Weight Loss and Fitness tips for women.

Fitness experts have argued that the elliptical trainers provide about the best total body workout available from about any piece of fitness equipment on the market today. Elliptical machines equipped with movable handle bars allow you to get a total body workout somewhat like the natural movement of cross country skiing. Unlike treadmills the low impact motion provided by an elliptical cross trainer allows you to conduct an intense workout without risk to your joints, tendons and ligaments. All of which allows one to achieve a more intense workout with less perceived effort. Sometimes described as running on air it requires a short period of use to get accustomed to the elliptical movement. Once this muscle memory is developed then you will never go back to using a treadmill again.

In many fitness centers you will find that there are more elliptical trainers on the floor than treadmills or any other type of exercise equipment. Fitness centers are a good place to get acquainted with piece of exercise equipment especially ellipticals. If you are considering purchasing an elliptical trainer for your home you need to do your homework before you decide to buy. The best piece of adviceis that when it comes to elliptical trainers you basically get what you pay for.

You should really expect to pay at least one thousand and preferably twelve hundred dollars to get a reliable elliptical machine that has the features most users prefer. Low end or cheaper elliptical machines frequently have reliability problems are noisy and in some cases may be unsafe during a vigorous workout. Some models tend to be unstable and start cat walking across the floor or even tip over.

Obviously one of the best places to get elliptical trainer information is on the Internet. Take your time and read all the reviews available on each model that is in your price range. No matter what model of trainer you are considering you should always take the effort and time to take it for a test ride. This workout should be at the maximum intensity that you would use during your normal workout on an elliptical trainer. This can be accomplished by taking your workout gear to your local dealer’s showroom and take 30 minute ride. You can also check out the better fitness centers, gyms and YMCA’s to find the model you are interested in and take it for a test ride. Make sure that you test several different models including higher end machines so that you can make a better judgment of equipment quality.

During your test ride note the placement and movement of handle bars, peddles and flywheel. Check out the peddles to make sure your feet will not slip off with moisture from sweat or when you get tired. Peddles should be wide enough to allow you to comfortably change foot positions during your workout. Check out the console and workout programs to see if they meet your needs.

If you are dealing with a store front dealer take the time to ask them to provide you with references in the form the names and phone numbers of customers who have purchased the elliptical trainer you are interested in. Call these people and ask them about performance and service problems as well as what they liked about their elliptical trainer.

Probably one of the most important features of any piece of exercise equipment is its warranty and customer service record. Also ask the dealer to give you a copy of the warranty for the specific elliptical trainer you are interested in purchasing. Ask about extended warranties for ellipticals. You should always consider purchasing an extended warranty with every piece of exercise equipment that you purchase. Again do your on line elliptical trainer information research. You should stay clear of any manufacture that has poor record of customer service.

Despite all the warnings purchasing a quality elliptical trainer will provide you with years of quality service as well as help you achieve your fitness goals.

James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of Elliptical Trainer Information website at http://www.elliptical-trainer-information.com Providing information and Reviews on top elliptical trainers including the Nordic Track Elliptical Trainer

The First Elliptical Machines

The first elliptical machines to come on the market were quickly embraced by fitness enthusiasts all over. These early models worked the lower body quite thoroughly, but the upper body stayed stationary thanks to handlebars that did not move. Before too long, exercise buffs began asking for upper body action as well, and the manufacturers of elliptical exercise machines responded.

Now most elliptical trainers come with both lower body and upper body motion as a standard feature, with some offering handlebar motions and resistance that can help you get a truly intense upper body workout.

Basic Features

The basic features of elliptical machines include the drive system, the resistance system and the stride length. Let’s take a look at each of these separately.

Drive system – The two types of drive systems are front drive and rear drive. Front drive systems tend to be used on low-end elliptical exercise machines and can produce a motion that is somewhat rough and awkward. Rear drive systems are far superior, providing much smoother motion and greater user comfort. Rear drive can be found on elliptical trainers from the mid-range on up to the very high end of the market.

Resistance system – There are three main types of resistance systems used on elliptical machines today. Low-end machines typically have a manual system that the user adjusts by hand, but some low-end and most mid-range machines use a motorized brake system. High-end machines use an eddy current brake system, which is extremely reliable and smooth.

