eliptical machines

createdbygod

createdbygod

Cathlete
Hi,

This isn't going to happen this week or anything, but I'm starting to think about purchasing an eliptial machine. I like how it is low impact, but can be high intensity and simulate running.

Do any of you have an eliptical, and if so, what brand/model would you recommend and why? I've seen them in all kinds of price ranges. Is the Orbitrek any good?

Thanks for listening to my questions! :)
 
I have a Vision Fitness X1400 and I LOVE it! It's really smooth and quiet and it has just the right stride for me. Some of them hurt my hip, but not this one. I've only had it a few weeks, but it sure is fun!

Susan

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds
 
This is what I sent to a friend of mine recently:

Ellipticals - it really depends on how much you want to spend. You can get one for just a few hundred dollars at Dick's. They of course are not very smooth. I've always liked Sears for mid-range but very reliable fitness equipment - probably looking at the up to $2,000.00 range. For the best quality we researched and came down to 3 brands - Life Fitness, Sports Art, and Precor. I got Life Fitness at first and LOVED it - it was the cross-trainer with the handle bars. But it kept wiping out programs in the middle of a workout, which was a glitch they couldn't fix - so they took mine back. They may have gotten that worked out by now. SportsArt is (or was when I looked) the only one that allowed you to change the stride on the fly - nice option but I wasn't that impressed overall. Mine is a Precor - and I can't say enough about it! I love it! It does not however have the handle bars, but they do make a lower model that has those if you think you really need them. Personally I don't think they're necessary for a kick-butt cardio workout - esp if you use something like cardio coach. (These top 3 models will run you around $2500 - $3500.

Of course if money is not an issue, I would say forget the elliptical and go with the Arc trainer - best workout and machine there is right now. Last time I checked, these ran about $6500. Here's the link: http://www.ecybex.com/products/CV/ArcTrainer/arctrainer.aspx


Hope that helps a little.

Lorrie
 
I've had an Orbitrek for about 4 years now. I don't use it a whole lot -maybe once a week - so it served my purpose. The only problem I've had so far is one of the screws came out of the pedal. It's not as smooth as the more expensive ones. It really reminds me of being a cross between a bicycle and a stairclimber. At the time I bought it, I didn't want to invest a lot of money in it for fear it would be a clothes rack. If I were to buy another one, I think I would check Sears out.
 
I just got a new elliptical last week and I love it! I knew that I would because I used one at the gym for cross training while getting ready for a marathon.

I got a Precor:

http://www.precor.com/cons/efx/517i

The difference between ones with the handles and the ones without (on the Precors) is what is called the crossramp which allows you to change the incline. I initially thought I wanted one with the arms but opted for the one without in order to be able to put the emphasis on different muscles by adjusting the incline.

I love the elliptical because you can get a kick butt workout without impact!
 
Thanks so much for the advice and opinions. I don't have the kind of money to buy any of the expensive models right now (probably will be quite a while) So, in the meantime, I suppose I'll just keep my eye open for ads in the paper and such. Elipticals are just such fun! :)
 
Consumer reports lists the Schwinn 418 as their lower end best buy. I think it's about 1/3 the cost of the low end Precor or Lifefitness.
 
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