Elliptical Trainers Versus Treadmills - Shocking Fitness Facts

Many people who are considering a workout regimen often have a tough decision between whether they should use an elliptical trainer or a treadmill. Both machines can be an effective tool for weight loss, improved fitness and overall better health.

Deciding on which machine is best for you can be a daunting task and you can get many different answers depending upon whom you talk to. Certain fitness professionals will recommend that elliptical trainer over a treadmill while other professionals will clearly recommend a treadmill for what they feel is obvious reasons.

Personally I feel an elliptical trainer is the better choice. Elliptical trainers provide more of a well rounded work out, allowing you to do more in less time. Treadmills on the other hand are basically just an indoor running machine, allowing you to mimic running without having to deal with the normal hassles of dodging traffic and weather conditions.

From a pure price standpoint treadmills are more affordable than elliptical trainers. If you are tight on a budget and yet want a piece of equipment which can work out on indoors then a treadmill might be best for you. On the other hand if you want a more well-rounded machine and elliptical trainer is the perfect choice for you.

On a final note, some people prefer going to the gym to work out. The gym offers more of structured regimen where working out at home can get sidetracked by distractions such as family, friends or the telephone.

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences, budget, fitness goals and desires. Only you can decide which machine if any at all are best for you. Be sure not to take this lightly as you do not want to waste money on a machine you may not use or a gym membership that she may not take advantage of.

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Riding The Vision Fitness Elliptical Trainer

The Vision Fitness elliptical trainer comes in five models. Ranging from the low end to the higher end machine, the models are the Vision FitnessX6000 Folding, the Vision Fitness X6100 Folding, the Vision Fitness X6200 Folding, the Vision Fitness X6200HRT Folding, and the Vision Fitness X6600HRT Commercial Grade.

The lower end of the Vision Fitness ellipticals are more compact than the higher end and fold for storage. The handlebars move along with the pedals so that you can get an upper body workout. However this can be difficult and uncomfortable if you are a short person. You should try those machines in the store to see if they are a good fit for you.

All of the Vision Fitness ellipticals are made with the flywheel in the front, which is opposite from the ellipticals at the gym. This makes the motion somewhat different so it may take some getting used to. The brakes are mechanical on the lower end machines and tend to break more often, and need more attention. The higher end Vision Fitness ellipticals use an electro magnetic braking system which works better and is more reliable.

The front flywheel Vision Fitness ellipticals tend to wear out faster and get noisy after a while.

The Vision Fitness elliptical trainers come with a wide range of warranties depending on which one you buy. If you do decide on a Vision Fitness elliptical it is advisable to purchase one of their higher end machines.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Elliptical-Trainer-Solutions.com. He provides more elliptical trainer information and elliptical trainer reviews that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Is the LifeCore Fitness LC985Z Elliptical Right For You?

Consumers looking for a mixture of LifeCore's LC990 and LC980 elliptical models might be interested in the LifeCore Fitness LC985Z Elliptical, as it offers popular features from both of these models. At the same time, it offers closer pedal spacing as well as a smaller footprint, which helps make it a better choice when users of various sizes will be using the equipment.

As with both the LC980 and the LC990, the LifeCore Fitness LC985Z offers 12 Preset Programs as well as 4 Heart Rate Control Programs. It is also similar to both models in that it can store data for up to 9 different users. All three models also feature slip resistant foot pedals, which make the ellipticals safer to use. The adjustable pedals also help prevent injury while the dual action arm handles found on all three models helps the user get a complete workout.

One feature that sets the LifeCore Fitness LC985Z Elliptical apart from the 990 model is its weight. While the 990 weighs 137 pounds, the 985Z weighs only 93 pounds. It should be noted, however, that the 990 is capable of accommodating users of up to 350 pounds while the 985Z can only accommodate users of up to 300 pounds. Therefore, it is important to consider the size and weight of everyone that will use the machine when deciding which model is best for you.

The LifeCore Fitness LC985Z Elliptical offers a clear display that provides a great deal of information to the user. In addition to providing information regarding the selected program and the user's personal information, it also displays the current date, time, and temperature. As with all LifeCore exercise equipment, the LC985Z is also made with a durable frame and utilizes a full bearing system in all moving parts, which is backed by a five year warranty on parts and a one year warranty on labor.

