Impressive Design and Ergonomics
AFG elliptical trainers are built by Johnson Fitness, one of the largest fitness equipment companies in the world. I had a chance to visit their U.S. headquarters out of Madison WI, and I was impressed with not only their products but their operation.
Johnson Fitness also builds Horizon and LiveStrong fitness equipment. They were investing considerable effort in the LiveStrong brand, but things got complicated. For those not familiar with the LiveStrong name, it was a charity focused on fighting cancer and was started by Lance Armstrong, the legendary Tour de France winner/cheater. Johnson worked out a deal where they would sell treadmills, elliptical trainers and exercise bikes under the LiveStrong brand and give a portion of the profits to the LiveStrong Foundation.
It sounded like a winning proposition until the LiveStrong brand got blind sided with the Lance Armstrong doping scandal. In particular the LiveStrong fitness products took a hit. Meanwhile Johnson Fitness was promoting the AFG brand and selling through certain outlets. Apparently they have decided to drop the LiveStrong brand.
What they did is basically took many of the LiveStrong elliptical trainers and renamed them under the AFG name. There are some differences in the components and engineering, but overall they are very similar. And that is a good thing, because I was generally impressed the design and ergonomics of the LiveStrong ellipticals.
In fact, a couple of the AFG elliptical trainers received the impressive reviews from a popular consumer magazine. The AFG 3.1AE l elliptical trainer was rated a “Best Buy” and in the review they gave it an “Excellent” for construction. The higher price AFG 18.1 XT elliptical trainer received a “Recommended” rating.
When I visited the Johnson Fitness headquarters they impressed upon me the thought process that went into the AFG elliptical trainer. The company did considerable research to determine what makes people buy ellipticals, and the feel was the number one factor. They researched further and determined what it was about the feel and came up with their SIXstar Certification™. Here are some of the design features based on that research…
ZeroGap Pedal Distance – Pedals are placed with zero distance between them to eliminate stress on hips and back. Pedals that are too far apart can particularly be stressful to woman because of their physical make-up. With the LiveStrong ellipticals you won’t feel like you are riding a horse.
It is for this reason that AFG ellipticals are front drive. With a rear drive machine the pedals are further apart because of the drive mechanism that is positioned in between.
Easy Access — The pedals are placed low to the ground and are easier to step on and off. This is in comparison to rear drive ellipticals where you have to step over the center mechanism. Also, this machine is suited for individuals who need an elliptical for a basement with a low ceiling. However, you want to verify the height of your ceiling and compare that to the user height, and the height of the pedal when it is at the top of the elliptical motion.
StraightUP™Body Posture — The positioning and posturing of the AFG elliptical trainers keeps your body upright for maximum comfort. You’ll find on many elliptical trainers your body tends to lean forward.
A More Natural Foot Path — The AFG elliptical trainer stride mimics a natural running or walking motion while minimizing fatigue. It is more flat than oval.
I have few comments. First, I prefer the two dual rail design found on most of the Sole front drive ellipticals. Excluding the AFG 18.1AXT, all the AFG ellipticals have pedals that ride on a single rail. The Sole design provides a more stable elliptical motion over the long run.
Second, I would like to see AFG ellipticals have interconnectivity with the Internet so you can track your progress online and get motivation programming. A trend you will find in brands like NordicTrack.
I would avoid the lower models including the AFG 2.0AE, AFG 3.0AE and the AFG 4.0AE. Focus on the newer AFG 3.1AE, AFG 4.1AE and the AFG 18.1AXT. I particularly like the AFG 18.1AXT Elliptical – See Review.
One of the biggest challenges in searching for ellipticals is to choose the right elliptical based on your budget and exercise needs. Schwinn is a brand that is gaining hype for offering ergonomic ellipticals. There are also many alternatives to Schwinn ellipticals in the market that are equally good. Read on to know more about Schwinn ellipticals and their alternatives.
People purchasing an elliptical have to make sure their money is invested in the right product. Well, you don’t need to be an expert in cardio-physics to choose the right elliptical. We will break down the standout features of different ellipticals offered by Schwinn so you can know the deatils of the product before you invest in it.
Schwinn started its journey in 1895 as a bicycle manufacturer, and by 1965, it entered the exercise equipment market. Today, Schwinn is a pioneer in exercise supplies like treadmills, recumbent bikes, and ellipticals. It is also known to offer world-class ellipticals at an affordable price. Since Schwinn has focused more on affordability, there can be some limited attributes. However, you can always choose a new-age elliptical from any other brand. Currently, Schwinn offers three elliptical models with prices ranging from $599 to $1,099. Some of the specs on Schwinn ellipticals are:
You should be familiar with the resistance technology used in the ellipticals. They are equipped with a braking system that enforces resistance. Take any low-end cardio equipment, and you will find manual brakes. Additionally, people are now frustrated by the continuous sound made by motorized brakes in low-end exercise machines. New-age ellipticals are equipped with an electromagnetic braking system that implements resistance without any sound.
The higher the resistance of an elliptical, the more difficult it is to ride it. The resistance of an elliptical always works opposite to the direction of running or the movement of the pedals. Schwinn ellipticals offer multiple levels of resistance to satisfy everyone’s needs. It offers ellipticals with 16, 20, and 25 levels of magnetic resistance. Want to test your toughness and feel like you are going uphill? Well, you can augment the resistance of your elliptical for rigorous training without the squealing noise of the brakes.
Don’t panic if you have never heard of a perimeter-weighted flywheel. The flywheel of an elliptical is a metal disk that moves according to the pedal movement. A perimeter-weighted flywheel has more weight around the outer edge. It helps in maintaining the foot’s movement without any stress. As per the law of inertia, any object will remain in motion until an external force is implemented. Based on this law, the perimeter weighted flywheel maintains the pedal movement until resistance/brake is applied.
Why do people want to ride a bicycle rather than run on a flat track? Well, they want to reduce the stress on their joints and ankles. The perimeter weighted flywheel replicates bicycle riding and offers a smooth flow. With Schwinn ellipticals, you can focus on building stamina and fitness without placing additional strain on ankles, hips, and knees,
Want to access curated workout programs to burn fat or train abdominal muscles? Well, you can access several workout programs with Schwinn ellipticals. From fitness tests to recovery tests, they offer it all. Want to take a little break after a quick burst? You can opt for a workout program with breaks at frequent intervals. Schwinn ellipticals offer workout programs for heart rate, quick start, recovery, etc.
Have an interest in designing your workout regime according to your preferences? Well, Schwinn ellipticals also offer custom workout programs for enhanced personalization. You don’t have to pay anything extra to access these programs. The cost of any Schwinn elliptical includes the charge of built-in workout programs.
Not that anyone wishes for it, but mishaps can still occur during a workout. It is essential to monitor the heart rate at all times while exercising. Monitoring heart rate becomes even more important during a high-intensity workout. If the heart rates aren’t normal, stop exercising and meet a doctor right away.
Schwinn ellipticals come with pulse grips and a telemetry-enabled console. You will have abundant data related to the heart function right in front of you on the console. Schwinn also offers a Bluetooth heart rate strap for effective wireless monitoring during a workout. By knowing your heart rate at all times, you can have a safe workout on an elliptical.