Stride length – The stride length on low-end elliptical exercise machines is typically set at the factory and is not adjustable by the user. Mid-range and high-end machines, however, typically offer an adjustable stride length of some sort. As you would expect, the most expensive elliptical trainers come with stride length adjustment systems that provide maximum flexibility and customization options for the user.

Advanced Features

There is an almost endless list of advanced features that can be found on elliptical exercise machines. The more expensive the model, the more sophisticated the features. Let’s talk a bit about some of the most common advanced features and how they might vary from machine to machine.

Control panel – The control panel can be very simple and straightforward or it can provide the user with a wide variety of input, feedback, monitoring and guidance. They are typically electronic and run on batteries, which need to be replaced periodically.

Programmability – Most elliptical machines are programmable in some way. They may be programmable for individual users and their preferences, they may come with standard pre-programmed workouts, or some combination of both options.

Heart rate monitors – More and more machines today include some form of heart rate monitoring to help you stay in your optimum aerobic zone during your workout. Some monitor your pulse via special handgrips, while others use small clips that attach to your ear or wrist and connect back to the elliptical machine with a small wire or, increasingly, with a wireless connection.

Adjustable incline – Just like a treadmill machine, many elliptical machines feature an adjustable incline to help you make your workout more or less intense. Some adjust manually, while others adjust remotely via a small motor.

Adjustable stride length – A step up from the standard stride length is the adjustable stride length found on some mid-range and nearly all high-end elliptical machines. The adjustment of stride length is generally done manually.

How to Select an Elliptical Machine

Selecting an elliptical machine is more complex than just trying one out and deciding to buy it. You should consider a number of factors, including:

o Budget – how much can you afford to spend?

o Size – how big is the space where you will use and store the machine?

o Warranty – how long is the warranty on the machine?

o Maintenance – what kind of regular maintenance is needed?

o Features – what basic and advanced features are most important to you and how much extra are you willing to pay to get them?

Where to Buy Elliptical Machines

With the surge in popularity of elliptical machines, there are more places than ever before where you can buy a machine for yourself. Different types of stores come with different advantages and disadvantages, ranging from price to quality to service and product knowledge.

Many people assume that the best place to buy an elliptical machine is in a specialty store that offers high-end fitness machines, and in many situations, this is true. Specialty stores generally offer higher quality products, more knowledgeable sales staff, and the opportunity to try and compare several machines side by side. However, their sales staff can be especially pushy because they work on straight commission, so they will try to sell you the most expensive equipment possible.

The internet is another avenue to research and buy an elliptical machine, but unless you visit a local retailer you cannot conveniently try out the machine before purchase. Online vendors can save you some money on the purchase price, but beware of high shipping charges due to the weight and size of the machine.

Another popular option is to buy from a well-known merchant such as Costco, Sears, Wal-Mart, etc. In some cases you will find lower prices at these locations, but don’t expect to find particularly knowledgeable sales staff or high-end, high-quality equipment. If you need service on your machine at some point, these large merchants will refer you to the manufacturer for assistance.

Summary

Elliptical exercise machines have taken the fitness world by storm in the last 15 years, rapidly becoming one of the most popular ways to get a full body workout. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and price ranges, with a range of features to match. Your best bet when shopping for an elliptical trainer is to balance your needs against what your budget can bear.

About the Author:

Julie-Ann Amos is a freelance writer for Elliptical Machines ‘N Trainers.com, a consumer guide on elliptical exercise machines. She researched dozens of elliptical trainer reviews to write this article on the features of the best elliptical trainers and machines.

Copyright 2005 Elliptical-Machines-N-Trainers.com

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if the author’s byline is included and all 3 links are hyperlinked.

Things That Ellipticals Do Effectively

Preserve Your joints: People with arthritis, back pain and other medical problems will answer yes if asked are ellipticals effective for you? These machines allow them to complete a low impact high intensity effective workout without causing any pain or causing additional damage to their bodies or joints.

Provide Variety: Many people who workout on elliptical machines find the ability to run backwards on the machine a great way to maintain variety in their workouts and target the muscles from another angle. Some models even offer the ability to change incline angles that further add to the workouts variety.

