Elliptical Cross Trainers

Elliptical cross trainers are my favorite exercise equipment, they offer one of the best workouts and funny enough, they don't leave me half as exhausted as a treadmill. If you are new to elliptical machines or you want to find out more about it, or you want to read about the best types of ellipticals that are available, this article is for you.

In this article I will look at what an elliptical fitness cross trainer is, its benefits and disadvantages. I will also compare elliptical cross trainers by their strenghts and weaknesses. Let's start by first looking at what exactly this machine is.

What Is An Elliptical Fitness Cross Trainer?

Ellipticals cross trainers where introduced only a decade ago and still continue to grow in popularity. What makes it so popular is that it stimulates the movements of walking, stepping, cycling and skiing all combined into a low-impact and full body workout (working both your upper and lower body).

What Is The Difference Between Cross Trainers & Elliptical Trainers?

There is no difference between cross trainers and elliptical trainers - it is one in the same thing. It is called elliptical because of the oval footpath that the machine follows. And the cross trainer name probably comes from the fact that it cross trains your body - in other words it exercises your upper body as well as your lower body at the same time.

How Does One Use A Cross Trainer Elliptical Machine?

You stand in and upright position, holding the handrails of the machine. Your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise, moving in a circular and smooth way. You can adjust the intensity and the incline settings to suit your fitness levels. The range of movement can be forward or backwards to exercise different muscle groups. Your calories burnt, distance, speed, time, and heart rate can be viewed on the onscreen monitor.

Elliptical Cross Trainers - Benefits And Disadvantages

To determine if buying a cross trainer/elliptical machine would be the right choice for you, have a look at the following advantages and disadvantages:

Elliptical cross trainers benefits

• Suitable for all ages and fitness levels - Any one can exercise on it
• Dual workout capabilities - Works your upper and lower body at the same time
• Low impact - This means there will be minimum impact on your knees, hips and back
• Convenience - Can exercise right in the comfort of your own home
• Wise investment - Investing in an exercise machine will be a wise choice as it will last for a long time.
• Adjustable to your fitness levels - The resistance and incline can be adjusted to match your fitness level.

Disadvantages of using elliptical cross trainers

• Need storage space - You will need a room where you can keep the exercise machine.
• Installation - Installation and setup of machine can take time and may require 2 people to do so
• Lack of use - Some fitness equipment may become storage space or covered in dust because of a lack of use and lack of motivation to exercise.
• Family members fighting over use - Everyone will want to get a piece of this machine
• Difficulty storing multiple users profiles - The maximum amount of profiles that can be stored is usually about 2 in most machines.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Buying Cheap Elliptical Cross Trainers?

There is a big difference between affordable and cheap. You get a lot of affordable elliptical cross trainers that are nothing but cheap. The problem with cheap elliptical cross trainers is that you may substitute quality for price. If you end up buying a cheap one, there is a risk that it won't be that durable than the more expensive elliptical and that you will have to buy another one in the near future.

If you decide to invest in an elliptical machine, go for the best quality and functionality that your purse allows. That will ensure that you get plenty of useful years and exercise enjoyment out of your elliptical fitness cross trainer.

Tips For Buying Commercial Elliptical Cross Trainers

If you are thinking of buying an elliptical for use in your home, make sure that you remember the following pointers:

Examine your budget

Elliptical cross trainers are a big investment, I know. But considered that the average elliptical can last anything from 5 to 10 years (with regular maintenance), the initial investment can be divided by up to 10 times and that is what you will be paying per year.

The best thing to do however is to check your budget first and then to see if there is a machine that fits your fitness requirements as well as your budget.

Storage space

Make sure that you have enough space to store your machine and that the space will be user-friendly (encourages you to exercise). Measure that space and keep it in mind when buying your elliptical.

Determine if you have particular needs

Lots of elliptical cross trainers have adjustable stride lengths to allow for different length people and the resistance levels and programs also differ. So read up about elliptical and determine if you have special needs

Elliptical Cross Trainers Comparison - 3 Of The Most Popular Brands Compared

I will now compare elliptical cross trainers and also look at the company's background and what makes it different from the other elliptical manufacturers. I will look at Horizon, Schwinn and Lifefitness elliptical cross trainers, together with an extract of the elliptical cross trainers review.

Horizon elliptical cross trainers

Company background:

Horizon Fitness has a commitment to supplying fitness equipment that is superior in terms of design, engineering and manufacturing. Every stage of its manufacturing goes through a testing process to ensure that only quality is provided.