Tired of using different types of fitness bands for getting complete fitness data? New-age ellipticals can help you know the internal state of your body organs in real-time. All Schwinn ellipticals come with an LCD screen that displays your complete workout data. You can keep your fitness journey on the right track with abundant data. With Schwinn ellipticals, you can learn about RPM, miles, resistance, course profile, pulse, calories, and other metrics. Display readouts not only modernize the elliptical but also help achieve fitness goals.
As mentioned above, Schwinn is currently offering three models of new-age ellipticals. The key specs of each Schwinn elliptical are as follows:
Schwinn 470 Elliptical 
Priced at $899, this elliptical model comes with 20 levels of resistance.
Priced at $599, this elliptical model comes with 16 levels of resistance.Schwinn ellipticals can bear a maximum user weight of up to 300 lbs. The ellipticals also come with transport wheels for enhanced portability. Using a Schwinn elliptical, you can switch between miles and km whenever needed. Overall, Schwinn ellipticals are a good buy for fitness buffs.
However, you can get an even better deal at a lower price with Horizon Fitness. Ellipticals aren’t bought only for a short duration. You need an elliptical to complete your fitness journey over a longer duration. Horizon ellipticals are the best alternatives to Schwinn ellipticals and are less expensive. Apart from the attributes of Schwinn ellipticals, Horizon ellipticals have some added features. Let us see how Horizon ellipticals offer value for money.
Starting from $499, Horizon Fitness ellipticals are a steal. From vibrant built-in stereos to a rapid-charging facility, Horizon ellipticals offer it all. They are a perfect blend of cardio-physics and technology. The brand hasn’t diminished the functionality of ellipticals to make them affordable. Even at a lower price, you will be getting all facilities of a new-age elliptical. Apart from proffering a natural stride, Horizon ellipticals are more resilient than other machines in the market.
Horizon ellipticals have several biomechanical components that are more natural than other ellipticals. Many previous users of Horizon Fitness have specifically emphasized the smooth flow of the machines. Currently, Horizon Fitness offers four models of ellipticals with prices ranging between $499 and $1,599. If needed, you can also choose a financing model with Horizon Fitness to afford an elliptical. It offers 6, 12, 18, and 24-month financing plans for elliptical users. Let us explore some standout features of Horizon ellipticals.
Are you facing issues in understanding the features of a Horizon elliptical? Well, you can get in touch with the customer support team of Horizon Fitness to clear your confusion. Most fitness brands do not have a dedicated customer support department. You may never hear again from a local fitness brand after purchasing any equipment. Horizon Fitness has deployed many staff members specifically for handling customer queries. When you have service assurance, you do not feel swindled.
Are you comfortable with a fold-up or a non-folding elliptical? Well, Horizon Fitness offers both types of ellipticals to fulfill individual needs. Want to put away your elliptical in another room after a workout? Well, you can opt for fold-up ellipticals that possess a compact design. They can be folded and easily transported from one location to another when not in use. Non-folding ellipticals also have their own benefits. In the end, you get several choices for purchasing an elliptical with Horizon Fitness.
Horizon ellipticals use Johnson exclusive technologies for their new-age ellipticals. Technologies like SixStar Frame, Passport, and ViaFit offer an enhanced workout experience. Most people that use Horizon ellipticals prefer having a Passport box. A Passport box can help you stroll through iconic locations around the globe. While working out from home, you can get a feel of the outdoors via Passport technology.
Why consult a cardio expert to decide the right workout program for yourself? With Horizon ellipticals, you will have access to curated workout programs. Whether you want to burn calories or do cardio exercise, Horizon ellipticals have workout programs for it. Apart from these programs, Horizon ellipticals also come with a custom program option. Depending on your fitness needs, you can design your workout program.
Standout specs of some elliptical models offered by Horizon are as follows:
Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical 
At $499, EX-59 Elliptical is a stealApart from the aforementioned non-folding ellipticals, Horizon fitness offers two variants of fold-up ellipticals. Horizon Evolve 3 is a compact fold-up elliptical that comes for $1,399. You can also opt for the Horizon Evolve 5 Elliptical, priced at $1,599. With electronically adjustable resistance, fold-up ellipticals offered by Horizon Fitness are a good choice. If you are on a tight budget, we suggest non-folding ellipticals offered by Horizon Fitness.
Be it Schwinn ellipticals or Horizon ellipticals, you should consider your fitness needs first. Invest in a new-age elliptical and start your fitness journey now!
Smooth Elliptical Motion
I recently checked out the line-up of Diamondback elliptical trainers at ProSource in Raleigh. In addition, I spent about an hour discussing the pros and cons of their machines with Dan Young, their sales expert.
Diamondback is best known for their exercise bikes, which are very popular and found at numerous sporting goods stores. However, their ellipticals have gotten some serious exposure after the Diamondback 1260Ef received a top rating from a popular consumer magazine.
Note: Check out our Elliptical Trainer Best Buy Reviews.
What makes Diamondback elliptical trainers unique is that they come in both front and rear drive models. The rear and front drives have different feels, with different appeals. Some like the free-floating feel of the rear drive, while others prefer the front leaning motion of the front drives.
The front drive on the Diamondback 1260Ef design is similar to an Octane, but considerably less money. Moreover, unlike a Sole elliptical, the pedal sits on a wheel located at the front of the pedal, rather than on a rear rail and has a 19″ stride.
What makes the Diamondback 1260Ef stand out is the ability to adjust the elevations, similar to adjusting the incline of a treadmill, allowing you to burn more calories in less time. There are only a couple of other high-end ellipticals that have this feature – Precor and Octane. However, both of those brands cost at least a $1,000 more than the 1260Ef.
It should be noted that the 1260Ef and 1190Er come with an optional light commercial warranty, which says a lot about their durability. See our complete review of the Diamondback 1260Ef Elliptical Trainer
Diamondback 1190Er Rear Drive EllipticalThe rear drive Diamondback ellipticals have a 21″ stride, which is longer than your average elliptical. I felt this gave it a nice smooth stride, and was comfortable for my height. This would be a good fit for anyone above average height.
The foot pedals angle with the motion, reducing the possibility of numbness from long use. Each elliptical comes with wireless heart rate control to give you a more accurate picture of the workout you’re getting.
In general, we found the Diamondback ellipticals to all have a smooth elliptical motion. The ellipticals were relatively quiet. I really liked the adjusting elevation feature of the Diamondback 1260. That is a sweet option.
Diamondback has been building ellipticals for the last 9 years. Their models are strong contenders in $1,500-$2,000 price range. Overall, Diamondback ellipticals are a solid value. You can find them at local fitness equipment specialty stores or at Amazon.com
Ellipticals are considered great fitness machines because using them is easy and they’re easier on your joints, but they also can create a great impact in your fitness.
If you have ever exercised in a hotel gym, chances are that you have used a machine from LifeFitness. This brand is the most popular one that’s featured in health clubs and hotels across the globe. This really works in the favor of you as the consumer. Why? Because of their constant everyday use by many users across the globe, these machines are continually undergoing testing and getting consumer feedback to ensure these machines and their features are top-notch.
