an elliptical trainer equipped with an eddy current brake system for maximum performance. These are available in middle-and high-priced models.
Electronics Console
Certified personal trainer Brett Spottke states on his Exercise Equipment Expert website that the electronic display is the most important part of an elliptical trainer. From the display console on the elliptical machine, you should be able to monitor your distance, resistance level, time and heart rate. The best elliptical trainers have a console that allows you to quickly switch between workout programs and dial in resistance to meet your exercising needs. The elliptical trainer should have enough workout variety that even daily users of the machine can stay motivated.
Comfort Features
When comparing elliptical trainers within a specific price range, it is common for them to have similar workout features. When this is the case, perks may make the difference between a good machine and a great machine. Added features such as video or audio interfaces, magazine holders, water bottle attachments or a cooling fan can help you feel more comfortable while you workout.
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