The Basics: Elliptical Machines
Anyone who has been to a gym or health club recently knows just how popular elliptical machines have become in the last few years. These low-impact fitness machines provide a great cardiovascular workout and exercise a wide range of lower-body muscles. The elliptical machines that also feature dual-action arm poles even add an upper body workout for a complete exercise system.
Elliptical machines -- otherwise known as elliptical trainers or cross-trainers -- combine the exercise motions of some of the most popular pieces of home fitness equipment. The term "elliptical" comes from the oblong pattern that the pedals make when in motion; this motion delivering an exercise that is part treadmill, part stair climber, part exercise cycle and part ski machine, all rolled into one. An elliptical machine enables you to either glide in an elliptical motion as you would on a ski machine or, with a simple adjustment of the pedals, increase the incline to get more of a stair stepping or bicycle action.
One of the major reasons for the popularity of elliptical machines is the versatility these devices offer. Any exercise routine can become boring and repetitive after a while, so the more flexibility a machine offers, the more you'll be able to vary your workouts and keep them interesting. In addition to being able to change resistance like an exercise bike, for example, an elliptical machine with a cross ramp also enables you to adjust the incline like a treadmill. Dual-action handlebars provide the option of incorporating an upper-body workout, or you can ignore the handlebars and just focus on a lower-body or cardio workout. An elliptical machine also offers the opportunity to pedal in reverse, thereby enabling you to exercise different lower-body muscle groups. An elliptical machine with a selection of preprogrammed workouts can automatically vary the resistance and the incline as well as incorporate pushing or pulling of the arm poles and alternate between pedaling forward and in reverse. The result is a home fitness device that can provide a great deal of workout variety to keep you motivated to achieve your fitness goals.
However you choose to use an elliptical machine, your feet remain flat at all times within the pedals, so there is no strain on back, hips or joints. This means that even while it provides a high-intensity workout, an elliptical machine offers an impact that is similar to that sustained while walking. This makes an elliptical machine a suitable home fitness product for those who are significantly overweight or suffer from back or joint pain.
How to Shop
It is important to shop wisely for a home elliptical machine that you want to use on a regular basis. While prices range from a few hundred dollars for a very basic elliptical machine to several thousand for a high end, health club-quality unit, we suggest that you avoid trendy or cute equipment. Take the time to learn which elliptical machine will best help you to accomplish your desired goals and offers the most appropriate features in your budget range. If you are looking for an elliptical machine in order to get a cardio or lower-body workout, then there is no need to pay extra for a unit that features dual action arm poles. If you are just "testing the waters" of regular exercise, you will probably want to try a less expensive model; until you know that exercise is right for you and have proven your commitment, it may be wise to keep your costs down. On the other hand, experienced exercisers with a history of regular workouts should look for a high-quality elliptical machine that will not only stand up to the test of time but also offer features that might enhance the workout experience.
There are two main types of elliptical machines available: rear-drive and front-drive. The rear-drive units enable a true elliptical movement of the pedals and include an adjustable incline ramp at the front of the machine. A front-drive elliptical machine, on the other hand, needs to use articulating pedals in order to match a natural stride and lacks the adjustable ramp of a rear-drive unit. Needless to say, most users prefer rear-drive elliptical machines. The primary advantage of a front-drive unit is the cost; they are cheaper to manufacture and therefore cheaper to buy than most rear-drive units. No matter how much of a bargain it seems, however, we recommend that you avoid any front-drive unit that offers no articulating pedals, since the motion is usually unnatural and uncomfortable.
There are also two different types of resistance and braking controls to be found on elliptical machines: manual and electromagnetic. A manual system involves simply adjusting a knob to vary the machine's resistance, while an electronic control uses magnetic currents for accurate braking and speed control at the touch of a button.
Higher-end elliptical machines, like higher-end treadmills or stationary bikes, offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines as well as feedback about aspects of your workout such as time, calories burned, distance traveled and even heart rate. Heart rate monitoring is achieved by either holding grip sensors built into the stabilizer bar or via a polar telemetry heart rate monitoring strap. Of course, such features also involve spending more money; if you select an elliptical machine with no heart rate monitoring system built in, we recommend that you invest in a separate, low-cost monitor. Even an inexpensive heart rate monitor will help to ensure that you are working out at the ideal intensity to achieve your particular fitness objectives.
The more preprogrammed workouts an elliptical machine offers, the more you can vary your workouts to prevent them from becoming stale and uninteresting. The electronic consoles on higher end machines often feature toggle displays that can be switched between different statistics, while some even offer an iFit.com function, which connects the machine to a computer to guide you through even more preprogrammed workouts. Regardless of price, however, the console on an elliptical machine should always be easy to view and simple to understand.
Other convenience features often found on elliptical machines include water bottle holders and built-in cooling fans. While such features sound great, we don't advise basing a buying decision on them; after all, if your elliptical machine lacks an integrated cooling fan, for example, it isn't hard or expensive to add a small clip on fan to the unit. Many recently released elliptical machines now include built-in speakers and a music port for hooking up an iPod or other MP3 player. Again, such features are great if you have the budget, but the lack of them should not necessarily be a deal-breaker.
Of course, any elliptical machine should be comfortable to use. Both the pedals and the handlebars should operate smoothly without putting any undue strain on your lower back. Check that the length of the stride is comfortable for you and anyone else who is likely to use the machine; some units accommodate a stride length of only 14 inches, which is too small for a tall person, while others are as long as 21 inches. A stride that is too short for you will make for an awkward, jerky elliptical ride.
Unless you are familiar with a product after using it repeatedly at a fitness center or a friend's house, we recommend that you go to a retail store and use the display model. Don't be embarrassed to bring a towel and a water bottle and give the equipment a real workout. This is an important investment, regardless of the price; if it's not right for you, you don't want to find out after you've set it up in the basement.
As with any home exercise machine, you want an elliptical machine that operates quietly as well as smoothly. Listen for even small, repetitive sounds when you test a unit; a noisy elliptical machine can upset family members or neighbors and even a minor but persistent squeak can drive you crazy over time and will mushroom into yet another reason not to stick to your exercise schedule.
All elliptical machines carry some type of warranty against defects in workmanship. The time period covered can vary greatly; as a general rule, a longer warranty often indicates higher-quality construction. The first thing to wear out on an elliptical machine is often the magnetic resistance, so check to see how long that is covered by the manufacturer's warranty and consider investing in an extended warranty if one is offered.
When purchasing an elliptical machine, you will need to factor in the cost of delivery as well as the cost of extras and maintenance; for example, you may need a rubber mat to protect flooring and make it easier to clean up after a strenuous workout. Also, once your equipment has been up and running for a while, you'll likely also need to consider purchasing lubricants and cleaners to prolong the life of your elliptical machine and keep your exercise sessions running smoothly.
