Fitness Training Equipment » Elliptical Exercise Equipment

Cheap Elliptical Trainers

admin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:02:22 +0000

Elliptical cross-trainers for the home gym range in price from about $150 for the Weslo Momentum 7.0 EX to over $5,000 for mammoth gym quality machines. Can you get the same quality construction and features for $150 that you can for $5,000 or $1,500? Of course not. That does not mean, however, that there is no place for the so called cheap ellipticals. So long as you understand the limitations (and advantages) of buying low you can get a very useful piece of home exercise equipment that can make a significant contribution to your health and fitness.

Fist things first. Elliptical machines are primarily cardiovascular exercise machines. Ellipticals work the big muscles in your legs to get your heart and lungs working hard enough to achieve a cardio training effect. If you wanted, you could achieve exactly the same cardio training effect by running in place in your underwear and bare feet that you can with the most expensive machine. You exercise your body, not the equipment.

People buy elliptical cross-trainers because running in place is drop-dead boring. Elliptical-trainers can add variety to your cardio workout by varying the resistance, which changes the intensity to make your heart and lungs works harder or easier. Even cheap elliptical trainers provide this feature. The more expensive models are programmed to change intensity automatically so you can simulate running uphill, etc. at a certain point into your workout. With a cheap elliptical trainer you may have to interrupt your workout to make these adjustments manually.

Another reason for buying an elliptical trainer is the sensor monitoring and feedback you get from their LCD displays. Common monitoring features are pulse, calories burned, distance traveled, and time of workout. Even cheap elliptical trainers have these monitoring capabilities but the fact is that regardless of the price of the machine almost none of these sensors is as accurate or reliable as a stand-alone device. The most important aspect of cardio training is accurate monitoring of your heart rate. Only a heart monitor with a chest strap sensor is likely to provide the necessary accuracy, and only the very most expensive elliptical trainers provide this feature. You would be much better off buying a separate Polar or Acumen heart rate monitor.

Determining the amount of calories you burn in any exercise is a function of the intensity of the exercise and your current body weight. A 150 pound person will burn fewer calories per minute of exercise than a 250 pound person even if they match each other exactly in intensity. So unless the calories burned monitor on whatever elliptical trainer you buy has accounted for your current body weight it is almost certainly wrong. With the right information you can easily and accurately determine your calorie expenditure for any physical activity from a chart or with a quick calculation.

The bottom line here is that the monitoring system on a cheap elliptical trainer will probably be no worse than the monitoring system on a more expensive model, and unless you are willing to spend $2,000 plus for an elliptical trainer the monitoring system is only incidental and should not be a major consideration at all.

The primary limitation of cheap elliptical trainers then is their sturdiness, construction quality, and warranty period. If you weigh 250 pounds then you cannot reasonably expect an 80 pound elliptical trainer to feel solid under your feet. The same cheap elliptical trainer would probably feel very comfortable to a 125 pounder. Your height and body weight are the primary considerations here. An arbitrary cut off point for consideration of a cheap elliptical trainer may be more than six feet in height or more than 175 pounds of body weight.

Another primary consideration is your intended intensity of use. Most people can begin to achieve a cardio training effect at about walking speed plus half. That would be roughly equivalent to the pace of a 10 minute mile. If you do not intend to work your elliptical trainer much harder than that it will probably stand up to constant use. If you intend to pound the machine at the upper limits of your maximum safe heart rate that would probably stress a cheap elliptical trainer into breakdown.

Even with non abusive use, because a cheap elliptical trainer will by definition be built from cheaper materials, you have to expect to perform more maintenance. Supplied nuts and bolts will be lower grade, probably without adequate lock washers, and they will require occasional tightening. If you’re handy you can change out the hardware for fine thread bolts and nylon nuts during assembly. If the very idea of tightening a bolt and nut is beyond you then you must factor that into your decision making. Assume that a cheap elliptical trainer will require occasional lubrication and maintenance.

