Nautilus E514 Elliptical Trainer

Ideal for fitness enthusiasts of any skill level, the Nautilus E514 provides an effective cardiovascular workout by combining upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. It offers smooth, biomechanically-correct design and comfort features, enhanced programming, and integrated Polar® heart rate systems for superior workouts. Other features include 16 computer-controlled resistance levels, 17 total programs for workout variety, and a natural-feeling 18-inch stride.

Elliptical trainers emulate the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, making them much easier on your knees and joints. In addition to feeling more natural while working out, regular use of elliptical trainers can help to increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health (and burning calories at the same time). The Nautilus E514 is an elliptical machine that will adequately allow you to exercise in this way.

FULL REVIEW of the Nautilus E514 COMING SOON.

Review of the Schwinn A40 Elliptical Trainer

Enjoy a low-impact workout without leaving the home with the Schwinn A40 elliptical trainer (Currently 42% of the normal price and there is a reason which I’ll cover below). Boasting a perimeter-weighted, high-inertia flywheel, the A40 runs smoothly and quietly, with eight resistance levels to keep you on your toes. The battery-operated trainer also supports several different workout programs (seven in all), so you can customize your workout and keep things fresh. And thanks to the informative LCD console, you can easily monitor your workout progress, with readouts for time, rpm, distance, pulse, speed, calories, resistance level, and course profile. The oversized console also includes a reading rack, water bottle holder, and integrated two-speed fan to keep you engaged and comfortable.

Other details include contact heart rate sensors, a 17-inch stride length, leveling feet for uneven surfaces, and a compact footprint. The Schwinn A40, which supports up to 275 pounds, carries a two-year warranty on the frame, a six-month warranty on electrical parts, and a 30-day warranty on wear parts.

Product Features

• Get a total body workout with synchronized upper and lower body movement along with 7 Programs and 8 levels of resistance
• Oversized console features a reading rack and integrated 2 speed fan
• Contact heart rate sensors built into console
• 17-1/2″ stride length and perimeter weighted, high inertia flywheel provide a smooth and natural feel
• Compact footprint will fit in any room of your house

Specifications:

• Resistance levels: 8
• Number of programs: 7
• Program types: 1 quick start, 2 course, 2 circuit, 2 pursuit
• Heart rate monitor: Yes, grip
• Display type: LCD
• Display readout: Speed, rpm, time, distance, calories, pulse, resistance level, and course profile
• Reading rack: Yes
• Water bottle holder: Yes
• Fan: Yes
• Power requirement: 4 D-cell batteries (not included)
• Maximum weight capacity: 275 pounds
• Warranty: 2 years on the frame, 6 months on mechanical and electric parts, 30 days on wear parts

User Reviews

Now one of the reasons we wanted to include this review of an elliptical trainer is that this one does not get very good user or consumer reviews. Having done our research we have found that many users have been happy with the price but not happy with the build quality of this machine.

The old adage, “you get what you pay for” is definitely true when I comes to purchasing exercise equipment. Below you will find a range of comments from people who have purchased this machine. To read more you can click on the GET MORE INFO button and follow the links.

Review 1:
Good for the price
“We got this elliptical based on price and ratings. We got it as an entry level machine as neither my husband or I have been working out, ever, really and want to get in shape and loose weight. The good: It’s a great workout. You start to burn in your thighs within minutes and can really work up a sweat quickly for those who are out of shape. It’s easy on the joints, SUPER quiet. My husband can be working out on the machine in the same room as I am watching TV and I’m not disturbed and for entertainment while working out you can watch TV without having to turn the volume up much. This I like, as we have small children and like to work out after bedtime. The Bad: The fan is worthless, as stated in other review. I really don’t have a clue why Schwinn would even put that in the console?? It’s THAT worthless. The display is bad.”

Review 2:
you get what you pay for…. nothing more
“I bought this thinking it was a great deal and then i got on it. i wasnt happy with it. the stride is way too short and the handles seem too far away. im 5’7” and to me i have a shorter legs…so if you have long legs, this ISNT for you. the only thing i guess that could be good about it is there is resistance even on the lowest setting. If i didnt already waste 2 hours putting it together, i would send it back.”

Review 3:
not worth the trouble
“I received the item on January 9th. The console did not work so I called the company to get a new one shipped instead of taking the whole machine apart and sending it back. January 26th, I finally received the new console and guess what. It didn’t work either. My husband is packing it up now so it can be shipped out tomorrow. Big disappointment. ”

Conclusion

As you can see the reviews aren’t all bad. Remember that this is a small portion of reviews submitted to customer reviews (there 58 in total at the link below). As overall rating is 3.5 we would recommend taking a further look at the Schwinn a40 Elliptical trainer (by clicking the link below) but take sometime to access whether you would be able to invest a little more in a machine that comes with a higher rating and better consumer reviews.

There are a number of good reasons that Elliptical training machine workouts are so popular. One of the main ones is that the workouts are probably the best you can get. They are really effective. There are many pros to working out on an elliptical training machine and that is why many find using them so enjoyable.

One of the main competitors to elliptical training machines of course is the treadmill. Treadmills are similar to elliptical machines in that they give you the opportunity to use your natural stride length but can be a little dangerous if you don’t maintain the right rhythm. You might have seen the TV ad where the young guy on the treadmill takes a tumble. Looked painful. Elliptical machines are easy to use much like an old fashioned stair climber.

