Compare Eclipse ellipticals on Amazon

The Patented Orbital Linkage System – From our reviews on some of the best ellipticals for 2010, this unique design innovation is one of the things that makes the Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Trainer such a great choice for getting in shape at home. The linkage system is how this elliptical can offer a perfectly smooth elliptical workout each and every time you use it. The result is that despite the affordable price, the Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Trainer’s stride is quiet and comfortable due to the natural, low impact support that it offers. You can achieve a full range of motion during your workout on this elliptical.

The Expanded Electronics Package – At no additional cost, you get ten workout programs that are already programmed into the Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Trainer. You also get two control programs to monitor your heart rate. Using these controls, you can plan a workout that hits your cardio goals but does so safely. These workouts are provided on top of a simple but sophisticated computer system that allows you to track your calories, distance, speed and time of your workout.

A Heart Monitoring Focus Bar – The Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Trainer provides a focus bar that gives you more than just support so you can stay on the device for your workout. Built into the focus bar are heart rate monitors that keep tabs on your pulse through your fingers. The display of your heart rate that is taken in this convenient way allow you to know every moment of your workout how your aerobic exertion is doing.

The Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Trainer Review – Negative Aspects

The only negative that users have noticed is that The Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Trainer would be a better unit if it were not powered by batteries. If the unit could be run from wall current, that would cut down on maintenance and make the trainer more reliable.

The Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Trainer – Product Features

• Sleek and quiet elliptical trainer with patented orbital linkage system.
• Provides smooth elliptical pattern with natural, low-impact stride.
• Large, slip-resistant foot pedals designed for stability and ample foot room,
• Fitness computer tracks time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
• LCD window with 12 pre-set workout programs, one Manual Program, one User Program, and one Heart Rate Control Program.
• Measures 22.5 x 64 x 41 inches (W x H x D).
• Supports up to 275 pounds.
• Weighs 90 pounds.
• 1-year warranty.
• A 15-inch stride length, a water bottle holder and reading rack.
• A set of bottom wheels for easy transport.

Review Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Traine on Amazon

Review Life Fitness X7 Elliptical Cross-Trainer at Amazon

A Recognized Quality Product – The opinion of health club operators and personal trainers counts a lot to me because they know a good home gym from something that is not up to their standards. Resoundingly, the Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Advanced Workout Console is recognized by experts as a quality product that has the potential of dominating this market.

The Patented Link6 Drive System. – One problem people notice when using an elliptical machine is that the motion is something uncomfortable and choppy. That is why the Link6 drive system that is at the heart of the Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Advanced Workout Console stands out. The stride you will get on this unit will feel like walking and it will life up to a promise of a low impact workout that gives you a great cardio exercise without putting your knees, feet or joints at risk.

A Workout You Will Come Back to – There is a lot of engineering that went into the Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Advanced Workout Console to assure you will stay interested in your workout program for a long time. The advanced workout console earns its name by offering a lot of support in the form of training for specific spots and advanced monitoring of your heart rate every moment you are on the machine. It even allows each member of the family to save their profile so that it is ready to go when you have the time for a workout on the Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Advanced Workout Console. Because of that this elliptical may be one of the best ellipticals for 2010.

The Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Advanced Workout Console Review – Negative Aspects

The high quality that is evident in the design of the Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Advanced Workout Console is reflected in every aspect of the way the unit performs in the home gym setting. Small wonder that user reviews have been resoundingly positive.

But quality like this comes at a price. The higher cost of the Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Advanced Workout Console is probably the biggest drawback. But with some patient and skillful shopping, you can get your own cross-trainer at a cost that is more in keeping with your budget.

The Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Advanced Workout Console – Product Features

• Elliptical cross trainer with patented Link6 drive system for smooth, natural strides.
• Pedals are optimally spaced to minimize stress; ErgoGrip stationary handlebar for stability.
• Advanced console offers sport-specific training and interactive heart rate monitoring.
• LCD display tracks your distance, speed, calories, level, time, heart rate, and more.
• 300-pound capacity; measures 65 x 62 x 27 inches (W x H x D).
• Lifetime frame warranty, three years on parts, and one year on labor.
• An ErgoGrip stationary handlebar that provides stability during lower-body-only workouts.
• A front-mounted bottle holder.
• A built-in reading rack,
• An easy-to-read LCD display that tracks your distance, speed, calories burned, level, time, heart rate, and target heart rate.
• Equipped with a welded steel frame.
• Weighs 205 pounds, and carries the following warranties: lifetime on the frame,

Compare Life Fitness Ellipticals on Amazon

Review Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer on Amazon

Plenty of Options for a Great Price – Just because the Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer is affordable, that doesn’t mean you get a stripped down version of a real elliptical unit. The Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer is well constructed with a 10-pound flywheel so it can give you a workout and keep up with your exercise goals for years to come. You also get eights resistance levels so you always have a next step toward a harder workout to keep you challenged.

Made for the Home Setting – There is an efficient computer system that comes with the Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer but you don’t have to be a computer geek to know how to use it. This one of the best elliptical brands does all the hard work of monitoring your distance, speed, the time of your workout, your heart rate and the calories you have burned. It is easy to monitor your heart rate throughout the exercise because there are thumb pulse monitors right on the unit. The feel of the footpads under your body are sturdy and smooth so you can throw yourself into your workout without worries. That is what you need for a home gym unit to help you make serious progress with your exercise goals.

The Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer Review – Negative Aspects

Customer reviews of the Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer have been overwhelmingly positive, It is a good home gym for a cost that is a good fit to a family budget. In that context, even though the scope of what the Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer offers is limited, it is sufficient for a family setting where mom and dad just want to get in shape without having to invest in an expensive gym membership. For serious athletes or for people who want to design a workout program that is high intensity, this may not be the right home gym unit for you.

The Merit Fitness 715E Elliptical Trainer Product Features:

• Compact elliptical trainer for working both legs and upper body.
• 8 levels of manual resistance; smooth 10-pound flywheel.
• 2 LCD windows show time, distance, speed, and calories burned.
• 275-pound weight capacity; thumb pulse EKG monitor.
• Integrated calorie converter; 5 year warranty on frame.
• Resistance: Manual, with 1 to 8 range
• Flywheel: 10 pounds
• Step-on height: 9 inches
• Stride length: 16 inches
• Crank arm length: 8 inches
• Pivoting footpads
• Pedal spacing: 6.9 inches
• Weight capacity: 275 pounds
• Warranties: 5 years on the frame, 3 years on the brake, 90 days on parts and labor

Compare Merit Fitness Ellipticals on Amazon

Review Smooth Fitness CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer at Amazon

A Workout for Every Level – the Smooth Fitness CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer lives up to my expectations and judging by customer feedback, the diversity of exercise needs that this unit satisfies is truly broad.  The Smooth Fitness CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer has been carefully designed to deliver a complete cardio workout that also gives you the ability to target and tone specific muscle groups throughout your workout session.  This one of best elliptical brands does all of this while keeping any stress off of your knees, feet or joints and while providing a smooth and quiet motion that allows you to forget about the home gym and focus only on what you are doing in your exercise routine.

From Beginner to Advanced, Everyone Benefits.  – A good home gym can deliver a good exercise session for the beginner or for that one in the family who has high demands on his or her body and on the exercise equipment as well.  The Smooth Fitness CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer is made to adapt intuitively to the abilities and the exercise goals of the user.  The stride is 21 inches longs so tall users have no trouble getting a good lower body workout.  There are eight workout programs that can be used by different users so everyone in the family can find a program that fits their abilities and their workout goals.  The unit supports the user with displays that provide feedback on time, pulse, heart rate, calories, resistance levels, speed and RPM.  With this kind of feedback, you can adjust your workout as you go so that each session gives you maximum value.

