Elliptical Trainer Personalization Features

Once you have determined that the elliptical trainer suits your proposed location and feels that it fits your body type and movement, then you look at the differences in the way you can personalise the settings.

This includes:

1. Resistance Levels & Setting
2. Incline Angles & Setting
3. Stride Length & Setting
4. Program Selections
5. Heart Rate Monitoring
6. Console Electronics
7. Console Display

Resistance Levels & Setting

The resistance is provided by a mechanical braking system. This makes it harder to ride and increases the strength required to move the pedals - improving both intensity of muscle action required and cadio workout.

Firstly, check the level of resistance at the highest and lowest level. Do this AFTER you have been working out for at least 10 minutes. A level that feels dead easy, soon gains power over you after 5-10 minutes. You are looking for a good range of resistance, to give you enough future progression for your fitness program, and make the elliptical trainer more suitable to multiple users.

The resistance level settings are usually controlled on powered units by an electric switch. On a non-powered elliptical trainer it will be a knob. Check that this switch or knob can be used easily whilst you are using the elliptical trainer. It is something you will use quite often so make sure its easily assessible without breaking your rythmn.

Incline Angles & Setting

Not all elliptical trainers can have the incline of the pedal platform increased. This effectively gives you an uphill motion. Many elliptical trainers with moving arms, will not have incline adjustment. This is something to do with design conflict - hence you will find a lot of the more expensive units will not offer this option. If you have good resistance range and stride length adjustment - you really don't need incline as well, so if you prefer the moving arms, don't fret passing on this option.

Stride Length & Setting

Stride length is another important factor in the natural feel of the elliptical trainer to one particular person. I am quite tall for a woman, with long legs, so have a naturally long stride length. I find even walking with a person with a shorter stride unnatural and uncomfortable. This is a good indication as the what stride length you will prefer on an elliptical trainer. If the stride is too short, you body motion will be tense and may lead to tension in the back. Most elliptical trainers have a stride length range between 15 about 24 inches.

The stride length will either be set using a manually or electronic switch, which is great for mid workout adjustments.

Reverse Direction

Nearly all elliptical trainers operate both in forward and reverse motion. Just check that the backwards movement feels comfortable. Expect that it will feel strange until you get used to it. Using your elliptical trainer in reverse works the back of the thighs and is a great butt toner!

Program Selections

All but the most basic of trainers have preset programs to help boost your exercise program motivation. If you have a particular goal, such as cardio or fat burning, then look for elliptical trainers that have the best selection in that category.

You will also find that some models have custom program keys that allow you to create your own programs and save them [powered units only].

Heart Rate Monitoring

Many of the programs on the elliptical trainers rely on heart rate information. There are generally two types of heart rate monitors on elliptical trainers. A grip heart rate sensor that detects your heart rate through your hands, and a chest strap, which sends the heart rate information wirelessly or via cable to the elliptical trainer.

I haven't found the grip monitors that reliable until you build up a sweat on your hands, which seems to improve conductivity of the signal. The chest straps either come standard in the package, or can be purchased as an option. Check the price of heart rate monitors made by third parties, as well as the elliptical trainer brand. Third party ones are just as good and often a lot cheaper.

Console Electronics

Its not just fanciful stuff. You wil be amazed how powerful watching your progress on the display is in keeping you motivated. Even the most basic, no powered units like mine give distance, calories burned, speed, and time. More expensive units will not only have graphics or LED's to indicate which program you are using, but your progress through the program, as well as the above readouts.

If there will be multiple users, look for elliptical trainers that allow you to save User Profiles. This means you will not have to set your age, weight, heart rate and program each time you use the trainer.

Console Display

Its all very well having all sorts of information avaiable and many options to choose from, but if the display is not easy to read in the middle of a workout, it can be very frustrating.

The SportsArt E82 is probably the best console layout you will find anywhere - so its a great benchmark to compare others.

The position of the display is also important - it should be close enough to read easily.

>Next: Quality And Customer Support

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