Of course the elliptical trainer gets it’s biggest kudos from the fact you get a fantastic cardiovascular workout, much like with jogging or using a treadmill, but without your joints and back being subjected to constant jarring. Anyone who has problems in these areas, joint pain, stiffness, vulnerability to stress fractures will find that working out on an elliptical trainer will almost totally eliminate these.

The posture taken on an elliptical trainer is very natural. No crouching or bending over like on a rowing machine. This natural posture means there is much less strain on the back. No reaching for or pulling any handles or oars like when using a rowing machine.

Elliptical trainers are versatile in that you can choose to workout your upper body along with your lower body or just your lower body by itself. Leaving out the upper body can sometimes be a little easier on you if you are starting from scratch and need to build up your fitness before doing prolonged full-body workouts.

Not all elliptical machines are created equal however. Some only allow you to move in a forward motion others give you the option to exercise in a backward motion. This of course enables you to exercise some slightly different muscle groups. Some you might not normally get to exercise or use. And that’s a good thing. What this all means then is that you are able to give your lower body a full and complete workout, shaping and toning those areas that you feel need attention.

Elliptical trainers are a breeze to use but don’t be fooled. Because the workout they give you is more comprehensive, uses more muscle groups than you would from using say a treadmill, you will be burning more calories. What’s the secondary benefit here? You will get results, get them quicker and this will keep you motivated to keep with your exercise program.

The great thing about elliptical trainers is that they are suitable to a broad range of users. From the beginner right through to the highly motivated fitness fanatic. Your machine is going to meet your needs at every level. The elliptical machine is easily set-up so that you can intensify your workouts depending on your needs and fitness level. And lets not forget many women, during pregnancy want to keep in shape but are understandably concerned about exercise routines or equipment that can stress or strain their bodies – elliptical training machines are ideal for them also.

Some additional products that maybe of interest to those
looking to use an elliptical training machine in their home gym.
People who are interested in elliptical training machines and fitness
may also like…

1. Chalean Extreme – Workout DVD

The ChaLean Extreme workout DVD Set is a complete weightless and exercise system that works on the basic biological fact that muscle burns fat. The more lean muscle you have, the more fat you burn. Using the ChaLean workout method you can burn up to 60 percent of your body fat in just three months and see visible results every 30 days–guaranteed.

The ChaLean DVD set comes with 15 workout that teach you the proper form and technique for the resistance moves you’ll be doing in the program, whether you’re using weights or bands. The Muscle Burns Fat Guidebook makes it easy to follow the program–equipped with calendars, the guidebook shows you which workout to do each day and how much weight to lift. The Fat-Burning Food Guide shows you what to eat in each phase of the training to maximize fat burning and get the most out of your workout. The Thigh Toner Band adds oomph to  your lower body workout for extra toning and the Body Fat Tester measures your month-to-month fat burning progress.

2. P90X: Tony Horton’s 90-Day Extreme Home Fitness Workout DVD Program

Tired of ineffective workouts that sound great but produce less-than-optimal results? Turn to the P90X Extreme Home Fitness system, a bundle of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. Hosted by personal trainer Tony Horton, the series of DVDs will help you get lean, bulk up, or grow stronger, with an endless variety of mix-and-match routines to keep you motivated.

The secret behind the P90X system is an advanced training technique called “muscle confusion,” which accelerates the fitness process by constantly introducing new moves and routines so that your body never plateaus and you never get bored. The more you confuse the muscle, the harder your body has to work to keep up. And the more variety you put into your workout, the better and faster your results will be. By breaking old routines and opening new doors, secondary and tertiary muscles are constantly being activated and developed.

3. Exercise Equipment Floor Mat 3′ x 6.5′

This extra thick 7mm Exercise Equipment Floor Mat helps to protect your carpeted, hardwood, and tile floors from damage while using exercise bikes, treadmills, stair climbers, etc. This floor mat also provides superior traction that will keep your equipment from sliding while in use. This mat is longer than most other mats to allow flexibility during use. It will not damage the surface below and can be reused for years! You will not find a better and more durable floor mat.

4. SquareTrade 3-Year Fitness Equipment Warranty ($500-600 Items)

Coverage: 3 years of mechanical and electrical failures from normal use, starting from
item purchase date.
Claims: SquareTrade will fix the item or pay you the full replacement cost of the item.  Zero Deductibles.
Service: Free two-way pre-paid shipping for mail-in service.  5 day service guaranteed!
Price: Up to 70% less than other warranties.
No Paper: SquareTrade will email your contract within 24 hours and let you store your receipts with us for a  paperless claims process. You will not be mailed a contract.

5. Altus Athletic 32-Pound Dumbbell Set with Stand

Complete your workout room with this set of neoprene-coated dumbbells from Altus. Featuring a pair of 3-pound, 5-pound, and 8-pound neoprene-coated dumbbells, this set is ideal for working out at home and also includes a stand for tidy storage. Develop strength, power, and your core while also shaping and toning.

Review of the Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer (2011 model)

The Sole E35 elliptical trainer is a smart choice when you are looking for a quality elliptical trainer.  It is in the mid-price range for elliptical training machines and that makes it affordable for many people .  It has been built and priced as a balanced piece of training equipment with a wide range of features and a great price.

The Sole E35 elliptical trainer has received a number of “Best Buy” recommendations by a leading consumer publications. Why? Well, simple really – It is designed to give a full-body workout in the comfort of your own home with some great features that you would only expect on more expensive machines. You might be interested to also know that it is the same machine found in Hilton and Omni Hotel gyms and is one of the most popular models under $1500 with fitness professionals.

