Elliptical Question

With Ellipticals and treads, I would stay away from the really inexpensive ones. I also don't think you need to buy the best with all the bells and whistles. I would do some research online and see what kind of reviews they get or look at fitness magezines that usually have annual reviews to find out which one to invest in.

You get what you pay for.

I have an elliptical, I bought it at "play it again sports" for 69 bucks....you can also check Craigslist...but be careful in there. I tried the ones that you are talking about the one without handles. They are very awkward...you have nothing to balance on, and to try to get on it takes balance and patience, once you are on it, it feels like you are going to fall, I tried balancing in between door frames and that seemed to help....They are more than a hassle than they are worth it, and you won't get your upper body moving (in a positive way, you'll use it to balance you out...which may be a good thing, but I didn't want the extra hassle, so I just got one with the handles built in. I hope this helps in your decision!

When you start narrowing down brands, google reviews of the product from other owners. And if you can, go to the actual store to test it out first. I'd stay away from anything too inexpensive b/c it's likely to break down and not be worth the money you spent on it.

I had the chance to purchase an elliptical for around $150.00 at D-i-c-k-'s Sporting Goods. I think that the one at Wal-mart may be that price simply because it's Gold's Gym. As far as the elliptical with just the pedals, I'm not sure how good that would be with balance and sturdiness. I have a elliptical that also has a seat for use like a bike. Unfortunately my elliptical's seat has become the home for many t-shirts, but that's a whole different conversation!

One thing to keep in mind when buying an elliptical is the stride length especially if you are tall. Generally speaking, shorter people (5’3” or smaller) can comfortably use elliptical machines that have an 16” to 18” stride length, and if you are 5’7” to 6’7” your best choice will be a 20” or 21” stride length. Any time you come across a stride length of an elliptical trainer with less than 18”, it’s going to feel less comfortable to most people, resulting in short choppy strides.

I got my horizon elliptical trainer off Craigslist as well for $220 which was a little more than half price. Definitely do your research first online and read reviews.

Elliptical machines are awesome to have. I love mine!


Good Luck!

I also own a elliptical however i agree watch which one you purchase i am a gymhollic and the elliptical was my main choice i workout one hour on it burning well over 1,000 calories i loved it so much i bought me one from d.i.c.k.s sporting goods and i agree you have to watch what you pay for one thing to remember elliptical have a weight barren limit and i will never buy one that do not have handles mines was like 1,400 dollars and i got it on sale for little over 900$ with tax i love the one i have mines have an incline, resistance, and also wifit, and it also have preprogramed or i can make a workout and save it and use it again it really work i sweat well i always sweat like you won't believe i can squeeze the water out of my clothes they are soak and wet but when i am finish i feel wonderful i also have a stationary bike and the wii they are also great for sweating while getting a great work out check around look for a good deal but please don't invest in a piece of junk it is not worth it