In today’s fast-paced world, it isn’t always easy to find the time to head to a gym and get in a good workout. That’s the reason more and more people are choosing to bring the gym experience into the home with various fitness machines. And elliptical training in particular is becoming one of the fastest growing categories in the fitness world because it combines the best of stair-climbing, cross-country skiing, and running in a low impact, and variety-rich workout.
Before purchasing an elliptical, you will want to ensure you’re choosing one that is right for you, your space, and your goals. This guide will give you some insights into what to consider before making a decision on an elliptical. Consider an elliptical whether you are looking to add home cardio exercise for health, to help lose weight, as a stress release, build strength after an injury, for convenience, or just to look and feel great; an elliptical can be just the key to get you on track to kill your fitness goals.
Table of contents
What is an elliptical?
Ellipticals are named after the easy foot motion produced which mimics the movement of walking or running while protecting the joints from impact. Why would you choose an elliptical? There are three answers that come quickly to mind. A home elliptical can comfortably provide you with an amazing cardio workout while reducing the chance of impact injuries. It’s a very intuitive machine, with most users getting going with little or no instruction. And since most ellipticals encourage you to move both your upper and lower bodies, you will maximize your workout to burn more calories.
Ellipticals can mimic the motion of running (and walking up stairs) with minimal impact, because, unlike a treadmill, an elliptical trainer uses pedals that are attached to the deck, keeping a person’s heels in contact with the pedals, reducing muscle and tendon stress. Exercisers move fluidly and can have a lower Relative Perceived Exertion (RPE). In other words, the person does not feel like they are working as hard as they actually are. Plus, the machine’s moving handgrips and adjustable resistance also allow you to create a more intense, full-body workout.
So, if you’re looking for an exercise machine that’s ideal for your home, because you’d like to work on getting healthier and happier, back in shape, or just need a quick cardio workout to combat a stressful day, then an elliptical trainer may be exactly what you need.
Connected ellipticals help you reach your fitness goals faster
Many ellipticals now fall under the category of connected fitness equipment: with the use of an app and by signing up for a monthly subscription, you can access online instruction, tailored and motivating fitness classes, and even online coaching services. This adds a whole new dimension to a home gym; participate in group classes and feel the exhilaration and intensity of personalized instruction without leaving your home. Learn more about how connected cardio machines can help you get fit at home.
Different types of elliptical machines
There are three main types of elliptical machines.
A standard elliptical trainer is the most common type, which focuses mainly on cardiovascular exercise for your lower body. There is a flywheel that can be in any of three common positions (see next section) and workouts tend to be lower impact and lower intensity.
An elliptical cross trainer resembles a stationary bike with a seat and pedals, indeed offering the option to sit while training as well as stand. Except unlike a stationary bike, the handlebars move along with you. This provides a good workout for your upper body, core, and back as well as lower. It’s the best option if you’re looking to get a full body workout.
Another option is the elliptical glider, which has pedals operating on a glider instead of flywheel. This means they tend to be quieter and more compact than other types, making them the ideal option if you have limited space for a home gym set-up.
For ellipticals with a flywheel, it can be positioned in three main ways.
A rear-drive elliptical is known to more closely simulate a jogging motion with a bit longer stride length. Units with a rear drive flywheel are generally a bit quieter and have fewer moving parts than front drive ellipticals, resulting in less servicing requirements.
Front-drive ellipticals tend to keep your weight more forward, similar to stair climbing. Often, front drive machines take up a bit less space, and getting on and off of a front drive elliptical is easier since you won’t have to step over the machine.
Some newer units have smaller centre flywheels on each side of the pedals. This balances the machine with easy access to the pedals, often filling a smaller footprint with a smooth and relatively quiet operation.
Features to look for in an elliptical machine
When choosing an elliptical, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions and consider a few things.
Space in your home
the first thing you need to determine is what kind of space is available in your home gym. There’s no use buying a giant elliptical machine if you have no place in which to use it. If you have a small space, the best elliptical machine for your home would be a more compact one, like an elliptical glider, or one that can fold up for storage when you aren’t using it. One that has wheels so you can easily move it from room to room would be useful as well if you want to be able to work out in different spots or move it out of a guest room, for example, when you have company.
Resistance capabilities
Next, look at the machine’s resistance capabilities, range of movement, noise of the machine, and programs. All ellipticals have variable resistance. Make sure the lowest resistance setting is easy to pedal and it becomes challenging to pedal at about 75 percent of the highest setting. This will provide some room to grow.