Features

Some the Sole E35  features include a 25-pound heavy flywheel that ensures smooth performance. It has power incline feature that adds resistance while also targeting various muscle groups. The bright 6.5-inch LCD display tracks distance, time, calories burned and the level of resistance. It also has an integrated sound system (iPod/mp3 players), great for those who like a bit of music to go with their exercise program. Build in fans for cooling, a weight capacity of 375-pounds (no, you aren’t to big) and it weighs 200 pounds – so be sure you’ve got help when moving it and when taking delivery.

If you are anything like me you’ll have spent many hours pounding the streets to keep in shape. But even with the best running shoes and technique we all suffer from impact injuries at sometime or other. The Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer provides an effective cardiovascular workout by combining upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion and is easier on your joints. And to encourage comfortable workouts Sole has added oversized, custom-designed foot pedals to the E35. These feature a 2-degree inward slope, not much, but enough to help reduce ankle and knee stress often associated with other similar machines. The foot beds are adjustable too making it ideal for different users.  It also has a couple more nice touches like resistance and incline controls on the handles.

Just a little more information about the control panel and on-board computer. It is a blue backlit LCD display. It is well lit and displays a range of training related information very clearly. The Sole E35 also includes heart monitoring equipment via two sensors – one in the handles and one with a special body monitoring strap (which touts 99.9% accuracy).

There are a number of additional features that are worth mentioning and that is a pair of stationary handlebars that are included, these include the built-in pulse sensors; adjustable resistance and incline controls; and 16 resistance levels.

Specifications:

• Stride length: 20 inches
• Front drive: Yes
• Resistance type: Eddy Current Braking
• Resistance levels: 16
• Adjustable pedals: Yes, 3 positions
• Upper body: Yes
• Hand-grip: Standard
• HGP: Yes
• Telemetry belt: Yes
• Heart rate control: Yes
• Power incline: Yes
• Display: 6.5-inch blue backlit LCD
• Data: Time, distance, calories, resistance levels
• Profile matrix: Yes
• Standard programs: 6
• User-defined programs: 2
• Heart rate programs: 2, with chest strap
• Built-in cooling fans: Yes
• Water bottle/accessory holders: Yes
• Capacity: 375 pounds
• Weight: 200 pounds

Does It Include A Warranty?

Yes, the Sole E35 a lifetime warranty on the frame; 5 years on parts and electronics; 2 years on labor.

What Others Are Saying

This Sole elliptical training machine has received great reviews from most consumers with an average of  4.5 out of 5 stars from most consumers who have left reviews on Amazon and the Sole website.

Here are some of the comments that have been made to date:

• “I recently purchased the Sole E35 2011 model after spending a few weeks online researching between the Sole, Norditrack, Horizon, and other top models. I then went and tried a few machines out at some local shops, and my choice landed on the E35.”
• “Of the “consumer grade” elliptical trainers sold online and in some of the big box stores the E35 is one of the best. I’ve done a lot of research and the Sole has a smooth solid feel that many of the others (especially less expensive ellipticals) can’t match.”
• “If you’re looking for a decently priced elliptical you plan to use often I would suggest you take a good look at the E35…”
• “I’ve had this Sole E35 now for about 2 weeks and am highly impressed with the quality and workout I get. I have used Precor ellipticals in the past and really like them but there was no way I was going to spend $4K-$5K for one. The E35 is an incredible value of quality and offers an equally outstanding workout. I’m 230Lbs now (with a goal of 195), and I can say the E35 is a very solid machine with a sturdy high quality feel, and the 25Lb flywheel makes it plenty smooth as well. The machine glides in near silence, which I also love.”

Any Complaints?

I have found very few complaints for this elliptical trainer. A couple of consumers did express some concern about the time it took to assemble the machine after delivery but over all not a huge problem especially when you consider the savings made with the purchase in the first place.

This is what one consumer had to say: “I am highly mechanically inclined and very comfortable using hand tools, and it took around 2.5 hours to put together, and I was taking my time and being very careful to do it perfectly. The instructions are well laid out, but the schematics could be a little better if they were printed a little larger. The screws, nuts and bolts are logically packaged and labelled by the steps in the directions. It could have been a little easier if they had labelled the plastic covers with numbers, so it took a little trial and error to figure out which cover went where.”

Another point which I think should be mentioned is about the weight. At 200 pounds it is not light. Therefore it is recommended that the box the machine arrives in be unpacked and the components moved to the assembly location. This would be especially important if it is going to be assembled and used up or down stairs from where it is delivered. One consumer said: “It is a heavy machine. I was contemplating having four guys carry it from the garage to the basement, but instead decided to open the box in the garage and carry the separate pieces into the basement. This was a very wise choice.”

Where can you buy the Sole E35 elliptical training machine?

You can buy this Sole training machine from Amazon. At the moment they do include FREE shipping and from what research I have done on prices online Amazon do have the best deal especially with the FREE shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where can you read more Reviews for the Sole E35 elliptical training machine?

The best place to read more reviews from people who have actually bought and use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

So you are looking for the ideal present? It’s not something you want to be taking to much time over but I know that it’s quite a difficult task when there is just so much to choose from wherever you turn. The internet makes it possible to access products from all over the world… but often the amount of choice we have now-a-days just makes the job of selecting a present that much harder. It just gets confusing. I will not take to much of your time so read on and find out what present I suggest that will keep on giving for years to come.