The Smooth Fitness CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer Review – Negative Aspects

Not for the Little Ones - While the large foot pedals are well made for tall people and adults who can straddle the unit, the Smooth Fitness CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer is not a good fit for the children or for shorter people looking for an exercise alternative.  If you have people in the family who would not be comfortable on the Smooth Fitness CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer, its best to look to another type of home gym.

A Warranty is Only as Good as Support - the Smooth Fitness CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer does come with a standard warranty so you would expect the company to give you support when you need help.  But many customers have noted that getting responses on warranty calls is not easy.  Its good to know that up front because if you home gym is broken, the last thing you need is a hassle from the company that should be living up to that warranty in a professional way.

The Smooth Fitness CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer Product Features:

• 21-inch stride length is comfortable for multiple users of varying heights
• Ergonomic, pivoting foot pedals emulate the natural motion of your ankle as the pivoting foot pedal maintains proper alignment
• Wireless heart rate monitor is included; automatically adjust the intensity of your workouts to reach your optimal fat burning zone
• Deluxe four-window, dot matrix LED display allows you to easily read course profiles and track your RPM, speed, watts, time, distance, pulse, heart rate, calories, resistance level, metabolic equivalents, and target heart rate while working out
• Warranty information: lifetime on the frame and braking system; three years on all other parts; one year on labor
• Workout Programs: 8
• Handgrip Pulse Sensors
• Resistance Levels: 16
• Forward and reverse motion
• Roller-less design for smooth and silent operation
• Dimensions: 83 inches long by 27 inches wide by 67 inches tall
• Tilt-and-Go wheels for easy mobility
• Supports up to 350 pounds

Compare Smooth Fitness Ellipticals on Amazon

• The Quick Ramp system has been enhanced to offer more variety of incline and slope, which allows customers to focus on specific muscle groups during their workouts. Not only is this better for cross training, it helps users avoid overtraining. It should be noted that this enhancement is generally only available in the higher end commercial models of the Nordic Track elliptical trainer.
• The stride lengths on most models have been improved which makes workouts on Nordic Track elliptical trainers more effective. Models coming out recently come standard with an 18″-20″ length of the stride, which is 2-3 inches longer than previous models. The longest strike on the market comes with the Nordic Track elliptical trainer A.C.T. This improvement makes working out more comfortable and it allows taller users to get a great, fast-paced workout as well.
• Nordic Track elliptical trainers are now easier to fold down for storage. Many home gyms fold up like this but it is not a feature that is common in elliptical trainers. But the ability to tuck your Nordic Track elliptical trainer away is a selling point for people with small living spaces like a condo or apartment. This is a great way to save space, and of course whether you want to use the floor or just stretch out and have the leg room to actually relax while you play a bit of http://www.partycasino.com after work, then this is perfect.
• The addition of speakers that are built right in to new models of Nordic Track elliptical trainers is a great step forward. You can connect your iPod or your MP3 player to the speakers in a flash and enjoy your favorite music or audio book as you work out. This is destined to be one of the most popular innovations that Nordic Track has introduced.
• There is a new feature that allow you to use iFit workouts by putting them directly into a card reader on your Nordic Track elliptical trainer and use that workout program while on your home gym. It is like having a personal trainer with you for the entire workout. The card will also direct your Nordic Track elliptical trainer to adjust the speed, resistance and incline to stay on track with the programmed workout.

In many ways, Nordic Track elliptical trainers have been improved to give you more variety in your workouts and to make their products easier to use for a wider variety of people.

Summary of Nordic Track Elliptical Trainer Review

Because the company has such a huge variety of styles and prices to their home gyms, you can find a Nordic Track elliptical trainer that will fit your exercise goals and where you are in your program. Generally speaking Nordic Track elliptical trainers are quite affordable compared to their competition even within the ICON family of products. Because of that, this will be one of the best ellipticals for 2010.