The price of Life Fitness Ellipticals ranges from $2,199 to $8,999. This gives the customers with different budgets a wide range of choices; they can easily pick one that matches their budget. Our Life Fitness elliptical review will help you make a purchase decision.
Life Fitness is one of the leading fitness companies in the world. They are known for manufacturing some of the best fitness equipment. They are best known for their stationary bikes and treadmills; however, they have recently become quite popular for their ellipticals. They have a reputation for building the first stationary bike, which has become the most popular equipment in gyms worldwide.
The company was established in 1977 and is currently headquartered in Illinois, United States. They have been in the business for more than 40 years now, and they make all kinds of gym equipment ranging from cable machines to cardio equipment. They are dedicated to creating and providing fitness solutions that inspire the world. They believe in bringing lifestyle changes and promoting healthy living through cardio, strength, and group training.
Life Fitness Ellipticals have mastered making the best-in-class ellipticals when maintaining the highest quality standards and are known for using some of the best technology out there. They are known for providing the smoothest elliptical motion and make no sound, making them ideal for both gyms and homes. The ellipticals from Life Fitness have an excellent finish, and they are rock solid from every angle.
Life Fitness has a great team, and they invest a lot in research and development. With research, they try to enhance the efficiency of all of their products. As we are all aware, research and development play an essential role in developing any product, and it is necessary when it comes to gym equipment. Life Fitness has invested in its research and development to create world-class equipment. Without this investment, they would not have been able to get this level of excellence in their products.
Life Fitness ellipticals can be your everyday gym partner as they keep your body and everyday exercise schedule in mind. Life Fitness has always been considered one of the best options for home ellipticals. There are several special features of the Life Fitness ellipticals making them one of the best options out there.
The parts of any elliptical are the most important components of an elliptical that you buy. Most of the parts of Life Fitness Ellipticals are designed and manufactured in-house. This makes it easy to get a warranty on the final product, and in case you encounter any deformity in the product, you can easily get the parts exchanged under a good warranty plan.
Something else that makes Life Fitness Ellipticals different from other elliptical companies is their customer service. When the customer service providers take calls from the customers, they make sure that they satisfy all the customers and answer their questions. Life Fitness has invested in onboarding people who know how to handle customers and who are always ready with an answer. They have invested in quality workers that can take care of all of their customers’ needs.
Gym equipment can often be uncomfortable at times, but the Life Fitness ellipticals provide comfort to everyone who uses it. The foot paddles create a comfort zone for the user, making handlebars easy to reach and the exercise easier to perform. Life Fitness has specifically designed their ellipticals so that leg placement is comfortable for the user. There are several ellipticals out there where the position of the handle is not in sync with the foot pedals, and that may cause some discomfort to the person who is performing the exercise. However, this problem is not the case of the Life Fitness ellipticals. The designers of these products have added features such as adjustable stride lengths on the E5 Elliptical Cross-Trainer to ensure comfort for all users.
Another important aspect of buying a piece of gym equipment is its durability. Life Fitness ellipticals are a game-changer when it comes to durability. All the elliptical parts and the entire elliptical itself are pretty durable. All the Life Fitness ellipticals are low maintenance, and you do not have to spend a lot on their upkeep. The equipment works fine for years, and hence you don’t need to worry a lot about the maintenance and other related costs that come with buying an elliptical. The ellipticals are extremely comfortable to use and feel sturdy and durable. Minor problems at times might include a squeaking noise from the elliptical, in which case applying some sort of lubricant is almost always the fix. Life Fitness ellipticals do not encounter any significant breakdowns in general, taking away the fear of a piece of equipment breaking while in use, as that might appear in other brands.
Life Fitness is the leading player in the market, and it is known for making some of the best ellipticals. Our team has tested out Life Fitness ellipticals several times, and these ellipticals have fared pretty well during every testing session. Life Fitness has an industry reputation for manufacturing equipment of very high quality.
The best part about all the equipment from Life Fitness is that they are incredibly comfortable and feel sturdy and durable. They have a smooth motion, and they provide a great workout experience.
All the Life Fitness ellipticals have received excellent reviews from customers as they are pretty low maintenance, and the audience loves that about these ellipticals.
However, these machines are pretty heavy and rock-solid, making them less portable.
Also, these machines are pretty expensive, and you will have to invest a heavy amount in buying ellipticals from Life Fitness. Therefore, if you are running low on budget or looking for economical options, these ellipticals will not be ideal.
After weighing in all the opinions and the customer feedback, we can conclude that Life Fitness ellipticals are a good investment. They are ranked entirely above some of the ellipticals from some major fitness companies. A Popular Consumer Magazine gives Life Fitness an “Excellent” rating for both quality and exercise variety and a “Very Good” rating for ease of use and convenience.
They have also re-engineered some of their ellipticals which makes it an ideal option. If you are looking for some cost-effective options, this might not be the best option for you. This is a good buy if you are looking for an elliptical that can be a great in-home workout option. Though it is expensive, it is a great buy if you are looking for advanced features in an elliptical.
Bring your favorite Life Fitness equipment from health club to doorstep.
You can go with ellipticals from NordicTrack or ProForm if you are looking for economical options but comparable features. *Note: see our NordicTrack and ProForm reviews for more information.
Only One Elliptical – But It’s a Good One!
Nautilus only has one elliptical trainer but they made sure it was a really good one. The Nautilus E514 is extremely similar to the popular Schwinn 430. In fact, it has won our “Best Buy” award for budget ellipticals along with a “Best Buy” rating from a popular consumer magazine.
Not bad for a company that builds one elliptical along with some exercise bikes, treadmills, and home gym sets.
We have a dedicated and well-equipped team, and our members love their jobs! No matter how far the fitness machine manufacturers’ headquarters are, if we get to know a new company, we begin our mission to the head office to find out their production and product quality.
When we came to know about Octane Elliptical, we did not wait a minute and geared up to visit their headquarters. We also hear that Octane is a company that is solely dedicated to manufacturing ellipticals. This made us very hopeful about finding a genuine fitness manufacturer. The Octane also has its entire concentration on cross-training equipment manufacturing. We thought that commitment to one type of training equipment is shown not just in the machine’s excellence but also in its creative features. So, we were very excited to explore.
We headed towards US Fitness in Cary, NC, to try out a few of their models. We met with the store manager, Brandyn, and he claimed that Octane dedicates itself to manufacturing high-quality machines. As soon as we heard that, we started examining the ergonomics, biomechanics, and other factors of their ellipticals to know the truth.
Every machine requires a special building or engineering blueprint to become ergonomically as well as functionally beneficial for the users. When we exercise on a fitness machine, our goal is to burn calories or get into the right shape. We do not want to experience pain and injuries from exercising due to poor design.
So, we looked into this factor that is crucial to ensure that Octane Ellipticals are not only safe but also effective in pursuing a fitness goal. We examined its overall construction quality, stride facilities, pedal condition, display design, handlebar quality, etc., to learn about its practicality as a fitness machine.
