Elliptical Reviews - Find The Ideal Cross Trainer

The best way to find your ideal elliptical trainer is to look through some product reviews. You can find these on the Internet and in fitness magazines. But what should you be looking for? Here are some of the features that you should check when you are going through elliptical reviews.

Resistance Type

The better models have magnetic or electromagnetic resistance. This system has the benefit of being quiet and less prone to breaking down. Avoid cheaper models that have strap or belt resistance.

Stride Length

One of the main factors that will determine how comfortable you find the machine, is the stride length. The taller you are, the longer the stride length needs to be. Machines in professional gyms have a stride length of 20 inches plus whereas budget machines can be 15 inches or less. It's recommended that you go for a product that has at least an 18-inch stride length.

Heart Rate Monitor

These are a very useful addition to your elliptical trainer. Many models now have them, even at the lower end of the market. They commonly work by having a sensor placed in the handgrip of the machine. A more accurate system is a heart rate monitor strap that is worn around the chest.

Warranty

Your elliptical machine is likely to take some heavy use, so there is always the possibility of it breaking down. Repairs can be expensive so make sure that you buy a machine that has a good warranty on it. Higher end machines are likely to have a 10-year frame, 3-year parts and one-year labor warranty. Avoid cheap models that have a warranty of only a few months. This suggests that even the manufacturer is not confident the machine will stand up to wear and tear.

Programs

Most ellipticals have an inbuilt computer system that allows you to track your exercise progress. Look for machines that have a number of different programs built into them. These programs can simulate interval training, hill training etc. These are great to bring variety to your workouts and prevent exercise boredom


This list of features should make it easier to read elliptical reviews with confidence. Selecting the right elliptical trainer should be an investment that rewards you with many years of pleasure.