If you are on a budget, Horizon's elliptical will help with that as their prices are in the budget and moderate price range, while still providing quality.

Strong points of their elliptical cross trainers:

• Affordable - budget and moderate price class
• Heavy duty flywheel - Makes the movement feel more natural
• Narrowed pedal distance - A narrower distance makes for a more comfortable and natural motion
• Less Stress - As the movement is more comfortable and natural, there are less stress on your joints,
• Power Incline - Works different lower body muscles

Weaknesses of their elliptical cross trainers

• Built with a front-drive design - This may only be a weakness to some people, especially those that are used to a rear drive
• Budget and moderate price range - It leave the question whether it really does affect quality or not?
• Sturdy and stableness - Some people may say that the machine is not sturdy enough, but it all depends on personal taste.

Horizon Elliptical cross trainers reviews - what do others say?

• "what really pushed me over was the warranty on the Horizon 1 year vs the 90 day Schwinn warranty." - From Amazon.com
• "I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for an elliptical..." - from Amazon.com
• "This one was easy to put together - I did it by myself in a couple of hours." - Amazon.com
• "Beautifully designed and constructed Horizon EX-67 Elliptical Trainer " - Amazon.com

Where can I buy a Horizon elliptical trainer?

The Horizon Fitness EX-67 Elliptical Trainer is one of Horizon's best ellipticals. What makes it so great is the fact that it offers 13 goal orientated programs and the LCD screen that offers valuable feedback.

LifeFitness elliptical cross trainers

Company background:

Life Fitness was started by two entrepreneurs Ray Wilson and Augie Nieto, who bought the rights of the legendary Lifecycle exercise bike. Today Life Fitness is one of the most popular brands in most health clubs.

Elliptical machines strong points:

• 2 Different consoles - You can choose from a beginner or advanced console to adjust to your fitness needs
• Quiet, smooth machine - One of the most quiet elliptical cross trainers there is.
• Leg sculptor mode - (available in some models) adjusts the stride length automatically to work all the different muscles of your lower body.
• Optimally spaced pedals - to minimize the lateral hip shifting that could put stress on your lower back

Elliptical Weaknesses

• May hold a limited warranty - The warranty may only be valid in some countries, depending where you buy.
• Size - Life fitness elliptical cross trainers are bigger than most ellipticals
• No reading rack - There seem to be no reading rack included on the machine

Life Fitness Elliptical cross trainers reviews - what do others say?

• "The Club model was a perfect fit for me so I bought it and I'm very happy with it."
• "It's super smooth, very quiet, easy on your joints and has a full range of options from manual to a variety of preprogrammed modes. "

Where can I buy a Life Fitness elliptical trainer?

The Life Fitness the X5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer. If more than one person is going to use the elliptical machine or you are a bit taller than average, this machine will be perfect for you, as the stride length is adjustable to 4 different stride lengths.

Schwinn elliptical cross trainer

Company background:

Schwinn is an American manufacturer of fitness equipment including recreation products, bicycles and home and commercial fitness equipment.

Schwinn Elliptical strong points:

• Smaller than other ellipticals - The design of the elliptical seems smaller than others
• Some models includes variable stride length - to adjust to your length and needs
• Solid build - Most people say that it is a sturdy machine
• BMI calculator - Some models include this tool
• Compact and functional - includes water bottle holder and transport wheels

Schwinn Elliptical weaknesses

• Difficulty reading display - Some people have complained that the display is difficult to read
• Assemble- Some models need 2 people to assemble.
• Difficulty - Some people have said that the easiest setting is a bit difficult for them

Schwinn Elliptical cross trainers reviews - what do others say?

• "Due to the price, I would buy the Schwinn 430 again in a heartbeat"
• "I am very happy with this elliptical and consider it to be just as effective as the $4000 elliptical"

Where can I buy a Schwinn elliptical cross trainer?

With the Schwinn 431 Elliptical, you can perform 19 different workouts and 16 different resistance levels. You can also track your progress with a results mode, and it includes a BMI calculator.

Conclusion

An elliptical fitness cross trainer is an excellent investment, as it can bring years of exercise pleasure. But as it is such a big investment, I would recommend that you do proper research before you buy - read up as much as you can about the specific brand/model. And when you have decided to buy and elliptical cross trainer, make sure to use it regularly and not to let it become covered by dust.

Make and appointment with yourself and follow through on that appointment. If you do so, you will truly get value for your money and it will start to show in the mirror.