How To Choose The Best Home Elliptical
Elliptical trainers are the ideal workout machine as they are easy on the joints, low impact, and challenge both the upper and lower body for the ultimate calorie burn. Unlike traditional treadmills, elliptical trainers use cushioned pedals and a drive system that creates a smooth circular motion similar to walking or jogging; however, unlike walking or jogging feet never leave the pedals and joints are supported at all times. Another benefit of an elliptical trainer is the ability to work out the upper body simultaneously with the lower body, which increases muscle tone and achieves optimal calorie burn. Before choosing an elliptical trainer, it is important to consider a few factors and know what to look for in the ideal elliptical machines for your needs.
BUDGET AND GOALS
The first consideration to make before purchasing an elliptical trainer is your budget. How much are you willing to spend? Research the features that distinguish the three tiers of trainers so that you know which price range to target. For example, if you are looking for a compact elliptical for personal daily use and are not interested in bells and whistles or advanced customizable features, consider the basic trainers that start at around $500 . However, if you are looking to reach advanced fitness goals and you are interested in heart rate monitoring programs or a more advanced console, you may want to look into standard or high-end models (which usually start at $1,500 and often cost significantly higher). The bottom line is that you do not want to pay more if you want less, so know your goals and stay within your budget based on your needs to achieve those goals.
SPACE AND DESIGN
Depending on the brand and design, some elliptical trainers are more compact and come with wheels and/or a foldable design. This depends largely on where the drive system (or flywheel) is located. The flywheel can be found either in the front, the back, or on the sides. Rear drive elliptical trainers (flywheel in the back) are rarely compact or easy to transport. Front drive trainers (flywheel in the front) are usually more compact and easy to store or transport, with some brands even offering a foldable design. The newest model, center drive design , has the flywheel on either side of the machine and is also very compact with a few models also offering a foldable design . Your space requirements will determine which overall build and design of elliptical trainer is right for you. More elite trainers and those with higher weight capacities are generally much heavier and can be very difficult to maneuver, especially since few of these models have transport wheels. If you need to transport this trainer daily (for example, to fold into a closet or move into a corner), you probably want to look for wheels, a lighter model, or a foldable design. Be sure to check out our latest list of best ellipticals for home use .