Our findings led us to believe that since Octane is solely dedicated to manufacturing ellipticals, it has extensive knowledge and skilled people who are the masterminds behind building the fitness machines. However, we feel that they could even excel better at introducing the latest technologies and innovative features to make the fitness machine even more beneficial for the users. In our opinion, the current market has numerous fitness training machines that have way more advantages in the same price range. The Sole fitness machines are well-known because of their budget-friendly products offering various latest technological advancements to make your exercise experience way better.
So, despite having well-equipped features, we would like to recommend the Sole ellipticals over the Octane ellipticals.
Since a fitness machine is designed to deal with substantial human weight, the machines must be strong and stable. After researching the Octane ellipticals, we learned that they are fairly strong and stable. Even when I attempted to move the pedals from left to right, there was almost no movement. However, there was not much information regarding how much human weight the fitness machine is able to carry. So, things get confusing here, and if you are not sure about this thing, it might be a big risk to use this machine. If the machine cannot take your weight, you may fall down and could also get hurt.
If we consider Sole ellipticals that belong in the same price range, we can see that these ellipticals offer a way more solid and reliable construction. The Sole fitness equipment is built to withstand repeated usage and human weight. All of the elliptical models weigh between 189 and 215 pounds. The sole ellipticals also have a long bottom platform that provides the user with maximum security and training convenience. The machines are built with heavy-duty steel frames, delivering strong and durable equipment. The elliptical foot pedals include two wheels that glide along the lines.
When we looked for detailed information regarding the pedal spacing of Octane fitness equipment, we discovered that Octane ellipticals have pedals that are no more than 1.8″ apart. This implies the fact that the pedal spacing is very low. This allows short people to get the most out of their elliptical stride. It also helps them to prevent lateral hip shifting and back and knee tension.
If your exercise machine’s pedal spacing allows you to modify its height and strength to fit your body structure and strength, you’ll be less likely to sustain a body injury when exercising. The shorter pedal space of Octane ellipticals might be inconvenient for taller people. So, we looked for an alternative and learned that Sole ellipticals have the most convenient feature to overcome this issue.
The Sole ellipticals have included an adjustable pedal spacing facility to modify the pedal spacing as per convenience. The adjustable foot pedals on the Sole elliptical trainer make it simple to adapt your machine to suit your body properly, reducing the likelihood of training accidents. The adjustable foot pedals on sole elliptical machines are a terrific way to get rid of stiffness and soreness in your feet if you have flat feet or high arches. It also helps ladies who have hip ailments as a result of workout strains.
Many people prefer to work out with some sort of outside motivation such as music, fitness video trainings, or maybe a video call with a friend. This factor requires having an in-built speaker facility in the fitness machine. However, it seems that Octane ellipticals are not updated enough with the trend of technological advancements in fitness machines. So, they have not included such a facility in their ellipticals. When you are paying a huge amount of money to purchase an elliptical, it is always a good idea to invest in a model that has the latest features and technological facilities. We suggest you have a look at the Sole ellipticals that come with an in-built speaker facility. While exercising, you may connect your iPhone or iPad to the in-built speaker of your Sole machine and listen to your favorite music to increase the intensity of your workout. Nothing could be more beneficial to you in terms of keeping your fitness routine enjoyable.
In order to achieve a long-term goal, it’s vital to keep track of our progress and adhere to an exercise regimen when we first start doing something.
This aspect has brought us wireless technology that has enabled the fitness machine to track our progress via Bluetooth in a very effective way. We looked for this feature in Octane ellipticals and discovered that their machines do not yet have this advanced technology. Although their machines track the physical exertion rate while working out, that is not as effective as the wireless Bluetooth technology. However, the latest elliptical models launched by Sole Fitness have this feature to help you be motivated in pursuing your health journey. This feature of Sole models connects your fitness machine to your tablet or smartphone, making it easy to track and assess your workout information and stats. The bulk of their equipment is also compatible with the most up-to-date fitness monitoring software.
While doing exercise, the multi-position handlebars let you modify the upper body position at various angles. This is an important and very functional feature because it lets you exert the amount of pressure you want to exert on a specific area of your body. The multi-position handlebar facility becomes very beneficial if someone has an agenda for working on their upper body muscles.
It also becomes very useful for someone who is a beginner and wants to put the minimum amount of pressure on his or her body while working out and also wants to gradually intensify the workout routine. Unfortunately, Octane ellipticals do not possess such a feature. However, if you are opting for the Sole elliptical, you will get to enjoy this feature.
It is very important nowadays for companies to manufacture their products while ensuring an optimal user experience. The current technologically improved fitness machine manufacturing industries concentrate on the above-mentioned factors to deliver the best exercise machine possible to the customers. Their fitness machines not only help users to carry on an effective exercise regimen but also have in-built technologies to navigate the exercise performance of the users to assess the fruitfulness of the fitness routine.
Our experienced team, which runs many tests and possesses experience in reviewing hundreds of fitness machines, believes that the features provided by the Octane Ellipticals are not very beneficial according to today’s fitness journey needs. The specifications are a bit old-school and there are many other options on the market that can offer you way better features and functionality within the same price range.
Our suggestion would be to opt for the Sole Fitness ellipticals instead of the Octane Ellipticals to enjoy the latest technology. Click here to learn more information about Sole Fitness ellipticals.
Provide an Exceptional User Experience
Precor creates some of the best ellipticals available in the market today. These creations from Precor are customized to give you the exercise experience you desire. Precor launched the first Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer, or EFX, in 1995. The trainer is famous and a preferred elliptical for those who love to exercise, with over 300,000 ellipticals placed worldwide.
The EFX imitates the natural elliptical motion path of the foot in the course of walking and running to lessen the impact and uses CrossRamp® technology to engage a range of lower-body muscles. Precor elliptical has no affiliates, and the only alternative that assures quality and durability is Sole ellipticals.
Precor is consistent in its efforts to improve its cardio plans, including EFX with Converging CrossRamp+. The brand works to provide you with exercise equipment at the next level. This Elliptical combines over 20 years of expertise in the field to hold category leadership, attract the lowest warranty claims, and the highest durability.
Customer feedback guides the Precor designers in creating exercise equipment to provide the best ownership experience possible. The patented Precor motion path gives it an edge over its competitors. Get Precor Ellipticals for your gym and watch the exercisers who frequent your gym enjoy the motion path feature. The premium quality will ensure that they will surely come back for more, and its durability will significantly benefit you.
Indoor aerobic workouts are high impact exercises that pose two significant problems for exercisers:
The primary fault of cardio equipment is that it does not deliver a real cross-training advantage, and that is because aerobic conditioning concurrently strengthens and cross-trains other muscles.
But the advantage of the combination of elliptical motion and CrossRamp technology eliminates the above drawbacks with the patented Precor Motion Path. Precor uses CrossRamp technology to lessen the impact by imitating a running human foot’s natural elliptical motion path and stimulating a range of lower-body muscle exercises.
When you run, your foot uses the elliptical path. The Precor elliptical replicates the natural jogging movement by creating a smooth elliptical motion via an innovative circular structure and patent combination that couples a hind flywheel with a foot pedal in the front.
