The elliptical cross trainer is a reliable cardio machine that offers users a full-body workout. Due to this, it is attractive for a wide variety of fitness enthusiasts. It is constructed to emulate an engaging exercise experience involving walking, running, or stair climbing.
How to Choose an Elliptical Cross Trainer for Home
In this article, we will the five main aspects that go into choosing an elliptical cross-trainer. Nevertheless, if you want to pursue your training routine at a professional level, it is advisable to do some further reading on the best cross trainer to buy so that you ensure the decision you take is the right one.
Check out another post where we are discussing the best cross-training shoes in 2020. I hope it helps you to find out the best cross-training shoe that meets your demands!
1. Flywheel Weight
The first and most important characteristic to look into when purchasing your new elliptical cross trainer is the weight of its flywheel.
This crucial element makes all the difference in the world in terms of pedaling efficiency and smoothness. Anything under 10 kilograms is not recommended, as it can cause unpleasant jerks during the workout.
The type of flywheel you choose should ideally weigh between 10 and 21 kilograms, depending on how frequently you operate the device.
However, in the case of monthly or bi-monthly sessions, you can manage with an elliptical cross trainer that has a 7 to 10-kilogram flywheel. For regular use, choose a machine with a component that weighs between 11 and 21 kilograms.
Professional elliptical cross trainer users that engage in training twice or thrice a day require even more stability than that.
Thus, our recommendations are that you purchase a robust fitness station with a flywheel that weighs more than 21 kilograms. If the mass of this vital part is not specified in the product description, steer clear from that item, as this is never a good sign.
2. Stride Length
An elliptical machine’s stride length is what determines the amplitude of your leg movement. Your goal shouldn’t be to achieve the perfect walking stride, but rather sufficient energy transfer so that your limbs aren’t restrained and you feel comfortable while pedaling. The ideal length is 40 cm. Anything below that becomes counterproductive after a while.
Naturally, the length of your stride will be directly proportional to the side of the cross-trainer. Never purchase a station that is smaller than 135 cm, as this means that your stepping space will be insufficient.
Go for longer ellipticals, even though they will take up more room in your house. It is in your best interest, after all.
3. Coaching Indicators
If you want visible improvements to occur in terms of your physical fitness and form, you will need to monitor your progress thoroughly.
Fortunately, basic elliptical machines have integrated coaching indicators such as exercise time, average calories burnt, speed, or distance. However, if your goal is to lose weight and build lean muscle efficiently, you will need more than that.
To change up your workouts, look for cross trainers whose computers also keep track of your heart rate, weight loss, and performance development.
In addition to this, you should choose a device that is compatible with other fitness apps, so that you can tailor these stats to suit your specific needs. Of course, this is only necessary for frequent or professional users.
4. Adjustability
When you use workout machines to guide and enhance your exercise sessions, it is incredibly important to tweak their settings and fine-tune them to suit your body.
Thus, we advise you to purchase a device that has adjustable handlebars and pedals. This nifty feature will allow you to adopt the proper posture for your height and weight, leading to a successful dose of training.
If you want to take the experience one step further, choose an elliptical that also allows you to tweak the stride length yourself, as well as its resistance levels and incline.
In this way, you will be able to focus on particular muscle groups at a time, which is essential when your goal is to achieve a figure that is slim and toned overall.
5. Price Range
The final aspect you need to consider when choosing your elliptical cross trainer is the price. Going for a budget-friendly machine might be the most appealing option, but keep in mind that this also means you will only get access to basic features, as well as a lightweight flywheel. For a more robust device, be prepared to pay more than 300 dollars.
Final Thoughts
When you’re in the market for an elliptical cross trainer for home use, the main aspect to look into is the weight of its flywheel. Stride length is also important, as are coaching indicators and adjustability.
By choosing an exercise product that meets your standards in every department, you will obtain the workout of your life. Just don’t expect a good fitness station to be cheap!
Check our lastest Review on Teeter FreeStep one of the best home elliptical