by Alicia Butler

Created on: October 10, 2008   Last Updated: October 12, 2008

Since treadmills have begun to get a bad reputation for creating harmful stress on joints, elliptical machines have become more popular. Elliptical machines have proven to be a great way to get a low-impact workout. Elliptical trainers also do something many exercise machines don't; give you both an upper and lower-body workout! There are many brands of elliptical machines on the market that are cost-efficient and can be used at home or in your gym. Some elliptical machines offer compact machines that are easy to move and store. Some will become permanent fixtures in your home. Regardless of which machine you decide to buy, there is an elliptical machine that will fit your needs.

When climbing on the elliptical trainer, you want to make sure you are holding on to the machine firmly, as there are two pedals that will move under your feet. Snowshoeing, the motion mimicked by the elliptical is a great workout for your entire body and you will be able to burn more calories on elliptical exercise equipment than on most other machines. You want to turn the machine on, select a workout program, and the machine will tell you what to do! You simply hold on to the handle-bars while moving your feet to force the pedals up and down the rails of the machine. The elliptical exercise machine will adjust resistance and difficulty on its own.

If you are interested in purchasing an elliptical trainer for your home, you'll need to make a few decisions, first. Do you have enough space to leave the elliptical exercise machine set-up all day, everyday? Or will you need it to be small enough to move into a closet or storage area when you are finished using it? Durability is another factor to consider. Does the machine have a good consumer rating? Precor, Nordic Trak, and Schwinn are few popular brands that tested well in consumer rating tests.

The Schwinn 480 is an elliptical exercise machine that is cost-efficient and sells for about $600. It is quite small and is easy to move, but has a short warranty. It is a great trainer if you are on a budget initially, but if it breaks down you may be stuck paying someone to fix it after the 90 day warranty is up.

The Nordic Trak AudioStrider 800 runs for about $800 and has some great basic features. It boasts an 18-inch stride length, nearly a dozen incline levels, and an adjustable ramp. This machine comes with a one year warranty which is significantly longer than the Schwinn and includes parts and service.

Finally, The Precor EFX elliptical trainer is for serious athletes. At $2600, it has four programs, 20 resistance levels, and has a reputation of being extremely durable.

All the above elliptical machines are available on Amazon.com and the website includes user ratings and a few pros and cons from consumers as well. Regardless of what machine you buy, elliptical trainers are proven to be a great form of exercise and offer a safe way to work out everyday.

Learn more about this author, Alicia Butler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.