ProForm Ergo Stride 3.0 Elliptical Trainer

Price: $499.99

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Step on a Smooth CE 3.6 Elliptical Trainer and be surprised on how smooth its motion is. It is a very solid, stable and quiet fitness machine.

Almost all elliptical companies market based on price or additional features. Smooth, however, focuses on manufacturing quality machines at a value price. The company also guarantees their equipment with excellent customer service and extended warranties.

Smooth CE 3.6 Elliptical Trainer Features

Stability - The Smooth CE 3.6 weighs in at a hefty 175 lbs. The weight plus a long and wide footprint, all in all make this a solid machine. For people who weigh over 200 lbs, this elliptical is for you. You don’t want one of those compact cross trainers that come in only around 100 lbs. The heavy gauge steel further adds to the stability. It’s hard to find another elliptical at this price to be as solid and stable as CE 3.6.

Electro-Magnetic Drive and Braking System - The advantage of an electro-magnetic drive is there are lesser parts in the braking system. The level of resistance is created by electrical currents and not on moving magnets. Most high-end elliptical models make use of this technology.

Rear Drive - There is some controversy on whether rear drive is better than front drive or vice versa. It all ends as a matter of preference. However, let us point out that there are three advantages to the rear drive.
1. First, there are fewer moving parts. It significantly reduces the number of service issues. With a front drive you have pedals that run along rails with wheels. These wheels often wear out. In contrast, the Smooth CE 3.6 uses sealed bearing instead of the wheels and rollers found in front drive machines. The overall design of the Smooth CE 3.6 is simplistic (or fewer moving parts), and that simplicity results in less service (and lesser problems).
2. In addition, the rear design with the sealed bearings contributes to a very quiet mechanical operation. The lesser moving parts then the lesser wear and resulting noise.
3. Finally, the rear drive tends to center your body. You don’t need to lean forward when you use this elliptical unlike front drive elliptical.

Once again, it really is up to you to choose which is best for you. It could be either rear or front drive. Another brand Precor, which invented elliptical trainers and is considered one of the best machines out, have rear drive.

18″ Elliptical Stride - The 18 inches stride is perfect for consumers standing 5′10″ and under. We suggest Smooth Fitness CE7.4 Elliptical for those who are taller.

Backlit LCD Display - Smooth has some of the better consoles and displays on the market. You can get feedback on speed, time, distance, heart rate, calories and resistance level.

Speakers, MP3 Input & Fan - You are sure to find that built-in speakers is starting to be a standard feature. CE 3.6 design offers this feature but what’s good about it is the speakers are raised to be closer to you head. There is also a 3-speed fan.

Heart Rate Sensors on Movable Handlebars - A majority of elliptical have the heart rate sensors in stationary grips. You have to take your hands off the handlebars to get a reading. Which makes no sense since you want a reading when you are working both your lower and upper body.

Heart Rate Control - The Smooth CE 3.6 elliptical trainer is equipped with both wireless heart rate control, and handgrip HRC. Many people prefer not having an uncomfortable strap around the chest. A nicer alternative is to have the heart rate control handgrip on the moving handles. Smooth is one of the few companies to offer this innovative feature.

Pivotal Foot Pedals - The ergonomic, pivotal foot pedals significantly reduce the strain on your joints. When you workout on an elliptical trainer your feet and ankles naturally want to pivot with the elliptical motion. The CE 3.6 foot pedals mimic the pivotal movement, thereby reducing harsh impact or possible injury. The design allows your ankles, as well as your knees and hips, to remain in alignment. The design reduces discomfort and numbness to your feet, which is a common complaint with elliptical. It further prevents injuries from excessive straining. Here is to an injury-free and weight loss with Smooth elliptical.

Warranty - An indication of the service record is the warranty. Smooth offers an impressive warranty of 3-years on parts, and a 2-year on labor warranty. It is definitely an above average coverage for the price.

Good Customer Service Record - The basic configuration of this machine has been out for several years and has proven to be very durable. If you have a winner, be smart and stay with it.

Technorati Tags: features details, fitness machines, Home Exercise Equipment, review, smooth CE 3.6 elliptical trainer, warranty

During that time, Nordic Track went out of business that prompted Icon Health & Fitness to take over.