Resistance in an elliptical machine is most usually controlled by a flywheel and magnets. The heavier the flywheel and the stronger the resistance options, the smoother the motion and the more challenging workouts a machine can provide. Keep in mind that this increased weight will also increase the weight and typically the cost. Automatic resistance controls adjust the current to the electromagnet with the push of a button, whereas manual resistance means you will need to interrupt your workout in order to adjust.
How will you use your new elliptical?
Do you have a specific muscle group you’d like to target? If you’re training for a race like a full or half marathon you might want a unit that most closely imitates jogging so you can incorporate low-impact training days in between outdoor runs. Or, if you’re wanting to create a booty to make the Kardashians jealous, then you might want to look for a unit with incline capabilities or that has both elliptical and stair climbing motions.
Does the elliptical have a “stepping” motion? A stair-stepping machine and elliptical, although similar in appearance, are used in very different ways and provide you with different types of workouts. If an elliptical also provides a stepping movement, you’ve just doubled your exercise variety right there! Also, if the machine offers a “reverse” motion, you not only add versatility to your exercise program but also greatly reduce the risk of repetitive use injuries common with some treadmill and stair climber users. Most ellipticals have this option, though. The adjustable incline is also very important, and what makes an elliptical a true cross-training machine, as adjusting the incline varies the focus on muscle groups and provides a great way to add variety to the routine.
Sound level
If you live in a condo or have small children who still nap, you might prioritize finding a quiet machine. Think about the weight and location of the flywheel, also consider getting an extra dense mat for under the unit. Not only will it cut down on the noise, but it will also protect your flooring.
Height, weight, and stride
If you’re taller, you will likely have a longer stride length. For people up to 5’7”, a stride length of 16-18 inches is standard. For people 5’7” to 6’7” will likely be more comfortable with a stride length of 20-21 inches. Always look at the stride, particularly if you are unusually short or tall.
When it comes to weight capacity, a rule of thumb is to opt for a machine with a weight capacity that is at least 100 lbs. heavier than you. So, if you are 300 lbs., you’ll want to invest in a premium machine that can accommodate up to 400 lbs. of weight.
Added features
If you’re really serious about building your cardiovascular endurance, you will want to ensure you get your heart going. Some machines have heart rate monitors built into a grip sensor that will help you ensure you stay within your target range. For High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or Tabata training, the heart rate monitor is a good gauge and easy adjustability of resistance/incline will ensure you get the most out of your home workouts.
You’ll notice that some ellipticals are much more expensive than others. This is justified by how much customization and how many options you have when it comes to resistance and stride length, as well as the construction of the unit. Also impacting price will be additional premium features like built-in heart rate sensors, a screen for following on-demand or live workouts (some even come with a trial subscription), oversized and cushioned pedals, and more.
Some ellipticals even have built-in speakers, useful if you want to listen to a music playlist or audio from an on-screen workout while you exercise. You will also find handy features like a built-in water bottle holder or even a built-in fan.
Should you get an elliptical or a treadmill?
While both ellipticals and treadmills work on cardio, allowing you to simulate running or walking while staying in one place, they do work very differently. If you are training for a race or simply want to be able to go for brisk walks without having to leave the home, a treadmill will do just fine.
If, however, you are looking to work more than mainly your legs, including the back, arms, core, and butt, an elliptical may work better for you. It’s also a safer option since your feet are on pedals versus a flat surface, which might be more appealing to those with young children, babies, and pets, or who have mobility issues.
Both are great for strength training so if it’s just a matter of having some type of cardio machine in your home gym, you can’t go wrong with either.
Setting yourself up for success
Whether you’re starting a new fitness regime, moving your workout home or just upgrading your home gym, everyone can use a little bit of motivation to stick to their plan and achieve their fitness goals. Keeping your activity convenient, challenging and fun are all good steps to staying on track.
Check out the console. A standard console will give you electronic feedback showing distance, time, and speed. Many consoles will also display incline, calories burned, and pulse. It’s through the console that you will be able to control things like magnetic resistance, incline and utilize pre-set programs.
If you like a lot of variety, you will want to check the number of preset programs. Some consoles will give you the ability to program your own workouts or even download programs and workouts from the internet. Many of these high-tech consoles will give you the ability to set up a user profile, remembering your preferences and assisting you in tracking your progress.
Staying comfortable is key, if you’re planning to get sweaty you might appreciate a built-in cooling fan, an easy to access water bottle holder, and a good place to put a towel.
