Free 'Elliptical Trainer Buyer's Guide' Answers 20 Crucial Consumer Questions

Activity-Sports-Fitness.com ELLIPTICAL TRAINER BUYER'S GUIDE 1


ELLIPTICAL TRAINER
BUYER'S GUIDE
20 Crucial Consumer
Questions Answered!

a report by Rika Susan

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20 Crucial Elliptical Trainer
Consumer Questions Answered!
Elliptical trainer reviews and consumer reports come jammed with details
about the superb cardio workouts for weight loss these machines provide.
Is trim, toned thighs your goal? Do you want to get your heart really
pumping? Do you need to rev up your metabolism? If you answered 'yes' to
any of these questions, getting one of these fat-burning exercise
companions may be the logical place to start.

Don't worry if you see one of these and have no idea what it is or how it is
used. Home gym equipment is known for its innovative technology, and it
has become almost impossible to keep up with all the latest trends and
changes.

So, you are in your local branch of Dick's Sporting Goods, trying to look as
if you know what you are doing. What are some of the questions you
should be asking when the salesman saunters over? How can you be sure
to get the most bang for your bucks and the right elliptical exercise
equipment for your needs? Let me see if I can help you to make sure that
the salesman earns some of that commission of his!

1. What exactly is an elliptical trainer and how is it used?

An elliptical trainer is one of the most effective, low-impact, stationary
trainers. You simply stand upright on the machine, holding onto the hand
rails. You position your feet comfortably in the roomy foot pedals. You then
'walk' with your natural motion. In contrast to a jogging motion, your feet
remain in the pedals throughout. This is why it is a low-impact device and
why it is often used during rehabilitation.


People of all ages and fitness levels can utilize these machines. It has been
compared to combining a treadmill, stair stepper and stationary exercise
bike. You set your own pace and can usually adjust the resistance level
until you feel comfortable. Your natural walking motion is emulated almost
perfectly.

2. What can I expect to pay?

The price tags on elliptical exercise equipment can range from a few
hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Establish the budget for your
purchase before your leave your home, otherwise you may be pressured
into paying more than you can afford. In order to decide what you need,
you have to ask yourself some basic questions. How many people will use
the machine? Will they use it daily or only a couple of times a week? Are
they of average weight or will some users be on the bulky side? Will the
workouts be light or will the equipment be used for marathon training? A
single person of average weight, who plans to train three times a week, can
opt for a less expensive model. A family of four with two marathon runners
among them, may need a top-of-the-line trainer.

3. What sort of drive system does the trainer have?

The drive system is a crucial element, but it may be difficult for a novice to
judge its quality and durability. Do some homework on the internet
beforehand and visit reliable review sites for suggestions and pointers.
These guys are usually up to speed as far as all the hiccups are concerned.

Price-wise, the first level of trainers usually comes with front drive systems
and articulating foot pedals. To be comfortable during use, and to prevent
injuries, this kind of machine must have pedals that adapt to your motion
with angle changes. Never buy one of these without articulating pedals.
These models can generally be seen as fairly reliable. They are also low-
maintenance in most instances.


Go up one level, and you get to the rear drive systems. These can be seen
on machines such as Precor elliptical trainers. The price is usually a bit
higher here. These devices are also easy to maintain. Their track record
has been fairly steady. The rear drive systems facilitate a natural ellipse
during use, so they don't come with articulating pedals.

The newest models on the market come with a unique center drive system.
These still have to be tested for reliability and efficiency. One notable
example of this is the new award-winning, space-age Center G Keys
elliptical trainer. This machine sports friction-free magnetic resistance. The
flywheel is located in the middle of the device. You will note that operation
is whisper quiet. One of the main advantages of this class is that the nature
of the design facilitates a shorter and more compact end product. This is
useful if you have space limitations.

4. What are the dimensions? How much space do I need?

The dimensions of elliptical machines vary tremendously. You need to make
absolutely sure that you have the room your choice of machine requires.
You may be looking at anything from 4 feet to 6 feet in length, and 4 feet
to 5 feet in height. Transport wheels are vital, as the devices can be
extremely heavy due to their size. For a more compact design, you may
want to consider on of the center drive system models such as the Keys
Center G. Another option is a space-saving, folding model.

