Elliptical machines

callas444
callas444 Posts: 261 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
We are looking to purchase an elliptical trainer. We've tried them out at Sears and some other stores but it's really hard to know which ones are worth the money. On Amazon, all of the ones I have looked at have 4 stars. Sole, Schwinn, etc. all seem to have models in our price range ($600-$800 ish) Can anyone here recommend one from your personal experience? (Or, conversely, warn me not to get a certain one?)

Replies

  • ScottH_200
    ScottH_200 Posts: 377 Member
    One thing is for certain, for that kind of $$$ you will get anything close to what is available commercially at the clubs.
  • tworthen79
    tworthen79 Posts: 1,173 Member
    I own a ProForm Hybrid. It's an elliptical/recumbent bike. And I love it. I got mine from QVC for $399.
  • dondimitri
    dondimitri Posts: 245 Member
    One thing is for certain, for that kind of $$$ you will get anything close to what is available commercially at the clubs.

    I think he meant to say: "One thing is for certain, for that kind of $$$ you will NOT get anything close to what is available commercially at the clubs."
  • fallenoaks50
    fallenoaks50 Posts: 84
    Check Craigslist or Play It Again Sports to see if you can get something a little higher quality, gently used. Unfortunately, the demand will be a little higher this time of year.

    Five years ago I bought a Nordictrack from Costco in your price range. It was ok if you're not too picky, but I preferred to just go to the gym. It ended up on the curb when we moved.
  • callas444
    callas444 Posts: 261 Member
    I would rather spend a little more now than to replace the machine in a year. Unfortunately, a gym is not a feasible option as we live in a rural area. I would appreciate any feedback on elliptical trainers, even above my price range. Thanks for the input so far. I will check Craigslist regularly for exercise equipment.
  • JaceyMarieS
    JaceyMarieS Posts: 692 Member
    I have a Sole e35. I purchased it specifically because it had a higher than average weight limit (350). My husband and I both use it regularly and it has held up well (2 years so far) I find it to be sturdy, smooth and quiet. For me, the 20" stride length is perfect - I've been on other ellipticals that were extremely uncomfortable/choppy due to a too-short (for me) stride length. The one drawback is that it does have a rather large footprint, although it's still smaller than a quality treadmill would have been. It's also heavy, so you won't be moving it out of the way. The Sole is more than you wanted to spend (around $1200 new) but in this case, you do get what you pay for.
  • ScottH_200
    ScottH_200 Posts: 377 Member
    Yes, you're correct. That is what I meant to say ;-)
  • ScottH_200
    ScottH_200 Posts: 377 Member
    Anything that includes arm motion is best in my opinion. Otherwise, you are just working lower body. Something like the Precor EFX 576i Crosstrainer.
  • Ant_the_old_keith_lemon
    Ant_the_old_keith_lemon Posts: 272 Member
    Buy a used commercial machine...

    go test it out prior to payment and you`re onto a winner..

    over here we can get 5-8 year old ex gym equipment at very reasonable prices.
  • just_Jennie1
    just_Jennie1 Posts: 1,233
    Buy a used commercial machine...

    go test it out prior to payment and you`re onto a winner..

    over here we can get 5-8 year old ex gym equipment at very reasonable prices.

    While I agree that money wise it would be cheaper the issue is that it's used and it's old. You won't know the maintenance history (and records can be fudged). I'd be concerned about things going wrong and having to spend more money on repairs.

    OP: Why not go to a sporting goods or a fitness store and talk to someone there about the types there are, options etc. Try it out in the store, see if you like it then do research and try to find one that's a bit less expensive.
  • tealgrove
    tealgrove Posts: 36 Member
    I bought a Nordic Track 5 years ago. I spent approx. $1,000.00 on it which I understand is out of your price range however when it comes to exercise equipment you get what you pay for. It was on sale at Sears in January. It's been great, never had an issue and I was able to purchase an additional piece that allows me to plug in rather than run the programs off batteries. It was about $20.00.

    I like the idea of looking for a used one you may be able to get a really good one that way.

    Good Luck!
  • callas444
    callas444 Posts: 261 Member
    Great information and ideas. Thanks!

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