If you want to stay entertained or connected while keeping fit, look for units with a shelf to hold your smartphone, tablet, or favourite magazine. You might need music to get in the zone, look for built-in speakers. You might even consider setting your elliptical in front of a mounted television or a peaceful view out a window.
Look for a machine that feels smooth and runs quietly, as well as something that offers pre-set and custom programs (to alleviate boredom, add variety to workouts, and customize a cardio program that’s right for you). And, make sure your new elliptical offers a heart rate monitor, so you can track your progress and intensity, and avoid injury.
Caring for your elliptical
Once you’ve invested in a home elliptical machine, you will want to take good care of it. Plan to wipe down the machine after each use with a lint free cloth dampened with a non-abrasive cleaner and ensure the stride rails are free from dirt or debris. It’s also recommended to vacuum around the moving pieces to ensure dust and lint do not get into the moving parts. Check your manual for care instructions, it should give you details on when and how to properly lubricate the machine.
Still want more information before investing in an elliptical for your health and well-being? Take a look at these frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Elliptical FAQ
What kind of an elliptical do I need if I’m going to use it once per day vs. once per week?
It’s not about the elliptical machine, but really about your own fitness goals. The elliptical trainer is most effective when used regularly and at a high enough resistance to challenge you. No matter how often you want to use an elliptical trainer, the machine can help you achieve a low impact, and high cardio workout, every time. Which machine you choose ultimately depends on the space you have available, and the features you require.
What’s the difference between an elliptical and a crosstrainer?
Ellipticals are also sometimes called crosstrainers. However, a true elliptical “crosstrainer” is one in which the arm handles move, providing a better and more complete upper body workout.
What if I want a sturdy machine, but I don’t have a lot of room? Can I find an elliptical that is right for me?
Think about looking for a centre drive elliptical since these machines often have a smaller footprint, ensure the weight capacity is sufficient and look for a good rubber floor mat to provide stability on uneven or slippery flooring.
Which muscle groups are getting a workout on an elliptical?
With a crosstrainer machine, you are getting a workout for your upper and lower body muscles, as well as your core… and all with very low impact to your knees, joints, and back.
Will my wearable fitness device track my activity on an elliptical?
On certain models, you can pair your wearables, smartphones, or tablets with the elliptical machine, and download data, or upload various training programs.
How much workout do I get from the arm movement?
Sure, your lower body does get more of a workout on these machines, however the machines do indeed flex and work your elbows, upper arms, biceps, triceps, shoulders and chest. But, remember, an elliptical workout improves muscle endurance rather than building muscle bulk.
How much should I expect to pay?
You can pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for an elliptical, but remember you get what you pay for mostly. Think about the features that are important to you. The flywheel and console have the biggest impact on price as well as performance and goal tracking.
How many years will an elliptical work for me?
There are many factors that go into the how long an elliptical will last, this is strongly influenced by the amount and conditions it is used under. Regular maintenance and a clean environment are the best way to extend the life of your new elliptical.
What is the difference between running on a treadmill and using an elliptical?
Because you are actually running in place on a treadmill, you run most of the same risks for injury as when you are out for a jog. That repetitive “pounding” of the pavement jostles and shocks your knees, hips and other joints, potentially causing injury. With an elliptical, your feet and heels are on pedals, which mimic the motion of running, but in a low impact fashion, so you minimize the risk of injury.
What should I look for in the warranty?
Warranties are something many people forget to look for, but they are very important as the warranty stands as an indicator of quality and the trust that the manufacturer has in their own product. Warranties vary based on many factors, but most brands offer a lifetime warranty on the frame. I’d also look for parts and labour on basic trainers to go for at least 90 days. For a standard or elite trainer, look for one to five years warranty.
Should I be concerned about safety? Do all machines have an auto stop function? Can I lock the machine so my small children can’t turn it on?
There is a risk of children getting pinched by an elliptical’s moving parts, so it is recommended that you keep it in a closed off room. Otherwise, you can also opt for a product that features a locking pin which keeps the pedals and handlebars from moving until it is removed. Others offer child safety guards, or electronic locks that keep that parts from moving.
Take the next step
Are you ready to begin a healthier, more active lifestyle? Take a look at BestBuy’s elliptical section to find the perfect elliptical for your home.
The Sony Bravia 75 inch would make this xmas truly merry. Would love to own this aqmazing tv.
Please pick me !!!
Comments are closed.