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The machines are manufactured in Taiwan, which is an important factor. Practically all fitness equipment is now built overseas, primarily in China and Taiwan. However, there tends to be a real difference between the quality control of the two locations. I almost said countries, which could create an international crisis. Note: You can purchase Yowza Elliptical Trainers direct at www.YowzaFitness.com Current Offer: Get $100 off any elliptical trainer, use coupon code "TG12" during check out.
Currently there are six Yowza elliptical trainer models, which are all rear drive designed. The Navarre and Largo offers the traditional elliptical stride with handlebars to "work" the upper body. Both machines appear to be a good value in their price range. They are relatively stable and have a smooth and quiet elliptical drive. In particular, I thought the Largo at $999 was one of the better budget elliptical trainers I've tested. Cardio Core Training
Most elliptical trainer manufacturers claim their machines work both the upper and lower body. In fact, some suggest you get a total body workout. This is a fallacy. The majority of the resistance is absorb by the lower body, while the upper body goes along for the ride. With the Cardio Core design the motion is similar to doing stomach crunches on the ground. You really feel it in your abs. This is one one of the few "crosstrainers" available that actually cross-trains your upper and lower body. And it is the only crosstrainer that specifically targets, strengthens and trims your stomach muscles. A goal that many of us strive towards. When I first used the Cardio Core feature it felt a bit awkward, since I am use to the typical dual handlebar motion. After awhile I "got into the swing" of the counter rotational motion. If I owned one of these machines, which is a consideration, I probably would alternate between using the Cardio Core handlebars and using the stationary handlebars. When you use the Cardio Core handlebars you get an intense cardio workout that I'm not sure you can maintain for extended periods unless you look like the model on their site. Over the last couple of years the ellipticals with the Cardio Core Training has been their hottest selling items. In fact, Joe Alter, President of Yowza recently said they have sold around 10,000 units with Cardio Core and that they make up about 95% of their sales. Considering you cannot go to a local store and try out these ellipticals, I asked if there have been any people that were dissatisfied with the Cardio Core feature. Since it is different. Joe mentioned that customers have been overwhelmingly positive about this new technology. You can find the Cardio Core training on the Yowza Captiva, Yowza Sanibel, Yowza Bonita, and Yowza Pompano. Variable MotionAnother feature worth mentioning is the Variable Motion found only on their Captiva. You have 12 different motions that start at 18" and increase to 32". As you move up the levels of motion you go from a standard elliptical stride to a motion that forces you to raise your legs. The motion looks like an inverted eggplant. There are several benefits to the Variable Motion...
Other FeaturesRear Drive Design — There is a controversy over which is a better design - front or rear. The advantage to the rear drive design is that there are less moving parts. One of the disadvantages of a front design is that the pedals run on wheels over railings. The wheels can wear and the railings can rust resulting in obnoxious noises. I lubricate my front drive elliptical regularly. Sure Fit Pedals — Yowza Fitness has a unique design on the pedals, which is an important component on an elliptical trainer. Ideally, you want an articulating foot pedal on your elliptical. This is a pedal that angles with the elliptical motion and minimizes lifting your heal and straining your ankles. However, even with ellipticals equipped with articulating foot pedals there is still some lifting and straining. With the Sure Fit pedals it not only pivots with the motion, but it has a rubber shock absorption to minimize the impact. I noticed there was minimal lifting of my heal with the elliptical stride. Built-in Fan — The fans are directed at your core where they can do the most good. Speakers and iPod Docking Station — Speakers with MP3 input is becoming standard on elliptical trainers, although many manufacturers use very cheap components and drivers. Joe Alter made it a point to tell me that they installed quality products in their sound system. Several of their models has direct docking stations for Apple only devices. This provides much better sound quality than the usual MP3 input, which compromises the quality of the sound. Sealed Bearings — The Yowza ellipticals have sealed bearing at the pivotal points. There are no bushings that are more likely to wear out. Sold Factory Direct — I know, countless manufacturers claim to sell factory direct, and they do. The problem is they also sell through third parties, like large sporting goods chains or fitness specialty stores. Consequently, they cannot undersell their retailers. And the retailers have to set a price that covers the cost of the machine, their overhead and provides a profit. Yowza is a pure plat factory direct seller. They only sell through the Internet and directly to the end user. Our Review — Yowza Fitness Elliptical TrainersBack when I went out to see the new line-up of Yowza elliptical trainers, I was expecting to see your typical "run of the mill machines". What I saw was a series of elliptical trainers that were as good, and often better in quality than the competition. More importantly, I saw some innovative features that I thought were very exciting and appealing. In the two years that Yowza Fitness has been selling elliptical trainers, their products have had a very impressive service record. While their models with the Cardio Core Training have proven to be very successful and popular with their customers. You may have not heard of Yowza Fitness before, and it is an unusual name, but you definitely want to put this company's products on the top consideration list. Learn more at www.YowzaFitness.com Yowza Fitness Elliptical Reviews
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I had the opportunity to go to the Yowza headquarters and check out their elliptical trainers. Although this is a relatively new name in fitness equipment, the company and the people behind Yowza are seasoned players. They've been selling quality crosstrainers around the world, including the U.S., for a number of years. 
You'll find many of the low-budget elliptical trainers are made in China. You can save money manufacturing in China, but at the cost of quality and durability. Taiwan is where the high-end elliptical trainers are built. 
What has really distinguished Yowza Fitness from the compeition is their innovative Cardio Core technology. They refer to it as a counter rotational core motion. Unlike the usual upper body handlebars that go back and forth with the elliptical motion, you have a two T-shape handlebars that swing left and right with the pedal motion. So as you workout, your body simulates a twisting motion that targets your stomach muscles. 