Elliptical Machine

Weight loss simplified with an elliptical machine

I don’t know about you, but I hate going to the gym. I know I’ve put on weight. It’s not much but I feel really fat. But I still hate the idea of going to the gym because I absolutely hate the idea of jiggling my wobbly bits in front of complete strangers just so that I can lose weight. For this reason, I decided to invest in an elliptical machine and it definitely worked for me. Elliptical machines are also known as elliptical trainers or cross trainers. If you are heavy and want to lose weight, I would definitely recommend an elliptical machine to help you work out in the privacy of your home. When I was shopping for the machine, I did a lot of research and I would love to share it with you. It could help you choose the best elliptical machine for your particular needs.

Why are elliptical machines good for losing weight?

Initially, I had decided to invest in a stationary bicycle which would work out my hips and buttocks and help me lose weight. However, research on different exercise machines showed that elliptical machines are much better than any other exercise machine for weight loss. Most doctors also recommend elliptical machines for patients who have back and joint problems and are overweight. The workout provided by the machine is almost equal to a sustained walk and it does not strain or stress parts of the body.

• The machine has been specifically built to follow an oblong pattern when the foot pedals are moved. As a result, the machine combines an exercise pattern that is partly a stair climbing motion, a treadmill motion, a ski machine motion, and an exercise cycle motion.

• Each machine has resistance levels that you can increase as you get accustomed to the foot motion and the exercise level.

• Good models have reverse resistance pedals by which you can work out different muscle groups on your legs and calves.

• Along with lower body workouts, most elliptical machines also have tilted handlebars which work out your upper body as well. You can combine an upper body workout with a lower body workout to lose the most weight.

• Automatic machines may also have pre-calibrated workouts that you can choose from which will automatically start with simple workouts and then increase the rate, resistance and speed of the workout.

• Another advantage with these machines is that they place your feet flat on the pedals. There is no need to bend forward and strain your hips and shoulders to get a good workout.

A step-by-step guide to choosing elliptical machines

Now that you know the advantages of buying an elliptical machine, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of buying one. There are so many different models in the market that it can be difficult to make an informed decision. Evaluate the machine through all these steps before making a final purchase.

Step no 1 – Try the machine out

All elliptical machines look the same but they should feel comfortable. Try the machine out at the dealers for atleast 10 minutes. Wear gym clothes and shoes to get the complete feel of the machine. Make sure the machine is as silent as possible when it is being used. If possible, visit a store which has atleast three to five elliptical machines on display. You can try the machines at Walmart or Target but these will usually be the cheapest brands on the market. For slightly more expensive brands, try a sporting goods store or a fitness store which will have high-end professional as well as gym models for sale. Note down the names and brands of the models that are on display and write down the important points of each for evaluation.

Step no 2 – Check Features

Although most elliptical machines are the same, they do have different features which you have to evaluate before purchase. For example,

• User weight – The weight of the user is very important which choosing a cross trainer. Small machines start vibrating when the body weight of the user goes over 200 pounds. A few brands do not even accommodate people over 250 pounds in weight. For people over 350 pounds, you will have to choose gym-level cross trainers which will be able to take up the weight of the user.

• Type – There are two main types of cross trainers: rear-drive and front-drive. Rear drive units create a very typical elliptical motion and they also have an adjustable inclined ramp for walking. Front drive machines on the other hand will have special articulating pedals but they do not have inclined ramps. You can choose any variety but consumers seem to prefer front drive models which are cheaper.

• Stride – Stride refers to your height and the distance between your front and back feet when you extend them on the cross trainer. When you walk, the distance is usually 1-2 feet. Try to choose machines that offer atleast 16 inch stride lengths to be the most comfortable for walking, or running.

• Other accessories –

o Try to choose models with footpads that are located 6 inches apart to reduce the stress on your ankles, knees and joints when walking and running.

o Stride shapes for the machine will vary considerably too. Choose a machine that has an oval shaped stride shape. This produces a much more natural walking pattern with a natural rhythm and it also accelerates weight loss.

o Dimensions – If you have a separate gym room, dimensions of the machine, don’t really matter. However, in a small apartment, you will need a machine that can fit into your bedroom. Measure the machine you have selected vertically and horizontally to ensure that it will fit into your apartment.

Step no 3 – Budget and Price

Prices will vary considerably. Simple imported brands will cost about $99-$100 or more. Models that range from $500 and $1000 will have more features like ergonomic designs, adjustable seats, inclined ramps etc. Models that cost from $1000-$2000 will have cardiac monitors, LCD monitors, adjustable resistance, heart rate control monitors, bottle holders, electronic connections etc. Models that cost above $2000 will have an inbuilt programmable computer with workout routines that can be individually calibrated for your body height and weight.

Step no 4 – Installation, Warranty and Service

You might have to install the machine yourself if you order your machine online. However, cross trainers can be expensive and shipping your machine to you may cost you about $200-$300 extra. If you buy your machine at a store, company representatives will usually install the machine for free. They will also include free warranties and service checkups for their machine.

This might seem like an exhaustive list, but I’ve just scratched the surface. If you buy a machine that suits you, you will be more than happy to work out on it everyday. Choose a reasonable model which you will want to use and watch those pounds disappear as you work out.