Elliptical Consoles
 You
will find that elliptical trainer consoles
have many of the same functions as treadmill consoles, but due to structural design,
an elliptical console is generally smaller. That means that the layout needs to
be more efficient in providing you with the programming selections and the feedback
displays. Treadmill consoles often have numerous windows, providing simultaneous
feedback. With ellipticals many of the functions will be combined to reduce the
required space.
Typically ellipticals display important stats like speed,
time, calories, resistance level and time. With the budget models the information
is displayed in a very simple and basic fashion. With more expensive models you
will get more sophisticated information, providing a variety of feedback, monitoring
and guidance.
 With
a console you want controls and buttons that are easy to reach. You want a display
that is easy to read and interpret. The displays are generally LCD or LED. Some LCD displays found on cheaper models are not backlit and can be difficult to see, especially in poor lighting.
A consideration
when purchasing an elliptical is the console amenities, like speakers, MP3 input, fan, water bottle holder
and reading rack. Having easy accessibility to your water and being able to read
can be very desirable. A built-in fan offers relief directed at your core. Speakers and an MP3 input provides you with music, which can be an excellent motivator. (Note: The quality of sound systems on ellipticals vary drastically.) Elliptical Trainer Programs
Most
elliptical trainers offer some type of programming. For many, programming can
be important in providing motivation by keeping your routines fresh, varied
and challenging. Programs allow you to compete against
yourself in reaching new benchmarks and fitness goals. They can achieve faster
results and sustain your motivation by providing a point of reference as well
as a goal.
Examples of elliptical trainer programs are target time, target distance, target calories,
fat burn, hill climbing, interval and endurance. If the machine is equipped with
heart rate control, you will have one or two programs that set the level of your exertion based on your heart rate.
Many of the programs vary the intensity of the workout by changing
the level of resistance and thus your heart rate. This type of "Interval"
training has proven to optimize your workout by getting more results in less time.
Here is a description of an "Interval" program found on the Smooth
CE 3.6 elliptical: "Increase
heart rate and improve cardiovascular functions with higher intensity routines
then cool down. The eight intervals within this program offer great balance between
cardio, fat burning and muscle toning. Each of the eight intervals can be adjusted
at will. "
More expensive units
will offer the ability to input your own program, and store your user preferences.
You are also able to store more multiple users stats.
iFit Technology
Two Icon Fitness companies, NordicTrack and ProForm, offer a new twist in exercise programs — iFit Live.
 iFit Live offers two-way communication between your elliptical trainer and the Internet. You log into iFit.com and create a personal account that defines your fitness goals, like losing a certain amount of weight over a defined period. iFit Live will download a personalized workout routine based on your goals. Each workout will get progressively harder and include audio coaching.
Your workout data and stats are fed back to iFit Live, where you can track your progress, and individuals who monitor their progress are more likely to reach their goals.
iFit Live also includes Google Maps, where you can define a route virtually any where in the world and simulate running the terrain with your elliptical. By using a laptop or smart phone, you can get either get a map, satellite, earth or street view of your route as your progess. There are slots on the console for a laptop. There is a subscription service for this feature.
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