Helping Posture: Workout posture is important on any machine to avoid injury and the elliptical machines were designed to help the user maintain correct workout posture. The design feature greatly aids in the injury reduction.

Give a Full Body Workout: Are ellipticals effective at giving you a full body workout? The answer is yes, that is as long as the model you use has upper body levers that can be used during your workout. This feature by itself cuts your needed workout time down significantly making your gym trips much shorter!

Although the elliptical trainer may not fit into everyones fitness program or goals they do offer some very unique characteristics that make them appealing to a large number of people. But the only real way to decide if ellipticals trainers are effective for your workouts is to hop on one and give it a try!

Learn how Elliptical Exercise can get you in shape and looking great by visiting the best Elliptical Trainer Treadmill website on the internet!

Do you know all of the elliptical trainer benefits? Elliptical machines are becoming more and more popular with home fitness buffs, fitness trainers and public gyms all across the country. This is because more people are discovering the benefits of elliptical trainers. With so many different types of exercise equipment and machines to choose from, it can be difficult to find the perfect machine. Elliptical trainers have the benefits of many other machines and workouts together in one machine. They are especially designed so that almost anyone can benefit from working out on these low-impact machines.

Elliptical machines are designed to limit the impact on the body so you get a great workout without stressing your joints and muscles. This makes them good for the elderly or anyone who has suffered an injury such as a joint injury. Elliptical trainers are designed to give you a full cardio workout and exercise the muscles of the whole body so that you benefit from a complete workout. They also feature programs and resistance settings so you can add variety to your workouts and increase the intensity of your exercises according to your fitness levels and experience. This is a machine that will stay with you as you progress.

You can use a slow and steady workout setting or a more advanced workout, depending on your mood and your individual needs. This also allows it to be used by different members of the same household which makes it a great investment for the family that wants to stay healthy together. Here are some more considerations on the benefits of elliptical trainers to help you determine if this is the right type of machine to add to your home gym.

Benefits of Elliptical Machines

Now to focus on some of the elliptical trainer benefits you get when you use this machine for your daily fitness training:

Burn the same amount of calories as jogging
Works your total body in one fluid motion
Low impact is great for the elderly or someone who has suffered a joint injury
Work both the upper and lower body
Increased heart rate for a better cardio workout
Easy to use by anyone regardless the age or fitness level
Tone and strengthen your legs
Helps improve posture
Low impact means fewer exercise injuries
Great for anyone who may not be able to get out in bad weather to practice and exercise
Provides an enjoyable workout that most anyone will like
Different settings to allow it to “grow” with you as you advance in fitness levels

If you’ve never tried an elliptical and you are not sure how you will like it, take a trip to your local gym and give it a try. After one workout you will probably see why it is a great investment in your health. Now that you know the elliptical trainer benefits, you are probably wondering why you didn’t start using one sooner. What are you waiting on; get started today!

About the Author:

Dave Casey is a freelance writer for http://www.AllEllipticals.com, a site dedicated to elliptical ratings and reviews. Find the best machine in your price range with our elliptical trainer comparison charts.

Copyright 2008 AllEllipticals.com

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site providing all links are included and clickable.

One of the problems with the Horizon Elliptical is that the brakes, which are mechanical, break down and really need to be periodically taken care of. The upper body workout, which you get with the handlebars in motion, can be difficult and uncomfortable for shorter people to reach and use.

The Horizon Elliptical doesn’t seem to be built as well as other higher end type ellipticals and may require servicing often. This machine may not be a really long lasting piece of equipment, but it’s still considered to be worth buying. Because of the problem with reaching the handlebars on the Horizon Elliptical, you should really test out a demo in the store to make sure that you can use it. If you decide to purchase a Horizon

Elliptical it would probably be a good idea to also purchase an extended warranty.

The Horizon Elliptical will feel different then the elliptical that you might use in a gym because the flywheel is on the reverse end of the machine.

The Horizon Elliptical has four different models. They are the Horizon e51, the Horizon e52, the Horizon e53, and the Horizon e54hr.The main differences in these models are the extras, like the heart rate monitors, which are part of the electronic system of the machine.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Elliptical-Trainer-Solutions.com. He provides more elliptical trainer information and elliptical trainer reviews that you can research in your pajamas on his website.