Lastly is the warranty period. 90 days is probably the best you can expect. A cheap elliptical trainer is going to be noisier to begin with than a gym model so put it through its paces early and listen for different or unusually loud noises. Deal only with a manufacturer and seller that will stand by their warranty if there is a problem.

ProForm Spacesaver 850 Elliptical

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:40:49 +0000

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ProForm

15 Reviews
Elliptical Trainer
Model: PFEL5105
~~List Price: $699.99~~
Buy New: $473.23
You Save: $226.76
Offers six personal trainer workouts and two heart rate workouts

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The ProForm 850 elliptical trainer features SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance and the choice of 10 intensity levels that can be easily changed without interrupting your workout. The oversized pedals offer comfortable foot placement, while 8 programs give you great workout variety and allow for customized routines. A CoolAire fan helps provide a cool breeze while you exercise, and the SpaceSaver design offers easy storage.

Elliptical Exercise Machine

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:19:10 +0000

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SCHWINN

435 Reviews
Elliptical Machine
Model: 430 Elliptical
~~List Price: $799.00~~
Buy New: $579.00
You Save: $220.00
Features eight computer controlled resistance levels

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The Schwinn 430 offers eight computer-controlled resistance levels and eight workout programs for workout variety, including six user-profile programs, one manual, and one calorie goal program. Its quick start functions allows you to easily change your resistance level while exercising to challenge yourself to the next level. Three feedback programs–recovery mode, results mode, and body mass index (BMI)–allow you to track the progress of your workout routine.

Treadmill vs Elliptical vs Rowing Machine

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:05:20 +0000

There are several considerations when buying fitness training equipment and the biggest challenge is perhaps choosing the one that matches your budget, space and fitness level. But regardless of these factors, you are most likely to land on any of the following exercise equipment:

Treadmill is a popular piece of gym equipment that has become the primary choice of anyone who wants to maintain an exercise routine at home. It lets you walk, jog or run anytime of the day, any month of the year – regardless of season and weather condition. A good treadmill costs at about $1500 but it can go as much as $3500, depending on the brand and features. When selecting one, focus on the load capacity, wide belt, incline settings, safety shutoff, smooth action and solid construction.

Elliptical Trainer is a no-impact exercise machine that simulates running and walking without causing excessive pressure on the joints thus decreasing the risk of impact injuries. The machine can be set from low to high intensity work out that is suited for all fitness levels. Today, elliptical trainers are the most popular piece of gym equipment. Price ranges from $500 to as much as $4000. Try out different brands when buying one.

Rowing Machines are excellent for those who want a total body workout. Requires little space, the rowing machine simulates the body movement of watercraft rowing targeting both the upper and the lower body muscle groups. Proper posture is required to avoid back strain.

Cross Country Ski Machines provide a full body workout, targeting both the upper and the lower body muscle groups. However, this type of machine is hard to master. So before buying one, make sure that you try it out first and see if it is really for you. People who use a cross country are often the best experienced exercisers with sufficient skills, who want a challenging workout.

Step Machines or steppers are low impact exercise machines that improve cardiovascular fitness and build and strengthen lower body muscles. A good step machine can be very expensive. Choose the right one or consider other alternatives if your budget does not fit.

Stationary Bike is composed of pedals, a paddle and some kind of handle similar to a real bike but used as exercise equipment rather than a means of transportation. A stationary bike is good for new exercisers or for those who like to have a no-impact cardiovascular workout. A quality stationary bike costs between $500 and $1000.

Recumbent Machines are like stationary bikes but with the rider sitting in an inclined position. The main advantage of a recumbent machine over a stationary bike is it provides better lower back support, thus minimizing the stress on the knees. A recumbent machine has the same aerobic effect with that of a stationary bike and targeting the muscles of the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus.

