A home elliptical can be a great piece of fitness equipment to help you lose weight and get in shape. It is also very low impact for people who have issues with the back, ankles, or knees. There are some important considerations to keep in mind when you are choosing a home elliptical, though, to ensure you get the most for your money, and that the machine will hold up with use. It is generally a good idea to try before you buy, if at all possible. This will help you to determine if the machine feels steady and smooth, and if the stride length is appropriate for your height and natural step. A stride length that is too long or too short can cause pain.
You should begin by considering how frequently you will use your home elliptical machine. If you will just be an occasional user, you might be able to go with a less expensive option; frequent or daily users, however, should purchase a more expensive, sturdy machine with a longer warranty. Consider also where the machine will fit in your home, as some ellipticals have quite a big footprint, and that might affect the size of the machine you can purchase.
There are many reasons to try out a home elliptical in the store before you make a purchase. The smoothness of the stride of an elliptical machine is indicative of the drive system quality, or the components that include the motor and the belt, among others. The machine should also be quiet, and should not feel unsteady. If the machine is noisy, wobbly, or the stride feels jerky, it is probably not a quality machine, and is not likely to hold up in the long run. You should also make sure the stride length is comfortable and that the pedals are not slippery. If you can't try it out before you purchase it, be sure to read reviews online and see what other customers say.
In addition, consider the different workout options for the home elliptical. Adjusting the resistance to make it easier or more difficult to walk/pedal should be easy; the more expensive and higher quality machines allow this to happen with just the press of a button. Determine whether the machine has preloaded workout options as well, which can make it easier to add variety to the workout and challenge yourself with different exercise programs. Some of the more expensive machines even feature a small television or a dock for an MP3 player, which can make the workout much more enjoyable.