If there was something that could help you or some one you love to increase their happiness, increase their lifespan, add quality to their lives, protect them against being overweight, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing diabetes and cancer, you’d be interested right? Well I am pleased to say that their is something you can give that can achieve these things and more. There is of course an investment of time and money involved but over a life time the time investment is worth it and the monetary investment is next to nothing spread over time.

So what am I talking about? I am of course talking about giving an elliptical exercise machine. These machines are probably the best gift you could possibly give and definitely the best gift you could receive. Because it is something that will add so much more to your life, things that money can not buy but are the result of putting in some time and effort on a regular basis. The gift of an elliptical machine is really about making your love for a friend, a family member, or yourself of course, known in a really tangible way. Forget about gifting gym memberships because while they are good having to gear up, go out, lineup, sweat with a bunch of strangers soon gets to be less than fun. Having an exercise machine in the home means there is no excuse and is a constant reminder to get on and do something.

Elliptical exercisers come in a range of models and you will find there is always one to suit your budget. Some of the more modest models start at around $500 (and maybe less if they are on special) and move on upwards into the thousands. The important thing is to get one and use it. Using an elliptical is not difficult once you learn the basics and because it is a low impact form of exercise the chance of getting some kind of injury, especially some kind of repetitive strain injury is absolutely minimal.

To find out more about elliptical exercise machines you can explore this website: http://ellipticaltrainers-reviews.com There you will find a range of ellipticals that have been reviewed, articles that explain how to use them and more relevant information to help you make an informed choice between different models. Importantly this will save you valuable time in your search for an elliptical machine to give to some special in your life.

Review of the Pro-Form 14.0 Elliptical Trainer

When beginning my research on elliptical trainers I realised there are a number of important factors to take into consideration. To my way of thinking one the most important is how natural does it feel working out on one of these elliptical training machines. Well I discovered that this machine, the Pro-Form 14.0 Elliptical Trainer has a unique feature that sets itself apart from the others. Why? I tell you in a minute. First let me describe the machine for you.

The Pro-Form 14.0 Elliptical Trainer combines great technology with high performance to take you workouts to new heights. It does of course include the standard elliptical essentials like great stride length. 18-inches in this case, a 20-pound flywheel along with commercial grade materials and build. It runs very quietly and can therefore be set-up almost anywhere you want in your home.

But first a quick video review of the Pro-Form 14.0 Elliptical Trainer:

A Unique Feature

Now for the feature that sets it apart from the others. The Pro-Form 14.0 includes iFit Live. What’s that you ask? Well, to put it simply, it’s an interactive fitness solution that uses Google Maps software to re-create terrain anywhere in the world. You can pretend you are running a different course every time you get on the machine. In addition you can customize your workout program, get a workout with the Biggest Loser trainer Jillian Michaels, compete against your FaceBook friends, track nutrition and activity, receive motivational messages via text and email and download workout videos. It’s awesome. It should be noted though you do need to have wireless internet access for this to work.

Additional Features

The Pro-Form 14.0 has overall dimensions of 54 x 34 x 18.3 inches and has a great space saver design feature which not all elliptical machines have so this could be a bonus if you are a little cramped for space. The elliptical has pedals and a base that are designed to fold-up easily to save you nearly 3 feet of floor space.

Some other elliptical machines offer a range of built-in workout levels. And the Pro-Form 14.0 is no exception offer 18 build-in workout levels. More than most. These have been designed by a certified personal trainer so you can be confident you are going to maximise your results.

All machines at this level generally include a heart rate monitor and this elliptical is no exception with dual-grip EKG heart rate monitors built in to the handlebars. You can easily reach and maintain the training zone that matches your goals.

The Workout

Getting on and off the machine is a breeze and because of the design is well suited to a range of body sizes. The large, cushioned pedals allow for a number of different foot positions and sizes and provide a lot of stability while exercising.

The handlebars come with soft grips for comfort and help burn more calories and help create great muscle tone for the upper body. Working out the upper and lower body increases cardio benefits. Because of the level of comfort you can focus more on the workout rather than being destracted by any discomfort you might be experiencing.

Another comfort feature that is worth mentioning is the workout fan. You can stay comfortable which will enable you to work out longer.

You can further improve you workouts by making use of the power intensity ramp. What this allows you to do is change the incline of the elliptical which helps you focus on different muscle groups when you are working out.

Those Little Extras

• The sound system included allows you to workout with your favourite music playing.
• A water bottle holder conveniently located for quick hyrdation.
• Racetrack display – monitor your progress with a track-style display of your progress.
• Wheels – built in to make it easier to move the elliptical if needed.

Some Specs

• SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance – This smooth, frictionless resistance system allows you to adjust your workout intensity without interrupting your workout.
• 18″ Stride Length – Enjoy long, full strides and develop lean muscles with this generous 18″ stride length.
• 300 lb. Weight Capacity – while not as great as some makes still adequate for most users.
• Footprint – 79.8″ L X 27″ W X 66.2″ H

Does It Include A Warranty?

For peace of mind the Pro-Form 14.0 CE Elliptical is protected by a lifetime frame warranty and a 1-year part and labour warranty.

What Others Are Saying About The Pro-Form 14.0 Elliptical Trainer

The Pro-Form 14.0 Elliptical Trainer has received rave reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from reviewers over at Amazon.

