What elliptical trainer should I buy?

Question

I want to buy an elliptical trainer but can't make up my mind between these two:
- Proform 690 HR
- NordicTrack CXT 1400

Any advice?

Answer 1

Check out this site below. They review all the ellipticals and give you the "bottom line": worth buying or not worth buying.

Answer 2

Go with the elliptical. By providing full body motion, you'll be able to target a few of those areas that you wouldn't be able to on a bike. Also, with the elliptical, you'll be able to do a routine (if you so choose) called H.I.I.T. or High Intensity Interval Training. This type of training will send your metabolism in overdrive and but it into near-constant burn mode. To do it, start with a 3 minute warm-up. After the warm-up, increase your speed to a very brisk walk for 90 seconds. Then, increase your speed again to what you would consider to be a jog (kinda hard to judge on an elliptical as compared to a treadmill, but still possible) for 60 seconds. Finally, up your speed again to where your in nearly sprinting for 30 seconds. After that 30 seconds, drop your speed back down to the brisk walk and repeat the process. First time you do this, I wouldn't recommend going for more than 30 minutes. It's that challenging, even more so if your elliptical can incline! You'll burn more calories in less time than you normally would. A lot less! Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Precor changed the fitness and exercise world when they introduced the Elliptical cross trainer back in 1995. Nowadays Elliptical Trainers are as common in gyms as treadmills.
The benefits of Elliptical trainers are huge, they provide a total impact-free body workout, a weight bearing activity that raises the heart rate more efficiently than any other piece of exercise equipment.
Weight bearing exercise such as running is more effective at burning calories than non-weight bearing exercise such as cycling. The problem with running is that it places an excessive amount of stress on the back and joints. An elliptical motion provides the weight bearing element whilst maintaining an impact-free movement.
Here's what we believe you should look for when purchasing an Elliptical Trainer:
Stability
Make sure the unit is stable and its motion is fluid and quiet. An Elliptical Trainer should never feel wobbly or jerky; some cheap machines have been reported to "walk" across the floor during use.
Pedal comfort
The pedals should be comfortable, with a non-slip design. They should also provide a natural stance, meaning they aren't too wide or narrow.
Handle bar comfort
Check the comfort of the handlebars, if the machine has them. Handlebars should be comfortably placed so you don't bump into them, and should also move back and forth smoothly.
Preprogrammed courses
Look for an Elliptical Trainer with both programmed and manual courses, as well as dual-direction movement (forward and backward) to accommodate your changing workout needs.
Resistance
Most machines offer varied resistance; make sure this is easy to adjust (either electronically or manually). Most experts prefer machines with an elevated incline, while others say increasing resistance and speed is just as effective.
Display
Make sure the display is easy to read and provides the information you're looking for. Most displays show speed, time and distance, but you may also want to see calories exerted, calories per hour, degree of incline or heart rate.
Space
If you're buying an Elliptical Trainer for a tight space, look for a machine that folds up or has wheels for easy transportation.

Answer 4

Don't buy either one without trying it out first. Find a good fitness store where you can try the machine before buying them. Even if can find a better deal online, make sure you fully inspect the machine and try it out to see if you're happy with the motion, noise, size, features, and so on.

Also, you can use the warranty period as an indication of value and life expectancy. If a machine has a one year warranty, expect it to last one year. Something that costs $2,000 with a two year warranty has a per year cost of $1,000 per year. That makes it a better value than a $1,500 machine with a one year warranty, all other things being equal.

Answer 5

Check out a store instead of shopping on the internet.

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Take a lap around the grocery store before starting shopping.

Answer 8

Paint your own toe-nails as an alternative to sitting for a pedicure.

Answer 9

Get your book group to slide on sneaks and chat moving around.

Answer 10

Host a party—the cleaning and prep work will keep you off the couch.