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Elliptical Fitness Equipment and Fitness Workout

There are a lot of health aids out there that can get your life back on track, going in a right direction, such as books, supplements, nutritionists, gyms, health food stores, and more. Health clubs are a form of health aids if you can afford them.

Elliptical Fitness Equipment, the Wonders it can and will do for You. I know because I use it, at least 3 times a week! Elliptical fitness equipment is swarming the nation as more and more people are realizing the real health benefits of elliptical equipment. Elliptical Fitness equipment, also called Elliptical trainers have become one of the most notable cardiovascular workout machines in the world. They provide low impact for every muscle in the body because it uses arm and leg movements at the same time. And, if you've ever used a Gazelle, you'll see the benefits of hand placement on the movable bars increases arm reach,creating more movement. Most home fitness trainers strengthen upper and lower body, although some offer just lower body exercise. Elliptical fitness equipment works all the muscles at the same time.

For many years, medical professionals and fitness experts have been advising clients to use exercise equipment, whether at the gym, or home, to improve overall physical health well-being. Elliptical fitness equipment(at the gym or health club) and those used for home fitness, imitates walking, running, while producing almost no consequences to your joints. Fitness equipment training included in your workout can go a long way towards achieving your fitness goals. Elliptical fitness is hugely popular, and with it a flow of elliptical equipment to buy. I have noticed for myself, more calories are burned than using a treadmill. Elliptical Fitness equipment does not have to fancy and super expensive. While some types of exercise equipment or aerobic fitness equipment (cardiovascular equipment that is), aren't seen as for muscle building,they remain identified as aerobic fitness equipment or cardiovascular equipment. Fitness equipment reviews will help you do your homework and find the best one for you. Elliptical Fitness equipment is a low impact choice that also provides a full body workout.

The following is suggested in health articles noted by health experts, and remember also, consistency and a developed routine. You should exercise at least three times a week, and it is better if you to exercise daily on a cardiovascular machine. Elliptical machines are growing as a popular home fitness answer to a need for a more convenient way to exercise.

Elliptical fitness equipment is available in a wide price range, from a couple of hundred dollars up to several thousand. If you're going to go out and invest in elliptical fitness equipment, then you ought to at least know what it is. Elliptical fitness equipment is manufactured by many companies like Nordic, Eclipse, Life, ProForm, Precor, and are available for prices ranging from as much as $500 and up to $10,000 or more. Invest in a few pieces of trusty elliptical fitness equipment and you'll never have to go to the gym again. Well, that's what someone said, anyway. I like to hit the gym as well, just in case you lack fitness weight training equipment at home. Good luck and happy workout!

written by authors of http://www.1onlinesuccess.com

Elliptical Trainer Review: Smooth Fitness

When it comes to elliptical trainers there is no one player who dominates the entire price range of models. There are different manufacturers who excel at different prices. For example, Icon Fitness rules the sub $1,000 price range through their various subsidiaries, including ProForm, Image, Weslo, Reebok and Nordic Track. The high-end is dominated by companies like Life Fitness and Precor.

In the mid-range category you have a number of contenders, but one company that is worth noting is Smooth Fitness. They are building quality elliptical trainers at a price that makes them a good value.

Selling Direct to the Consumer

For those unfamiliar with Smooth Fitness, they predominantly sell on the Internet. In fact, you cannot find their elliptical trainers at any stores. Their value proposition is to sell direct, thus cutting out the expenditure of the middleman.

Think about the expenses that are incurred when a company sells fitness equipment in a retail store. Besides the cost of the space, you also have to factor in the commissions paid to the salespeople. Selling online not only saves on retail costs, but also avoids the addition charge of local taxes. That can add up.

It should be noted that Smooth Fitness makes some exagerated claims regarding the reduction in price. That is typical marketing hype. And although you may not be saving over 40% on an elliptical trainer, you could be saving 5%-15% in comparison to purchasing through a retail store.