Here is some of what people have had to say:

• “I tried several ellipticals out at Sports Authority before purchasing this one on Amazon. It was hands down my favorite. As soon as I hopped on it just felt right. I’m 5’11 so I wanted to make sure I got a machine that felt comfortable for my stride. If you’re much taller you might want to look for a machine with an extended stride. Every once in awhile I feel like my knee gets kind of close to hitting the cup holder. “
• “I love this elliptical! I went to several stores to try out their ellipticals, and this one was by far the best.”
• “I love this elliptical. It was by far the most sturdy and smoothest machine I have tried out at any of the retail stores.”
• “Shipping was quicker than expected…assembly is quite a task…definitely helps if there is more than 1 person…base is extremely heavy. however, my wife and I got it set up within 2 hours and can’t be happier. very nice for the price.”

Any Complaints?

I have found very few complaints online about the machine. Those that I have found relate to the challenge of assembling the unit when it arrives. This is something common to all elliptical training machines, and other large pieces of exercise equipment so should be a consideration if you are particularly challenged in this area. Most people however do get the job done and many make the following suggestion: “It took less than two hours to put together. Make sure you put this together with the help of somebody else.”

One person did complain about the heart rate monitor not working very well… this is what happened …. “My mistake about the heart rate monitor. I forgot to take the stickers off of the metal on the bars…lol. Everything works like a charm now.”

Where Can You Buy The Pro-Form 14.0 Elliptical Trainer?

You can buy the Pro-Form Elliptical from Amazon. At the moment Amazon does include FREE shipping for those who qualify and this factor does make it the best deal currently available. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Pro-Form 14.0 Elliptical Trainer?

The best place to go to read more reviews from people who have actually bought and used the Pro-Form 14.0 Elliptical Trainer is Amazon. Click her to read more.

Elliptical or treadmill

When you begin to search for a piece of exercise equipment two of the most commonly considered by others are always the elliptical or treadmill. These two are not the same though they do both deliver similar aerobic, cardiovascular, and calorie burning benefits. In this article we are going to explore their similarities, their benefits and their differences. Hopefully you will, by the end of the article, be in a better position to decide whether an elliptical or treadmill is the best fit for you.

One of the first things to consider if it is better to get or use and elliptical or treadmill is what is most popular and why. Treadmills have been around for well over 100 years now. Obviously though they have not always been associated with or used for physical exercise. They were popular initially as a way to power machines before the invention of steam engines or electric motors. Both humans and animals were used on these early treadmills. Then they were developed further by the medical profession as a way to easily measure heart rate and the physical effects of cardiovascular exercise in the late 50′s early 60′s. They then made a more natural progression into the gym as an run of the mill exercise devise. And from that point on became more and more popular. Living proof of that has been the banks and banks of these in gyms around the world.

More recently the elliptical trainer has entered the market. While the elliptical machine has been around since the early 1990′s it wasn’t until around 2000 that it really began to take off and become popular. Unlike the treadmill the elliptical was designed right from the outset as an exercise machine to provide low impact cardiovascular exercise. Studies were carried out using video to analyze the movement of the limbs while running and then the machine was designed to as closely as possible emulate that…. with-out the impact usually associated with running or using a treadmill. The popularity of the elliptical trainer has increased as more and more people discover it’s low impact benefits.

What to consider when choosing between an elliptical or treadmill

So when considering whether to use or buy an elliptical or treadmill it is important to understand what is it actually doing to your body. As you will be aware treadmills have a mat that moves under your feet on which you run or walk to remain in the same position relative to the frame or control panel of the machine. So in reality it is very similar to running. The major differences being the lack of wind resistance and the static pace at which you must run to remain in the harmony with the machine. Both these things have drawbacks however. A runner who uses one may develop an unnatural style due to the lack of wind resistance and usually soon looses interest in working out on the machine because of the monotonous pace that the treadmill enforces. In addition someone running on a treadmill will be getting the same amount of impact in and through their legs as when running normally. This can and often does lead to injury.

Now when it comes to consider what the elliptical does or doesn’t do to your body you will first want to consider what it does to your body. Firstly, it does exercise the lower limbs in a similar manner to the treadmill but it also gives the upper body a work out as well. This does depend on the type of elliptical machine or trainer being considered but most models will have handles or handle bars which help give the upper body a workout as well. This is something a treadmill does not do. So the number one benefit of using an elliptical over a treadmill is that you will get a full body workout on an elliptical.

When asking the elliptical or treadmill question the next benefit you will want to know about with ellipticals is the fact that they are a low impact exercise machine. This is the second most important benefit of using an elliptical. The reason they are low impact is that your legs do not leave the pedals so there is no raising and then striking the foot back down again as in running or working out on a treadmill. This one fact alone has meant the elliptical as risen to be the number piece of exercise equipment when it comes to aerobic and cardiovascular fitness training.

You can also get information and reviews on some selected machines available from reputable sources. Get more information about elliptical or treadmill pros and cons by exploring our website.

Review Of The Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer

The Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer is a development in elliptical trainer technology that can not be overlooked by anyone in the market for one of these machines. The engineers at Schwinn have created a machine that is “outside of the box” and really needs to be explored in greater depth to understand why it’s a step forward in elliptical training technology.

Why is this machine different? Well, you don’t have to make any manual adjustments to vary your stride from 2-inches to 26-inces. This means that anyone in your family can use this exercise equipment without having to mess around changing any settings.

With elliptical trainers you have to experiment with different stride lengths to find what is right for you. The Schwinn 460 has built in technology that means the length of your stride can be varied by changing the amount of pressure you exert on the pedals. It’s easy enough – the more pressure you exert the longer your stride will be while the less pressure you exert the shorter your stride will be. It does take some getting used to but doesn’t take long and soon becomes fairly natural. Not only does it make accommodation for various stride lengths it can be used by anyone weighing up to 300-pounds and it always feels safe, comfortable and stable.

