Elliptical Exercise Machines

Find out why elliptical machines have become so popular in such a short amount of time...

Elliptical exercise machines are without a doubt the most popular "new" type of fitness equipment on the market. They've only been around a few years but they've caught on big time! In fact, as of 2004, over 10 million Americans use elliptical machines on a regular basis!

And for good reason: they provide many of the fitness, cardiovascular, and weight loss benefits of treadmills without the 'wear and tear' associated with running. Anyone who wants to get in shape without damaging their joints - especially those in the hips, knees, and ankles - should seriously consider using an elliptical exercise machine for their cardio workouts.

Here are the major benefits of elliptical exercise machines:

• No-Impact: Much safer workouts protect joints, muscles, ligaments, etc.



• Time Efficient Workouts: The combination of upper and lower body movement lets you get more results in less time



• Weight Bearing Exercise: Builds bone density and burns calories more efficiently than cycling or rowing.



• Passive Motion/Increased Safety: Elliptical exercise machines stop when you stop, unlike treadmills



• Lower Power Usage: Ellipticals use less electricity to operate than treadmills (= $$ savings)



• Low Maintenance: Less impact/pounding means less wear and tear on the machine itself



• Smaller Footprint: Ellipticals take up considerably less floor space than treadmills and other cardio exercise machines

Fluid Elliptical Motion

Many people who don't enjoy - or can't use - 'typical' cardio equipment find that they really like to workout on elliptical exercise machines. That's simply because the unique fluid, non-jarring motion of an elliptical trainer not only provides a very effective, very safe workout but it can also be extremely enjoyable!

And, because of the upper and lower body components (which involve all of the major muscle groups), you don't need to spend 40+ minutes working out in order to achieve your desired results. In fact, an elliptical machine can provide you with a highly effective, full-body, fat-burning, muscle-toning workout in less than 20 minutes!

Where to Buy

As with all fitness equipment, quality varies widely when it comes to elliptical exercise machines. The ones you can buy in Walmart are not going to give you as good a workout - or last nearly as long - as the high quality machines you'll find in fitness specialty shops (both offline and online). It is very important to find a motorized machine that provides a natural stride and is built to last!

The best places to buy elliptical exercise machines online are:

Smooth Fitness

Smooth is a fitness manufacturer that offers low factory-direct prices over the Web. They make very high-quality equipment, including 2 of the top-rated elliptical machines on the market. One Epinions review:

"Best product for the price by a large margin. The design is elegant and practical, and its mechanics look and feel superior to anything else on the market right now." Read entire review

MegaFitness

Offers a wide selection of elliptical exercise machines, including very low-priced 'remanufactured' equipment from popular makers like Precor, Life Fitness, Star Trac, and Tunturi. Definitely worth checking out.

WorkoutWarehouse

A popular online discount fitness equipment store. They offer Proform, Nordictrack, Reebok, Healthrider and occasionally other popular elliptical brands. Sometimes their inventory is a little low but it's still worth taking a look.

Here are some good articles:

Elliptical Exercise Machines - More Then a Craze

History of Elliptical Machines

Other useful websites:

Elliptical-Exercise-Machines.com