Latest and Greatest Elliptical Models To Check Out
The top fitness equipment brands are rolling out some exciting new models and new elliptical updates to take your fitness to the next level. At times, these new options can be a bit overwhelming, so we have put together this guide to all of the best new options on the market. Use this article to find the perfect elliptical to help you hit your fitness goals this season!
A Butt Busting Steep Mountain Hike Right In Your Home!
Sole SC300 Stepper
PRICE ALERT: This is the lowest price you’ll see for the holidays.
Sole Fitness has long been one of our favorite brands simply because they offer wonderful durability and solid machines. Their Sole SC200 Stepper took many of the benefits of an elliptical combined with a stair stepper to provide a low stress workout for your lower body muscles. Now, this newest model, the Sole SC300 Stepper, builds upon that success with new and improved features.
There are several advantages to the SC300 stepper. First this machine has an even better warranty than the SC200 with a larger Bluetooth display and the same space-saving compact design. Best of all, the SC300 Stepper now includes 20 levels of incline so that you can get a better workout right in your home.
Adjustable Incline Settings – The main advantage with the SC300 is the newly added adjustable incline feature. This allows you to choose from 20 levels of incline to simulate anything from a rolling neighborhood stroll to a butt-busting steep climb up the side of a mountain. Work your lower body muscles with less stress on your hips and knees. Plus, this feature lets you get a more effective workout in a shorter amount of time.
Articulating / Adjustable Foot Pedals – We like that the folks at Sole paid attention to the differences in people’s walking pattern and foot position. The pedals on the SC300 are articulating and adjustable so you can enjoy a comfortable workout.
Sole Fitness SC300 Stepper Console
9″ LCD Display with Bluetooth – This machine comes with a larger 9″ display window compared to the 7.5″ window on the SC200. It also has built in Bluetoothso you can link your machine to the free Sole Fitness app, track your workouts, and sync your stats with your favorite fitness apps. Other brands may have a workout tracking feature that requires a monthly subscription. We want to emphasize that the Sole Fitness app is FREE.
2-in-1 Design – The SC300 is a combination of an elliptical and a stair climber. It is specifically designed to target your quad and glute muscles to shape and tone with less effort.
Strong Frame – The SC300 is an even stronger frame than the SC200, which means more durability and a better warranty. It has a 350 lb weight capacity.
Programs – The SC300 Stepper comes with 10 pre-installed programs. Nothing too fancy here.
Warranty – This strong warranty reflects the confidence that Sole has in their product. The SC300 comes with Lifetime Frame, 5 years electronics and parts, and 2 years labor. For comparison, the SC200 Stepper comes with Lifetime frame, 3 years electronics and parts, and 1 year labor.
The SC300 Stepper’s incline feature is a great reason to consider spending around $400 more over the older SC200 Stepper model. It will allow you to get a more effective workout with a shorter time commitment.
We also like that this machine now has a larger 9″ white backlit LCD display as compared to the SC200. It includes Bluetooth technology so that you can reap the benefits of the free Sole Fitness app. Track your workouts and sync with your favorite existing fitness apps like MyFitnessPal and Apple Health.
It also has a compact 56″ length frame that will save you space over a typical elliptical’s length of around 82″.
The Sole SC300 Stepper works along the same lines as the Bowflex Max Trainer and ProForm HIIT Trainers. These other machines really focus on HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts, while the SC300 Stepper focuses more on a solid muscle toning session. Still, these machines are all worth a look if you’re thinking about buying a hybrid.
The main reason you should consider Sole is because of their very strong warranty and solid reputation for durability and low maintenance.
Yowza was a small company located in Florida that used to be at the top of our recommendation lists. However, lately, we’ve noticed some troubling things from Yowza. It seems like the company wasn’t what it used to be and we no longer felt confident in recommending their products. Now, it seems, they’ve gone completely OUT OF BUSINESS. You’d be better off going with a more stable brand like NordicTrack, ProForm, Sole, or Bowflex.
The Yowza Elliptical was manufactured in Taiwan, which is a very important factor as it’s where most high-end elliptical trainers are now built. Practically all fitness equipment is now built overseas, primarily in China and Taiwan. However, there tends to be a real difference between the quality control of the two locations.
Yowza Fitness is OUT OF BUSINESS.
We are still waiting to hear more information about this company but it seems they are no longer producing machines.