5. How noisy is the device during operation?

This can also be an important factor. If you find the noise level to be
annoying, you are going to avoid exercising. You may also want to watch
television or listen to workout music while training. Your trainer shouldn't
drown out other devices you want to use simultaneously. In the end, a
lower noise level may also be an indication of better quality. Keep this in
mind when testing the different models.


6. What is the weight capacity of the trainer?

It is crucial to take a look at the maximum user weight of the machine.
Don't cut it too close to the upper limit. This may result in not-so-good
vibrations and balance issues. It may even lead to inconvenient break
downs due to overloading. For example, if the machine has been given an
upper limit of 300 pounds and you weigh 300 pounds, rather look for a 350
pound user weight capacity model. Remember that you may void the
warranty if you use it and you are over the weight limit.

7. What kind of foot pedals does it have?

This is where user comfort will dictate your choice. Imagine how distasteful
a 20 or 30 minute session will become if you experience pain, discomfort
and numbness in your feet and ankles. Adjustable, oversized pedals are the
best.

Newer developments include more comfortable, slightly sloped pedals as
seen in some Sole elliptical trainers. Another innovation is an adjustable
angle in the pedal, in addition to the articulating feature. This makes the
articulating pedals even more effective, as they can easily adapt to the
cycle of your stride with a change in angle.

Another benefit of this design is that it makes your workout more
interesting and varied. You can choose to target your glutes or hamstrings
specifically by adjusting the angle.

8. Is the stride length adequate?

You don't want a trainer that will cramp your style! If the stride length is
sufficient, you can be sure of a relaxed, fluid action. Look for anything
between 19quot; and 21quot; and test it thoroughly.


9. Is the frame sturdy and robust?

If the frame is lighter, portability is enhanced. If it is heavier, the machine
is likely to be more robust. In the long run, the latter is more important.
You will want to check that the base frame isn't too compact. If you are on
the tall side, this may affect the elliptical motion.

10. Does the trainer come with an adjustable ramp?

An adjustable ramp can be a huge advantage in your training. By changing
the angle of the ramp, you bring new muscle groups into play. Use a low
setting if you want to focus more on your upper body. Adjust it to a higher
elevation if you want to target your back and legs more effectively.

11. What type of resistance system does it use?

Remember that, once you are in a training rhythm, you don't want to lose
your momentum. You don't want to have to interrupt your session to make
adjustments to the machine. Try to get a trainer with a variable magnetic
resistance or an eddy current brake system. This will allow you to make
mid-stride, automatic adjustments via the controls on the unit's display or
handle bars. This kind of system also helps to lower the noise level, and
aids a more fluid action.

12. What can I expect in terms of workouts?

Some people prefer a very simple electronic display with a minimum of
functions and workouts. They just want something that is simple to follow.
In contrast, you may be looking for a good selection of different programs
to motivate you and to add interest to your training. It can be a good idea
to 'surprise' your muscles with a fresh workout from time to time. This can
help to avoid the dreaded plateau where it feels as if nothing is happening
in terms of progress. Workouts can include weight loss, heart rate sessions,


hill climbing and fitness tests, to name but a few. Your equipment should
adjust automatically according to your selection.

13. Is iFit compatibility included?

These days elliptical exercise equipment often comes with full iFit
compatibility as part of the package. This is a great option, as it virtually
(no pun intended!) gives you your own personal trainer and personalized
workouts. You will receive the option to connect to the iFit.com website.
Here you will be guided through a variety of workouts, accompanied by
workout music. You can use this feature to motivate yourself to improve
your performance. If you can't use the internet, you can opt to make use of
CD's and videos.

14. Is the power source cost-effective?

To operate the control panel and resistance system, you will probably need
a power source. The set-up can be electrical or battery operated. Make
sure that it won't be too expensive in the long run.

15. Will I be able to manage the electronics?

The consoles of these trainers can be very sophisticated and state-of-the-
art. This is the windows where you see details of the workouts, as well as
reports of your progress.

Make sure that you will be able to understand the functioning of the
console with ease. You don't want to feel that you need a university degree
in electronics to be able to digest the data diet the console feeds you. Also
make sure that it is large enough to be easy to read.


