When choosing exercise equipment, consider such factors as ease of use, stability and variety that will help you reach your workout goals. To meet the American College of Sports Medicine's guidelines to work out for 30 minutes per day, five days per week, you want to choose a cost-effective, space-efficient piece of cardio equipment that will last. While options are abundant, the best value is usually found in a basic choice with a proven track record. Your best option may be an elliptical trainer.
Benefits
Elliptical trainers typically offer moving armpieces, which help provide you with upper-body exercise. Also, the equipment offers low-impact movements, making it a practical choice for new exercisers or someone recovering from injury. Not to say ellipticals provide a sub-par workout; the consoles offer provide resistance and incline variables, creating a challenging program for even the fittest athlete. Elliptical trainers offer you the ability to increase your heart rate quickly and can be stored easily in your home, making it a cost-effective go-to machine.
Comparisons
Both ellipticals and treadmills machines offer good cardiovascular workout opportunities. Treadmills generally cost more and typically take up more room than ellipticals, too. Some elliptical machines take up a footprint of only 25 inches by 17 inches, whereas treadmills have decks measuring 60 inches and longer. Elliptical machines present less impact to knees and other joints, making them a safer workout. And elliptical machines offer the option to move in reverse, working different muscles to burn calories more efficiently. The more options one machine provides, the more cost effectively it works for you.
Price
Cost is not the only factor to consider when purchasing an exercise machine, but it is one of the biggest. Compared to gym membership fees plus the cost and time of traveling to the gym, quality should still influence your decision. Your best bet is to test a machine before you purchase it, confirming its stability and comfort. Prices range in 2011 from less than $200 for lightweight in-home models to more than $2,000 for strong, commercial-type machines. The American Council on Exercise reviewed four models and found two machines between $500 and $600 to be smooth and comfortable while providing a good workout.
Tips
Once you have brought your machine home, place it on solid flooring with plenty of room around the unit for you to move. Work out with your favorite television show or music, as trainers are usually very quiet machines. Keep water handy for before, during and after your workout. If you are new to exercise, begin slowly and gradually increase the time you spend on your machine over the course of a couple of weeks. Experiment with different settings on your machine to work different muscles and keep your routine fresh. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.
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