Choosing the Right Elliptical Trainer

With hundreds of models and dozens upon dozens of brands, it can be a difficult task to choose the right elliptical trainer for you and your family.  The first thing to consider is your budget and with this you can narrow down which elliptical trainer is right for you. 

It is not recommended to look for an elliptical trainer for under $800, as anything in a price range lower than that is of such inferior quality that it will not me your, and anyone’s, exercise needs.  This article will take a look at what to look for in each of the different price ranges.

Elliptical Trainers for $800-$1500

Finding a trainer in this range that can be a quality piece of workout equipment can be very difficult.  Most of the higher quality elliptical trainers will cost in excess of $1500, but there are some really good models in this price range if you know what to look for.

The first feature to consider is step distance. Many trainers in this price range offer a very small step distance.  This means a much poorer workout for you.  Look to see if you can find a machine with the step distance you require to complete a solid workout. 

Most of the elliptical trainers in this price range offer some advanced features like pulse trackers, varied programs, and self programmable routines.  Do

not expect much, as was stated earlier when shopping in this price range the most important thing is that you get a machine that can stand up to your workout.

Shopping in the $1500-$3000 Price Range

Here is where some of the machines start to get much more advanced features.  Workout machines in this price range are starting to push towards the very expensive, so the first thing to consider when looking in this range is what kind of warranty, service, and support comes with your elliptical trainer. 

Make sure that the trainer has at least a two year warranty.  Also, you should be able to find most if not all of the features that you are looking for, so be sure to double check that the trainer comes with everything you need before you buy.

Shopping in the $3000+ Range

Here is where you get the truly gym class elliptical trainers.  For most people, spending this much money on a trainer is not a good idea because these are designed for everyday 7-20 hour a day use.  For a normal home user that is just not practical. 

In addition, most, if not all, of the features available on units in this price range are available on trainers in the lower cost bracket.  You would probably do better to simply find a trainer in that price range that has all the features you need.