7 Things to Look for When Buying a Quality Elliptical Trainer
by Jim "Super Gym" Rosen, President of /

As a person who cares deeply about the health and wellbeing of everyone I come in contact with, I have discovered that there is a science to fitness equipment. For the past 23 years, I have traveled the world, researching the latest breakthrough technologies and learned that the average person requires a brief education in order to make a well-informed decision when purchasing fitness equipment. When it comes to selecting a quality Elliptical Trainer, here's a quick list of items you must look for to successfully make the best decision for your needs and budget:

1. Stride Length
   It is very important to select an elliptical with the proper stride length. Nothing is worse than a stride length that is too short. Longer stride lengths provide greater range of motion to target the abs, hips, buns, and thighs for maximum toning and sculpting. The longer the stride length the better. Some of the newer ellipticals have adjustable stride lengths from as little as 17" all the way up to 25". Use the following reference guide: 14-16" is Entry Level, 17"-18" is Good, 19"-20" is Excellent, 21"-25 is the Best but not easy to find.
   We are the only fitness dealer that has all of these options on our site.
   
   
2. User Weight Capacity
   The best way to determine the stability and overall quality of an elliptical's construction is by its "user weight" capacity. The higher the user weight capacity the better, providing a solid, stable ride while striding, walking, jogging or running. Even if you only weigh 100 lbs., you will appreciate the added stability of health club quality equipment with a higher user weight capacity. Use the following reference guide: 250 lbs. is Entry Level, 300 lbs. is Good, 350 lbs. is Excellent, 400 lbs. is the Best but not easy to find.
   We are the only fitness dealer that has all of these options on our site.
   
   
3. Biomechanically Accurate Elliptical Pattern
   A biomechanically accurate and safe elliptical pattern is shaped like an egg turned horizontally on its side. Many ellipticals incorrectly simulate an egg turned vertically which places great strain on the knees, back, hips and joints. Precor is a brand that suffers from this design flaw. The most accurate elliptical patterns are found on the newer innovative "Center Drive" designed ellipticals which provide the maximum range of motion to isolate the abs, hips, buns, calves and thighs while optimizing cardiovascular benefits.
   
   
4. Manufacturer Longevity
   With any product, manufacturers learn from experience. Our most popular elliptical factory is CardioZoneT, who has been manufacturing longer than other brand for over 30 years! These "Award Winning" ellipticals lead the industry in innovation, reliability and performance with a production team that knows how to build the "perfect" elliptical!
   
   
5. Space Efficiency
   One of the challenges of buying a quality elliptical is they can be gigantic and take up way too much space. The older design rear drive ellipticals are much too large for most homes or even health clubs. The newer compact "Center Drive" ellipticals are the most popular because they not only save a tremendous amount of space but they have the longest stride lengths on the market.
   
   
6. Warranty
   You need to protect your investment! What will you do when your equipment requires service? The best way to protect yourself from future costly parts and labor fees is to make sure your equipment has a good warranty. A good warranty provides coverage for cost and repair of parts and services that includes on-site service to get you back up and running again.
   Our elliptical cross trainers are built with the highest quality components and craftsmanship to last a lifetime. We are the nation's ONLY factory direct dealer offering an iron-clad lifetime warranty on EVERY elliptical cross trainer we sell to provide our valued customers with confidence and peace of mind for the entire life of the product!
   
   
7. Upper Body Arms
   One of the most desirable features of an elliptical trainer is you can do everything: burn fat, get a great cardio workout, work your entire lower body - hips, buns and thighs AND several units now offer upper body arms to tone and sculpt the core, abs, chest, arms, shoulders, and back all in as little as 30 minutes per day!