While using an elliptical machine at a gym can be an effective, low-impact method for achieving cardiovascular or aerobic exercise, trying to bring that same experience into the home can pose a challenge. This is because most elliptical machines are bulky and have large footprints, making it difficult to keep them out of sight. To remedy this inconvenience, some manufacturers produce folding elliptical exercise machines, which can help you save on space while you stay in shape.
How They Fold
A folding elliptical exercise machine consists of two main structural parts: a vertical structure, which has handles and typically some sort of interface; and a horizontal base structure, which supports the machine's foot pedals and the drive and ramp assemblies. These assemblies are responsible for controlling the resistance and incline of the foot pedals respectively. According to FreePatentsOnline, the bottom of a folding elliptical machine's vertical structure connects to the front of its base structure via a pivoting mechanism. This mechanism allows the vertical structure to collapse or hinge down flush against the base structure for easy storage. In addition, the pedals of a folding elliptical machine are detachable, which means you can remove them from the drive and ramp assemblies.
How You Use Them
Working out on a folding elliptical exercise machine requires that you stand erect with your feet on the pedals and your hands either on the handles or at your sides. You then glide the pedals back and forth using an ice-skating or skiing-like motion. As the American College of Sports Medicine website notes, when exercising on an elliptical machine, keep your weight focused on your lower body and try to distribute that weight evenly between your left and right legs.
Stride Length
The stride length of a folding elliptical exercise machine refers to the maximum distance that can occur between the machine's two pedals. As the exercise equipment research website, Elliptical Machine Review indicates, the majority of folding elliptical machines on the market have stride lengths of 18-inches; however, you can also find them with smaller lengths such as 15, 13 and 12-inches. Just keep in mind that longer stride lengths allow for a higher range-of-motion and higher-impact workouts.
Maximum User Weight
According to Elliptical Machine Review website, the weight capacity of an elliptical exercise machine is a strong indicator of its overall stability. And while some folding elliptical machines can support maximum user weights of 300 and 325-lb., most hover around the 275-lb. mark. Although 275-lb. weight capacity machines are able to support a majority of users, they are not as stable as some fixed, non-folding elliptical machines, which can have 350 and even 400-lb. weight capacities.
Cost
Folding elliptical exercise machines typically cost between $500 and $1,000, according to Elliptical Machine Review website. The more expensive models generally have higher maximum user weights and more added features such as heart rate monitors and mp3 player docks.
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