Sunday, January 6, 2008

Champion Elliptical Trainers - A Great Deal At A Great Price

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a great elliptical trainer. You may have heard people say that it's impossible to get a good elliptical for under $2,000. Those people have never tried a Champion elliptical.

Champion is a big name in the fitness industry. They make all kinds of products for all kinds of fitness needs. With the current trend of elliptical trainers, Champion began making their own machines, and they can't be beat for quality and price.

What Champion Elliptical Trainers Have

The Champion C44F is their most popular model. People who buy this model are always surprised that they can get such a high quality piece of exercise equipment for only $800.

If you're a gadget freak, you'll love the C44F. It has more programmable features than almost any other elliptical trainer at that price. Among the features it's packed with, the C44F has 9 program profiles that users can create themselves. It has 4 heart rate programs to help you keep tabs on your ticker.

Aside from these programmable features, it also has a continual heart rate program that measures your heart rate through the handle grips as you exercise. And, to help you watch your weight, the C44F gives you readings of your BMI and body fat level.

The Champion C44F has all these features and a nice, easy-to-read LCD display that has blue letters on a backlit screen.

The C44F has 16 different resistance levels to give you more or less of a challenge. This is great for athletes who are training and need a little extra.

The Champion C44F is connectible to your iPod or TV. You can hook up your entertainment center to its high quality, state of the art speakers. This way, you can enjoy your favorite shows or tunes while you exercise. You'll hardly ever see a stereo system this good on a machine this cheap.

Champion's machines are also known to be durable. With cheaper machines, this is a big consideration. Most cheap ellipticals are made with cheap parts, and that is why they break down quickly. Champion can boast high customer satisfaction with the life-span of their elliptical trainers.

Finally, Champions are comfortable. The C44F has a specially designed footplate that offers the most comfort possible. It's important to feel good while you're working out, and comfort is not something to be overlooked.

Champion is known for the wide variety of fitness equipment they offer. But, not everyone knows that they also make high quality elliptical trainers. For this reason, you might have more trouble finding a Champion elliptical at your local fitness shop.

The best place to lay your hands on a Champion elliptical trainer is from their website. If you buy directly from Champion, you can get their extended warranty and pay less because there is no middle man. If you want to save some real money on your Champion elliptical, buy around the Christmas season when they run sales. You might be able to get one for under $500!

Champion's ellipticals are not so well known, but they are a great deal at a great price. With all its programmable options, the Champion C44F is probably the best buy for under $1,000.

Treadmill Reviews - Weslo Treadmills

A Great Buy For Treadmill Beginners

Weslo treadmills are made by Icon Fitness, the same company that makes such notable brands as Nordic Track, Proform and Image treadmills. But, Weslo is the cheapest of them all. In fact, Weslo offers the least expensive treadmills on the market. This makes them a great buy for beginners who want to try out a treadmill before diving in and paying lots of cash.

Pros - Save Big Money

Weslo are definitely the cheapest treadmills on the market. They have models of motorized treadmills for as low as $300 and manuals for under $100. This makes them far cheaper than even the closest models of other manufacturers. For just a couple hundred bucks, you can have a fitness machine to use in your home.

The downside of the price is that Weslos aren't known for their high quality parts. Their motors are low horsepower, the belts are weak and the electronics are somewhat limited compared to others. Still, they are very popular and outsell many higher quality brands. If you don't need the extra strength and features, you can save money with a Weslo.

Pros - Weslo's Manuals

The motorized Weslos have a reputation for being weak and somewhat cheaply made, but the manual Weslos are outstanding. Manual treadmills are those that operate without a motor. Most manual treadmills are very limited, but Weslos manuals have adjustable inclines and electronic monitors, two features missing on most manual models.

And, as I mentioned before, you can pick up one of these Weslo manuals for under $100, which is quite a deal.

Cons - Not So Sturdy

Weslos are cheap, and to some extent you get what you pay for. Although many customers are happy with their Weslo treadmills, they are not made of the best materials. This is the reason for the price. If you plan to do heavy running, or need the extra features to personalize and vary your workout, you might not want to get a Weslo.

Cons - The Warranty Is Not So Great

Along with their cheap parts, Weslos don't offer much of a warranty. This gives you a pretty good idea of how long you can expect to use it. Most Weslo models carry a 90-day warranty. As most treadmill users know, that's about the time cheap treadmills start to fall apart.

Cons - Not So Much Space

Be careful, or you might walk right off the treadmill! Weslo treadmills are smaller than average treadmills, and this lack of space can be a bit uncomfortable at times. This is another reason they are not suitable at all for running.

Weslo treadmills are cheap, and they are a great buy for first time treadmill owners. Your first treadmill should be cheap and small, so that you can get used to it and upgrade if you want to. For this, Weslos are great.

But, if you plan to do any kind of serious training or hard running, a Weslo probably isn't the way to go. Weslo treadmills aren't for everybody.

Tips On Finding The Best Elliptical Trainer For You

Elliptical trainers are great tools for getting into shape, burning calories and giving your heart a boost. But, as with everything else, you have to find the best elliptical trainer for you. Just like people, they come in all shapes and sizes.

Before you head out with your credit card, you should know what you want first. This will help you decide on the right model for you.

Is The Price Right?

