The elliptical provides intense cardio without impact associated with running on concrete. You sweat but you gets no shin splints. It’s the holy grail of home gym machines for those who want to exercise hard while preserving their joints.
But purchasing an elliptical isn’t always as easy as finding the closest Amazon link and clicking buy. There are plenty of options in market; some is sturdy pieces of steel, others wobble like a cheap plastic toy. Ultimately, there is typically three things that set apart an elliptical you’ll use every day from one that turns into an expensive clothes hanger.
You should consider stride mechanics, resistance quality and. Most importantly for most buyers. Its footprint.
You know what? Most people buying one look right past those thing and instead zero in on that shiny display screen or (of course) the price tag. You’ll end up with a machine that doesn’t fit into your home, that you don’t like walking on or that simply becomes an eyesore, and you’ll give up.
So I want to help you cut through all of that salesy stuff. This isn’t about choosing a machine based off what fits your credit card limit. It’s about choosing a machine that fits your life.
And then you must use it proper after you get it. The first practical obstacle is footprint. Ellipticals are bulky, and they’re heavy.
How To Choose And Use An Elliptical
Measuring Your Space for an Elliptical
Yes, an entry-level elliptical may appear compact when in the box but it grow a lot after assembly. So before you shop, take measurements not just of the area where the machine will reside, but also of the clearance surrounding it. Not only do you require enough room to safely step onto and off of the machine, but you’ll also want enough space for the rear stabilizers to pivot a bit while you workout.
Failing to heed this consideration can result in cramped workouts and possibly damaged furnitures or walls. If you’re working with a small apartment, seek out machines described as space-saving. Some manufacturers (ProForm comes to mind; so does NordicTrack) has offered folding models, but that mean sacrificing some stability.
There’s no getting around it. In exchange for saving square footage, you give up the rock-solid feel of something that isn’t moving. That’s a worthwhile tradeoff only if your space truly lacks room.
Magnetic Resistance vs Friction Brakes
The resistance type: Elliptical machines come with two types of resistance: magnetic and friction. For home use, the norm is magnetic which is smooth and quiet. The magnets adjusts electronically, allowing for seamless changes in intensity.
Older (and sometimes less expensive) models use friction, meaning they has brake pads rubbing against a flywheel. This get noisy and also gets jerky the more you use them because the brake pads will wear. You’ll know if you try one.
You want magnetic. It have a consistent glide that is like natural walking or running motions. This consistency is key to good form.
If you notice something “off” with the resistance, you’ll find yourself adjusting your body weight awkwardly or bouncing on your toes. This defeats the point of low-impact exercise. A smooth resistance allow you to concentrate on what your muscles need instead of the machine’s quirks.
Finding the Right Stride Length
Don’t underestimate the importance of stride length. You want it to be close to how you walk in real life. Too short and you’ll find yourself bouncing along while trying to force your feet together.
That makes a glutes-focused exercise into one that stress your knees. Too long (for your height) and you’ll be all over the place and it will feel weird. For most adults, a good stride length falls somewhere from 16-20 inches.
Six-footers or taller? Go toward the high end of that spectrum. Users under six-feet tall may actualy favor a shorter stride; around 16 inches perhaps.
Try it out when possible. Read reviews that speak to how comfortable the stride is. Does it feel like it’s part of your legs or does it seem like it’s holding you back?
When it’s comfortable, you’ll be consistent. And consistency breeds results. Pedaling is only part of using the machine properly.
Proper Elliptical Posture and Form
Your upper body use will multiply calories burned. Grab the handlebars, which move lightly with you, and use your arms to push and pull gently in sync with your legs. That engages your arms, back and chest.
Don’t dangle from the handles. Allow your core muscles to support you. Slouching or leaning back unnecessarily strain your lower back.
Relax your shoulders and maintain a good posture with your chest up. This not only protects your spine but allows the work to be done by your large muscle groups in your glutes and legs. The workout becomes both safer and harder when you have good form.
What was once a passive movement has now become an active training session. Another level of difficulty comes in the form of incline. When you raise the pedals, you’re putting in extra effort with every step.
Using Incline for Better Workouts
Think of it as running uphill. It engage more muscle fibers in your hamstrings and glutes. And it elevates your heart rate quicker then flat ground.
Powered inclines are available in many mid-range models from companies such as Precor or Sole. Just hit a button on the console to adjust the incline. Having this variety will keep the stimulus fresh for your body.
It’s easy to get used to a routine, but you won’t adapt to one type of workout here. You can even tweak it by just a degree or two and completely alter how the exercise feels. Break through plateaus.
It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference. It’s fairly maintenance free. Ellipticals don’t require deck alignment like treadmills or belt lubrication.
Basic Elliptical Maintenance Tips
They needs less care than other cardio machines. Mostly they require a bit of checking (tightening) on bolts and cleaning. The joints will build up dust and sweat over time.
After every use, wipe it down so it doesn’t get gunked up. Once a week, make sure to tighten any screws you see loosening. This minor effort can add years to the lifespan of the machine.
Not only does it help extend its life but it makes riding smoother and safer. If you take proper care of an elliptical, it’ll last you years. It’s a solid investment when you take good care of it.
The best elliptical for you is the one that meets your goal, your stride, and your space. That’s it. It is not the biggest screen.
It does not have the prettiest lights. Just something that becomes an extension of your day, part of your morning routine. When you build the machine into your life, when the equipment fits your home and your body, then all the friction fades away.
It makes starting a little bit easier. It makes finishing a lot easier. You won’t have to negotiate each morning.
You just get on and get going. And there it sits in the background, waiting to do its job. Waiting to deliver results.
That’s the win.
