Elliptical suggestions?

I just recently (1.5 weeks ago) bought a very cheap Weslo elliptical trainer. It's squeaky! But, it's pretty stable, even on carpet, which is where mine currently is. I looked up reviews for the item, mostly they were all ok to bad lol. However, there is a warranty for it and the way I figured was it was $180 on sale. Even if it lasted me just 6 months, it was way cheaper than a gym membership for 6 months time and all I used there was the elliptical. In addition, I am more likely to use it, I have nearly everyday since I bought it, so to me, buying a cheap one if that's all you can afford is worth it. JMHO though

I bought one 3-4 years ago and still using it. I bought a good quality one but not the more expansive (about 600$). No gadgets but verry good mechanic. And I didn't regret it. No squicks and verry stable. And think you have to try it in store, first to see if it feels good (they don't have all the same movement) and, for me, it was important that it was a fluid and quiet machine so I can watch t.v. while I'm using it. Good investisment, good idea to buy one!!

Also look at Craig's list. Sometimes people are getting rid of equipment they bought and barely used and you can get them cheap.

I have been thinking about the same thing for about 3 years now and keep coming back to the same conclusion - for the amount I would invest in a really good eliptical, I can get, instead, a membership in a gym for at least 3 years and have access to all of their other equipment, too. There's no maintenance costs, there's no increase in my electrical bill, there won't be less floor space available in my house once it's installed, and being around like-minded people is a positive push for me to work a little bit harder.

I realize this is a different type of answer, but I had a stationary bike six years ago and it turned into a clothes hanger. For the past 3 years, I have had a gym membership and I go at least 5 days a week and have access to everything. Having that access to everything is one point that keeps me going all the time. If I don't feel like doing eliptical, I do bike, or treadmill or maybe strength training.

With one machine at home you are limited. What will you do when you don't feel like using the eliptical?

Hope this other side of the coin helps you.

Check in the goodwill or salvation army.

Here's an update for you, if you are still interested in a great eliptical. I did some poking around the last week at a couple of stores and found (in my opinion) that a machine called the Vision Fitness Eliptical Trainer Model X6200 is the machine I would purchase if I were going to purchase one for my home. I checked several stores and found their machines to be toys. When I checked the Vision Fitness store, I knew I had to look no further. The base cost is around $1300.00; then add shipping and setup and tax and about $200 more for the Premier console.

I tested the machine at the store at length and it is amazing. It was so quiet all you could hear was my breathing. I prefer this model over all the others they offered for sale because it is portable. The X6200 can be folded up to conserve your floor space. It is absolutely amazingly quiet. The ride is soooooo smooth. And, of course, the warranties offered on this model were so comprehensive that I felt totally comfortable about choosing this machine from this company.

There are also deals to be had by the company right now (especially if there is a Vision Fitness store near you) but check out VisionFitness.com to see all that they have.

As I wrote previously, I do not plan on purchasing any machines for my home because I prefer going to the gym. But if I were going to invest in a machine for my home, it would be an eliptical and it would be the Vision Fitness X6200. Additionally, I would go directly to the company to purchase this machine because the coverage they offer with the machine at no additional charge is truly impressive.

Again, good luck with your choice.

I just bought the Schwinn 420 at Sports Authority for $599 and I love it! Super stable (up to 300lbs.) and easy to put together. I am absolutely loving it!