This is an aerobic category that has become tremendously popular
over the past five years. Elliptical training combines the best
of stair climbing, cross country skiing, and running in a low impact,
variety rich workout. It is a highly effective cross training activity
that is viable for anyone from beginning exercisers to elite athletes.
It is worth noting that Precor
is the inventor of the Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer™. Now
elliptical trainers have become a mainstay in cardiovascular equipment.
Shopping for your elliptical
Consider your goals and the goals of other potential exercisers
in your home before you start your search. Most families will have
more than one individual that will likely be using the equipment.
It's important to consider their goals and needs as well as the
primary users. Runners will benefit from the non-impact movement
as a complement to their running. Older users will appreciate the
fluidity and ease of the motion.
Start your shopping with an authorized specialty fitness retailer.
Make a list of local retailers who specialize in fitness equipment
- not hockey, basketball and golf. These dealers will likely have
a more educated staff, higher quality equipment and the ability
to assemble and service your product more effectively. Sometimes
these dealers will also have relationships with personal trainers
to help you start your program. Also, you may want to read online
reviews of
elliptical exercise machines before you start shopping.
Go to the store prepared to test the equipment in the manner in
which you will be using it. Almost any unit will feel and seem adequate
if you test it for 5 minutes. It's only when you begin to put an
elliptical through its paces by adjusting the ramp, using different
programs, or exercising in both forward and reverse motions that
you will start to notice major differences in quality and comfort.
The best elliptical trainers will utilize a wide variety of muscle
groups depending on angle and forward or backward motion. Plan on
wearing comfortable exercise clothes and walking or jogging shoes.
Must Have's
Adjustable incline. This is a feature that makes this product a
true cross-trainer. Adjusting the ramp incline varies the focus
on muscle groups and provides a great way to add variety to the
routine. Few ellipticals offer this feature, but it's one worth
finding since that added variety can reduce boredom, enhance motivation,
and keep you from reaching an exercise plateau. You're not likely
to find this feature on an elliptical with an upper-body motion.
If you do, be cautious as it may present safety concerns regarding
balance during your workout.
Elliptical motion. The elliptical motion provides the closest simulation
to walking and running available without the impact. An important
factor to look for here is the feel of the motion. Some machines
have a "kick" in their motion where the heel comes up
off of the platform. You don't want to feel any "kick"
or "bounce" in your motion. Find a machine that provides
a true elliptical movement pattern for both forward and backward
directions.
How does the movement "feel?" This is a critical question
to ask when trying an elliptical. Does the product feel smooth?
You can only determine this by trying several types of units. Spend
at least 20 minutes exercising on a unit. You should not feel unusual
stress on your knees or hips. Also when using the unit, you should
be able to exercise in a neutral position without reaching for the
handrails or bending over.
Dependent upper body motion. Some machines have upper body levers
to add an upper body workout element. If you are not strength training
(see balanced fitness), having upper body movement can help accomplish
some upper-body strengthening. Keep in mind that if you are testing
an upper and lower body elliptical trainer, make sure that both
motions are comfortable and intuitive. You should not have to lean
to complete the range of motion or otherwise compromise your position.
Test different machines to find what is most comfortable for you.
Forward and Reverse motions. The ability to move in a forward or
reverse motion adds variety and challenge to the workout. This also
greatly reduces the risk of repetitive use injuries common with
some treadmill and stair climber users. Most ellipticals have this
option. Note that an adjustable ramp, combined with forward and
reverse motions further varies the movement, muscle involvement,
and intensity of the workout in both directions.
Quiet operation. Look (and listen) for a product that feels smooth
and is quiet in operation. A truly well designed elliptical trainer
should be relatively silent at all intensity levels.
Adjustable resistance. Good units will have a broad range of resistance
that is adjusted electronically. Look for a system that makes resistance
changes simple and intuitive so that interval training sessions
can be easily incorporated into your routine.
Electronic Features. Many ellipticals have a spectrum of features
to lure buyers ranging from calories expended to amount of energy
used. Consider what is important to you and how you will use it.
You can find more details on specific electronic features and their
advantages in "programming and motivation." The key is
to look for electronic features that are both motivating and challenging.