The company then continued to expand their line of home fitness equipment and manufactures Nordic Track branded treadmills.

Superb features

The parent company Icon specializes in making innovative fitness equipment but keeps costs low. The Nordic Track elliptical is made packed with plenty of resistance levels and programs.

Compatible with i-Fit

To name a few models compatible with i-Fit are Nordic Track CX 990, CX 1055, and CX 925. For only $15 monthly, with the first month for free, you can have a whole range of downloadable programs for your Nordic Track elliptical. It is definitely a nice feature especially for those who easily get bored with workouts.

The Reflex Step technology

The new elliptical models of Nordic such as the Nordic Track CXT950 E950 Elliptical integrated a “Reflex Step technology”. It eliminates the dead spots in the elliptical cycle. You are sure to have a smoother motion sweating it out on your Nordic elliptical.

Nordic models

A space-saver elliptical that you may also consider is the Nordictrack Spacesaver elliptical folds to reduce the space needed to 40″ length x 27″ height compared to 64″ length x 27″ width 67″ height when the machine is in use. It is priced at an average of $ 799.

The Nordictrack CX 938 elliptical, priced at $ 799, remains to be a popular model. The CX 985, priced at $ 949, also shares the spotlight when it comes to top-selling Nordic machines. Both elliptical have a great range of electronic features like the Silent Magnetic Resistance. It offers a smooth resistance system but not quite as good as the Eddy current brake system in much more expensive models.

The NordicTrack CX 1055 belongs to group of top of the range models made by NordicTrack. The suggested retail price of below $ 1000 comes with numerous features that include a heart rate monitor, built-in fan, i-Fit compatibility, 19 pre-programmed workouts and progress tracking with the training zone meter. This particular model features the Nordic Track “stride Thru” design, which aims to mimic a more natural walking or running motion. As a result, it gives a smoother, more comfortable workout plus better elliptical endurance. The CX 1055 enable you to automatically change and adjust the incline of the ramp as well as the resistance. This feature is normally present in more expensive elliptical.

The Audiostrider 990 was first introduced in 2007. It has all the regular features of a Nordic Track elliptical but can be interfaced with your music player. Simply plug your player in to get into the groove while exercising to your favorite tune through the Intermix Acoustic sound system.

General review of Nordic elliptical

Due to all features and the sturdy feel to the elliptical, review of the Nordic machines are generally positive.

Icon, unfortunately, are know for not using the best quality parts and components in manufacturing their products. It has consequently resulted to unsatisfactory elliptical ratings alongside positive feedback.

The range of cheaper Nordic models, based in reviews, tends to shake and wobble when set into high intensity levels. Some users complain of missing parts or some parts do not fit well together during assembly.

If you seriously consider purchasing a Nordic Track elliptical, be sure to exchange the unit when the parts do not fit together. If you force these parts in assembly, it will affect the sturdiness and noise level of the machine when used.

You can also contact their hotline. If you can’t figure out how to fix any problems encountered on your new purchase of Nordic Elliptical, Nordic customer service is a phone call away.

Conclusion

A Nordic Track elliptical trainer range is good for light use. You get your money’s worth since the said elliptical machines have lots of features in the package. For heavy users of elliptical fitness machines, Nordic may not be the brand for you. You need to look for a more durable and (probably) expensive machine.

Technorati Tags: Elliptical Exercise Equipment, fitness machines, Nordic, NordicTrack CX 1055, Nordictrack CX 938 elliptical, Reviews, Silent Magnetic Resistance technology

Precor elliptical are primarily sold in specialty fitness dealers, where you are more likely to find top-of-the-line products. Precor also makes commercial models installed in health clubs. Several sites sell remanufactured exercise equipments but exercise caution when purchasing those.

BUY Precor EFX 5.25 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer here.

The main elliptical of Precor is their patented CrossRamp. This model features the adjustable incline of the ramp that the front rollers travel on thus changing the muscle groups being exercised. CrossRamp is touted by Precor for adding variety to the user’s exercise routines. You might notice that it merely changes the angle of the ellipse. The shift of the angle on a treadmill does not necessarily make the workout more intense.

