We are in the market to buy an elliptical exercise machine. We have seen prices from around $199 to $1000 and more. We would like to spend less than $350. I have read the reviews of the Sharper image elliptical machine and they were not good. So I took that one off our list.

We found this one through an infomercial on TV, which makes me a bit skeptical... http://thane.com/products/fitness/orbitrekelite/orbitrek.php

We are wondering if anyone has heard of this company and/or owns the new Orbitrek Elite? Any feed back on elliptical machines in general would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Josh

I bought an elliptical about 6 weeks ago and I love it. I would suggest you go somewhere where they have a variety and where you can actually test them out. I purchased mine at Sears and spent quite a bit of time on several different brands and models. I went to Wal Mart and they wouldn't let me on them, so I didn't buy one there. I went to a local sporting store and tested some more. Sears just happened to be running a sale the week I bought mine.

What you want to do is find one that feels smooth and stable to you. Be sure to check out the resistance settings, and how easy the console is to use. Most have an 18'' glide and that seemed best for me. There are some that have longer and shorter glide distances. I even found one with adjustable glides (14, 16, and 18 or was it 16, 18, 20?).

I think there are lots of good brands out there so just buy what your budget will allow and good luck! I think buying my elliptical was one of the best purchases I have made in a while.

Hey Josh,

Please be careful about buying an inexpensive elliptical. I bought a residential version of what my gym has. I assume you are used to working out on the ellipitcal at a gym? Here's my 2 cents: a commerical or gyma quality ellipitical costs about $4,000 - $5,000 and they typically buy from the manufacturer; do you really think you can get something of the same quality at Sears or Sports Authority for a few hundred dollars after they've been through retail markups? Again, just my opinion:)

Lauren brings up a great point about the quality issue. In my driveway I have a Cadillac, and a 12 year old Dodge mini van with 240,000 miles on it. One of these vehicles cost more, is nicer, more stylish, and more fun to drive.

The point is both vehicles will get me exactly where I want to go. It doesn't matter if a person spends $300 or $5,000, if you get on it and use it several times a week then it's worth it's value.

Another good way to shop for exercise equiptment on a budget is look for used equipment. After I bought my elliptical I saw the same $1,000 machine in the paper for sale for $500. The ad said, "you can tell by the size of my thighs it's hardly been used".

Lauren is correct to consider quality, and Josh is correct to do his homework and consider price. It's that way in practically ever purchase we make as consumers. Personally I wouldn't be scared of a $350 elliptical if that's all I wanted to pay. Whatever anyone gets, the key is using it!

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Good Luck to all

My dad has been in the market for an elliptical at or below a grand for awhile now and from what ive seen I am whollly unimpressed.

The gym quality ones are MUCH MUCH better and provide a more secure base to move and smoother movement as well as many more options.

Its one of the resons I paid 30 bucks a month to join a local gym...its 24/7 and 2 minutes from my house...hell I could jog there if I wasnt so lazy and slow.

I know thats not possible for most people....sorry those are my thoughts as of now from seeing the inexpensive ellipticals in action.

I know this is a simplistic view, but the best machine you can buy is one that you will actually use.

My mom is a prime example of a "collector" of excercise machines. A used machine is great, usually it is hardly used and you get much more for your $$. I picked up a nice nordic track for next to nothing a couple of years back, looked brand new. With all the use I have put it through it's about time for another, used of course!

-Lonnie

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Wow thanks for all the great feed back! I will definitely check out Sears and other stores, so I can test drive the machines. Thanks dalesanderstn for the tip. What machine did you buy?

lauren921 also brings up a great point about the quality of a sub $350 priced machine. But to echo Lonnieatkinson and dalesanderstn it really comes down to the machine you will use.

I think we will test drive machines at local retailers and once we find the machine we want in our budget we will keep checking Craigslist.com