The Features You Want on Your Elliptical Trainer

If you are in the market for an elliptical trainer, you may be a bit overwhelmed with the numerous models and the various features. What is the best configuration of an elliptical trainer in attaining your fitness goals? Ellipticals vary in price from only a few hundred dollars to several thousand. The quality of the components and the availability of features can also vary significantly.

In this articles I will review what are some of the most important features to consider when shopping for an elliptical trainer:

Quality Components and Engineering

It only makes sense when you purchase a cheap elliptical trainer you are going to get a machine that is poorly engineered, and which uses cheap components. These types of machines are more likely to break down and require service. If the elliptical has mechanical problems after your warranty expires, it can be expensive to repair. For some cheap elliptical trainers, it is not worth having them service.

In general, the quality of the elliptical trainer can impact the quality of your workout experience. Inexpensive ellipticals will not have the smooth elliptical motion found on higher priced machines. There will be compromises in other areas listed below.

Stability

Cheap elliptical trainers usually lack good stability. There are two reasons. First, inexpensive ellipticals are not all that heavy. Second, they are constructed on a small base. If you're testing an elliptical and you can rock it back and forth, that is a good indication how stable it will be under normal usage. You want to purchase a machine that is rock solid.

Stride Length

Stride lengths on elliptical trainers vary from 14"-22". Small stride lengths can feel very restricted. Rather than a smooth elliptical motion, you have a choppy circular motion. It feels as if you are bouncing up and down. I recommend you go with a minimum 18" stride. I personally like the 20" stride found on the Sole Elliptical Trainers.

Challenging Programs

A good selection of exercise programs can motivate you in achieving your fitness goals. Of course, all machines allow you to manually control your workout, but various programs can push you further down the path to fitness and weight loss. The different programs available are nothing more than a variation on the resistance of the elliptical trainer. One program in particular can expedite weight loss - Interval Training. Based on studies and research, the program alternatives between intense cardio exercise and cool down periods. This form of exercise is proven to get more results in less time.

You want to purchase an elliptical trainer equipped with a variety of challenging programs. They can not only motivate, but also make your exercising more efficient.

Heart Rate Control - Optional

Heart Rate Control is not a required feature, but many people swear by it. The idea behind heart rate control, is to allow your heart rate to control the level of your exertion. By knowing what is an optimal heart rate for reaching your goals, you can set the machine to a level that will keep you at that rate. Through heart rate control programs, you can control the level of resistance of your exercise to a predetermined heart rate. Or the program can alternate your resistance level to the extreme of your cardio level and a recovery period. Heart rate control can make your exercise more efficient, by pushing yourself to new levels.

Extensive Warranty

I believe thorough coverage of parts and labor is a very important feature. Many cheap elliptical trainers come with a 90-day parts and labor warranty. That clearly is a statement about the durability of the machine. In general, longer warranties are a reflection of the quality of the engineering and components. A manufacturer cannot offer an extensive warranty on an elliptical that is prone to breakdown. They would go broke provide service and parts.

When purchasing an elliptical trainer the trick is to buy the best machine for your money, without over spending on unnecessary features. If your budget can afford it, I recommend avoiding ellipticals under $1,000. In the $1,400+ range you'll find ellipticals that are well-engineered and are stable and durable. The service warranty is usually 1 year and the parts coverage is a minimum of two years. Sole Fitness provides 5-year parts and 2-year service on most of their ellipticals.

There is always a risk in buying fitness equipment, because there's that chance it will end up as a clothes hanger. On the other hand, an elliptical that does not provide a rewarding workout or which is a service nightmare, also can end up covered with laundry.

Make a commitment to get a real machine and you will feel guilty if you don't use it.