16. What sort of feedback will I get?

Usually the feedback on the console will include details about the workouts.
In addition, you may get information about the calories you are burning,
your heart rate, the time, the stride number, the resistance level, and the
distance. A carb counter may also be included.

17. Does the trainer make provision for an upper body workout
as well?

Some machines come with movable upper body handlebars. This adds yet
another dimension to your program, and revs up your progress. The main
advantage is that you will get a total body workout, as your arms, chest
and shoulders are brought into the training mix. Don't be surprised if you
feel as if you are cross-country skiing! One major difference you will notice,
is that the motion is so fluid that you won't register the intensity of your
workout. This characteristic of machines such as the Precor Elliptical,
enables you to continue your workout for a longer period, maximizing the
fat-burning effect.

18. Does my model of choice include a heart rate monitor?

While a wireless heart rate monitor as such isn't crucial (in fact the chest
strap may irritate some people), you have to be able to keep track of your
pulse rate in some way. You can use handgrip pulse sensors for this
purpose.

19. Does the trainer feature a reverse mode as well?

The reverse mode can be a very handy feature. Using it brings new muscle
groups into play. It also freshens up your routine. Such a 'wake-up' call for
your muscles can only help you to ensure fast-paced progress.


20. What sort of warranty is included?

When it comes to the warranty, you have to go for the best you can find.
Certain brands, such as Sole and Precor, have built a reputation for
providing excellent long-term warranties. The length of the warranty can
be a good indication of the reliability of the machine.

It is a good idea to make sure that you have enough time when you go
shopping for an elliptical trainer. Never buy without conducting a thorough
test-drive. Look for stability and a completely smooth action. Choose the
right training partner, and it is likely to become a highly beneficial, long-
term relationship, paying impressive dividends body-wise.

Just remember that you don't necessarily need expensive fitness
equipment such as an elliptical trainer or a home gym to create the toned
body you want. There are excellent, well-tested, budget-programs on the
market that have been proven to reduce body-fat significantly. Many of
these require little more than an affordable set of dumbbells and a bench.

Check two of the best-sellers out by reading the following
comparison study:


Compare Two Top-Selling
Fat-Burn Programs!

and

Trying to find out how to burn fat fast, but finding yourself bombarded with
sales letters that take an eternity to read, with a humongous amount of
information - enough to make your head spin?
Let's try to save you time and head-scratching, and get to the heart of two
of the top-selling fat-burning programs on the internet today, ‘Turbulence
Training’ and ‘Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle’.
Both of these tried-and-tested programs have been written by experts with
years of experience in the fields of weight loss and strength training. Both
books are praised in testimonial after testimonial. Both focus on getting
you the figure you have always dreamed about.


Before we get into more detail, here's a quick overview table:

Fat-burning and muscle
building through nutrition Fat-Burning and muscle
MAIN
know-how, strength training building using bodyweight.
FOCUS and cardio conditioning, plus Some nutritional guidance.
motivational techniques

FAT LOSS
2 Pounds per week 1 Pound per week
PREDICTED
EQUIPMENT You can start with as little as Bench, dumbbells and a
NEEDED a set of dumbbells. stability ball.

Bodybuilder, certified strength
and conditioning specialist Fitness expert, certified
AUTHOR (CSCS), qualified personal strength and conditioning
CREDENTIALS trainer, health club manager, specialist (CSCS), consultant
nutritionist, motivation coach and writer.
and freelance writer
337 Page information-packed 76 Page e-book, plus a one
FORMAT e-book. hour MP3 audio.
Valued at $402.80
Valued at $229.78
3 reports, e-book, lifetime e-
FREE 7 reports, 3-month basic level
zine subscr, access to the e-
BONUSES zine archives, lifetime
membership to the Turbulence
Training Discussion Forums
updates to Burn The Fat.

PRICE $39.95 $49.95

LINK:
Burn The Fat, Feed The CLICK HERE FOR Turbulence
Muscle Training


The Truth About ‘Turbulence Training‘
And Toning Your Body

 This program by Craig Ballantyne was written for regular people of all ages
and all fitness levels, from beginners to fitness buffs. Women can also use
the book, without fearing that they will add too much bulk.

