Elliptical trainers, sometimes called cross trainers, have quickly become one of today’s most popular home exercise machines because they provide an effective cardio workout that’s easy on the joints. However, with so many different types available, actually choosing an elliptical trainer can be difficult. That’s why we’re here to help you find the best elliptical trainer for you.

 

4 Minutes, 4 Key Decisions

• Key Decision 1: Workout Programming
• Key Decision 2: Heart Rate Measurement
• Key Decision 3: Incline Adjustment
• Key Decision 4: Stride Adjustment

 

Key Decision 1: Workout Programming

The more advanced ellipticals and cross trainers feature preset workout programs, interactive video games and can even track your progress. Whether you’re new to ellipticals, a professional athlete or somewhere in between, choosing an elliptical trainer with one or more of these features can help you stay motivated and reach your fitness goals.

Interactive Programs – Interactive elliptical trainers feature either a pre-programmed monitor with video games or an interactive player and CD that double as a personal trainer. And, many interactive ellipticals also feature an interactive log to help you track your progress over multiple sessions.
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Preset Programs – Ellipticals with preset programs automatically set the speed, time and distance for your workout. These elliptical machines offer more workout variety and are ideal for those planning to make their elliptical machine a core component of their workout.
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Readout Monitor Only – For those who prefer to set their pace, many elliptical trainers feature a readout monitor that simply tracks time, distance and the number of calories burned. These ellipticals provide a more natural, personalized workout that lets you monitor your progress as you exercise.
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Key Decision 2: Heart Rate Measurement

Many elliptical machines feature heart rate monitoring to help you manage the effectiveness of your workout. By monitoring your heart rate, you can pace yourself and decrease or increase the intensity of your workout to maintain your target heart rate.

Telemetry – Ellipticals and cross trainers with telemetry heart rate monitoring feature a wireless device that you wear. The most accurate way to measure your heart rate as you exercise, this wireless device measures your heart rate and transmits it to the monitor for display.
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Hand Grip – Most elliptical machines feature sensors built in to the hand grips that measure your heart rate. Depending on the model, some ellipticals automatically adjust your workout accordingly based on the input from these hand pulse sensors.
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None – If you’re new to ellipticals and cross trainers, there are numerous elliptical machines that include fewer options but will still give you a great cardio workout. And, more basic units may also offer a smaller price tag than ones with more bells and whistles.
View Elliptical Trainers without Heart Rate Monitoring

 

Key Decision 3: Incline Adjustment

Based on your own fitness goals and workout preferences, you may or may not want to adjust your elliptical machine’s incline. However, for greater variety, you can change the motion of your workout to resemble a treadmill, ski machine, exercise bike or stepper by adjusting your elliptical’s incline.

Adjustable – When used as a primary piece of exercise equipment, elliptical machines with adjustable inclines offer a wide variety of motions to target different groups of muscles. These ellipticals usually appeal to exercise enthusiasts and households with multiple users.
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Fixed – Elliptical trainers with a fixed incline offer a straightforward workout that’s well suited for newcomers or those simply looking to get a quick cardio workout at home. And because of their simpler mechanics, fixed incline ellipticals also usually come with a smaller price tag.
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Key Decision 4: Stride Adjustment

An elliptical trainer’s stride refers to how far back and forth you stretch your legs and arms as you exercise. The right stride length, which is determined by your height, is essential for a smoother, effective workout, so be sure to choose an elliptical that accommodates your natural stride comfortably.

Adjustable – Elliptical trainers with adjustable strides can be adjusted for those who are taller or shorter than average and are also ideal for households with multiple users. And, adjusting the stride can also help you focus on particular muscles groups for a more targeted workout.
View Elliptical Trainers with Adjustable Strides

 

Fixed – Many elliptical machines feature a fixed stride length that’s often ideally suited for those who are simply looking for an effective, low-impact cardio workout. For maximum comfort, the shorter you are, the shorter the stride length you need and vice versa.
View Elliptical Trainers with Fixed Strides