Look for an electronic package that will grow with you as you progress
and one that will accommodate the needs of multiple users.
A quality elliptical trainer can serve as the foundation for a
home exercise room. It is very flexible, space efficient, and quiet.
For the user who already has a treadmill or a bike, it is a great
addition to add variety and cross training elements to enhance any
sport or recreational activity.
Things to remember when shopping for an elliptical trainer
Shopping for an elliptical trainer:
Consider both your goals and other members of the household's goals
before you begin your search
Start shopping with a specialty fitness retailer
Go to the store prepared to test the equipment- wear exercise clothes!
Must haves:
Easy to read and easy to use console
Adjustable ramp (for lower body ellipticals only)
Good elliptical motion
Judge if the elliptical motion feels smooth to you
Dependent upper body motion (for total body ellipticals only)
Forward and reverse motion capabilities and smoothness
Quiet operation
Adjustable resistance
Variety of electronic features important to you
Safety and Maintenance
Safety features. Look for electronic safety features like warm-up
and cool-down periods, adjustable resistance, and heart rate feedback
and interactivity. Make sure the elliptical has handrails or console
grips that are comfortable without being obtrusive. Can you exercise
comfortably without hitting them? Are they ergonomically located
so that you can use them when you start or stop? Testing in the
store for several minutes will help you choose wisely.
The elliptical movement should also be evaluated when considering
safety features. Avoid machines with a "kick" in the motion
that causes your heel to come off the foot pedal during exercise
and be sure to avoid machines that produce any discomfort or unusual
stress on your knees or hips.
Maintenance. Look for a product that is maintenance-free. A well-designed
unit takes normal wear and tear into account so you don't have to.
Warranty. An elliptical is an electronic piece of equipment. A quality
unit is a long-term investment that, with regular use, will require
service at some point. Most quality units will offer a lifetime
warranty on the frame. When it comes to other components, look for
a warranty that provides for at least 1 year of labor and a minimum
of 1-3 years coverage on parts. Ask your salesperson what components
are covered. Be sure your warranty includes electronics and other
key components.
Equally as important, does the dealer from whom you are purchasing
have their own service staff who are trained and authorized by the
manufacturer to service your equipment?
Programming and Motivation
The basics from a fitness point of view are: elapsed time, stride,
and incline. Having a measure of calories burned can also be very
motivating. Consider what additional information or features will
help keep you motivated day after day. Some of the most useful added
features include:
HR interactivity. Measuring your heart rate (HR) is the surest indicator
of progress and intensity. Everyone has a target heart rate range
for which you should work within. Too high and you risk injury.
Too low and you won't reach your goals. The best ellipticals will
actually adjust your workout variables while measuring your heart
rate to make sure that you stay within this range. There are two
categories here: HR interactive vs. HR display. The ideal is HR
interactive because the machine will make automatic adjustments
for you to keep you at your desired HR. You simply punch in the
desired HR and the machine will respond accordingly throughout the
workout.
Pre-set and custom programs. One of the biggest reasons people quit
a program is boredom. Having a product that provides a myriad of
programs will help keep a program fresh and full of variety. The
ability to customize a program for your specific needs is also a
great feature. Look for some research behind the programs.
Custom Courses. The best products will "remember" your
favorite workouts or allow you to create your own custom course.
Look for the ability to create and store custom courses in order
to duplicate them again.
Ease of Use. In the world of personal training we have found over
the years that many clients are intimidated or simply frustrated
with the amount of features and buttons on electronic equipment.
It becomes another obstacle to regular exercise. The best products
keep it simple. It should take no more than 2 to 3 steps to launch
a program. Look for an elliptical that has a manual or "quick
start" mode. These modes require only 1-2 pushes of a button
and you go.
Variety. The key to success in any exercise program is consistency
over the long haul. If you find a product that can add variety and
challenge to your routine, you are more likely to stay motivated
and experience success in reaching your goals. Look for features
like an adjustable ramp, forward and reverse motions, and adjustable
resistance levels. Minor tweaks to one or more of these variables
will keep your routine fresh and challenging.
Useful Resources: Exercise
Equipment Reviews
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