The foot has a comfortable level of protection level of plantarflexion and dorsiflexion that is 10 to 15 degrees of motion. You will have an inordinate amount of dorsiflexion when you incline the unit since it decreases the angle of the foot and leg. Hence, most users feel that the incline ramp is an antiquated feature.

The fitness industry, specifically elliptical equipment, has grown to be competitive as more features and technology are available. Precor recognizes the competition that is why they integrated AMT or adaptive motion trainer. This technology allows the unit to change motions without an incline ramp.

Meet one of Precor’s newest models, Precor EFX 5.25. The EFX 5.25 home Crosstrainer^TM offers a complete cardio and muscle-toning workout for the upper and lower body. CrossRamp® technology for Variable Stride Geometry, and eight programs help you choose the workout that best fits your fitness goal. With a warm color palette and smooth lines, the 5.25 fits your home and lifestyle.

What’s more is Precor EFX 5.25 has an advanced heart rate monitoring ensures you stay in your target zone while an intuitive console displays additional workout metrics (not compatible with optional wireless transmitters). With a warm color palette and smooth lines, the 5.25 fits your home and lifestyle.

Features:
• Adjustable CrossRamp targets key muscle groups. The ramp angle is fully adjustable from 15 to 25 degrees and moves up and down at the push of a button, allowing you to individually target and work all major lower body muscle groups. Different ramp positions engage different lower body muscle groups. When moving the ramp from the bottom to the top, you’ll feel various muscles engage and disengage–the lower positions activate all muscle groups, while the higher positions isolate glutes, quads, and calves. A variable stride length, from 18.5 to 20 inches, offers even greater diversity to your workout.
• Track your target heart rate. SmartRate offers instant display of your heart rate to help you stay in your target zone for a more efficient cardio and weight-loss workout. The 5.25 features touch heart rate with ergonomically positioned, touch sensitive grips.
• Ergonomic moving handlebars help provide a total body workout, enabling you to tone and condition your entire body while maintaining comfortable posture and proper technique. You can also use the stationary handrails for more workout options.
• Designed with your home in mind. With its smooth lines and subtle color palette, the EFX complements your home decor and suits your lifestyle.
• Intuitive console is easy to read and adjust. Access Quickstart and programs at the touch of a button. The backlit LCD display shows your heart rate, calories burned and time/duration of exercise–to help you get the most from your workout.
• Locking Pin: A locking pin secures the foot pedals, preventing movement, when not in use
• 16 consistent levels of electromagnetic resistance to customize your workout
• Two User IDs allow two people to enter and store personal preference information, then quickly retrieve it for future workouts
• Integrated storage shelf for water bottle, portable music player, etc.
• QuickStart lets you begin workout with the push of a single button
• Optimized biomechanics combining low impact with smooth natural motion
• Direction of rotation is completely reversible from forward to backward to allow even greater use of different muscle groups

Technorati Tags: crossramp, Elliptical Exercise Equipment, good fitness machines, precor, Precor EFX 5.25 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer, smartrate

Proform elliptical machines are designed for the casual user. This machine may not be for you if you plan to work out on a regular basis. We strongly recommend you to consider other brands in the market. As a matter of fact, Runner’s World categorized Proform treadmills as a “light duty machine.”

You should look for elliptical above the $600 price range. Below that price range may have a questionable quality.

Inexpensive machines are meant to look similar to more expensive models thanks to genius marketing people. Plastic comes way lot cheaper than durable all-steel models. Icon is also big on bells and whistles. iFit technology is a perfect example, which controls your workouts with different kinds of challenges. The only drawback is the quality of their parts.

Proform elliptical trainers has surprisingly short period of warranty. It includes 90 days service and 90 days on parts. Another concern regarding Icon products is that support and service does not seem to be a high priority by the time warranty is over.

The good news is that you can purchase a separate three-year fitness equipment warranty worth $94.99.  Plus, you can also consider checking out other high-end Proform Elliptical trainer such as ProForm Spacesaver DX Elliptical Trainer for a price of $799.99.

Technorati Tags: fitness equipment, good fitness machines, proform elliptical trainer, review, spacesaver dx elliptical trainer

Remember the very first day when you got your shiny piece of fitness equipment? You promised to yourself that you would regularly step on it and burn calories. Time passed by and you found yourself reluctant and too tired to spend your free time on your own elliptical equipment.