The patented Precor motion path help decrease the pressure on the muscles and tendons to bring down the tension by holding your heels on the pedals.
EFX minimizes impact and helps you move effortlessly by reducing Relative Perceived Exertion (RPE). The seamless exercise is so comfortable that you will not feel much strain although you are working out hard. Hence you will tire less, exercise more, and get fit faster.
People who believe in fitness find the Precor Elliptical a genuine cross-trainer. Both manual and automated cross-trainers are built with an adjustable CrossRamp that changes the path.
A Precor EFX with CrossRamp technology is a genuine Crosstrainer. All Crosstrainers, whether automated or manual, include an adjustable CrossRamp that changes the height of the elliptical path as your foot travels. Variable Stride GeometryTM allows you to focus on particular or all main lower body muscles, allowing you to work those muscles of your body that your wish to, whenever you want, with the least amount of muscle fatigue.
You’ll stay more interested and inspired if you switch up your routines, making it simpler to hop back on your EFX with vigor and delight.
Precor Elliptical is Easy on Your Joints
If you must reduce the pressure jogging exerts on the joints of your body, you must learn the movement of your feet during the run. The Engineers at Precor worked on the human foot’s actions in the course of running to discover the elliptical route. The discovery led them to use a circular flywheel in unison with a pedal in the front that moves downwards on an adjustable diagonal ramp to produce a machine to match the elliptical motion.
Revolutionizes the Workout Environment
Precor introduced patented CrossRamp technology to an already pioneering design to give a cross-training advantage. You can now change the CrossRamp angle, which changes the elliptical route, to replicate other workouts like hiking or cross-country skiing. The CrossRamp function builds lower-body strength and keeps training routines new and motivating, so you can push yourself to new levels of activity and achieve your fitness objectives.
Customized to Fit all Kinds of Bodies
Precor tested the innovation on persons of various weights and heights after successfully replicating the natural running action. We modified the equipment by altering the distance between the flywheel and pedals to allow anyone of any size to obtain results on the same machine.
Easy And Comfortable Workouts
The disparity between how hard your brain believes you’re working and how hard your heart actually works is RPE. When you jog, the impact on your ankle, knee, and other afflicted joints is minimized, which reduces the perceived degree of exertion. Each foot hit is absorbed to a large extent by our proprietary elliptical technology. As a result, you have a more enjoyable workout that keeps you motivated and on track to achieve your fitness objectives.
Converging CrossRamp gives a natural feel by replicating your stride for a joyful exercise experience. Here is a list of Precor’s Ellipictal features:
Unbeatable Quality that Lasts
Here is why we say the Precor excellence is hard to beat. Industry data indicated that one out of 33 pieces of sold fitness equipment has initial servicing issues, roughly 3%.
That is proof that Precor products meet commercial specifications. Many of Precor’s commercial elliptical parts are also found in the ones the brand manufacturers as home fitness equipment. Precor’s Elliptical is first tested in a commercial environment which later modifies to become a fantastic Precor home Elliptical.
Precor CrossRamp Technology that Makes Exercising Fun
Precor innovators do not stop after the invention of the elliptical trainer. Still, they also work to change the angle of your elliptical stride by developing the CrossRamp technology. After a thorough study, the researchers at Precor discovered that combining the elliptical motion with the incline produced the best overall outcomes. The CrossRamp design is patented by Precor. Other elliptical brands are available in the market with an inclination element, but they all must settle to work around Precor’s design.
You can work your quads, calves, hamstrings, and glutes at different angles by using the CrossRamp technology. Also, the CrossRamp technology works much better for glutes and quad workouts than an exercise bike, treadmill, or stairclimber. And to top it all, the strain on your joints is lesser.
What makes Precor incline elliptical trainer better than the others available in the market? The revolutionary ramp’s design allows you to hold a natural elliptical motion by increasing the angle of the slope. In fact, that’s what contributes to its comfortable, natural feel. It also gives Precor an edge over its competitors.
Precor’s competitors can’t match this distinctive design, so they settle for an inclination that makes a kidney bean motion with the rising gradient. The drawback of such a mechanism is that it results in abrupt accelerations and decelerations, increasing tension and strain on your joints.
Perceived Exertion at the Lowest
Studies showed the researchers at Precor that the CrossRamp significantly reduces the users’ perceived effort levels. In other words, you shed more weight by burning more calories by it does not tire you.
In fact, when treadmill and elliptical users were compared, most treadmill users clearly stated that they worked harder because the impact was recorded as effort, elevating the perceived degree of exertion.
Elliptical trainers reduce perceived exertion significantly. Moreover, Precor ellipticals’ superior biomechanics and ergonomics elevate them to be the industry leader.
Precor ellipticals are also among the most ergonomic cross-trainers available. Precor, for example, is one of the easiest ellipticals to stand on. Your heels are kept down on the foot pedal due to the balanced posture. On the other hand, most other treadmill manufacturers have a tendency to raise your heel with each elliptical stride. Because your foot is rising up off the foot pedal, this causes numbness in your feet and may cause knee and hip issues.
The above is true in the case of the front-drive elliptical, for after approximately 20 minutes of use, users have foot numbness. But when the very same users exercised on the Precor Elliptical, they experienced no numbness and could go on for more time.
Precor offers seven elliptical trainer models in two series:
The Precision Series is made in the United States. The ellipticals in each series are available with either a 20 console or a high-end, interactive 40 console.
The Energy Series is an entry-level elliptical built in Taiwan.
The 40 consoles were created to help you get the most out of your workout. Here are a few of the highlights:
Precor EFX 635 Elliptical with CrossRamp
Precor EFX 665 Elliptical with CrossRamp
Precor EFX 685 Elliptical with CrossRamp
Precor EFX 835 Elliptical with Converging CrossRamp
Precor EFX 865 Elliptical
Precor EFX 885 Elliptical
Precor EFX 833 Elliptical
Precor EFX 863 Elliptical
Precor EFX 883 Elliptical
Precor AMT 733 Adaptive Motion Trainer
Precor AMT 835 Adaptive Motion Trainer
Precor AMT 865 Adaptive Motion Trainer
Precor AMT 885 Adaptive Motion Trainer
There is probably no other workout equipment manufacturer on the earth that has put as much effort into developing biomechanics designed to replicate the way you move. The study was taken off the drawing board and tested in a business setting. All of this research and development culminated in their unrivaled household elliptical trainers.
We once heard a narrative from a person who had the pleasurable opportunity of visiting Woodinville, WA. The person shares that he was blown away by what he saw there. The first thing that struck a chord in him was Precor’s commitment to creating fitness equipment to ensure that users have the most incredible user experience.
The primary focus of Precor is quality control and innovation. Hence most Precor ellipticals features are covered by patents, and these patented features are unique and exclusively available in Precor ellipticals making the product the most globally preferred fitness equipment.
The primary benefit of using Precor Elliptical is that it helps you exercise your whole body. We have listed a few more benefits for you:
Precor Ellipticals are Low Impact Fitness Machines
There is no abrupt up-and-down action or repetitive contact as you would receive from jogging since people move in a gentle gliding manner. This makes them suitable for people who have joint difficulties or are overweight and have trouble jogging.