Smooth Fitness was one of the first businesses to sell high-end fitness equipment online. Initially they private labeled other brands like Spirit, Keys and Kettler. Approximately 5 years ago they started designing and manufacturing their own fitness equipment. In ten years they went from minor player to their recent inclusion in the Internet Retailer's Top 500 Guide, 2006-07 Edition. SmoothFitness.com came in at number 277 on the overall list, and was ranked the 15th largest e-tailer in the Sporting Goods category.

Smooth Elliptical Trainers Offer Value

The line-up of Smooth elliptical trainers is a perfect example why they have become a major player in the fitness equipment industry in such a short period of time. Their machines are engineered to be durable and yet provide a rewarding workout. For example, the Smooth CE 3.2 offers one of the better values in the $1,500+ price range. It is designed with a rear drive, which many find preferable, and claim it provides a smoother motion.

The machine itself weighs a hefty 175 lbs, adding to the stability. You get ergonomic pivoting foot pedals, that further reduce strain and impact. It comes standard with wireless heart rate control, for those who like to control and optimize their workout through their heart rate. You get a lifetime warranty on the frame and electromagnetic brake system, in addition to a 2 year parts and 1 year labor warranty.

One feature I particularly like is the built-in heart rate sensors in the upper handlebars. You will find that most elliptical trainers have heart rate monitors, but they are built into stationary handlebars. In order to get your heart rate you have to discontinue the upper body workout and hold onto the stationary handles, which defeats the purpose of the dual action workout.

Smooth Fitness currently has three elliptical trainers that are priced from $1,300-$2,000, they are the Smooth CE 2.1, 3.2 and 7.4. All their prices include shipping. Like other fitness equipment companies, the standard delivery is to your curbside. You may want to pay the extra few dollars to have their turnkey service, which includes inside delivery and set-up.

There is no question that there are better built elliptical trainers on the market. For example, Precor makes commercial grade elliptical trainers for the home. But they come with a commercial grade price, which is more than twice the cost of the Smooth Ellipticals. Of course, there are cheaper machines, but they are built with cheap components, which is reflected in a very limited warranty. The coverage is often 90 days parts and labor.

Combining quality and a moderate price, the Smooth elliptical trainers are one of the better values in the $1,000 - $2,000 price range.

Fred Waters is author of the Elliptical Trainer Review site, where you can get the latest Smooth Elliptical Trainer Reviews and Ratings.

Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Trainer: Elliptical Perfection

The Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer is a front drive elliptical trainer with a generous 20" stride length that uses an eddy current brake. These are features that are not always found in the $1000-$2000 price range for residential elliptical trainers. In addition, Sole has paid a lot of attention to biomechanics and ergonomic design with the E95. Oversize adjustable foot pedals that also include foam cushioning is a very commendable effort by a fitness equipment manufacturer to deal head on with foot numbness that is all too common with most elliptical trainers.

This is a very intelligently designed elliptical trainer that provides a very smooth motion. The smooth feel is due to the 30lb flywheel and high gearing ratio. Sole Fitness designs their equipment, ellipticals and treadmills, with the partnering of both design engineers and physical therapists. This collaboration has resulted in an elliptical trainer that approaches perfection in the Sole E95 elliptical trainer.

The physical therapy team contributed to the unique design of the ergonomic foot pedals and the cushioning is a direct acknowledgment of the aggravating "Elliptical Trainer Sleepy Foot Syndrome".

The engineering side of the house has designed an intoxicatingly smooth, whisper-quiet, drive mechanism that's proving to be very durable. The 4-wheeled foot rails are shrouded with plastic housings that both protect the wheels and reduce noise. Other manufacturers of front-drive ellipticals should take notice (hint to Octane).

Early front-drive elliptical trainer designs were prone to breakdowns due to the additional complexity of putting the drive system up front. They were also notorious for annoying squeaks from the wheels of the foot rails. However, as is typical with any kind of technology, as time advances, and so does the state of the art.

Sole appears to have taken the front-drive elliptical design to new heights. When all is said and done, there are several inherent advantages to a front-drive elliptical trainer. One of the immediate bonuses is an extended stride length due to the rail system. This is evident in the 20" stride length of the Sole E95. You would have to invest considerably more in a near-commercial grade rear-drive elliptical trainer to get an equivalent stride length.

