Many people get confused when selecting the best type of elliptical machine because they are narrowing their options too much. What is the best? Which is which? What does what? People get hung up on these questions and it makes the buying process pretty tough.
To find the best elliptical machine site for you and your family, here are some buying tips;
There are three primary types of machine you will find on the market today;
The Rear Drive Elliptical – In the early 1990s, these elliptical cross trainers were introduced. They have a unique drive mechanism or flywheel at the rear of the machine and this design is to give a flatter elliptical motion like jogging as opposed to peddling a bicycle.
The Front Drive Elliptical came after the Rear Drive Elliptical. Its name simply indicates that most of the parts are located in the front of the machine. This machine design allows you to perform an incline elliptical motion which provides more resistance to your legs and delivers a better overall workout.
The Center Drive Elliptical is a sophisticated design being introduced into the home market. It has 2 similar flywheels on the sides of the machines foot pedals. With this machine you can stand more upright without leaning on the handrails additionally this machine is more compact as compared to front or rear drive units.
Now, there are actually more important factors to evaluate when choosing the best elliptical machine. These 5 factors will give you a smoother and more comfortable elliptical workout:
1. Stride – during the elliptical motion, this is the furthest distance between the pedals in inches, the more stride the more you burn calories.
2. Flywheel – it is a heavy part inside the machine that delivers the feeling of smoother ride. In the home market, flywheels vary from 14 up to 48 pounds and the heavier the fly wheel the smoother the ride.
3. Alignment/Footpad – in the high end ellipticals, you will find the best ergonomics. These have a properly established arm to foot ratio and aligned foot pedals which makes the overall workout feel more natural.
4. Incline – All by itself this will not give you a smoother ride, however it does vary the angular motion of the elliptical and can make your workouts more fun.
5. The Fun Stuff – these are the pre-loaded workouts the machine comes with, they only work if you follow them, but are great to have to help you vary the workout.
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