Features and Specifications:

• V-Stride technology, integrated in the cam/footplate, enables strides from 2 to 26 inches
• Independent footplates let users target core muscles while engaging both sides of the body
• 16 total programs: 1 Manual, 11 Profile, 2 Custom for two users
• Quiet, magnetic ECB (Eddy current brake) resistance with 16 levels
• Fly wheel: 25 pounds, steel
• Drive system: Computer controlled
• Fixed and moving handlebars
• Chest strap with telemetric and grip heart rate monitoring
• Heart rate grip on padded static handlebars
• Transport handle and non-skid wheels
• Articulating foot plates minimize heel impact
• Schwinn Advantage workout system tracks results and programming for two users
• Dynamic backlit LCD touchscreen console
• Display Readout: Time, Interval Time, RPM, Watts, Distance, Pulse, Speed, Calories, Resistance Level, Course Profile
• 11 workout profiles contain embedded fitness prompts to maximize results
• Oversized water bottle holder and angle-adjustable fan
• Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
• Dimensions: 54 x 34 x 73 inches (L x W x H)
• Unit weight: 221 pounds
• Power requirements: AC adapter

Get More Detail  Buy Now

The machine is a little taller than the Schwinn 430 which may make it a little difficult to get on and off for shorter people (those under 5 foot) but it’s still easy enough. The machine has 3 hand settings and the stationary handlebars come with heart rate monitors and there is also a strap on chest heart rate monitor which tends to be more accurate that those on the handlebars.

The backlit monitor is a great feature that should not be overlooked. If you have read anything about the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer you will know it’s monitor is not backlit and therefore makes it a little difficult to read at times. The monitor on this model is clear and easy to read. So you can work out at night if you feel so inclined.

Out Of The Box

The Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer will come with all the prepackaged hardware that you are going to need to assemble the machine. It does take some time to unpack, 20-30 minutes, and around 1.5 – 2 hours to assemble. Some extra parts will also be included along with an assembly guide, which is pretty easy to follow, and it is good to have another pair of hands on the job to make it safer and easier to do some of the assembly. I would recommend unpacking everything, making sure to double check through all the packaging material to make sure haven’t missed anything, and then moving the parts, piece by piece to where you want to assemble and eventually use the machine. Even though it does come fitted with small wheels for moving the machine around, at 221-pounds, you are not going to be wanting to do so very often.

Good idea too to have your own tool box handy and please don’t use any powered tools, like screwdrivers or wrenches, to tighten any parts as the high torque may damage or strip threads and bolt heads.

Some Key Features You May Want To Know About

The Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer is solidly built from a high grade steel with a matte grey finish. Overall it is a little larger than the 430 model. It has a smooth, quiet operation and you can watch TV while using it if you wish… at a normal volume level.

Handles are very comfortable, ergonomic – that is they encourage healthy, natural and safe action when in use. They are rubber/foam coated for additional comfort.

When in use the default level is 3 which is a good place to start. Like all the Schwinn Elliptical Trainers it has a forward and reverse mode. All functions such as stair stepping, walking and running feel comfortable and stable. There are 16 different resistance levels.

A High Intensity Interval Training (HITT) is great for efficient burning of calories. This can easily be achieved on this machine and was probably designed with this goal in mind. You can customize your profile settings to simulate almost any terrain or course you can imagine. This helps to mix up your workout for high and low resistance training.

And like most models available now it comes with a fan to help keep you cool and comfortable during your workouts.

Does It Include A Warranty?

Yes, the warranty is extensive. The frame -10 years, parts -2 years, electronics -1 year, wear parts -90 days. So you fully expect years of faithful service from this machine if used and maintained correctly.

What Are Others Saying?

• “Overall I am very happy with this elliptical and consider it to be just as effective as the $4000 elliptical at my health club. I am 6′ 1″ and my girlfriend is 5′ 4″ and we both felt very comfortable with the feel of the machine.”
• “This product is everything they said it would be ! Very satisfied with both the sturdiness and smoothness of movement. The small footprint makes it extremely convenient for our small condo. Delivery was exactly on time. Would highly recommend this product and Amazon to any one.”
• “We bought this machine to replace a treadmill that cost us $1200 a decade ago. While that treadmill certainly was a good investment in terms of health and fitness, this machine seems an even better investment, because it can provide what a treadmill does (and much more), allowing one to move at a walking, stepping, or jogging pace without wear and tear on the joints. My husband has some problems with his feet, and we expect this machine to be less aggravating to those issues than the treadmill was. This is a really good quality machine for the price, sturdy and very well designed.”
• “After much research, I decided to go with the Schwinn 460 and I’ve been really happy with it. It showed up quickly and sooner than expected. It was easy for me to put together myself with a little help from my 1yr old (he liked stacking the screws and nuts).”
• “It is quiet, compact and easy for my husband (6’1″, 240lb) and myself to use (5’4″, 140 lbs) without any manual adjustments. I love that it has the variable stride to accommodate both of us. The fan was a nice touch too.”
• “I fell in love with a Procore eliptical at my local gym. I researched it online and found that it was $8,000! I wanted something more economical for my home with the same design as the Procore. I found the Schwinn and 2 others, but this one had the best reviews. I took the leap and bought it and I am very pleased!!”

Are There Any Complaints?

