Elliptical Cross Trainers Buyer's Guide

It looks a little like cross country skiing only without the cool clothes and the snow. Two long handles that resemble ski poles and two foot pads. We’ve all seen them at the gym and many are scared to even consider stepping on one. Who can blame them? At first glance, the Cross Trainer (or Elliptical Machine) can be intimidating, especially for someone who is trying to get into shape and doesn’t have the best body or coordination in the world. Ironically enough, those very things might make the Cross Trainer perfect for you!

What can a Cross Trainer Do for Me?

Two of the biggest obstacles that stand between most people and their fitness goals are weight and inflexibility. As we age, those two factors can become even more of a problem and too often people will become too frustrated to even try. If this sounds like you, you should consider buying a Cross Trainer for yourself.

A Cross Trainer can help you to burn calories more efficiently than just walking or jogging without the tremendous stress on your joints that other exercise equipment can cause. It is an efficient full body exercise tool that works your arms, legs, glutes and even your stomach at the same time, making it an ideal way to lose weight.

The fluid motion of a Cross Trainer gives it the alternate name – elliptical trainer – because it moves your body in ovoid (oval) elliptical motions, thus helping to increase overall flexibility without the risk of more jarring exercises.

How much is this going to cost me?

Before considering a Cross Trainer, you need to have a realistic budget in mind. This is exercise equipment and much like anything else in life, you get what you pay for. The starting price for a basic model trainer is about £150, with higher end models going for prices well into the thousands of pounds. More expensive models often have a more fluid motion due to a larger flywheel as well as magnetic resistance. Electromagnets in the machine mean that you won’t have to waste your time or energy adjusting the resistance manually.

Where am I gonna put this thing?

Space is an important consideration before purchasing any exercise equipment. If you don’t have much space that should not discourage you though. There are many models in as many different sizes and surely one will work for your needs. It is best to measure the space you have in mind for your equipment before shopping, so you will avoid bringing something home that just won’t fit!

What can it do for me?

If you’re the type who is easily bored with the same routine, fear not! There are computerized Cross Trainers that offer both preset and customizable workout routines to challenge and keep you from getting complacent. Some higher end models even have a heart rate monitor that will automatically adjust resistance to keep your heart rate close to optimal levels, thus making your workout do more for you will less effort on your part.

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