 ‘Turbulence Training’ aims to create lean, strong, well-defined physiques.

 Craig concentrates on high intensity strength training with a cardio element
built in, rather than boring, traditional and time-consuming cardiovascular or
aerobic workouts.

 This approach is based on studies that show that heavier resistance training
is the more effective option when it comes to fat-burning and calorie
crunching.

 Being a balanced, realistic program, it aims to enable you to lose 1 pound of
fat per week. Fad diets promise huge losses, but most of the loss is water.
This explains why the weight simply comes back with a vengeance as soon as
you end the diet.

 3 Workouts per week of under 50 minutes are all you need to get the full
benefits of the program. The idea is to help you to spend the minimum time
training, while gaining maximum benefits - the ideal approach for busy
people.

 This method revs up your metabolism big time. The result is that you should
continue to burn calories at a much higher level after your workouts, than
with traditional aerobic workouts.

 Whereas ordinary weight loss programs virtually ensure that you lose lean
muscle mass, ‘Turbulence Training’ protects this aspect and is geared to add
to your lean muscle mass. This is a vital aspect if you want to lose weight
permanently.

 You get the whole fat loss package, with more than enough in the workout


department to keep you busy for 26 weeks. This is a lifestyle, or should I say
healthstyle program. No quick fix here. You will learn how to lose fat the
healthy way and keep it off forever.

 Some valuable nutritional guidance is also included as a bonus, but this isn’t
the main focus of ‘Turbulence Training’.

 The great thing is that you don’t need a room filled with expensive
equipment. A stability ball, dumbbells and a bench will do. For the rest, you
use your own bodyweight.

 Do you get bored easily? You will love this program. The workouts change
constantly, keeping you entertained and interested.

 ‘Turbulence Training’ comes with an iron-clad 8 week money back guarantee.

The Meat Behind The Magic Of
‘Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle‘

 This book by Tom Venuto is also aimed at regular people: those of us without
the perfect genes, those of us who have tried a gazillion diets without
success. Find out why these diets fail time after time.

 ‘Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle’ provides a fine-tuned fat-loss nutrition
system, combined with the best muscle-building workouts and tips. The plan
enables you to create a lean, well-defined look.

 Imagine the hole a one-on-one session with Tom Venuto will make in your
pocket. Yet, he shares all his knowledge freely in this affordable book.

 Let me tell you, this guy tries to make the process as quick and painless as
possible. You don’t need tons of endurance and determination. The plan can
be adapted to fit in with your program and the time you have available. Tom
even allows for those vital cheat days we all need!


 Whereas ‘Turbulence Training’ concentrates more on the strength training
aspect, ‘Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle’ offers more comprehensive
nutritional guidance. Yes, Tom Venuto spills the beans about the secrets
behind the super-low body fat percentages of bodybuilders and the models
you are likely to see on the cover of Muscle And Fitness Mag.

 Tom tells you how to work WITH your metabolism, rather than against it. The
author’s experience enables him to get you to lose the fat without losing the
benefit of a revved up metabolism. In fact, he will help you to turn your body
into a lean, mean, calorie-crunching machine that will continue to work away
even while you sleep.

 His target is to get you to lose the fat - and keep it off forever. Doesn’t that
sound like a plan?

 No weight loss pills, potions or nasties like steroids feature in this program.
It’s all natural stuff.

 ‘Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle: A Complete Fat Burning System Based on
The Secret Techniques of The World’s Best Bodybuilders and Fitness Models’
comes with an iron-clad 8 week money back guarantee.

The bottom line? If you are overweight and want to get rid of all those
extra pounds while building muscle mass at the same time, ‘Burn The Fat,
Feed The Muscle‘ may very well be the best partner for you.

If you are in fair shape, but want to concentrate on firming up and building
muscle definition, ‘Turbulence Training‘ should work well for you. This is
also a great option if you get bored easily and need loads of variety in your
workouts.

Free 'Elliptical Trainer Buyer's Guide' Answers 20 Crucial Consumer Questions

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Free 'Elliptical Trainer Buyer's Guide' Answers 20 Crucial Consumer Questions