After doing a considerable amount of research was not really able to find any complaints of substance on the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer. One user was not totally satisfied with the level of resistance the machine offered and felt as a consequence the workout they got was not as intense as it could have been. Other users responded to this and commented that the purpose of the machine was to have a full body workout, with a focus on achieving and maintaining a specific cardiovascular workout and it does help you hit and maintain the heart rate of 75-80%. Other users found the resistance to their satisfaction.

Where can you buy the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical training machine?

You can buy this Schwinn training machine from Amazon. At the moment they do include FREE shipping and from what research I have done on prices online Amazon do have the best deal especially with the FREE shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where can you read more Reviews for the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer?

The best place to read more reviews from people who have actually bought and use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer Review

The Sole E55 elliptical trainer is one impressive piece of fitness equipment. While it is similar to it’s little cousin the Sole E35 elliptical trainer it is one of the most impressive machines available today because of it’s build quality and features that set it apart. It is stronger, heavier, smoother and more heavily featured than the Sole E35. It includes a 30-pound flywheel and a larger 7.5-inch blue LDC display… and that’s just for starters.

The machine includes a whole range of features that one would expect from a machine in this price range. You will not be disappointed because it over delivers in so many ways. It is equal to and more than a match for quality commercial quality gym models. So what’s it packing? It has club quality from top to bottom.

Features

• The E55′s console includes an easy to use LCD blue backlit display with all the features or a full health club model. It also comes with a fully integrated sound system which you can plug your iPod or mp3 player into.
• The display is 7.5-inch, has 6 standard programs, 2 user defined programs and displays time, distance, calories, resistance levels, incline, pulse and pace data.
• A fluid natural motion made possible by a super quiet drive system that operates both in forward and reverse. This combined with the 30-pound flywheel and a high gear ratio generate a very smooth action with plenty of resistance provided by the 16 different levels.
• There are two sets of handlebars. One that is stationary and that have a built-in heart rate sensor. A chest strap is also included that is said to be 99.95 accurate.
• It even includes a water bottle holder… not a huge deal in reality, but just another little attention to detail that makes it such a great machine.

What Is It Like To Work Out On?

It’s important to be comfortable when working out. Not only to make the session enjoyable but to prevent injury. I have been a running for many years and my joints have suffered. The E55 is designed with foot pedals that have a 2 degree inward slope which helps to reduce ankle and knee stress. Something that other elliptical machines have overlooked. We all know too that we all walk differently so the Sole engineers have built in a dial mechanism you can adjust for your unique gait.  This helps reduce numb toe effects and other problems associated with other elliptical trainers.

Specifications:

• Flywheel: 27 pounds
• Front drive: Yes
• Stride length: 20 inches
• Resistance type: Eddy Current Braking
• Resistance levels: 20
• Adjustable pedals: Yes, 10 positions
• Upper body: Yes
• Handgrip: Standard
• HGP: Yes
• Telemetry belt: Yes
• Heart rate control: Yes
• Power incline: Yes
• Display: 7.5-inch blue backlit LCD
• Data: Time, distance, calories, resistance levels, incline, pulse, pace
• Profile matrix: Yes
• Standard programs: 6
• User-defined programs: 2
• Heart rate programs: 2, with chest strap
• Built-in cooling fans: Yes
• Water bottle/accessory holders: Yes
• Maximum Capacity: 375 pounds
• Product Weight: 200 pounds

What Others Are Saying

• “I bought the e55 as a gift for my wife. The e55 is very durable, extremely quiet, easy to construct (2 hours while watching a movie) and the electronics are user friendly, isn’t jerky, etc. She really enjoys the e55. “
• “The unit was delivered promptly and placed in our garage. Fortunately the main unit, upper shaft and rail assembly are individual units which allowed me to carry these pieces (and the rest of the parts) down to my basement. Once assembled (which took about an hour by myself), I tried doing one of the cardio profile workouts. I can’t get over how quite and smooth this is.”
• “Purchased this machine on January 15th, 2011 it arrived Wednesday, January 19th, via ABF. ….. but its hell putting together by yourself. I suggest you have someone assist you I spent 3 hours putting it together resting and cooking in between. But its a worth it buy I worked out at NY Sports Club and NYC Racquet Club (Precore and Lifefitness for years, this is the same gym quality for a at home price. Invest in yourself and invest in your personal health no gym rats staring you down or limited cardio work outs. Again its a five star purchase but please have someone help you. ”
• “One of the most impressive things is the rock solid stability of this elliptical trainer. It is far beyond what you’re probably expecting from a piece of equipment in this price range! The whole machine has a quality feel and I suspect it will last for years of heavy use.”

Any Complaints?

With the product receiving an overall rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon you would not expect there to be many, if any, issues with the product. Overall that is true. The only one issue came up a couple of times was the time it took to assemble the trainer. Most people however could assemble to trainer with minimal problems though one person did have a problem they could not fix themselves but that was dealt with by Sole, and I quote… “but Sole customer service was definitely up to the task of taking care of the problem.”

Where can I buy the Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer?

You can buy this Sole training machine from Amazon. At the moment they do include FREE shipping and from what research I have done on prices online Amazon do have the best deal especially with the FREE shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.

Where can you read more Reviews for the Sole E55 elliptical training machine?

The best place to read more reviews from people who have actually bought and use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.

So what is an elliptical machine?

Elliptical machines, also known as elliptical trainers or elliptical training machines, are fairly new pieces of exercise equipment that fall into the aerobic or cardiovascular workout category of fitness equipment, but that doesn’t really tell you what it is or what is an elliptical machine.

Fig. 1: A typical elliptical machine.

