An elliptical trainer or treadmill at home keeps you fit without the need to join a gym. The quality and features of treadmills and elliptical trainers varies significantly. Before buying either machine, consider your needs and the features that are significant to you. This ensures you make a solid investment in the exercise machine.
Price
Your budget plays a large role in the treadmill or elliptical machine that you purchase. Determine how much you have available to spend before you start shopping around for exercise equipment. Higher-priced exercise machines generally offer more features, longer warranties and better quality.
Size
Treadmills and elliptical trainers take up a lot of floor space. You also need space around the machine to allow for a safety zone. Take measurements of the area where the machine will go to ensure that the one you choose fits. Some models are compact to fit better into smaller spaces while other machines are larger and need more space.
Purpose
Your purpose for the machine affects your selection to some degree. If you want to run on the treadmill, you need a model with higher speeds, a longer belt and a stable base to support your faster speeds and longer strides. The stability of the elliptical is also a concern if you will use it at higher speeds. If you plan to use the machine daily for long periods of time, go with a higher-quality model with solid construction to get the best value.
Safety
The safety features of an exercise machine reduce the risk of injury, making them a factor in your purchase. On an elliptical machine, look for a pedal arm safety pin if you have children in the house. This feature prevents the child from using the machine. Choose a treadmill that has an emergency shut-off feature in case you lose your footing or become exhausted and can't keep up.
Function
The way the machine works affects the quality of the workout. Test out each model of treadmill or elliptical to look for smooth operation and stability. For treadmills, look at the speed, belt size, motor durability, horsepower and incline abilities. Choose a model with higher ranges in all categories for the most versatility. For elliptical machines, note the adjustment options for pedaling.
Features
Treadmills and elliptical trainers include display screens that control the operation of the machines. View the display screen to look for ease of use and the options available. Check out the preprogrammed workouts and the information available on the screen. This might include your speed, distance and heart rate.
Comfort
A treadmill or elliptical that is comfortable is more likely to get regular use. On elliptical trainers and treadmills with moving handles, look for comfortable handles positioned in a way that allows you to use them easily. The space between the pedals also plays a role in the comfort of the machine. Pay attention to how your feet feel on the pedals. For treadmills, the amount of cushion in the belt affects the impact and how it feels on your body. All of these comfort considerations are revealed in a test run.
Warranty
Treadmills and elliptical machines often include a warranty to cover certain parts or situations. Read the details of the warranty before making your selection. This ensures that you understand how the warranty works in case something happens with your new elliptical or treadmill.
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