Multipurpose Fitness Machines
Users may configure an elliptical to replicate resistance, the amount of power required to complete a stride. On the other hand, Precor ellipticals are the only machines in the market with an inclination setting, which can aid in strengthening and toning the user’s legs. During the workout, moving your entire body keeps your heart beating, making it an effective aerobic machine.
Circuit Training is Easy with a Precor Elliptical
Users may go on and off the elliptical as required because they don’t have to wait for the belt to warm up as they would on a treadmill, and this saves time and prevents exercisers from losing inertia during circuit training.
The Precor Elliptical is a great buy for anybody serious about getting in shape and losing weight and not only for sportspersons or athletes. Precor elliptical trainers are made for people who demand the finest and refuse to compromise.
Precor Ellipticals are of exceptional quality. They are very well manufactured and constructed, developed and created with various users in mind, and packed with valuable features and capabilities.
The latest model in Precor Elliptical is the Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer™ (EFX®), the Experience™ Series EFX with Converging CrossRamp®.
Reebok elliptical is a product of Icon Fitness, the manufacturer of Nordic Track and ProForm. Only a few models are comparable to the NordicTrack and ProForm versions, for the production of the two are on the same manufacturing lines. The workout equipment has no connection to the Reebok shoe brand, as Icon is a separate business entity that purchased the name “Reebok.”
If you want to know if Reebok elliptical is a smart buy, compare the model, features, and costs to the NordicTrack and ProForm versions. Although the base models are almost identical, the superiority of one over the other may be visible only after comparing features, for one may have a built-in sound system, and the other may have a broader range of program options.
Learn more about the company to decide if you should buy one.
Icon Exercise is the world’s largest fitness equipment retailer and the best. They produce Image, Epic, Weslo, Reebok, NordicTrack, and ProForm.
They began by producing inexpensive treadmills and elliptical trainers with 90-day warranties. However, the product was low-cost and of poor quality. Nevertheless, in recent years, Icon Fitness worked hard to manufacture and sell fitness equipment of better quality.
The cost of the fitness equipment remains to be budget-friendly, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Icon Fitness began producing some excellent fitness equipment, and Icon Fitness’s products have some of the industry’s most innovative features.
We would like to prove our point by speaking about one Icon Fitness equipment, the Reebok 1000 ZX Elliptical Trainer.
The Reebook 1000 ZX elliptical is a prized possession even for those who have tried other models in ellipticals. Reebok elliptical presents itself with a host of features, including the foot pedals with gel pads that keep the feet in place, and that’s what makes the Reebok 1000ZX elliptical trainer one best in the lower-end product category. The assembling process is simple and quick; you can assemble the elliptical trainer in just about an hour and a half. Although Reebok ellipticals aren’t much appreciated by their users, this is one elliptical that has made its makers proud.
The Reebok 1000 ZX elliptical offers 24 preset programs with multiple settings that can be customized to meet requirements to achieve personal fitness goals. The Reebok 1000 ZX features an Audio CrossTrainerTM technology to guide you in your muscle building and aerobic workout routine. Yes, it’s like having your very own personal trainer in the confines of your home.
Scroll down for the whole set of specifications.
The most impressive feature of the Reebok 1000 ZX Elliptical is its incline ramp that inclines at 30 degrees. There aren’t many ellipticals costing less than $1,000 and having an inclination.
You can vary the form of the elliptical stride on the Reebok 1000 ZX, allowing you to work a wider variety of muscles from your calves and quadriceps to your hamstrings and gluteus maximus. The best part of the elliptical is that it tones and does not cut fat on the users’ legs.
The Reebok 1000 ZX is popular among its users. They like the facility to choose from the many programs, the slip-proof cushioned pedals, compact design, resistance levels, power ramp, etc. If you ignore the faulty parts and unfavorable labor warranty, it is a pretty good model.
Reebok Fitness has a large selection of ellipticals, priced between $799 and $1,999. The 710 (rear-drive) and 1000x (front-drive) ellipticals are lower end. The 910 (front-drive), T 7.90 (rear-drive), Stride Select RL 6.0 (rear-drive), and Super Ramp RL 7.0 (rear-drive) are the next options, costing roughly $999. The 1210 and RL1500 are at the top of the line.
Reebok ellipticals are easy to find in the market, and you can buy them online. People often link Reebook ellipticals to the shoe brand. However, the Icon Fitness company, with the brand name Reebok, manufactures and markets Reebok ellipticals. They are available in front-drive and rear-drive models. You have a list of 20 exercises, heart rate tracking, music player connectivity, and a fan.
The stride of Reebok elliptical model no. 710 is adjustable from 20 to 22 inches. It features an inclination feature, soft-touch grips, and oversized cushion pedals.
The Reebok 710 Elliptical has a power intensity ramp that provides exercise diversity and focused muscle training. Consider using the 20 digital resistance levels and the 22 exercise applications. You can also plug in your device and listen to your favorite music while keeping track of your training progress on the enormous 5″ well-lit panel.
The 710 is a base model but assesses the other Reebok Ellipticals’ quality and performance with the facts mentioned above.
The Reebok 710 is priced reasonably at $799.00 and offers excellent quality.
Reebok 910 elliptical is another popular low-cost elliptical. It includes soft-touch upper body training arms and is iFit compatible. This elliptical machine comes with 26 training applications, allowing for various activities such as plugging in your device and listening to your favorite music while keeping track of your workout progress on the enormous 7″ illuminated display.
The 910 model includes a heavier flywheel (smoother/quieter) and higher inclination capabilities.
The Reebok 910 Elliptical costs $999.00.
The Reebok 1210 Elliptical has gigantic adjustable pedals with ZigTech Cushioning, integrated handle controls, and an adjustable fan. The stride of this elliptical can be changed from 0 to 20 degrees at the press of a button, and it is iFit compatible. Consider making use of its 30 various fitness applications. You can also listen to your favorite music on your iPod or MP3 player to stay motivated as you keep track of your training progress on the enormous illuminated display.
The Reebok 1210 Elliptical costs $1,299. It performs well and has a few more features than the other versions.
Reebok ellipticals outperform the competition for a $999 lower-end model. If a Precor is out of your price range, this machine will give you a Precor-designed power ramp in a budget elliptical.
The Reebok elliptical looks excellent, feels robust, rides smoothly, and includes many programs on the dashboard to keep you motivated and enthusiastic about training every day.
Unfortunately, Reebok no longer sells the 1000 ZX, and the firm no longer manufactures ellipticals. For a far better alternative, see our Best Ellipticals Under $1000.
The first elliptical we would like to talk about here is the NordicTrack elliptical, the closest alternative to Reebok ellipticals. Continue reading to know why!
NordicTrack ellipticals are the perfect choice for an excellent interactive personal training experience. NordicTrack has a massive selection of high-quality, low-impact ellipticals, so you can pick one that suits your fitness level, space, and price.