To explain what an elliptical machine is we should explore a little of it’s history first. The elliptical machine was first developed by a company called Precor sometime in the 1980′s. At that time the most used fitness machines that targeted cardiovascular exercise were the stair stepper and the good old work out machine – the treadmill. Now these other pieces of equipment are good they tend to impact parts of your body in ways that are detrimental to your joints, especially those in your legs and hips. The elliptical machine was developed to overcome this kind of problem.

With an elliptical machine your feet do not leave the pedals and therefore are free from experiencing any impact what so ever. The stair-stepper, while good at giving the exerciser a good heart rate increase and burning calories, the repetitive stepping up and down did have a detrimental affect on the joints in the legs and hips. The elliptical machine was developed to over come this. It was designed to over come these problems by virtually eliminating stress on the joints. The pedals on an elliptical machine move in an elliptical motion, hence the name, providing a fluid natural motion close to the way the body moves when not restricted to exercise on a machine. It proved to be very aerobic, low impact, and less stressful than exercise on stair-steppers or on treadmill machines.

What is an elliptical machine? Is it something you can have in your home gym?

The simple answer to that is, it is an home gym in and of itself. Because of the fact that an elliptical machine gives you a whole body work out there really is no need for any other fitness equipment. Amazing but true. It exercises both the upper and lower parts of your body and gives your cardiovascular system and workout at the same time. And the big benefit, as we have already discussed, is that it is all low impact exercise as well.

What is an elliptical machine when it comes to size and design? Does one size fit all? The simple answer, no. There are varying sizes of elliptical machines, smaller ones, bigger ones, cheaper ones, more expensive ones. Many that are targeted for commercial exercise studios but many that are designed specifically for home use. The ones for commercial gyms tend to be larger and more expensive than those for design for the home gym but that being said the old adage stands true – you get what you pay for. While you may be tempted to buy a cheaper model to use at home remember that they are cheaper for a reason. And that reason is usually they are built using materials that cost less, meaning either not as durable or strong as that used on more expensive or commercial models. Do your due diligence and get something that is going to last, you will not regret it in the long run – you will be able to answer for yourself the question – what is an elliptical machine.

Finally, remember that there are many different manufacturers of elliptical machines and it is wise to compare before you buy. Remember to check out things like the way in which a particular model creates resistance, there are different technologies, and if and how a machine can be adjusted for individual users. They do come in many different shapes and sizes after all.

Hopefully this article has helped you understand what is an elliptical machine and remember to more fully explore this site if you want to learn more.

How Ellipticals Compare with Other sorts of Fitness Training Machines

The question really is, is there a individual component of exercise equipment that is the “ideal” workout machine to put in a home based gym? To resolve this dilemma, you need to question what you’re looking for in a perfect item of exercise equipment. Different kinds of exercise equipment will certainly excel in one area. Usually the downside is they do target one area but do not target additional areas of a work-out that are equally as important. The best quality machine is the one which affords the best return for your money. Listed below are the factors used to evaluate which the optimal exercise equipment is the best – how ellipticals compare to other pieces of similar exercise equipment.

• Cardio Exercise routine
• Burn Excess calories
• Lose Excess weight
• Gain Muscle
• Tone Your body

Typically the more popular working out machines which are in use are usually the rowing machine, stationary bike, elliptical training machine and the treadmill machine. The particular piece of equipment that wins the distinction as the most “perfect” type of work out machines is actually the elliptical trainer. Here is how it measures up to the others

Stationary Bike

Each of these, a stationary bike and an elliptical machine, will provide a good cardio-routine. This kind of workout enables you to burn up kilo-calories resulting in weight-loss. The key reason why a stationary bike fails to deliver in comparison with an elliptical trainer is that the stationary bike will mainly exercise your thighs and legs. Your arms as well as abdominal are not getting exercised. The legs might get in shape but your arms will not. There isn’t any whole body exercise with a stationary bike. Stationary bikes can’t fold up but an elliptical trainer can. If living space is reasonably limited, you will see that a stationary bike can be forever in the way.

Rowing Machine

Rowing machines will deliver a fantastic cardio workout. The catch is that many folks don’t use the proper technique while rowing which unfortunately lessens the actual impact from the workout. The rowing machine makes use of a repetitive action. When you’ve got weak ankles or even knees you will have problems if you get and use a piece of rowing equipment. You’ll not have similar problems when using a good elliptical exercise machine. Any kind of elliptical machine will develop both your arms, thighs and legs, buttocks as well as your core. A rowing machine is going to develop your thighs and legs but not much else. Often the repeated movement of the seat whenever rowing tends to inevitably cause it to stop working. Elliptical trainers are much stronger and well built, therefore you do not need to worry about these having a mechanical failure because of prolonged use.

Treadmill machine

Jogging will probably be the main exercise that the majority individuals will do should they want to shed extra pounds. The problem with jogging  is the constant impact on the legs, feet as well as the hips is without question – brutal. Most people will eventually give up jogging/running due to damage this will cause. An elliptical exercise machine overcomes this constraint by providing a low impact choice. A good elliptical trainer will also involve your arms getting a good workout. That range of routines available to you will certainly sculpt the arms and also assist to build up muscle. You won’t have that gain from a fitness treadmill machine. Because of the long running base, a treadmill machine will require rather more room space when compared with the elliptical exercise machine.

When comparing an elliptical exercise machine to the various other most frequently employed pieces of exercise equipment, you’ll recognize it does provide the best value,  that you’ll get the best bang for your buck with this piece of equipment.