Are you about to buy an elliptical machine but don’t know where to start? Looking for a good elliptical buying guide?
You came to the right place!
There are so many options on the market today that it can be overwhelming. But if you know what to look for and what the different features mean to you, it’s actually quite easy to choose the best elliptical for your home.
So here are 5 features to look into when buying your elliptical:
#1 Stride Length
Stride is basically the farthest distance between elliptical pedals. Most stride lengths range from 14 inches to 22 inches.
The correct stride length will help to more fully engage your lower body muscles and give you a more natural feeling walk. A stride that is too short will feel unnatural, almost nervous, when you pick up the pace.
What is the proper stride length? That’s up to you really. However, most people of average height find that a stride of 18 to 20 inches is the most comfortable for them.
Taller people over 6 feet will definitely want to take a 20- to 22-inch stride.
Some elliptical trainers even offer you adjustable strides. These trainers are great for multi-user households as everyone can choose the perfect pace for themselves.
Beware of cheaper elliptical trainers that only give you 14- to 17-inch strides, as most people find them too short and uncomfortable in the long run.
flyer #2
While some manufacturers do not list flywheel weight, many manufacturers are starting to do so on their websites and sales brochures these days.
In general, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother the elliptical ride feels. You will find that the transition between resistance levels is much easier with a heavier flywheel.
Shuttlecocks range from 8lbs all the way up to 48lbs, so you have a wide variety here.
Higher-end ellipticals typically carry the heavier flywheels. A heavier flywheel also helps anchor the machine for stability.
#3 Design
There are 2 basic elliptical machine designs these days. The front-wheel drive elliptical has the steering wheel located in front of the pedals under the console and movable arm bars.
The rear-drive elliptical places the flywheel behind the pedals.
Which design is better?
This is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people find that a front-wheel drive layout gives them more of an elliptical climbing path (which can be great for burning calories).
While the rear drivetrain design provides a flatter elliptical path (which is more like a natural running motion). So in the end it all comes down to which one you prefer.
Support #4
Consoles are everywhere these days. However, there are several features that are always a hit with buyers.
Try looking for a backlit console first, as it’s easier to see your workout stats.
Also look for larger console windows which, again, make it easier to read your stats.
Cheaper ellipticals will cycle through your stats and many people don’t like this – they want to see a constant reading of their calories, time, etc.
Another thing that some manufacturers are adding to consoles are built-in fans to help keep you cool. This is a small thing, but you can find it very convenient during long, hot workouts.
#5 Entertainment Options
This is where things have really changed in recent years. There are some manufacturers that are adding many never-before-seen entertainment options to elliptical consoles. These toys can help make your training much more fun.
For example, you’ll find some machines that track your workouts and sync with your online fitness apps. So you can track and graph your workouts, set new goals, and more.
This is almost like having a personal trainer by your side, setting goals and inspiring you to go further.
You can also find machines with iPod docks and speakers so you can listen to your favorite tunes while you work out.
There are even some machines that have built-in web browsers. So you can surf the net, read your emails or watch YouTube videos while you work out!
Those are 5 basic features to consider when shopping for the best elliptical machine for your home. The good news is that you have some amazing options when it comes to your elliptical machine.
Keep the tips above in mind, and you’re sure to find an elliptical you’ll love and use for years to come.