Tips on Buying a Fitness Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical trainers are a very popular type of fitness exercise machine that are gaining in popularity for a number of reasons. They combine both low impact aerobic exercise, which is kind to joints, with variable resistance training which is good for toning up the muscles and increasing bone density. Popularity increased after elliptical machines were introduced with movable arms by Reebok in the late 1990's which allow you to workout both the lower body and the upper body, a distinct advantage over other types of fitness machines such as treadmills.
These machines do not take up too much space and are smaller than treadmills. They are also low maintenance which helps to keep costs down. They are called cross trainers because they combine both aerobic and resistance training. The resistance is adjustable for improved muscle tone in arms and legs.
Types of Fitness Elliptical Trainers
There are are two types of elliptical fitness trainers, front or rear driven. The movement of a rear drive machine makes the motion feel like stepping. For a front drive machine the motion is more like a treadmill. A wider range of muscles can be toned using both the forward and backward motions of these machines. Some of the more expensive elliptical machines have motorised inclines which can be useful for increasing the training level. Foot plates that pivot in a natural motion are a feature of some models.
Some Health Benefits of Using Elliptical Trainers
As elliptical trainers provide low impact exercise they do not put any extra strain on the joints, back or knees. This makes them more appropriate for people with back, knee or joint issues than other types of fitness machines. At higher intensity levels they can help to lower body fat. Even at low to moderate intensity levels the aerobic workout is good for the relief of stress, lowering blood pressure and and many other health benefits.
Features of Elliptical Machines
When you're buying an elliptical trainer find out the weight of the flywheel. A heavier fly wheel provides a less jerky, smoother motion. Cheap models with light flywheels can feel jerky and 'sticky'. A result of this is that you may put more pressure on to overcome this. This introduces strain to the knees so they can be less comfortable to use. A machine with more resistance levels is more adaptable and easier to change from vigorous aerobic exercises to high resistance, more weight bearing exercises.
All models of elliptical trainers, except perhaps the very cheapest, have work out programs built in. Motivation can be affected if you are bored by using the same program so consider buying one, for a bit more money, that has more programs. You can set some machines to adjust both the incline and the speed in order to keep your heart rate in a pre-arranged zone. A variety of other programs are often included such as weight loss and interval training.
Conclusion
If you are buying an elliptical fitness machine do not go for just the cheapest you can find as it may not be well constructed or give you a good workout. Find out what features you would like, such as a variety of programs and more resistance levels, and look for a machine within your budget that provides these. If possible try out a similar machine at a local gym so see if it feels comfortable to you and you like the motion as the feel of different makes of elliptical machines can vary considerably.
About the Author
For more information and some good deals on home exercise machines visit Fitness Exercise Machines or see Fitness Elliptical Trainers