Boredom buster 1
Dance to the beat!
The sound of music can help raise your energy and enthusiasm. Find your favorite tunes while you walk and move on your elliptical. You can listen to slower tunes during warm up and cool down. Upbeat and modern tunes can also help intensify the main part of your workout session. You are sure to enjoy and look forward to having a time alone during exercise as well as a music therapy.

Boredom buster 2
Enrich your knowledge.
Another great option to pass away time is to read audio books. Once you start to read your favorite book, you are sure to look forward to the chapter of the book where you last read. It will allow you to read it while exercising. Use this as a motivation to get that extra push on the exercise machine everyday.

Boredom buster 3
It is all in the program.
You can also make time fly by watching television. Keep up with your all-time favorite shows while burning calories. Television is also a good motivator to help you look forward on spending time on your elliptical.

Boredom buster 4
Instant connection
Your time on the elliptical can also be a good time to catch up on personal conversations with the use of a headset of your mobile phone or telephone. Be cautious when you decide to call up a loved one or friend. You don’t want to talk while you pant out of breath.

Boredom buster 5
What a nice view
You can position your elliptical machine near a window showing a good view. Watching wildlife and admiring the beautiful scenery can make you distracted form the tedium of the workout.

Boredom buster 6
Zen
Try to meditate while you are moving on your elliptical. It will greatly clear your mind from the clutter from work, home or social relationships. Feel each movement and be mindful of your form. You get to exercise both your mind and body at the same time.

Boredom buster 7
Brainstorming time
Think hard and long while you exercise instead of merely walking on your elliptical. Keep a pad of paper and pen handy so you can jot new ideas that pop out of your mind. You could make list of things to do and write down plans for a new project.

Your commitment to fitness includes regular use of your elliptical. Don’t let this useful and expensive equipment go to waste. Consider these boredom busters to keep your workouts as interesting as possible. After all, your purchase of elliptical sparked your interest to be fit. It is up to you to keep that spark alive.

Technorati Tags: elliptical exercise machine, equipments, fitness, health, how to beat exercise boredom

Warm up and cool down
It does not matter whether you are a beginner or on an advanced level of fitness, warm-up and cool down before and after work out is essential every time you use it. Allow a good five minutes to warm up and five minutes to cool down at a slow and steady pace that give you the same feel as a comfortable walk to loosen up your muscles.

Use your Elliptical at least 3x to 5x a week
Plan on working out on your elliptical trainer three to five times a week. You can begin getting your cardiovascular workout thrice a week. Work your way up with five times a week when you get used to the elliptical machine.

Alternate exercise every other day
Your body might not respond as efficiently as it should when you exercise every single day. Chances are your muscles won’t get the rest they need. Muscles need to recuperate and reshape themselves only at rest and not during activity. Stick to every other day so that you can rest your muscles on the days in between until you’ve reached a solid fitness level. You can add a few days in a row if you wish or do other types of exercise on your “off” days.

Add variety into your exercises
Nothing beats boredom when you make a few changes on a workout routine. Vary your speed and exertion level. This is very important to maximize the benefits from your elliptical trainer workouts.

Begin with a slow but steady pace for five minutes, after your five minute warm-up. Follow this with five more minutes at a moderate pace, then five minutes pushing yourself to the maximum you can handle for about five minutes, then bring it back down in reverse (five moderate, five easy, then your cool-down). You can follow this combination for the first few weeks. Once you’ve reached the point where you don’t feel like you’re pushing yourself enough with this, add on until you reach a maximum of about 45 minutes (for the average person).

Technorati Tags: Elliptical Exercise, elliptical machine, fitness machines, health, how to use elliptical exercise equipment, trainer workout

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer is your budget elliptical trainer. Priced at $599, it offers a solid feel and smooth motion as you work your way and burn calories. Schwinn 430 wins accolades form expert reviewers and many owners. It is compact, yet feel solid at 150 pounds. Schwinn may have fewer programs and features than more expensive ellipticals  it holds enough options for most home users.

