Elliptical Trainer Comparison - How To Make An Accurate Elliptical Comparison Before Buying

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>If you're buying a home elliptical trainer, you'll probably
>want to make several comparisons before you buy. With
>ellipticals skyrocketing in popularity, there are more and more
>new models out each year. This can make choosing the right
>machine a challenge.
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>This article will give you 3 easy tips when making an
>elliptical trainer comparison. You'll learn what you need to
>look for and how to find the best machine for your personal
>workout needs.
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>Follow these tips and you're guaranteed to choose the best
>elliptical for you!
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>1) Compare Apples To Apples
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>There are 2 places to buy a crosstrainer - online and at a
>store. It's not fair to compare ellipticals sold online to
>ellipticals sold at a store. They are two different animals.
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>For example, at a store, you get to try out the trainer before
>buying. However the disadvantage is that you'll also pay more
>for it. Stores usually sell a limited number of brands as well,
>which will limit the models you can compare. If you want to
>compare more machines you have to locate and drive to the
>various stores around your neighbourhood.
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>When you buy online you can compare a large selection of
>ellipticals from the comfort of your own home. You can also
>save money. For example, there are several elliptical trainer
>wholesalers that sell directly to the consumer and can save you
>up to 45% off retail prices. You can often find deals on
>shipping and sales tax as well.
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>So for example, a trainer that runs approximately $1500 in a
>store might cost you $999 online. So to be accurate, make sure
>you compare online to online and store to store ellipticals.
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>2) Know the Key Ingredients to a Quality Machine
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>Lots of features make a great elliptical trainer. (For example
>number of programs, construction, availability of arm bars,
>forward and backward motions, etc.) However there are 3
>essential features to any high quality elliptical. They are:
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>Brand Name
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>Smoothness of Ride
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>Warranty
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>Excellent brand names build great machines (the majority of the
>time). They have the experience, reputation and know-how that
>you're looking for when you buy. When you research look for
>names that keep coming up over and over again which will give
>you a sense of which brands are best.
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>Smoothness of the elliptical ride encompasses everything from
>stride length to properly aligned armbars to the proper
>alignment of footpads. Cheaper units don't always have the
>alignment right which can cause a jerky ride and result in a
>less efficient workout.
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>The warranty gives you a good idea of the quality of
>construction. Look for a lengthy warranty as that tells you
>that the elliptical was built to last and to stand up under
>fairly frequent use. Try to steer clear of the 90 day
>warranties you get with most department store brands if you
>can. (Unless you like returning a 200 pound piece of equipment
>to the store).
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>3) Know What You Need When You Compare Machines
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>It's always great to get a bargain but also try to think in
>terms of your workout goals. For example, are you planning to
>exercise regularly? You'll need a medium or high end
>crosstrainer built to withstand freqent use.
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>Do you like to pick up the pace when working out? You may want
>to select a highly stable piece of equipment with a higher user
>weight capacity.
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>What about other people who will be using the elliptical? Do
>they have height, weight or workout considerations?
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>By knowing these things when you compare elliptical trainers,
>you'll be able to choose a machine that best fits your needs
>(instead of just choosing the one that's on sale this week).
>You'll get more out of your investment and be much happier with
>your purchase.
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>That's it - now you're way ahead of 99% of people buying an
>elliptical trainer! Just remember that with elliptical
>trainers, you do get what you pay for - so don't skimp when it
>comes to your health!
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>About The Author: Kathryn O'Neill is chief editor for
>http://www.EllipticalTrainerReview.com - a consumer oriented
>website focusing on the home elliptical trainer market. For the
>latest elliptical Best Buys visit:
>http://www.EllipticalTrainerReview.com/Best_Elliptical_Buys.html
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