Elliptical trainers are fast becoming the fitness machine of choice for individuals and health clubs the world over. Its low impact cross training motion allows for virtually anyone to get a great cardiovascular workout while minimizing potential injuries. By allowing you to rain both your upper and lower body, it makes for the perfect weight loss training. Owning an elliptical trainer can be a great investment in your own health and well being, but buying one can be a tough challenge.
With countless new brands and designs on the market, it can be a tough choice with prices ranging from 0 to as high as 00. The most important aspect of the elliptical trainer is the flywheel. The flywheel is responsible for the circular motion and it also contains a resistance mechanism to allow you to change the intensity of the workout.
Cheap machines have cheap flywheel designs. The cheap ones use belts to create resistance and these rarely last very long. More expensive machines use a magnetic system that is quite sophisticated. By alternating the electrical current, the resistance level changes.
Apart from the actual resistance mechanism, flywheel designs also vary in terms of its position on the machine. The traditional position is for one large flywheel at the back of the machine. This makes for a rather large machine with a very long footprint. Some of the latest designs have decreased the large footprint by positioning 2 smaller flywheels side by side. This makes for a much shorter and fatter machine that many claim is much more stable with a much smoother motion during workouts.
Lastly, you need to always make sure that your elliptical trainer has a warranty on the flywheel mechanism. The motor is usually the first and the last thing that breaks. The better brands usually give you a 1 year warranty while some even give up to 5 years. Always check that you have this and always buy a recognizable brand.
