| When you go to purchase an elliptical trainer, make | | | | As with treadmills, many elliptical trainers come |
| sure you wear your workout clothes. In order to | | | | equipped with pre-programmed workouts, which will |
| really be able to tell if a machine will work well for | | | | target everything from fat burning to cardiovascular |
| you, you should spend about 20 minutes working out | | | | endurance and increase aerobic capacities. |
| on it. Particularly with elliptical trainers, you have to | | | | The most basic elliptical trainers don't offer the |
| buy one that fits you well. Otherwise, the added | | | | program options at all, while some have just a few |
| benefit of a low impact workout will be negated by | | | | programs and the high-end trainers offer up to thirty |
| wear and tear injuries from using a machine that's | | | | different program options. If you easily tire of doing |
| not made for you. | | | | the same workout day in and day out, the |
| Additionally, if you use the machine for a little while | | | | pre-installed programs will definitely be worth the cost |
| before you buy it, you can decide if you really need | | | | of a slightly more expensive machine since they |
| all of the features that you're paying for. Perhaps the | | | | break up the monotony of performing the same |
| console fan looked like a great idea before you tried | | | | workout everyday. |
| it and then you figured out that it blows right in your | | | | 4. Noise |
| face and is just annoying. | | | | If you plan to use your trainer while watching |
| Maybe you thought 10 pre-programmed workouts | | | | television or talking on the phone, you'll want to |
| would be sufficient, but then you scrolled through | | | | make sure you're not buying a cheaper machine that |
| them and found that you really want more. | | | | uses electromagnetic brakes or one that's poorly |
| Below are just a few additional miscellaneous things | | | | constructed, since either of these options will create |
| that you should think about before you buy an | | | | a lot of noise while you're working out. |
| elliptical trainer based on the criteria listed in the | | | | If you want a quiet trainer that offers durability and |
| above sections. | | | | stability, look for one that has the eddy-current |
| 1. Forward and Reverse Motion | | | | brake system and is priced in the mid to high range. |
| Some elliptical trainers come with forward and | | | | You'll be pleased with the results of your investment. |
| reverse options, as well as incline options. These are | | | | 5. Console Features |
| wonderful to add intensity options and to target | | | | Most of the options that are available on elliptical |
| different muscle groups. Some high-end machines | | | | trainer consoles are "nice to haves" not "need to |
| have console displays with indicators to highlight | | | | haves". That being said, if you need gizmos and |
| which lower body muscles each incline level will target. | | | | gadgets to get you motivated, by all means, get |
| While these features are good for preventing | | | | your trainer fully loaded! |
| boredom and to add a little more intensity to your | | | | However, if you know you're going to workout |
| workouts, they're not one of the must have | | | | regardless of whether or not your console provides |
| features on an elliptical. | | | | iFit assessments or a built-in aromatherapy option |
| In fact, they're more of a could-do-without feature - | | | | (yes, they do have these) you may be wise to save |
| unless of course the incline or the reverse mode is | | | | the extra money to invest in additional home gym |
| what will keep you coming back to exercise every | | | | equipment or to have for a rainy day. |
| day. | | | | 6. Heart Rate Monitor |
| 2. Arm Workout | | | | There are three basic types of heart rate monitors |
| Most elliptical trainers come equipped with handlebars | | | | that are typically offered with elliptical trainers; |
| that are similar in style to ski poles. They provide an | | | | - Handlebar monitors |
| added benefit to your cardiovascular workout by | | | | - Finger clip monitors |
| training your upper body at the same time as your | | | | - Chest strap monitors |
| lower body. | | | | The most advanced and expensive of these three |
| By pushing and pulling with your arms during your | | | | options is the built-in handlebar monitors. These work |
| elliptical training, you'll strengthen the muscles in your | | | | by detecting the pulse in your hand to determine |
| back, chest, biceps and triceps while you're burning | | | | your heart rate. While these are not the most |
| fat and toning you legs - talk about an efficient | | | | accurate monitors, they are the most convenient. |
| workout! You can really target your upper body by | | | | The next option in heart rate monitors is the chest |
| using your arms to initiate the elliptical motion instead | | | | strap option. With this option, the user wears a strap |
| of allowing your legs to do most of the work. | | | | around their chest, which then wirelessly |
| Aside from the added benefit of upper body toning | | | | communicates your heart rate to a display on the |
| that the handlebars provide elliptical users, the | | | | console. This is the most accurate option; however, |
| incorporation of upper body motion into any cardio | | | | some users find that the chest strap is |
| training allows you to increase you heart rate and | | | | uncomfortable. |
| burn calories faster. | | | | Finally, the finger clip monitor comes with a device |
| When you're considering the handlebar option on your | | | | that is attached with a wire, to the console at one |
| elliptical trainer, look at is as just another intensity | | | | end and to the users finger at the other. This |
| option that you'll have at your disposal to challenge | | | | arrangement is typically uncomfortable and |
| yourself and get fit faster. | | | | inaccurate, making it the least desirable type of heart |
| 3. Programs | | | | rate monitors. |