Elliptical machines are one of the most popular pieces of cardio equipment in commercial gyms. Here’s how to choose the best elliptical for fat loss and metabolism.
Are you in the market for a new elliptical machine to help you lose weight and don’t know where to start?
If you’re on a mission to shed the excess fat that’s been bothering you for way too long, it’s worth your while to figure out the best elliptical machines to use to help you tackle your goal.
How To Choose The Best Elliptical Trainer For Weight Loss
Elliptical machines are the favored choice by many people who are trying to lose weight simply because they’re low impact.
This means that they’ll produce significantly less knee and back pain compared to traditional cardio methods like running on the treadmill or outside.
Elliptical machines tend to be much quieter also, plus you get the added benefit of being able to work both your upper and lower body at the same time.
This gives you the advantage of getting a full-body workout session that will not only help to burn fat but also strengthen and tone your muscles as well.
What’s more is that since you’re working so many muscles at the same time, you are going to be able to burn a higher number of calories, if not significantly more than running or even cross-training would.
But before you run out and purchase the first machine you see advertised on sale, it’s important to take some time to learn what to look for when choosing the best elliptical machine for your home use.
1. Choose The Right Fit And Feel
The very first thing that you’ll want to do if you plan on purchasing an elliptical is to actually get on the machine and perform some exercise.
While you may feel you look a little bit silly doing this in the store, it really is a must if you want to buy one that is going to be the best fit.
When you start trying out some of the different ellipticals, you will soon notice that different machines will have slightly different stride patterns.
If you’re not making sure that the one you’re interested in is comfortable for your body shape and type, you’re going to be in for some long and uncomfortable workouts ahead.
So with that said, it’s important that you consider the stride patterns first, as this is a key factor that can cause discomfort for most people.
Also, there are other aspects of the machines that you will want to have customized to your needs such as the size and shape of the foot pedals and the handles, so be sure to get on several machines and compare notes.
2. Choose The Best Programming Options
Moving along, the next thing you’ll want to take a good look at is the different programming options that are available on any of the ellipticals you’re thinking of purchasing.
If you’re someone who likes to just hop on the machine and begin your workout without taking much time to set up a certain program, it’s vital that you find one that offers this type of programming option.
Some people actually like to customize their own personal cardio program themselves.
So then in the case that you are someone who likes to take the time and create your own program, not having a “get on it and go” program option won’t be an issue for you
Just evaluate what’s important to you in terms of the program and go from there.
From what we have seen with most ellipticals on the market, they usually will come equipped with basic programs such as the hill climb program, the fat burn program, the endurance program, and so on.
3. Check For The Reversibility Feature
Another option that you’ll want to check out is whether the elliptical machine has a reverse mode capability.
Most of the newer models will come equipped with this feature, but older and outdated models probably will not.
Reverse mode is really a great option to have because going in the reverse direction is really going to change the stress loading pattern on the muscles.
Not only can this add variations to keep your cardio workouts interesting, but you’ll also be able to push your progress another step forward.
While you won’t want to perform your entire cardio session in reverse, mixing it up throughout your workout in intervals of forward and reverse can be beneficial.
This is the perfect way to keep yourself from getting bored and can even make a great way to bust through a plateau if you are stuck at a certain weight.
4. Is It The Best Elliptical For Your Home?
Finally, the last thing that you’ll want to look at is the size, weight, and overall storage factor.
Get the specifications so you can see if the elliptical takes up a lot of space and if it is going to be hard to move.
If you’re looking for the best elliptical for home use, you’ll definitely want to consider the overall size, especially if you don’t have a lot of room to work with.
Most machines can vary tremendously in terms of how large they are and whether or not they can be easily moved for storage.
So consider your space availability and if you feel you will need to move it, then go from there.
The last thing you want to do is get the elliptical home and find out that you really don’t have the room for it.
Final Thoughts: Is An Elliptical Right For You?
So there you have it; the key factors to note when choosing the best elliptical machine for your home workout.
Follow the simple key points listed above when you start shopping for your elliptical and you can be 100% confident that you’ll be making the right choice!
