Being a relatively recent invention, elliptical machines and many of their features are still covered by patents held by a variety of different elliptical manufacturers. It is unlikely you will find all of the following features on any one elliptical trainer.
There is no better test than to get down to a fitness shop in your training gear and try the equipment out. Some of the important features to look out for are
Adjustable incline or ramp. Changes the angle of the pedals, effectively changing the muscle groups being worked. Ideally should be adjustable from the console.
Adjustable resistance. Magnetic or electromagnetic resistance to the flywheel, adjustable from the display/control console to vary the intensity of your workout.
Adjustable stride. Not found on many elliptical’s, but indispensable when there will be more than a couple of people using the elliptical crosstrainer, especially if they are of vastly different physiques. Most elliptical have a fixed stride length which can be anything from 12 inches to 27inches. The shorter the stride length the choppier, less comfortable and less effective the workout will be.
Quite operation. Most elliptical’s that do not use a belt or strap for resistance are practically silent, which is great if you want to listen to music or watch the TV while you are working out.
Display Console feedback. Can vary from very simple units that display the basics such as time, distance, speed and calories burned to more advanced units with built in programs to add variety to your workout, and heart rate monitoring, that adjusts your elliptical automatically so as to keep you in your heart rate zone.
Forward & reverse motion. Again works a different set of muscles and adds variety to an elliptical workout.
Full Body Dual Action. Gets your upper body in on the action via handle bars connected to the foot pedals. Look out for where the handle bar pivot points are. If they are too high the smaller muscles in your upper body will tire long before the big lower body muscles.
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