Resistance equipment is often known as either free weights or multi-stations or home gyms. Both have pros and cons and purchasing either of the two requires major thinking. Free weights are reasonably priced and require less space but they also require greater supervision and instruction as they are more likely to cause injury. Multi-stations on the other hand are more convenient to use but takes up a lot of space and the price depends on the quality of the machine. Take your pick.

Merit Fitness 725e Elliptical Trainer

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:19:43 +0000

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Merit Fitness

5 Reviews
Merit Fitness 725e
Model: 725e
$499.99
Compact elliptical trainer for working both legs and upper body.

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The 725E boasts a 9.9-pound flywheel and 10 levels of computer-programmed resistance, along with an easy-to-operate computer console that shows your workout time, resistance level, calories burned, and distance. The trainer also makes it easy to check your heart rate, with EKG handgrips located comfortably under the console. Finally, the trainer includes eight preset workout programs for getting in shape: manual, intervals, rolling hills, weight loss, fat blast, cardio burn, tempo, and random.

Cybex Exercise Equipment

admin — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 12:45:00 +0000

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Cybex

1 Review
Cybex Exercise Equipment
Model: 360A
$3,320.00
Home fitness machine that combines best elements of skier, elliptical trainer, and climber.

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Research shows that the Cybex Arc Trainer burns more calories than any other cross trainer or elliptical cross trainer on the market. The machine accomplishes this through its Reverse Arc motion technology, which engages the muscles–the quads and glutes–that demand the most energy from the body when they’re called upon to work.

Cross Trainer Equipment

admin — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:48:37 +0000

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Stamina

130 Reviews
Cross Trainer Equipment
Model: 55-1610
$97.39
Compact, lightweight elliptical trainer for the home or office.

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Unlike full-size ellipticals, this trainer doesn’t have arms or a front console. Instead, the trainer is essentially foot pedals only, with a chassis that’s small enough to store under a desk or in a closet. Despite the small size, the trainer still packs a workout wallop, letting you burn a similar number of calories as jogging but without the risk of injury to the back, knees, hips, or ankles.

Merit Fitness 725E Elliptical Trainer

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:20:16 +0000

Merit Fitness
5 Reviews
Elliptical Trainer
Model: HEP0243-00
$418.92
Compact elliptical trainer for working both legs and upper body.
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Stamina 1772 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:16:22 +0000

Stamina
9 Reviews
Elliptical Trainer
Model: 55-1772
$279.00
Elliptical trainer for the home with smooth, quiet magnetic resistance.
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Designed for home use and with its quiet, smooth engineering, the Stamina 1772 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer delivers a low-impact aerobic workout that firms and tones your buttocks, hamstrings, quadriceps, thighs and calves while improving the condition of your heart and lungs. Since your feet never leave the pedals the Stamina 1772 gives a low-impact workout that is easy on your joints. The elliptical motion is a unique blend of stair climbing, cycling, skiing, and walking all together in one movement. In forward motion, your quadriceps, buttocks, lower abdominal, hips and thighs are targeted. In reverse motion, your hamstrings, lower buttocks, hips, thighs, and calves are targeted.

Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:12:25 +0000

Sole
28 Reviews
Elliptical Trainer
Model: E95-09
$1,699.00
Features a 30-pound flywheel and dual-action functionality for an upper and lower body workout.
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Workout specifics include 20 resistance levels, 10 total programs (including two custom and two heart-rate programs), and a 20-inch stride length. Perhaps the handiest feature from a user perspective, however, is the easy-to-use electronic console, which integrates a red/green display, a cooling fan, and a water bottle holder. Additional features include stationary handlebars with built-in pulse sensors for monitoring your heart rate; a heart rate chest strap for hands-free pulse monitoring; heavy-duty rails with smooth-riding wheels on the back; and a rear plastic shroud that adds additional stability for aggressive use. The E95, which offers a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds, carries the following warranties: lifetime on the frame, five years on all parts and electronics, and two years on the labor.