Select Yowza Ellipticals were fitted with the Cardio Core Training which specifically targets, strengthens and trims your stomach muscles. Pick a model below with the to be sure you get a full body work out
Yowza Miami – $2,799
Included Features: Cardio Core Training, Variable Motion, Bluetooth & Intelligent Weight Management
Yowza Navarre Elite – $2,599
Included Features: This is a Hybrid Exercise Bike & Elliptical w/ Intelligent Weight Management and Cardio SureTraining
Learn about the patented Cardio Core Training and the Variable Stride technology.
Cardio Core Training
What has really distinguished a Yowza Elliptical from the competition is their innovative Cardio Core technology. They refer to it as a counter rotational core motion. Unlike the usual upper body handlebars that go back and forth with the elliptical motion, you have a two T-shape handlebars that swing left and right with the pedal motion. This simulates a twisting motion as you work out and seriously targets your stomach muscles.
Most elliptical trainer manufacturers claim their machines work both the upper and lower body. This is just NOT true. The majority of the resistance is absorbed by the lower body, while the upper body goes along for the ride.
With the Cardio Core design the motion is similar to doing stomach crunches on the ground. You really feel it in your abs.
This is one one of the only ellipticals available that actually works your upper and lower body. AND it’s the only crosstrainer that specifically targets, strengthens and trims your stomach muscles!
When I first used the Cardio Core feature it felt a bit awkward, since I’m used to the typical dual handlebar motion. However, after awhile I got into the swing of the counter rotational motion and found my rhythm. Now, if I owned one of these machines, I probably would alternate between using the Cardio Core handlebars and using the stationary handlebars. I’m not sure you can maintain the Cardio Core handlebars for extended periods unless you look like the model on their site!
Over the last couple of years the ellipticals with the Cardio Core Training has been their hottest selling items. In fact, Joe Alter, President of Yowza recently said they’ve sold around 10,000 units with Cardio Core and that they make up about 95% of their sales.
Considering you cannot go to a local store and try out these ellipticals, I asked if there have been any people that were dissatisfied with the Cardio Core feature. Since it’s such a different motion than people are used to. Joe mentioned that customers have been overwhelmingly positive about this new technology. You can find the Cardio Core training on the following models:
With the Variable Motion feature you have 12 different motions that start at 18″, and depending on the model, increase up to 32″. As you move up the levels of motion you go from a standard elliptical stride to a motion that forces you to raise your legs. There are a number of benefits to the Variable Motion:
The higher the level the more intense of a cardio workout you get.
It breaks-up the repetitive motion you typically get reducing strain on joints.
It allows you to target different lower body muscles.
It accommodates users of different size and height.
It capitalizes on the muscle confusion theory. Changing the shape and intensity of the motion helps to prevent your body from getting acclimated to any one particular motion.
You can find the Variable Motion feature on the following models:
Rear Drive Design — There is a controversy over which is a better design – front or rear. The advantage to the rear drive design is that there are less moving parts. One of the disadvantages of a front design is that the pedals run on wheels over railings. The wheels can wear and the railings can rust resulting in obnoxious noises. I lubricate my front drive elliptical regularly.
Sure Fit Pedals — The Yowza Elliptical has a unique sure fit pedal design, which not only pivots with the motion, but it has a rubber shock absorption to minimize the impact. This is a really great pedal!
Built-in Fan — The fans are directed at your core where they can do the most good.
Speakers and either iPod Docking Station or BlueTooth — Speakers with MP3 input is becoming standard on elliptical trainers, although many manufacturers use very cheap components and drivers. Joe Alter made it a point to tell me that they installed quality products in their sound system. The Yowza Miami utilizes Bluetooth 4.0.
Sealed Bearings — The Yowza elliptical has a sealed bearing at the pivotal points. There are no bushings, which are more likely to wear out.
Sold Factory Direct — I know, countless manufacturers claim to sell factory direct and they do. The problem is they also sell through third parties, like large sporting goods chains or fitness specialty stores. Consequently, they cannot undersell their retailers. And the retailers have to set a price that covers the cost of the machine, their overhead and provides a profit. Yowza is a pure play factory direct seller. They only sell through the Internet and directly to the end user.
New! Hybrid Exercise Bike and Elliptical Trainer — For those that have trouble standing while exercising or struggle with an elliptical, Yowza developed the Naples. This machine allows you to site and still get an intense workout and includes the cardio training. See our complete review.
Our Review of the Yowza Elliptical
Back when I went out to see the new line-up of Yowza ellipticals, I was expecting to see your typical run of the mill machines. However, what I saw was a series of ellipticals that were as good, and often better in quality than the competition. More importantly, I saw innovative features that were very exciting and appealing.
In the four years that Yowza Fitness has been selling ellipticals, their products have had a very impressive service record. While their models with the Cardio Core Training have proven to be very successful and popular with their customers.
