Best Elliptical Machine - Features To Look For

Elliptical machines are fast becoming the number one exercise machines across the country. The best elliptical machine delivers a calorie burn similar to jogging on a treadmill with less impact on your knees, hips and ankles. Elliptical trainers are the fastest growing segment in the exercise equipment industry. Only a handful of companies were selling elliptical cross trainers a few years ago, now there are dozens offering models from $300 to $6,600. Elliptical trainers offer a complete non-impact workout not available on any other cardiovascular exercise machine. They provide the exerciser with a complete upper and lower body workout.

Elliptical machines vary in size enormously. Hence, it may be difficult to choose the best one for you. Here are key features to look for when shopping to help you find the best elliptical machine.

1) Forward and Reverse motions
The ability to move in a forward or reverse motion adds variety and challenge to your workout. It works different sets of muscles and results in more calories burned overall. This also reduces your risk of repetitive use injuries common with some treadmill and stair climber users. Most ellipticals have this option but it's always a good idea to make sure.

2) Adjustable resistance
Quality elliptical machines will have a range of resistance levels. Increasing the resistance increases the calories burned. It also helps you continue to challenge your body as your fitness level improves. Look for an elliptical machine that makes resistance changes simple (i.e. one-touch resistance adjustment) so that interval training sessions can be easily incorporated into your workout

3) Upper body workout arms
While you really don't need these for an effective workout, many people prefer them. They do help to provide resistance training for your upper body - and again, result in more calories burned. However make sure you don't have to lean over while using them which can diminish the effectiveness of your workout (this can happen on many of the cheaper elliptical models).

4) Quiet operation
Look for an elliptical machine that is specifically designed to stay quiet. A truly well designed elliptical machine should be fairly quiet at all intensity levels. Also, cheaper ellipticals can develop a squeak after a few months of heavy use so be careful to buy a quality brand of elliptical machine and steer clear of the cheap department store models.

It is important to ask the advice of the doctor before starting of any exercise. Thus ensure that before you are ready to join a gym or even climb on top of the elliptical exercise trainer, a doctor's advice is heeded. Before you begin to use one, ask a personal trainer or the gym instructor to show you how to use the elliptical trainers, this will help you better in the workout. During your workout, you can change the incline and the program levels by using the control panel. Ensure that all electrical and mechanical fittings are in place to save you from injury.