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Eliptical Trainer

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Decisions can be tough. Especially when it comes to investing in an eliptical trainer. With so many different brands and models to choose from, it makes it even more difficult knowing which elliptical trainer will be the best one for you.

To help you do that, in this article I will look at the 3 most popular brands of elliptical trainers and compare their strengths and weaknesses. If you are new to eliptical cross trainers, and just need more info on them, click the link to read all about an eliptical machine.

But if you already know how great an eliptical machine is, here is a look at which one to choose:

A Look At The Best Eliptical Trainer Manufacturers - Strong Points And Weaknesses

We will compare elliptical machine manufacturers by looking at their strengths and their weaknesses. Ready to start?

Horizon elliptical cross trainers

The Horizon fitness eliptical trainer - strengths and weaknesses:

Strenghts:

  • Natural movement - The heavy duty flywheel used in Horizon's machines ensure that the movement feels more comfortable and natural.
  • Less expensive - The Horizon range is targeted to the budget and moderate price class. So it won't leave a hole in your pocket.
  • Multiple muscle groups worked - The power incline feature most of Horizon's eliptical machines have work different muscles of the lower body.

Weaknesses

  • Sturdiness - Some of the reviews I've read say that the machine are not that stable. But it all depends on personal taste and it also differs between the models.
  • Quality and price - As there is usually a direct correlation between price and quality, you may wonder if their price range will affect the quality.
  • Front-drive design - The Horizon elipticals are built with a front drive design. Whether this is a weakness will depend on personal taste.

The LifeFitness eliptical trainer range

Let's look at the Life Fitness eliptical cross trainer's strong and weak points:

Life Fitness elliptical trainer's strong points:

  • The workout console - To adapt to your fitness needs, there are 2 different consoles available with the Life Fitness eliptical machines - a beginner and advanced one. The advanced one has much more functions that the beginner console, while the beginner console only has what a beginner will need.
  • Its feet pedals - The feet pedals of Life Fitness' machines are optimally spaced to make the motion more comfortable, quieter and to minimize the stress on your back.
  • Adjustable stride length - Some models have a leg sculptor mode where the stride length is adjustable to focus on the lower body muscles and to tone them more effectively.

Life Fitness elliptical trainer's weaknesses

  • Lack of a reading rack - Their machines don't have reading racks. So if you need a reading rack, opt for another brand.
  • Bigger than other ellipticals - Life Fitness elliptical machines are larger than regular machines. So make sure that you have enough space available.

Schwinn elliptical cross trainer range

Let's look at what the Schwinn range of elliptical trainers have in store:

Schwinn elliptical strengths:

  • Size - The Schwinn range are smaller than the other elliptical trainers. So if you have a space issue, this might just be the solution for you.
  • Variable stride length - To adjust the stride length to your height and fitness needs, some models allow for adjustment in the stride length.
  • Functional and compact - Most of the Schwinn models includes a water bottle holder and a BMI calculator to monitor your progress. They can also be transported with the help of transport wheels.

Schwinn elliptical weaknesses

  • Display difficulties -Some of the reviews that I've read have said that some model's displays are difficult to read - but again it may differ from person to person.
  • Assembling difficulties- Another thing I've seen in review is that the elliptical machine may be difficult to set up.

Other Cross Eliptical Trainers To Have A Look At:

The Infiniti eliptical trainer

The Infinity eliptical trainer is a basic elliptical machine with a stable frame, that is programmable and operates smoothly. Here is an extract of an user review:

  • "The Infiniti ST850 is everything I expected... extremely simple to use and program and runs quietly" - User review from Amazon.com

The Octane eliptical trainer

The octane eliptical trainer is one of the only elipticals that incorporates "Smart Stride" technology. This technology monitors the direction and pace and changes the stride length automatically to work different parts of the lower body and to also make sure that the most effective stride length are used.

The mini eliptical trainer

If you are looking for a smaller eliptical machine, then the mini eliptical may just be the one for you. It has a handle with heart rate monitor and adjustable tension levels. It also includes an electronic monitor which tracks your strides, distance, calories burnt and lapsed time.

Conclusion

An elliptical machine is a great exercise machine to workout on as it exercises your whole body while providing a low impact workout. And as it exercises your upper and lower body at the same time, you will save time and increase the effectiveness of the workout.

Just remember that when you do make the investment in an elliptical trainer, to make sure that you use it regularly and to also follow a healthy eating plan for best results.
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