My wife and I are contemplating buying an elliptical for use in our home. There are so many brands and models out there it’s hard to know what’s best for us. I am 5’9” 180 lbs and my wife is 5’4” 125. Do have any advice on what elliptical we should consider in the $1,200 - $1,300 range and under. Either front, center on rear drive models. My wife prefers the look of the front and center drive versions but it is not a necessity. I would say that we would each use it about 5 times per week on average. I enjoy a more strenuous work out as well if that matters.

Any advice or guidance you could provide would be appreciated!

Hi Kyle,

Probably the best value, and best built machine in that price range is the Sole E35. It comes with a 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty. The feedback has generally be very positive. Here is my review. http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/sole-e35.htm

Regards,

Fred

Thanks Fred –

I have read your review on the E35 as well as other reviews and it seems as though as you stated that the reviews are very favorable. My only concern with that machine is the size at 81”’s it takes up a lot of space. I’m still leaning towards that machine but do you have a front or center drive option with less of a footprint that you like that I might consider? Also, do you have a recommendation for a machine under $1,000 as well?

Thanks for your help,

Kyle

Kyle,

NordicTrack and ProForm have a center drive machine. The basic design and components. are the same The difference is the features. They range from $699-$899. They are decent machines, but by no means as heavy duty as the Sole E35. Also, their warranty is 1-year parts and labor. You may be able to find a version at your local Sears.

Here are the links.

http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/proform-crosswalk-850.html

http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/nordictrack-act-elliptical.htm

Fred

Thanks Fred.

Are there concerns regarding the durability of the ACT? If we extended the ACT warranty by a year at approximately $100 that would make the E35 about $300 more than the ACT but it appears the quality you get with the E35 is probably worth it.

Kyle

Kyle,

If I were to choose, I would pay the extra $300. I would put the NordicTrack ACT in the budget elliptical category. For the money it is not a bad machine, but not nearly as durable as the Sole E35.

There is a cheaper version of the Sole E35, which is the Sole E25 at $999. Structurely, they are the same machines, but on my review you can get a list of the differences. http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/nordictrack-act-elliptical.htm

 i am interested in buying the incline trainer however i have 1 question...can you run on this machine? obviously its not advised with the incline up but if the incline is laying flat is the motor quick enough for a light jog to a slow run? i have been told by a few people that its not fast enough to run on and its just a machine to walk on...i hope i can run on it...please let me knwo when you get the chance! thanks - amanda

Hi Amanda

Response

Yes, you can run on the Incline Trainer.  It goes up to 10 mph.  There is one issue.  You have a 54" long treadbelt.  That is aan dequate length for an average height individual to run on.  However, the way the Incline Trainer is designed, when you lower the treadbelt a portion of it is positioned in front of the console.  You are going to lose several or more inches of running area when you have the belt at a level position.  Take a look at the photos on the left and you will see what I mean.

Well recently a friend of mine sent me a link to a cool organization.  It is www.kiva.org/.

What they do is make loans to people in third world countries who want to start a business or need funds for an existing business.  Of course, the individuals who receive the loans are expected to pay them back, and surprisingly a large percentage do pay back their obligation.  Each applicant goes through a screening process.  Once the loan is paid back it the funds are available for future loans.  So far they have loaned over $1.4 million, and the default rate is under 4%, which is considerably better than the banking system.

You can contribute to a loan to a needy entrepreneur for just $25.  My friend Jeff has started a circle of friends to help this needy organization. You can join at http://www.nynphotoschool.com/articles/kiva-1.html.

Rather than throwing money done the drain at failing car companies and corrupt financial institutions, help some people who are willing to break out of the poverty treadmill.

Fred

This can be attributed a aggressive competition and improved quality of treadmill components.

For the last several years Sole Treadmills offered 2 years labor coverage on all but their entry treadmill and elliptical trainer. Recently Smooth Fitness has matched that coverage on each of the machines, including their entry models. In addition you get a lifetime warranty on the motor and 5-years on parts for most of their models.

I was told they are experimenting with this offer, and it may become permanent.

What this means for you is if your machine breaks down within the first two years, it is not your problem. They send someone out to fix and replace broken parts, which can be a huge savings.

It also says something about the confidence of Smooth in their products. They would not make this offer if their machines didn't hold up well.

In addition to the warranty extension, they also have been offering various discounts and a $100 savings on "White Glove" delivery on certain treadmills and elliptical trainers.

The state of the economy is forcing fitness equipment companies to get very aggressive with their promotions in order to stay alive. If you can afford it, there are some excellent deals out there.

Although similar in many ways to an elliptical trainer, it has several unique features that make it more of a hybrid.  In fact, when I talked to Smooth about their new product, they did not call it an elliptical, but rather a "Dynamic Motion Trainer."

The Smooth Agile DMT expands upon the limited elliptical motion of a cross trainer by offering twelve distinct motions.  This variety allows you to exercise more muscle groups, and tone more of your body. 

Elliptical trainers are often touted as providing a total body workout.  That is a false assumption.  Although you do work out both the upper and lower body, you are exercising very limited parts of each. 

The variety of motion found on the Smooth Agile DMT allows you to concentrate of different muscles, consequently you are able to tone parts of your body you may have unintentionally ignored in the pass. 

By mixing up both the forward and reverse motion of the Agile, you can build and tone your quadriceps, glutes, calves, hamstrings, arms, shoulders, chest and back. 

Another benefits of the Smooth Agile DMT is the fact you get a more intense workout in less time.  So often I noticed how people in the gym are just going through the motions on an elliptical trainer.  They are barely breaking a sweat.  The Dymanic Motion Training of the Agile get your cardio going and burns calories more efficiently. 

Furthermore, the DMT design further reduces the strain and stress to your joints.  Elliptical trainer definitely have less impact than a treadmill, however, the continual repetitive motion does strain your knees and ankles.  With the Smooth Agile you get a more intensive workout without increasing the impact by changing up the motion.

Here is the downside of the Smooth Agile DMT - it is not cheap.  Price varies from $3,500 - $4,000.  However, you are getting a commercial grade machine that weighs 390 lbs.  This is not the kind of fitness toys you find at sporting goods stores. 

For those that can afford a machine that will give a thorough physical workout in a minimal amount of time, the Smooth Agile DMT is worth considering.   You can check out my complete review at my Elliptical Trainer Review site.