NordicTrack has gained global consumer support and confidence as the most extensive fitness equipment company. It is a part of Icon Fitness, and as per the company’s business record, it has closed over a billion sales globally. So, when it comes to exercise equipment, who can we trust more than NordicTrack?
NordicTrack manufactures one of the top elliptical trainers in the market. A cross-trainer, or elliptical trainer, is a piece of stationary fitness equipment that allows multidimensional activities like climbing, walking, jogging, etc. If we perform the activities mentioned above without an elliptical machine, we are susceptible to impact injuries due to excess tension on the joints. Because of the low impact on the joints, people with certain health conditions can also use an elliptical to stay in shape.
The NordicTrack elliptical guarantees the highest quality and provides excellent warranty services. NordicTrack offers outstanding customer service, and their service personnel is ever-willing to help the user with a problem with the NordicTrack elliptical. All they must do is contact customer support for help. The same parent firm manufactures ProForm ellipticals. As a result, we can find similar models between these two fitness companies.
In recent years, NordicTrack ellipticals have dominated the $800-$3,000 price range. NordicTrack has achieved such a significant milestone by delivering innovative and long-lasting fitness equipment at a fair price.
A firm must spend its resources on research and development to increase product quality in response to customer requests. Customer feedback varies from one customer to another, depending on their personal preferences. Hence, when people utilize a product, their feedback could be positive or negative. As a result, acquiring and evaluating data is essential for developing more realistic goods to address current customer grievances.
NordicTrack is a firm that invests in research and development. That’s a great benefit with a positive outcome. iFit technology has led to the development of several new workout equipment features. It’s an energizing device that links your elliptical trainer to the Internet.
When we exercise, we want to build our physique and work on our physical/mental health. Our hectic lifestyle prevents us from finding time to workout in the space of our choice. However, with the NordicTrack-built iFit technology, we can bring the world into our indoor exercise environment. This technology makes it possible for us to exercise practically anywhere.
The iFit technology uses Google maps to trace a course on the computer. The elliptical’s resistance and strength will replicate the terrain or scenery. So, while being at home, you will enjoy the benefits of working out in nature thanks to the iFit feature.
We can use Google Maps’ street, satellite, or earth view tools to monitor our workout development. We’d have to utilize a laptop or a smartphone for this, and the user would be able to view Google Maps directly from the dashboard.
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE71 and the Reebok 1000 ZX Elliptical Trainer are alike. Consumer Reports awarded the NordicTrack version with the Best Buy tag.
Similarities
How does a buyer purchase one brand over another when both are so similar? There are a few things to consider:
However, be cautious when purchasing directly from Reebok Fitness’s website. They offered the Reebok RL 1500 elliptical for $1,999, whereas the NordicTrack Elite 1300 Elliptical usually is $1,249 on Nordic Track’s website.
NordicTrack makes some of the cheapest and most effective home elliptical trainers. NordicTrack excels in reliability and innovativeness and plays its role in the fitness industry by delivering exceptional value.
A prominent consumer source rated NordicTrack Ellipticals “Excellent” in user safety and “Very Good” in ergonomic workout techniques, sturdy construction, and exercise range.
Some of the users rated NordicTrack Ellipticals as follows:
“Best Money Can Buy!” Well-built machine. “Bump-less” resistance changes, smooth, effortless stride, robust construction, no-pedal adjustment between users.”
“Amazing value for money.” Features comparable to much more expensive devices.”
Many people consider Reebok elliptical cross trainers to be the best because the brand is well-known in the fitness industry and has been around for a long time. Alternatively, NordicTrack produces a high-tech and comfortable elliptical ideal for use in a home gym. Still, the SF-E905 Cross Trainer from Sunny Health and Fitness is a good option if a high-end model in ellipticals is not your choice right now.
Front-drive ellipticals add to resistance, making it hard to exercise. The rear-drive ellipticals are more comfortable to use with their larger and more natural strides.
When it comes to home elliptical machines, NordicTrack has excellent reviews, excellent brand recognition, and better and more options to choose from. The NordicTrack ellipticals aren’t the most costly or the cheapest, but they come with features and integrated routines pleasing to reviewers.
The pandemic brought us face-to-face with our lifestyles and physical and mental health. Many of us realize that we cannot afford to ignore our fitness anymore. We have also discovered that at-home workouts are a convenient and efficient way to get in our daily dose of fitness. Anyone looking for budget-friendly ellipticals has probably come across the Weslo elliptical. These machines are designed for budget-conscious people and recommended for those just starting out on their fitness journey. They have the bare minimum that you could expect from an elliptical.
While this sounds good on paper, if you actually use a Weslo elliptical regularly, you might not be so sure about the whole budget argument anymore. The budget factor makes sense up to a point. After that, you have to question what you are looking for and what you are willing to give up on for a cheaper option.
We checked out the Weslo ellipticals to see what these budget machines have to offer and found that their quality corresponds with their relatively lower price. Given the limited features and the minimal warranty, Weslo may not be your best option. If you are dead-set on paying the least that you can or are looking for a short-term machine, you could consider Weslo ellipticals. Otherwise, budget options from quality brands offer you good features and a comfortable experience.
The basic features of Weslo ellipticals are as follows:
Weslo ellipticals have a lightweight construction, so they can be shaky and unstable when you use them. They are cheaply made, and this reflects in the quality of the parts, as they tend to wear down faster and don’t have the durability or solidity of the better quality makes. Working out on these machines is not a smooth experience.
The machine seems awkward, and it tends to rock a little. You may even feel doubtful about its ability to support your weight. It’s not a supportive option, especially for heavier or taller users. It has a maximum of 250 pounds, and the stride is suited for shorter people. They are also noisier than other quality machines and are more prone to breaking down over time. The handlebars, too, are not very comfortable to grip for long.
Weslo elliptical offers rear-drive elliptical trainers. Their most available model is the Weslo Momentum G 3.2. Their elliptical trainers have a shorter stride of 12″ and should be able to withstand a weight of up to 250 pounds. Their machines have a 90-day warranty on parts. The consoles are basic and do not compare with those of more quality elliptical trainers. The models have small LCD screens with basic workout details and Easy Pulse heart rate monitoring. They come with transport wheels, which help in moving them.
Most of the Weslo models don’t seem to be available anymore. While their website doesn’t seem to be displaying any Weslo models, e-retailers are still selling some of them.
Weslo elliptical trainers are not built well and are made with low-quality parts. They wear out soon with regular use. The machines lack basic amenities for comfort, like a cooling fan and a holder for a water bottle. The console is limited and does not have any audio or entertainment. There is a minimal warranty of just 90 days on parts and labor.
Even if you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, it makes sense to pay attention to the quality of the machine you will be using. Using unsteady and poorly built equipment is not a great idea as a fitness beginner because you are still finding your groove and you risk straining your body. You also want the fitness experience to be more comfortable because you are just starting to develop the habit of fitness.