Nordic Track stands behind their products with strong warranties and their customer service ratings are consistently high. That means we can look for Nordic Track elliptical trainers to continue to hold a significant part of the home gym market for a long time to come.

Whether you are new to exercise, a fitness buff, or a trainer, before you jump into the market to purchase a new fitness machine, it is important to know your needs and to think through the entire process first.  Asking yourself the right questions prior to the search for your new machine will make the job easier.

Below are a few questions to ask yourself and to consider carefully when comparing elliptical trainers;

How often will you exercise?

Daily, weekly or infrequently.  With this information you will be able to surmise the importance of durability of the machine you are looking to purchase.  Many of the lower quality machines are not rugged enough to stand up to a daily workout.

What specific areas on your body will you like to develop?

Elliptical trainers are designed to provide a cardiovascular workout rather than to build muscles.  While most elliptical trainers work the upper and lower body, some models do not have moving upper body components.

Also, many of the more expensive models incorporate an incline for a more intense workout.  When comparing elliptical trainers be sure to look for targeted body workout routines.

Will you share the machine with other users?

This is an important question when considering new workout equipment.  Many elliptical manufacturers assume more than 1 user will be working out on the machine and have added a personalized workout program feature.  This allows each user to create their own individualized program without resetting the machine upon each use.  Another reason this is an important question is because many machines have weight limits.  While the limit may be fine for you, another user may not fit within the allotted specifications and thereby be unable to use the machine.  When comparing elliptical trainers be sure to compare machine weight to user weight limit to get a good idea of machine stability.

How much space do you have in your home to use and store the equipment?

With so many users exercising at home, machine size is a good issue to address before making a machine purchase.  If you live in a small apartment or condominium and space is an issue, you will be limited with the size of the equipment you can purchase.  Smaller machines have fewer features and benefits.  When comparing elliptical trainers watch for machines that are too small, ruggedness and comfort may be the trade off.

Will this machine be in addition to other machines in your home?

While there is a variety of exercise equipment on the market, free weights, stationary bikes and treadmills to name a few, it is a good idea to decide if adding an elliptical cross trainer would fit your workout needs.

The answer for each of these questions will vary based on consumer needs.  Taking your own needs and situation into consideration before purchasing a machine is a very important step in determining whether an elliptical is the right machine for you.

Budget

With a variety of Elliptical Trainers on the market, they can be categorized by budget, medium and high end levels of equipment.  Included in the higher end level is commercial equipment.  Prices vary from budget at $500 up to commercial quality at $4000 or more.  Obviously the higher the price of the machine the more features, comfort level and quality of workout. The best ellipticals comes with the best prices. Remember to review prices online, many times online competition works to your advantage and could mean a substantial savings for you.  When comparing elliptical trainers online versus a local retail store be sure to watch for additional shipping added at the end of your purchase. Some elliptical brands in the market are ProForm, NordicTrack, Horizon, etc.

Compare Machines Feature by Feature

Most machines offer basic features such as, pre-programmed workouts, resistance levels, pulse and heart rate monitor and personal programs.  Better machines will have more options available within the basic features (i.e. more resistance levels, more pre-programmed workouts etc.)  Machines will also have different weight limits, stride length and warranty period.  The better machines will include great features such as an upgraded console, a music plug in with speakers, a fan and steel manufacturing.  It’s important to try to create a chart to compare all features within your price range when you are comparing elliptical trainers.

Always Read the Reviews

Consumer and fitness pro feedback is of the upmost importance when making a decision to purchase a new elliptical.  Knowing if the brand is recommended or one you should stay away from, reading a review on the comfort of the machine, specifically reading about the overall sturdiness of the equipment are all important aspects in your elliptical comparison.  A picture is worth a thousand words, and reviewers can provide a good picture of how the machine should work and the quality you should expect.