Discover Why An Elliptical Trainer Is The Only Healthy Way To Get Back Into Shape

You’re knee is acting up and your joints feel extremely stiff. But you want to workout anyway. In fact, you know you need to workout this day. Yet you also know that you’ll pay in the morning after all the strain and pressure you put your body after any regular workout. However, with the increased popularity of home gym equipment, cardio fitness equipment has evolved. An elliptical machine offers an advantage that other cardio equipment just can’t compete with. Elliptical exercise is easy on your joints yet gives you the intensity you need to keep in tip-top shape.

What exactly is an elliptical machine?

An elliptical machine offers an intense workout with one smooth, continuous motion. Where a stair-climber or treadmill will jar your joints with every step, the round, steady motion of an elliptical exercise machine almost makes it feel as if you’re not actually exercising. Well, O.K., almost. Some elliptical machines even offer an arm handle option. This way you can work out both your upper body and lower body at the same time. This lessens your total workout time while increasing your metabolism rate. See, I told you that you wouldn’t even know that you were exercising! Elliptical exercises also provide a quiet alternative when compared to other home cardio equipment.

You will truly feel the difference when using an elliptical machine. The shock and strain that you feel from running is non-existent when you’re using an elliptical exercise machine. And the awkwardness of ski-machines is a non-issue. This allows for more consistent workouts for more consistent results.

Why go for an elliptical machine versus other cardio equipment?

To begin, elliptical exercise works your glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, shins, deltoids, biceps, triceps, pecs, back and stomach. Whew! Now it should be understood that elliptical machines do not create a miracle exercise method. Yes, with the aid of arm handles, all of the above muscle groups are worked. However, don’t expect the same muscle definition that weight training provides. But, for overall fitness and cardio improvement, elliptical exercise has it all.

Not to be forgotten is their ease of use. All you do is jump on and simply start pumping. An elliptical machine is set-up so that proper exercise and body alignment is unavoidable. Even the novice fitness enthusiast can begin elliptical exercise with minimal instruction. An added bonus for fitness fans of all levels is that elliptical machines are great fat burners. You burn just as much fat and calories as when jogging, but without all the body shock and joint pain.

For overall fitness and cardio strength, an elliptical machine is hard to beat. You may worry about what an elliptical machine will cost you. Right now the market is inundated with reasonably priced, quality elliptical machines and the low-impact workout is reason alone to purchase one. But, with minimal noise and sturdy construction, their benefits are fast making them the most popular choice for home cardio equipment.

For more helpful information on elliptical trainers, just visit TopEllipticalMachines.com where you will find reviews on top elliptical trainers including ProForm elliptical trainers, Nordictrack elliptical trainers, elliptical exercise methods, other top elliptical trainer brands, plus related workout equipment that will help you get back into shape.

Benefits Of An Elliptical Trainer For Weight Loss

The first question I get when I discuss elliptical trainers with someone new to the wonderful world of fitness equipment is, how can an elliptical trainer benefit me?

I tell them if I was only allowed to have one piece of fitness equipment and I had to sell the rest I would keep my elliptical trainer. Elliptical trainers meet the overall need of any exercise program.

Elliptical trainers allow for a high end workout, that is very low impact so you can continue to do it for longer periods of time over more high impact exercises. This is awesome because you can work out twice as long and your knees and hips will not hurt as bad as if you went for a run for the same amount of time.

Another benefit is they allow you to workout at home, in all weather conditions. I am from New York and often in the winter time the weather does not allow one to workout outside due to the cold and snow. I simply go down to my basement and hop on my elliptical trainer.

This allows me to quickly and easily get a high intensity workout without having to leaving my home. This helps me stick to a workout schedule even if I do not feel like going to the gym.

One complaint I used to have about elliptical trainers is how noisy they were, in recent years the noise level is much less. Let me tell you my family is happy since the noise is reduced by nearly 25% over older models.

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Schwinn Elliptical Trainer Reviews

The goal of buying any fitness equipment is to get the best value in your price range. Within the last few years, elliptical trainers have grown in popularity. Their appeal is two-fold. They offer a low-impact, and simultaneous upper and lower body workout. They have become particularly appealing to an aging baby boomer generation, who are looking for a form of exercise that is less stressful to their joints.

