Question on elliptical trainers

P

pamelajo

Member
Hi all! I am relatively new to the forums, I read a lot of the forums, but haven't posted much. I have learned so much from the wonderful people that post on the Cathe forums that I could not think of anyone better to ask about elliptical training machines. I recently went to my daughters college graduation in Ashland, Wi and at the hotel there was an elliptical trainer. I loved it. A tough short workout. Now, of course I have to have one, but would like some input on what to look for or what some of the better machines are. I will still do my Cathe workouts, of course, but the elliptical is a nice change of pace. Any information will be appreciated!

Pam
 
My best advice is to go and try them out in the store. They all have different stride lengths and you will need to find out which one feels comfortable for you.

I purchased a light commercial grade by Matrix because my husband uses ours and he is a big guy. I needed something sturdy that would hold up to daily use.
I love mine!
 
Thank you for the info! I hadn't even thought about the different stride lengths. My husband is a big guy too and will need a different stride. Where did you purchase your machine?

Pam
 
I don't remember what the brand was, but I got the one that they were showing on infomercials ~8 years back for about $250. It broke down in a matter of months and couldn't be repaired. My only suggestion would be try not to be too thrifty. If it's cheap, there's probably a reason.
 
>I don't remember what the brand was, but I got the one that
>they were showing on infomercials ~8 years back for about
>$250. It broke down in a matter of months and couldn't be
>repaired. My only suggestion would be try not to be too
>thrifty. If it's cheap, there's probably a reason.

I learned the same lesson. What's really bad about having a broke down piece of equipment is having to pay someone to haul it away.
 
I agree that it makes sense to go with a higher end model. There are several excellent brands but personally I think you can't go wrong with Precor. We have one, and it wasn't cheap, but it's amazing and between me and DH it gets used just about every day.
 
I agree with trying out as many different models as you can. They can all feel different and vary in what they offer. I purchased an Octane because the foot pads are closer together and felt more natural with my stride than other machines. You can adjust the stride length and the resistance level goes up to 20. It does not incline so I just set the resistance higher to mimic a climb. It has many pre-programmed workouts (intervals, random 5K, 10K etc) and it came with a heart rate monitor. I love it.

Here is the link to their website.

http://www.octanefitness.com/

Happy shopping:)

JJ
 
If ever my Matrix wears out(doesn't look like it will anytime soon), I want an Octane!
I discovered them 2 years ago when I was shopping for a squat cage.
They are nice!
 
I tried out an Octane once in a store and found it to be very comfortable and smooth. We went with Precor mainly because we needed something super heavy duty since DH is also heavy duty in the weight dept. ;-) The user weight limit was higher on our Precor model than any Octane models. But if this isn't an issue for you than I think Octane is a wonderful machine!
 
I have an Octane also. My husband and I both use it and we love it! It's been 4yrs since we bought it, I think it was 2,500. It was worth every penny. I would definitely buy it again.
 
Hi! I love the elliptical trainer, as well as the Arc Trainer (Ihave both at home plus a treadmill). Anyways, I have a Precor home version and I absolutely adore it. I bought it about 5 years ago. Since I am the only one who uses it, it has kept up quite nicely. The cost was around 3000$ but I think it was well worth it. The Arc Trainer was around 5000$ and that was worth it too. I do these (not so much the treadmill b/c I don't run & would prefer to walk outside) along side Cathe cardio. Recently though, I found out I have arthritis in my right hip so I have had to moderate my Cathe--I have now included more machine work, especially intervals. To make a long sotyr short, I have a Precor and LOVE it!!



Kristen
 
I have the arc trainer (Cybex) too, but the home version and got it for 2499. I like ellipticals too, but no matter what, they hurt my knees and lower back after a while of use. I have no trouble at all with the arc.

Kristen - which arc to you have? Mine is the home version, as mentioned, but I don't remember the number. I think you posted on my previous thread - you helped inspire me to go forward with the purchase and I'm thrilled with it! I assume they are all pretty much the same, program-wise. I'm still trying to figure mine out. The manual is no help.
 
I bought the club version because I sucked my mother into it! HAH!! No, just kidding...I had used the club version at Ohio State and liked it...did not know there was a home version.. I love the Arc Trainer because it is SOOOO versitile and does not bother my hip.
 
Well, lucky you :) I think the home version is pretty new anyway. Have you figured out the programs? What confuses me is I hear it making changes but the resistance doesn't change and I can't tell if incline is or not, but it will get a bit easier, then harder, but the lights on the display do not change and I can't find a way to see what the incline is. Haven't tried hitting the incline button while it is in a program - guess I could do that.
 
I have a Horizon E52. I bought it from my sister and got lucky that it fit my stride well and seems to be a sturdy machine. I have discovered CardioCoach with the elliptical and it kicks my butt like nothing else! I have been on other ellipticals that don't fit my stride at all and makes me feel like I'm on high heels, so IA with the above posters who say try one out first to make sure you like it.

BTW, having another form of exercise to choose from is a smart thing to do. Switching things up is an awesome thing to do with your routine if you have room to store one. Congrats on your new find!
 
After 8.5 years of really really really wanting one, I just ordered a LifeFitness 9500 rear drive ellipitcal (the same kind I used at University of Minnesota fitness gym in college). It's scheduled to arrive end of this week or next week. I got a refurbished one on eBay. I"m pretty excited!!!!!!

~Melanie~


Jadon born 11/23/05
Justin born 1/17/04
Jory born 4/9/94
 
Same here, I've wanted one for years (one that won't immediately break) and haven't bought one yet. It's probably one of the better investments I could make, but I can't bring myself to since they have them at my school's gym for free. It's just so stressful when you get the one that clunks or squeaks!
 
Thanks to all of you for your input. I don't know anything about the ellipticals and I really appreciate all your input/advice! I live in rural eastern Washington and we really don't have a place to shop for excercise equipment around here, so will have to order online. I was afraid I would get one that would break down and have problems.
I will check out the models you have all suggested to me.
Thanks again for all your help!! I really appreciate it.

Pam
 
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