Elliptical question...need advice

jacqued

jacqued

Cathlete
I want to add another piece of exercise equipment to my home gym. I already own a treadmill and was looking for suggestions for another cardio machine. I was interested in an elliptical, however, I have never used one. I was looking for suggestions, do you think I should go for an elliptical or something else? I was also considering a spinning bike but I've never used one of those either. Some things I know I don't want are a stair-stepper, stationary bike, or ski machine.

TIA,
Jacque
 
Hi Jacque! Oooohhh, a new piece of equipment. How exciting. I have to say that the elliptical and spinning bike are my favorite cardio machines. I can't really say what you should go with because it really depends on which you like better. What I was going to suggest was to get a week pass or something to a gym and try out the elliptical and spinning bike. Then you can decide based on that.

Personally, DH and I are getting a spin bike because they are more affordable. I love the ellipticals at the gym that I go to, but I could never afford to get one like that. Also, I just don't prefer the less expensive ellipticals that I could afford and honestly I just prefer the ones with all the bells and whistles. Guess I'll be keeping my gym membership for awhile.

Wow, that was really not helpful. I hope you find something you like!
 
I love the elliptical! BUT my suggestion to you is to make sure that you try the different models out in the store before you buy. The elliptical footprint and pattern of each machine is different and while the elliptical motion on one machine may be quite comfortable for you, another may not (I can't use the machines at the gym because their motion is not comfortable to my body). I used to have a Horizon E30 (I think that was the model) but it is currently at my parents' house and they love it too...it was a very nice mid-range machine whose legs actually folded up to a space saving design.
 
I would take Jill and Karin's advice and try out different ellipticals, if that's what you're interested in. That said, I love mine. I got it from Sears... can't remember the brand right now, of course. Doesn't that just figure? Anyhow, it gives an excellent cardio workout with absolutely no impact, which is good for me. I love the resistance, which really gives a great leg workout, too.
 
I like the ellipitcal but might I suggest you check out the arc trainer before you purchase. They're both very similar but IMO the arc trainer can be more intense. The pedals move in a more circular movement rather than forward/backward & gives the quads & glutes a much better workout, which in turn burns more fat.
 
Thanks for the suggestions everyone:) The biggest problem I have is I live a really small town that has only one small gym. I'm not even sure if they have ellipticals and I know they don't have spinning bikes. Also, there are no sports equipment stores so I can't go in a store and try something out. Maybe I might wait until the next time I'm in Phoenix or Tucson and then try one. Whatever I choose I'll have to order online. I was checking on the Nordic Track website and saw some ellipticals on sale there and they have free shipping. My treadmill is a Nordic Track and I really like it.

Laura- Thanks for the suggestion for the arc trainer. I'll do some research on that also:)

Jacque
 
Jacque, you're about to invest a huge chunk of money on this piece of equipment--I insist you try them first! And I mean really TRY them......spend at least 10 minutes on each trying out their different programs, resistence levels, incline levels, etc. I mean, I know how much these things cost & I really want to see you get what works best for you.
 
I know you're right Laura but you know how it is when you want something...you want it now!!:) (Kind of like Cathe's new DVDs, I want them now:) I will wait though until I can get to a store and try them. Thanks again.

Jacque
 
I bought an elliptical several years ago and I absolutely loved it. It was a proform machine and not really very high quality. It squeaked and wasn't very smooth and I finally rode it into the ground. I was faced with the decision of buying another elliptical or a spinning bike. We shopped around for both with the caveat that whatever we purchased had to be a good, solid, high quality machine. We opted for the spinning bike in the end mainly due to cost. For about $500 we could get a very nice bike; whereas, the ellipticals we priced were about$1,500. I have been very happy with the spinning bike and now I like it more than the elliptical. It is a great workout and there are so many MP3 workouts you can do with them. I just love being able to sit for sprints or stand for hills, etc. I say go for the spinning bike. :)
 
I have an elliptical crosstrainer and a rowing machine...they are both great for full body workouts. I prefer the elliptical as you can pedal backwards to focus on different muscle groups.
 
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and advice. I'll wait until I can get to a store that sells cardio machines and try them out before I make my decision. I'll also do a little more research on the web and check for ratings etc.

Thanks again.:)

Jacque
 
I LOVE LOVE LOOOOOOOOOVE my elliptical!!!! I have a life fitness one ,but I know there are some good lower end ones. Maybe try a nordic trac. They have an online store and sometimes offer free shipping. Good luck and let us know what you get. BTW, thanks for the ride to the airport;-)

SUsan
 
Michelle- Thanks for the link. I'll be sure to check it out.

Susan- It's good to "see" you again. I was actually thinking about a NordicTrack. My treadmill is a NordicTrack and I really like it. They do have a free shipping offer right now. I'm embarrassed to say that I've never tried an elliptical. I hear so many people raving about them though so I thought I might like one.

Jacque
 
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