It is a big investment to purchase an elliptical treadmill. You are making a large financial investment. It is important to choose the right purchase because so much could be at stake. Too many people end up buying the wrong type of elliptical machine and getting discouraged or sidetracked from their fitness goals. These are the key features to be aware of when looking for elliptical trainers.
*PriceYou’ll know from my previous articles that I do not like cheap ellipticals. It is best to steer clear of any ellipticals below $500. Although it may sound contrary to your beliefs, the highest value home ellipticals cost between $1000-$2000. Some high-quality home machines are available for as little as $1300.
*Manufacturer ReputationResearch the main manufacturers of elliptical machine. Precor and Life Fitness Smooth Fitness are just a few of the major brands. Tunturi and New Balance is also a top choice. You should investigate the machine quality, repair rates and responsiveness of the customer service department. Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to this market.
*ResistanceThere are two kinds of resistance available: magnetic friction or belt friction. Low-end models should avoid belt friction. This is both unreliable and noisy. There are three types of magnetic resistance: motorized, manual and eddy current brake.
Each uses the magnetic field to create friction on an iron flywheel. While the motorized version uses an electric motor to move a pair permanent magnets closer and further away from the flywheel, the electronic brake adjusts the magnetic fields using several coils. Since there aren’t moving parts, the eddy-current brake can be found on more expensive models.
*Stride LengthThe stride length of elliptical trainers is critical. This dimension can make the difference in whether your elliptical coach feels like a stepper, or smooth and effortless. You shouldn’t settle on anything less than 17 inches. Some models such as Smooth CE have adjustable stride lengths to make it easier for people with different heights, like the Smooth CE.
*Incline RampSome models come with an adjustable ramp for incline that will add cross-training dimension to your elliptical exercises. You will feel more strain on your gluteal, hamstring and calf muscles the steeper the inclines. There are incline ramps on models such as the Precor EFX 546i, a commercial-grade model from ICON Health and Fitness. If this feature is important, you can decide for yourself.
*ConsoleDisplays come in two basic forms: LED matrix or LCD. Some even combine both. The keypad uses a number of membrane switches that control resistance or select programs. Many elliptical consoles provide essential information like elapsed times, calories, energy burnt, pace and distance.
Sometimes, the console will require batteries that are separate from those used for the elliptical. Reliable electronics are the most important aspect of the console. Too many people have heard of displays that malfunctioned or failed entirely due to faulty electronics.
*ProgramsMany elliptical training machines come with at most one or two programs. Others have more programs than you will ever need. There are many programs available on expensive models. A heart rate control feature allows you to dynamically adjust resistance levels to increase your heart rate while training. You can call me boring but I prefer the simple vanilla. “Manual” mode. I sometimes like to add variety and change my training pace for interval training. All of this comes down to personal preference.
*WarrantyLike the price, the warranty is a good indicator of how high quality the elliptical training equipment. Don’t buy elliptical trainers from manufacturers that can offer only a 90-day guarantee on labor and parts.
You should get a minimum of a one-year warranty for parts and labor. Manufacturers offer extended warranties for the frame up to fifteen years, or even lifetime. If the welds and frames are strong, elliptical frames can last quite a while.
The drive mechanism and motorized parts take the most abuse and are very expensive to replace. Although I don’t usually recommend buying extended warranties on anything, I do make an exception for elliptical trainers.
These are just a few key factors to remember when you evaluate an elliptical coach. While I can’t cover all of them here, there are many others. You might want to take some time to learn about them.