Ok so tell me what I need to look for in an Elliptical

[ShyWolf]

Ok so tell me what I need to look for in an Elliptical.

Any recommendations?


My DH has finally stated that he wants an elliptical machine as close to one you would find at a gym.

He doesn't care for my NordicTrac TM and even suggested I get rid of mine for the elliptical!

Of course that is definitely, most totally out of the question; as I absolutely love running on my TM with Sean and Grace


So does anyone have any idea what I need to look for when deciding what type of elliptical to buy?


Thanks all in advance

 

[Nadja Z]

RE: Ok so tell me what I need to look for in an Ellipti...

Just off the top of my head-

Weight- you want a sturdy one that won't wobble around

Stride length- different for everyone (depending on height) and different depending on the type of elliptical (you'll have to figure out yours and do conversions if necessary)

Brake System- opinions vary, but I've heard good things about Eddy Current Brake System.

I have no idea what your price range is, but the Schwinn 430 is on the inexpensive side (~$600) and looks pretty good. I don't have this one, but it gets better reviews than ones twice its price. If you're going for one of those several thousand dollars ones like the ones at the gym, oh my gosh, congratulations but I have no idea about any of them as I would have to starve for a year to even afford one and then I wouldn't even have the energy to get on it and...

Good luck!

Nadja

 

[Beavs]

I'd also check to see what Consumer Reports has to say about various brands.

 

[geojill]

My biggest piece of advice would be to actually try several out...they all have different 'footprints' and so they all feel differently (some may have an awkward stride).

 

[Miss Lee]

Vilma, I have a Precor EFX 5.23 and I LOVE it! I bought mine 2 years ago and I've never had a problem with it. It's very smooth and quiet. I believe they've come out with a newer model since then, but at the time I bought mine it was the closest to a gym model that you could get for the home. In fact, they referred to it as "commercial grade for home use".

I found this website to be very helpful in making my decision:
http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/best-buy-elliptical.htm

Go to some better fitness stores in your area where they sell a variety of high end machines. That's what I did and they were very good about letting me horse around for as long as I wanted trying out the different machines. I found the sales clerk to be very helpful as well. He was a CPT, and because he sold every major upscale brand, I didn't feel like he was trying to steer me in any particular direction for profit. In fact I was looking at an arc trainer that cost about $2000 more than my elliptical and he thought the elliptical was the better choice.

I'd be happy to answer any questions about the Precor if I can. Again, I love it and I've never regretted my purchase.

 

[Traildoggie]

We have Precor too. I think we looked pretty closely at a Lifefitness model also. we wanted a model where the "arms" move and that has a fixed ramp. both my husband and I use it most days so we expected to spend around $3000. we've had it for 5 years, it needed one service call. I would look at high quality machines and then look at less expensive ones to get a better idea of what the differences are, and what you can live with. go with a plan to spend 10 minutes or so on a machine, so wear exercise clothes.

You need to get on and see what a unit feels like and if the transitions to different resistance is smooth. fancy software doesn't really mean much in the long run, IMO. In exercise equipment (more than a lot of areas) you usually get what you pay for. If it falls apart in 9 months you've wasted your money and need to start over again. and a lot of companies get away with it because so many people buy equipment and then don't use it. there are web sites that review treadmills. I haven't come across one that compares ellipticals but it would be worth looking for.

 

[ShyWolf]

Thanks for all your replies. Guess I have tons of reading to do.

This will be my husband's cardio machine; although I do plan on trying it out too.

He has a longer stride than I do , 5'9" compared to my 5'2" His weight is 60-70 lbs more than mine.

So I'm guessing he'll need to try them out; he was wanting me to research and find the best for him, then purchase so when he is home he can use it.

Basically he was not going to bother going to any stores to test drive since he is a day sleeper and works 6 days/week, he rather veg and sleep than waste his only off day shopping :/ Which I guess is not a good idea then. Since this machine will be his he is okay with spending a bit more so long as he can use it comfortably.

He never liked my TM because he says its too short for him and he much preferred the ones at the gym; although at the time we got it nearly 8 yrs ago he test drove it and said he could work w/ it.


I'm just happy he is ready to get back to fitness again, so I want this machine here asap.

 

[Miss Lee]

Vilma, Traildoggie made a good point -- if you decide to go with a Precor, you'll have to choose between the upper body handlebars and the adjustable ramp -- they don't (or at least they didn't) make a machine with both options.

I went for the adjustable ramp because it allows you to target different lower body muscle groups. At the low end you're simulating running, and at the higher end you're climbing and placing the more of the emphasis on your glutes. I feel like I burn more calories with this model because I'm working bigger muscles, and the handlebars are really controlled by the foot pedals anyway.

Some Precor's have a slightly longer stride than others, so if you're interested in this brand, just go to their website and compare the different models. I don't think you can go wrong with a Precor, after all, they invented the technology. ;-)

 

[meowracer]

The guy who has serviced my Arc Trainer told me that the Octane's were the best for the money. He works on all sorts and that is the one he recommends. Not sure if it has an incline, which I would want if I were getting one. I think it was the Octane 35 he was talking about, but not sure. I love my Arc Trainer, BTW, aside from some initial problems I had with the handling this batch got in shipment so it isn't something that is common and they were amazing about getting it fixed. It is Cybex brand, and I have the home version. Just makes an arc rather than an ellipse, and never bothers my knees or back, which the ellipticals at they gym did.

 

[NinjaMom]

RE: Ok so tell me what I need to look for in an Ellipti...

>The guy who has serviced my Arc Trainer told me that the
>Octane's were the best for the money. He works on all sorts
>and that is the one he recommends.


I totally agree!! I have the Octane Q45e and love it. I tried out many different models and chose this one because it felt the most natural and comfortable. I found many models had too much separation between the foot pads for a shortie like me (5' 3/4") and the Octane had just the right fit for my bio-mechanics. Mine has the swinging arm handles and does not ramp up but has 20 levels of resistance along with a multitude of pre-programmed workouts.

I agree with the others about trying out different models to see which one fits your specific needs. Even though the motion is similar on all machines, the feel can be very different.

JJ

 

[Miss Lee]

RE: Ok so tell me what I need to look for in an Ellipti...

I have to say, I was sorely tempted by the Cybex Arc Trainer. That is a nice machine! I actually wanted to try an Octane elliptical but at the time I was looking, no one around here carried them and I didn't want to buy one without trying it out first.

ETA that in 2 years of regular use, my elliptical has never needed servicing.

 

[ShyWolf]

RE: Ok so tell me what I need to look for in an Ellipti...

Oh I just goggled the Arc Trainer and N-I-C-E!!!!! Me likey a lot

Me thinks I need to shlep dh to a few sporting goods stores and see if they have them.

As DH was getting ready to go off to work I had mentioned how we will need to go together and have him test drive a few machines, so its just a matter of finding a machine that he can work with.

Thanks all for the replies once again I really appreciate them.

Now this mama bear needs to head off to bed and sleep