Advantages of Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

• Low price
• Articulating foot pads
• Solid feel and smooth motion
• Compact size

Disadvantages of Schwinn 430

• Not suitable for heavy use
• Very short warranty
• Questionable reliability

Critics say doubts the quality and reliability issues of Schwinn, especially since the labor warranty is just 90 days. Even reviewers who like the Schwinn 430 say it is best suited for light workouts. Despite bad reviews, almost 250 owners posting to Amazon.com are overwhelmingly positive about the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer. For only $100 more, the Schwinn 438 (*est. $700) is slightly heavier and sturdier, and offers a one-year warranty on labor.

Order your very own Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer today.

Technorati Tags: budget, Elliptical Exercise, equipment, health, schwinn 430, trainer

Schwinn 420

For those who want to stick to $ 1000 budget and is not expecting health club quality performance, Schwinn 420 is an entry level elliptical trainer worth considering. It is deal for home gym for fitness enthusiasts of any skill level. Users enjoy the combination of upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion.

Features
The Shcwinn 420 offers 16 computer controlled resistance levels and 12 programs for work out variety. It includes six user-profile programs, fitness test, and one custom work out. You can easily change your resistance level with a touch of its quick start functions. Work out is done with ease thanks to its biomechanically designed linkages for a more comfortable and natural elliptical path. The warranty part of the package is not bad either; 5 years on the frame, 1 year on parts and electronics, 3 months on wear parts, 3 months on labor.

Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer

Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer (2009 Model)
This is perfect for those who wants quality over quantity. Get to enjoy an efficient full-body work out without having to head to the gym. Choose from 16 resistance levels, 10 total programs (including two custom and two heart-rate programs), and a 20-inch ride length. The handiest feature is its easy-to-use electronic console, which integrates a blue backlit LCD display, a cooling fan, and a water bottle holder. The warranty of E55 offers a maximum capacity of 350 pounds: lifetime on the frame, five years on all parts and electronics, and two years on the labor.

Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer (2009 Model)

Sole E35
Sole brand of home fitness products is known to produce good quality ellipticals. Sole E35 elliptical only enhances the brand name. It is a relatively inexpensive front-drive elliptical trainer which performs exceptionally well. The E35 delivers a natural, smooth, quiet workout with a 20-inch stride length, 20 levels of resistance and eight program workouts. It lessens impact on joints due to its oversized pedals having an inward slope. This elliptical has a solid warranty. The frame is covered for life, the parts for 5 years and the labor for 2 years of in-home service. You just can’t believe the great value of Sole E35 for an affordable home elliptical trainer.

Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2009 Model)

If you are looking for a better value for the money than the lower end models, Sole E95 is the one for you. It is affordable and carries the same outstanding warranty as the E35, including 2 years of in-home service. This elliptical is even more durably built having a maximum capacity of 400 pounds. Maximize its feature of ten workout programs including two heart-rate monitoring programs, along with a bottle holder, cooling fan and built-in speakers compatible to a mp3 player. It also includes a wireless chest trap and a handgrip sensors to monitor heart rate. The 20-inch stride and adjustable, well-cushioned pedals provide a challenging yet smooth work out. It is highly recommended as a great value buy.

Technorati Tags: fitness equipment, model 2009, new elliptical trainer

Medical studies have found that most active people are healthier and boost their productivity. There is a direct correlation between physical activity in the home gym equipment resulting to a reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and the muscles, bones, and joints. Apart from the health benefits from physical activity, exercise can boost the production of the feel good hormones called endorphins enabling you to feel better mentally and emotionally.

You do not necessarily need to exercise for hours a day, seven days a week for benefits. Most physicians suggest that exercising three to five times a week for 30 minutes each session to stay happy and healthy. The best part of having your own elliptical exercise equipment is the convenience of working out in the privacy of your home while staying healthy.

Get your family involved on keeping fit and healthy with an elliptical trainer. You can use total body exercise equipment like an elliptical trainers to exercise multiple muscle groups simultaneously and maintain you cardiovascular health. The muscle groups worked out from using the elliptical trainer are quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteus maximus as well as pectorals, triceps, and biceps muscles. Elliptical are your most reliable fitness buddy as it helps you build more mass involved thus the more effective the exercise is at burning calories and building muscle endurance efficiently, all done with less perceived exertion.
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Technorati Tags: Elliptical Exercise, fitness, health, home gym equipment