Many of us are keen to develop fitness as a lifestyle habit these days. Yet, despite the increased awareness, so many of us find it challenging to do so. What prevents us from developing fitness as a regular lifestyle habit and exercising every day? It’s not just about motivation. On an everyday level, what makes the difference is how the experience of working out feels or how much it appeals to us at that moment. To encourage yourself to get up and get that workout done, you need to ensure that the workout experience is something that you look forward to and enjoy. It needs to feel like a comfortable and supportive experience so that when you look at your elliptical trainer, you really want to work out. As a beginner, when you’re just starting, you’re all the more likely to lose motivation or get discouraged if working out is not convenient or if your fitness equipment is not comfortable.
However, at the end of the day, these budget models are on the market for a reason. If cost is simply too much of an issue and you cannot afford to think about other factors, you would do well to consider getting a Weslo elliptical. They are also an option to consider if you are at a stage where you cannot make any long-term commitments to regular workouts on an elliptical and are only prepared for a short-term commitment to working out on the same.
If you will be traveling or staying somewhere for a brief period and are determined to work out in that time, you could go for the Weslo. Otherwise, there are better options for a budget-conscious consumer that don’t make you compromise on the essential factors.
Weslo ellipticals are built by Icon Fitness, which is also the maker of NordicTrack and ProForm. NordicTrack and ProForm offer budget-friendly machines that have more durable components and construction. They have great deals and offer you a much better value for your money. What’s more, both the brands offer free shipping.
Although they might not be as cheap as Weslo, they offer warranties that are much better than the 90-day warranty offered for Weslo ellipticals. These warranties safeguard your money in the long run and vouch for the machine’s quality.
NordicTrack offers a Studio Elliptical amongst its budget options. This is a front-drive elliptical which comes with some really cool features. These include:
ProForm budget models include the ProForm Hybrid Trainer, which has a 2-in-1 design of a bike and an elliptical, allowing you to transition between the two modes.
These models offer you comfort, durability, and quality features within a more affordable price range.
If you want a great, reliable option and a safe bet, consider Horizon Fitness. Horizon Fitness makes its own parts and components for its ellipticals. There are not many fitness brands that do this. This vertical integration of Horizon’s manufacturing process is helpful in terms of maintenance and troubleshooting in case there is a problem with the machine functioning or any of its parts.
Horizon also provides a Digital Pass that allows you to save a lot of money on fitness applications like Peleton, Daily Burn, and Studio, all integrated with Horizon ellipticals.
Horizon ellipticals are suitable for taller people, too – they have long and comfortable strides. Since the strides are more natural and less constricting, using these machines makes you feel like you are actually running or brisk walking.
Using fitness equipment to exercise helps you get into the zone and embrace your inner fitness enthusiast. However, poor quality equipment can make exercising feel inconvenient and clumsy. Especially if you are just starting, it is a risky idea to use poor quality equipment because you are all the more prone to injuring or straining yourself. That’s why it’s so important to have equipment that supports you and provides a steady and stable experience while you push yourself to do your best. Using a poorly constructed elliptical can give you hip and back strain that can be detrimental over time.
Horizon ellipticals are professionally engineered and designed for optimal body positioning. The pedals are positioned to reduce stress on the hips and back.
It offers a great budget model that doesn’t compromise on quality – the Ex-59 Elliptical. Despite being a low price model, it’s the best selling model. It has simple, intuitive controls and reliable components.
Its features include:
There are better options that are still budget-friendly. NordicTrack and ProForm have great durable models with a reasonably lower cost. Although you may have to pay a little more, it’s worth it in the long run because these machines are built to last. There’s no point in trying to save a few hundred dollars and then having to shell out much more when your machine breaks down. These brands also offer better warranty protection, which is worth paying for to safeguard your money and peace of mind. Weslo elliptical trainers come with a 90-day warranty for parts and labor. Should it stop functioning after 90-days, your money is down the drain.
What’s more, these quality alternatives also ensure that you don’t give up on comfort. In our hectic lives these days, it’s a feat to just get down to doing that workout and regularly making the time for it. You don’t want to make that even harder for yourself by making the workout experience uncomfortable. You want an experience that rewards you for the effort and energy that you are putting in.
However, if cost is a deal-breaker for you, then Weslo ellipticals might still be well worth your consideration.
Fitness is a long-term commitment. But there are scenarios where you may find that you are only ready for a short-term commitment, and you are not sure if you can go beyond. In such cases, you can go for the cheaper budget models like Weslo ellipticals.
Horizon Fitness offers an affordable, comfortable and intuitive model that is a reliable option, irrespective of where you are on your fitness journey. It’s a much better value for your money, and the price difference between the Ex-59 model and the Weslo models is not much. If you are looking to make a sensible buy that will not give you cause for regret, it’s worth considering the Horizon Fitness budget models.
The elliptical trainer was designed to significantly reduce the impact to your joints. Your lower body works in an elliptical motion. It is as if you are running in the air. There is no lifting or reverse motion. Your feet never leave the pedals. There is some pressure to your lower joint, but is considerable less than what you experience walking, jogging or running.
There are many more health benefits to using an elliptical. Exercise can help slow the process of aging, reduce stress, and even help individuals manage conditions like insomnia and ADHD. Overall, it’s a great way to make both your body and mind happier and healthier!
An elliptical trainer offers the advantage of exercising both your upper and lower body simultaneously. That allows you to tone both your upper and lower body muscles. Some studies suggest by exercising more muscles groups you are burning more calories more efficiently. In fact, these reports that suggest you have a lower perceived level of exertion. You are working out harder without noticing it.
It should be noted that with the upper body workout you are only toning certain muscles, and it is important to consider alternative weight resistant exercises to compliment your crosstraining workout on an elliptical trainer.
An elliptical trainer has certain mechanical advantages over a treadmill that result in fewer service issues. A treadmill must withstand the constant abuse that comes with the pounding from walking, jogging or running. This constant impact can take its toll on a treadmill over time.
In addition, there are more moving parts on a treadmill. You have a motor that is constantly turning rollers that move a treadbelt over a deck. Combine all these moving parts with the constant impact of a user and you have a formula for problems.
An elliptical trainer, in contrast, has fewer moving parts, which means fewer parts that can fail. For example, an elliptical relies on the user’s exertion to drive the machine, not a motor. Furthermore, since there is not impact with the elliptical motion, the machine experiences less abuse. Fewer moving parts and less impact result in fewer mechanical issues.
One of the major deterrents to exercise is getting to the place where you need to exercise, like the gym or local health club. If you have to get into a car and fight traffic to do something you probably are not really into, you probably will blow if off. Some people may waste an hour just getting back and forth to the gym. When the equipment is in your home it just makes it so much easier.
After spending money on an elliptical trainer you inevitably feel guilty when you do not use it. It stares at you and reminds you that you should get off your butt, put down unhealthy foods, and burn some calories.
Not too many years ago if you went to a health club you would see a row of treadmills and maybe a couple of elliptical trainers. Now you will probably see equal numbers. Elliptical trainers are proving to be the choice for a cardio workout, particularly for individuals who want a combined workout that is friendlier to their joints.
Check out our Complete Buyer’s Guide to find answers to all of your Elliptical FAQs. Or, go right to our Best Buy Ellipticals page to start finding your ideal machine.
Next: Video of Elliptical Buyer’s Guide by Industry Expert Fred Waters
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