One of the better values in the $1,000 price range is the Schwinn Elliptical Trainers. Putting this into perspective, the Schwinn ellipticals are not your health club machines like Precor and Life Fitness. They are a moderately priced and ideal for those who want the convenience of working out at home, but have a limited budget.

Schwinn offers 2 models, the 418 and the 438. They are mechanically the same, with the 438 offering extra features like wireless heart rate control and an upgraded console. You can find the 418 as low as $799, and the 438 starting around $999, and it is the price that makes them so appealing. In the $800-$1,000 price range, you often find machines that are poorly constructed, and built with cheap components. The quality of your workout suffers.

The Schwinn ellipticals have an 18” stride, which can comfortably handle the majority of users. Often ellipticals in this price range have a choppy and bouncy motion. The Schwinn feels like you are walking in the air. That is what you want from an elliptical trainer.

The machines are equipped with eddy current magnetic brake system, which contributes to the smooth and quiet motion. They incorporate articulating foot pedals that angle with the motion. This reduces stress on your legs and prevents numbness. They come with a two-year warranty on parts, one-year on the electronics and you get 6-months service coverage.

A strong endorsement was a “Best Buy” rating from Consumer Reports. They gave it an “Excellent” for quality. There were several other ellipticals that received “Excellent” ratings - they started at $2,100.

You can find Schwinn ellipticals at select fitness specialty stores. In addition, their available through numerous online outlets. The prices can vary, so shop around.

If you are looking a for a good budget elliptical trainer, the Schwinn is worth considering.

Fred Waters worked in the fitness equipment industry for a number of years. Check out all of his Schwinn Elliptical Trainer Reviews. You can also get is expert opinions on over 40 ellipticals.

Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer Review

Sole Fitness is best known for their treadmills. They’ve received several “Best Buy” ratings, and their treadmills are used by the Hilton chain for in room fitness workouts. That says quite a lot about the quality of the machines. We’re not talking about a $5,000 commercial treadmill. The one they use by Hilton is under $2,000.

The Sole strategy is to equip their products with excellent features and quality components at a moderate price, and that is true with their line-up of elliptical trainers. A perfect example is the Sole E55 elliptical trainer.

Long, Comfortable Elliptical Motion

It comes with a 20” stride. The problem with most budget elliptical trainer, besides the cheap components, is the short stride. Many have 14”-16” strides. The elliptical motion seems constrained. Rather than elliptical, it is more circular and bouncy.

With a 20” stride, you feel like you are walking or running in the air. When I tested this machine, I found the stride to be extremely comfortable. For those that are above average height, you will appreciate this longer stride length. Many commercial grade ellipticals have a 20” stride.

The Sole E55 is designed with a 30 lb flywheel. This contributes to a smooth and quiet elliptical motion. You’ll notice as you start-up or slow-down, the weight of the flywheel will gradually decrease or increase the speed. Once again, you will only find this attribution on units that are more expensive.

The E55 is very stable and has a very solid feel, and there are a couple of reasons. First, it weighs a hefty 198 lbs. Some might complain because of the difficulty of moving this elliptical. I find the weight a plus, and even under the most strenuous workout, the E55 is rock solid. Another feature that contributes to the stability is the four rear wheels, which ride on heavy-duty rails. This provides a smoother, more stable feel, and reduces side-to-side foot pedal motion.

Industry Leading Warranty

There is one feature that really speaks volumes about the quality of the Sole E55, and that is the extensive warranty. You get five-year parts and two-year labor coverage. I do not know of any manufacturer that sells an elliptical with a two-year labor warranty for less than $3,500. This warranty would suggest there are not a lot of service issues.

One last note, you get wireless heart rate control. Using your heart rate to adjust the level of your exertion is an excellent means of optimizing your workout.

Are there better elliptical trainers available? Of course, but to find one with the same quality, components and coverage would cost considerably more than the Sole E55 elliptical trainer.

Having worked in the fitness equipment industry for a number of years, Fred Waters knows fitness equipment. Click here to get a detailed Sole E55 elliptical trainer review. See how it compares to other popular ellipticals.