Elliptical Trainers - Safety And Comfort Features To Consider When Buying
Before you purchase an elliptical machine, there are some key points to consider that can help you make a wise choice.
Also, when shopping for an elliptical, be sure to try the machine out first.
They can usually be found in sporting goods stores, health clubs and hotel workout rooms.
Below are some of the basic things to look for specifically in regard to safety and comfort levels.
Stability Always check for the weight capacity of the user.
Make sure it can support the weight of any family member.
If you are overweight, or use it in a strenuous manner, you may find the machine will rock back and forth and "walk".
A compact elliptical can also behave the same way.
The short base and small footprint is going to make the machine less stable.
Stride Length On the elliptical you will be standing upright in the foot pedals and walking, or striding, which dictates your stride length.
Basically the taller the person, the longer stride length they will need.
Machines on the low end usually have a shorter stride length which increases with the price and quality of the equipment.
Stride lengths go from approximately 7 inches up to 21.
Shorter stride lengths tend to be choppy and uncomfortable.
Some ellipticals have an adjustable stride length, such as ProForm's StrideSelect 825 and 900 SpaceSaver or the LifeFitness x5i.
This is a good feature to look for if there is going to be more than one user.
The average recommended stride length is between 18 and 21 inches.
Pedal Comfort Since your whole elliptical workout centers on your feet being in the pedals, it only makes sense that they should be comfortable, non-slip and not too wide apart or too close together.
Handlebars and Handrail Comfort Handlebars and handrails should be ergonomically placed to maintain good posture and not get in the way.
Noise Level You will be looking for a machine that operates quietly and will allow you to watch TV, listen to music...
and not disturb family members with your early morning workout.
Unfortunately, the lower priced models tend to be on the noisy side.
Console Can you read the console easily? It should be easy to read and not detract from your workout by making you break your stride to read it.
Resistance Levels Changing the resistance level is key to increasing caloric burn and takes your workout to another level.
The resistance changes should be easy and fluid.
For example, some machines have one-touch adjustments.
The smoother your machine handles resistance adjustments, the better.
Also, when shopping for an elliptical, be sure to try the machine out first.
They can usually be found in sporting goods stores, health clubs and hotel workout rooms.
Below are some of the basic things to look for specifically in regard to safety and comfort levels.
Stability Always check for the weight capacity of the user.
Make sure it can support the weight of any family member.
If you are overweight, or use it in a strenuous manner, you may find the machine will rock back and forth and "walk".
A compact elliptical can also behave the same way.
The short base and small footprint is going to make the machine less stable.
Stride Length On the elliptical you will be standing upright in the foot pedals and walking, or striding, which dictates your stride length.
Basically the taller the person, the longer stride length they will need.
Machines on the low end usually have a shorter stride length which increases with the price and quality of the equipment.
Stride lengths go from approximately 7 inches up to 21.
Shorter stride lengths tend to be choppy and uncomfortable.
Some ellipticals have an adjustable stride length, such as ProForm's StrideSelect 825 and 900 SpaceSaver or the LifeFitness x5i.
This is a good feature to look for if there is going to be more than one user.
The average recommended stride length is between 18 and 21 inches.
Pedal Comfort Since your whole elliptical workout centers on your feet being in the pedals, it only makes sense that they should be comfortable, non-slip and not too wide apart or too close together.
Handlebars and Handrail Comfort Handlebars and handrails should be ergonomically placed to maintain good posture and not get in the way.
Noise Level You will be looking for a machine that operates quietly and will allow you to watch TV, listen to music...
and not disturb family members with your early morning workout.
Unfortunately, the lower priced models tend to be on the noisy side.
Console Can you read the console easily? It should be easy to read and not detract from your workout by making you break your stride to read it.
Resistance Levels Changing the resistance level is key to increasing caloric burn and takes your workout to another level.
The resistance changes should be easy and fluid.
For example, some machines have one-touch adjustments.
The smoother your machine handles resistance adjustments, the better.
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