However, recent issues with the company make us question the service you’ll receive from Yowza now-a-days. You would be better off going a more stable brand like NordicTrack, ProForm, Sole, orBowflex.
Yowza Fitness was last modified: December 8th, 2017 by administrator
So, why are there rear and front styles of ellipticals? It’s simple enough. When Precorfirst came out with the elliptical, they controlled the patent on the rear drive design. So, in order to compete companies only had a few options:
Find ways to work around the rear drive patent.
Pay Precor for the use of their patented design, like NordicTrackdid.
Build a completely different design that did not infringe on the patent, thus came the front drive elliptical.
Note: In our experience, if you’re considering a Rear Drive Elliptical then you should check out what NordicTrackhas to offer. For Front Drive EllipticalsSole Fitness is your best bet for a reasonably price high quality machine.
The Stride – Front Drive vs. Rear Drive Ellipticals
Rear Drive Ellipticals Stride:
The elliptical stride on a rear drive machine has a feeling like you are jogging or walking. When you’re working out you also tend to be better centered on rear wheel drive ellipticals compared to a front drive machine.
Front Drive Ellipticals Stride:
A front drive may seem more like working out on a stair climber. It’s also been noted that you tend to lean forward when working out on front drive elliptical compared to a rear drive. It’s also important to note that front drive ellipticals are easier to get on and off of because you don’t have to step over as much machine and you’re often lower to the ground.
Which Provides a Better Workout?
Some people suggest that you get a better workout front rear drive machines, but we haven’t found that to be the case at all. When you crank up the resistance of a front drive machine you can get you heart pounding the same as a rear drive elliptical.
Click Here for the Best Pricing on the Sole Elliptical E35 Front Drive Elliptical
The Mechanics – Front Drive vs. Rear Drive Ellipticals
One of the advantages of rear drive ellipticals is you have less moving parts. Consequently, you have less parts that may require service.
For example, most front drive ellipticals have foot pedals that run on rails in the rear, particularly with cheaper machines, the rollers may wear out with constant use. This is especially the case with front drive machines with single wheel rollers. You often find that the single rollers are less stable. However, front drive ellipticals like Sole, come with dual wheel rollers. They provide a more solid and stable feel.
Center Drive Machines
There are a number of newer elliptical types coming out that can be considered hybrids between ellipticals, stair steppers, and treadmills. For instance, the NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer allows you to effortlessly adjusted your stride motion to target different lower body muscles. The main advantage for this type of model is that they have a smaller footprint and can sometimes work better for smaller spaces.
How to Pick the Right Elliptical
Both rear and front drive ellipticals have their advantages. The most important this to do is avoid cheap ellipticals because they will not stand up to your expectations. Here are some suggestions when purchasing an elliptical trainer…
Stride Length — Depending on your height you want an elliptical that has a minimum 18″ stride length. For taller users you want a 20″ stride. Several machines have adjustable stride lengths that can accommodate users of different heights. You’ll find that cheap ellipticals tend to have more of a oval stride, rather than an elliptical stride.
Smooth Motion — Cheaper machines have light flywheels, which result in a choppy motion. Opt for elliptical trainers that have around a 20 lb. flywheel or better. They’ll have a more natural feel to the motion and a better workout.
Stability — Cheaper machines are lighter, which results in a lack of stability. There is nothing like having a machine rocking under you while you work out to make you never want to get back on it! The more you weigh the more important it is to get a solid heavy machine so it won’t move under you. There are two features that affect an elliptical’s stability. The design of the base and the weight of the machine.
Overall Quality — Check out our Best Buys for top recommendations so you can get the best quality elliptical in your price range. When you do your research on a companies reputation be sure to look at both quality control and customer service.
In conclusion, find a machine that feels best for you.
Yowza was a small company located in Florida that used to be at the top of our recommendation lists. However, lately, we’ve noticed some troubling things from Yowza. It seems like the company wasn’t what it used to be and we no longer felt confident in recommending their products. Now, it seems, they’ve gone completely OUT OF BUSINESS. You’d be better off going with a more stable brand like NordicTrack, ProForm, Sole, or Bowflex.
What has really distinguished a Yowza Elliptical from the competition is their innovative Cardio Core technology. They refer to it as a counter rotational core motion. Unlike the usual upper body handlebars that go back and forth with the elliptical motion, you have a two T-shape handlebars that swing left and right with the pedal motion. This simulates a twisting motion as you work out and seriously targets your stomach muscles.
With the Cardio Core design the motion is similar to doing stomach crunches on the ground. You really feel it in your abs.
