How to Purchase An Elliptical Trainer
by: Douglas Brooks, MS, Exercise Physilogist

Looking for a way to put the pizzaz back into your workout? Try an elliptical trainer!

Elliptical trainers have become the "must have" piece of equipment in most gyms. And, it's no wonder. Elliptical trainers are fun, effective, simple to use and easy on the body. Trainers designed for the home promise a great workout and affordable price--about $3,000 for the club versus $500.00 to $700.00 or less, for the home.

What Are Elliptical Trainers?
The best description I've heard depicts this up and coming piece of equipment as a cross between an exercise bike and a ski machine, with a little bit of stepper thrown in. Simply, your feet loop forward or back, in an elliptical or egg-shaped pattern that's easy on the feet, ankles, knees, hips and low back, and the motion feels natural. Hands can grasp handles that move back and forth in conjunction with the feet, depending on the model.

Features That Matter On The Elliptical Trainer

Non-slip pedals. Security and safety are important concerns, as well as performance. To insure a solid stance so that your feet don't move or slip when trying to maintain a consistent pace, look for pedals that have a textured surface and high, curved ridges at the front. This keeps the feet from moving around or sliding off the pedals.

Comfortable handlebars. An effective design places the pivot far from the grip and allows for a comfortable range of motion. Believe me, you'll know when it doesn't feel right, even if you don't know why!

Stability and a solid base. If you're exercising on an elliptical trainer and it's shaking, rocking and swaying side-to-side, you'll know your riding a mechanical bucking horse, and not a high quality trainer.

Easy-to-adjust resistance. Not only should the resistance adjuster be easy to get at and quick to change, but numbers or clicks should be used to help you differentiate between the different levels of resistance so that you can replicate the same resistance at another time.
Electronics. Look for a set-up that displays speed, distance, workout time and estimated calorie expenditure.

Fit. Elliptical motions can vary from machine to machine. Some of the looping or egg-shaped patterns can be more flat when compared to others. One pattern is not inherently better or worse than another, but it's not a bad idea to try several and find the one that feels best to your body. If you're ordering online or buying from an infomercial and don't have the chance to take the machine for a "test drive," make sure you find out what the return policy is. Shop around and you'll find that elliptical trainers which are designed for home use are not only a great value, but are generally self-powered (i.e., low maintenance and it won't throw you off the machine!), space efficient and foldable for easy storage. These trainers usually offer upper body movement and resistance, and most provide feedback about your workout via an electronic console. Elliptical trainers have certainly found a well-deserved space in both commercial and home gyms, and continue to grow in popularity.
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