And let's not forgot an often overlooked, but really neat benefit of a front-drive elliptical: the ability to get on and off it from the rear. No more having to awkwardly straddle the foot rails to get on like when using a rear-drive elliptical!

It also can't go without mentioning the very generous warranty terms provided by Sole on the E95: lifetime frame, 5 years parts and electronics, and 2 years on labor. Most other manufacturers aren't as generous (or as confident in their products). Just be aware that the E95 takes up some space with its 82"x33" footprint, so plan and measure accordingly, but if you have the space, then I think you’ll be very pleased for years to come with the Sole E95 elliptical trainer.

Rich Rojas covers the fitness equipment industry and elliptical trainers in particular. Check out his complete Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer Review and articles on health and fitness at http://www.ellipticalhome.com

Elliptical Equipment: The Ideal Piece Of Home Fitness Equipment

The newest cardio equipment that has hit the fitness market is the elliptical training equipment. It gives individuals full and low impact body workouts. However, people must learn if these machines have been living up on the beneficial claims.

The University of Wisconsin's researchers known as La Crosse have compared the motorized treadmill from the NordicTrack Ellipse elliptical trainer. They focused on parts like the cycle ergometer and stairstepper to determine the differences among the provided exercise modes of both equipments. Their study revealed that running a treadmill and Ellipse displays no important differences in terms of heart rate, calorie expenditure, and oxygen consumption. Both equipments have provided superior workouts on its test subjects over the cycle ergometer and stairstepper.

The researchers also discovered that impact forces that are produced by the Ellipse is similar to walking, while running a treadmill became the number one activity in providing maximum amounts of exercise impact, which could cause knee and joint pain. John Porcari who is the lead researcher explained that the Ellipse ground forces reaction is less than a half, compared to treadmill running, thus the motion of each equipment is giving workouts with similar intensity. Moreover, orthopedic injury is less likely to be acquired.

The ACE (American Council on Exercise) commissioned a recent study headed by Doctor Len Kravitz. It was conducted at the University of Mississippi camparing 4 elliptical trainer's overall qualities.

The equipment being tested are the NordicTrack's Ellipse selling at $599.95 dollars, the ICON Health and Fitness, Incorporated's HealthRider Elliptical Crosstrainer at $499.99 dollars, the Guthy-Renker's Power Train at $199.80 dollars, and the Quantum Television's Cyclone Crosstrainer at $399 dollars.

Seven women and seven men performed the rigorous elliptical trainer testing. The four elliptical trainers surprisingly displayed similar test outcomes including perceived exertion ratings, calorie expenditure, heart rate, and stride speed. The perceived exertion ratings range from 12.5-13 correlating to a challenging yet a comfortable workout. The ACE's study on each equipments revealed that effective workouts are given to both women and men. Their burnt calorie was equivalent to an 11.5 minutes mile running or a powerful aerobic dancing.

University of Mississippi's researchers also surveyed each machine's personal responses on the provided test subjects. The overall preferences based from the fourteen participants have ranked the equipments from the top to the least of their favorites. The Ellipse is on the top of the list, second was the HealthRider, third was the Power Train, and the last was the Cyclone. Nevertheless, Consumer Reports magazine have recently reported problems on the Ellipse in the form of durability failures. Needless to say the researchers and test subjects have proven the effectiveness of NordicTrack's Ellipse.

The research team of Dr. Kravitz also provided their comments. Five out of seven women has been hit on the knees by the Cyclone's center guard panel. The HealthRider started to make an extremely loud noise on its metal parts after a one hour use.

Moreover, Kravitz stated that the Cyclone and the Power Train appears to be made inexpensively to have a competitive price. The HealthRider is a product launched before it's ready but it's very smooth when running on it and gives a highly satisfactory service although the quality has not been tested. The ellipse compared to other equipment is more solidly built, feels smooth, runs smooth, and the most durable.

The studies from both universities lend credibility on the elliptical trainer's effectiveness. Make sure you thoroughly do your own research prior to purchasing any fitness equipment including elliptical trainers.

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