How to Shop for an Elliptical Trainer

When shopping for an elliptical trainer, there are some things to keep in mind. First, you should keep a budget in mind. And, it is important to do your homework before you go shopping.

Elliptical trainers start out at around $300, but can range up into the thousands. A good, quality unit can be had at around $1,000, but do not despair if you don’t have that much money to spend. Look first at used sporting good stores and also look for manufacturer’s refurbished models. Reputable used sporting good stores do a quality check on any equipment that they take in, making sure everything works. And refurbished models that come from the manufacturer have been taken apart completely and put back together, and usually come with a brand new warranty. Both of these options allow you to get a great machine at a fraction of the original cost.

Next, do your researches before you buy an elliptical trainer? You do get what you pay for, so make sure you know what to look for. There are different kinds of drives and different kinds of resistance. There are both rear and front drives. This means that the mechanics of the machine will either be in the front or the rear. Those elliptical trainers with rear drives provide a smoother workout, and have been reported to break now much less, according to consumer studies. This is because they are less complex and easier to put together and maintain.

As far as resistance, there are two types currently on offer: magnetic resistance or belt resistance. Magnetic resistance is what is normally found in health club or gym-quality elliptical trainers, and again, offers users a smoother ride. Magnetic resistance is less jerky than belt resistance and has been shown to result in fewer problems and less need for maintenance.

When shopping for an elliptical trainer, look for one that has either an automatically adjustable stride length, or a manually adjustable stride length. If the machine offers no adjustment at all for a user’s stride, it is not a very high quality machine. The stride length is important, since everyone’s height is different. Stride length can usually be adjusted on an elliptical, typically from 16 to 26 inches. Those who are over six feet should utilize stride lengths of 21 inches and over, and those who are five foot should stick to the lower end of the spectrum, at 16 inches. For those in between, adjusting the stride length until it feels natural is a must.

Finally, know what extras you feel are ‘must haves’ and which ones you can do without. Many elliptical trainers offer pre-set programs to help increase calorie burn, some track heart rates, some have moveable arms to tone the upper body during your workout and still others have fans in the console. Just know what type of elliptical trainer you want before you hit the stores, look for a good warranty, and stick to your budget.

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