This is an important part of buying your elliptical. They can be pretty expensive. Quite a few of the most recommended ellipticals carry a price tag of over $2,000. On the other hand, you can get one for a couple hundred dollars. What's the difference?

The difference is quality of parts. If you buy a $300 elliptical, it is guaranteed that by your next birthday, you'll have trashed it. Cheap machines are cheap because they cut corners on quality. With ellipticals, you get what you pay for.

If you are a first time elliptical buyer, you may want to start with a low to mid-range model before you take the plunge and spend big bucks on a nicer one. Just remember that the more you pay, the more you get.

Size Matters

Ellipticals aren't small. Before you head out shopping, measure the space where you intend to use your elliptical. When you're shopping, you can look at the sizes of the machines and make sure they're small enough for your exercise room.

On the other hand, you want to make sure it's big enough for you. Height is a major factor in buying an elliptical. Some have shorter frames than others.

It's a sensitive issue, but weight is also important. Every elliptical has a maximum weight that it can support. This is usually something like 250 or 300 pounds. It would be pretty embarrassing if your machine broke down the first time you stepped on it.

Check Out The Frame

If you plan to move your elliptical to different parts of the house, or store it in the garage when you're not using it, you'll want a lighter frame. Some ellipticals are designed to be more portable than others.

But remember, the heavier the frame, the sturdier the machine. If you plan on using it hard, you will definitely want a good, tough frame.

Take It For A Test Ride

You should always try it before you buy. Check out the features, but also see how comfortable and quiet the machine is. If you get a noisy machine, it will start to drive you crazy after a while. An elliptical trainer that's not comfortable is going to cause you trouble, too. If it's not comfy and fun, you won't use it!

These are just a few things to think about before you head out to shop. Have a plan for how you plan to use it, and where you plan to use it. Choosing the best elliptical trainer for you is more than just a matter of picking a good brand.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Elliptical Machines - What All The Fuss Is About

Treadmills have been around long enough that most of us know someone who has one gathering dust in their garage somewhere. Treadmills are good for what they're good for, but lately a new workout machine has come along that leaves treadmills in the dust. These are called elliptical machines, and they are causing quite a stir. You hear about them everywhere you go, so what's it all about?

Elliptical machines are a step up from your regular treadmill. You may have seen an elliptical trainer at the gym. These are the machines with the steps that move around in an oval formation when you run on them. These machines make use of elliptical motion to give a more natural workout than a treadmill.

So, what advantages does an elliptical machine have to offer?

Elliptical Machines Are Nice To Your Feet

Running, jogging and step training are weight bearing exercises. With these, you are putting stress on your feet and legs to carry your whole body. This is a completely different workout than cycling or aerobics.

Because your feet never leave the elliptical trainer, you put less stress on your joints. One of the downsides of treadmills is that you put stress on the joints in your ankles, knees, feet and legs as you walk on them. Elliptical trainers give you a smooth workout without the extra stress on your joints.

Your Whole Body Gets Fit

Treadmills work out only certain parts of your body. After a long run on a treadmill, you'll feel the stretching in your legs and torso. Treadmills are great for working off the extra pounds around the middle of your body. But, they don't do much for the rest.

Elliptical trainers use a motion that works out your shoulders, arms, back, abdomen and legs. Unlike treadmills, elliptical trainers offer you a full body workout.

Excellent For Cross Training

Elliptical machines offer a great cardio-vascular workout without the extra stress. This can be a great tool to use along with a weight lifting routine. Ellipticals give you a pure cardio workout, so a routine that alternates the elliptical with a weight regiment can be a great overall cross training schedule.

Lots of athletes who need a well-rounded workout routine to keep their entire body in shape use the elliptical as a supplement to their training.

The Disadvantages

In all honesty, there are a few downsides to elliptical machines as well. First off, you don't burn quite as many calories with an elliptical as you do with a treadmill. You can burn quite a lot of calories, but a treadmill will take off more weight in a shorter period of time.

Ellipticals are also pricey. They haven't quite become affordable enough for most casual exercisers who could really benefit from them. That's why they are so popular at gyms. But, you can always pick up a cheap elliptical to use as a test drive until you decide it's for you.

It's also easy to overdo it with an elliptical. Ellipticals offer a nice, smooth workout, but you still have to do all your stretching and warm-ups before you hop on. Ellipticals are not for everybody. Still, every year more and more people are giving elliptical machines a try, and the reviews have been outstanding.

Elliptical Trainer Reviews - 3 Of The Hottest Models On The Market Today

As elliptical trainers get more and more popular, there are more choices out there for those of us who want to buy one. Elliptical trainer reviews are definitely the best way to become informed about your purchase before you buy. The 3 trainers reviewed here are among the most highly rated models on the market today.

Lifecore Fitness LC-990 - Tough Enough

Lifecore Fitness is known for their durable ellipticals. They offer commercial grade ellipticals at consumer prices. The LC-990 boasts that it can hold up to 350 pounds with no trouble whatsoever. This is a pretty bold claim, but Lifecore Fitness's machines are known for their sturdiness.

And, just in case it's not as sturdy as you'd expected, Lifecore Fitness offers a pretty generous warranty. They have a lifetime warranty for the frame and parts, and the rest of the machine is covered under a 5-year warranty.

The LC-900 is a tough machine, and it's also a heavy one. If you're planning on moving your elliptical around for your workout, you might want to go with a lighter model. If you throw out your back moving your fitness machine, it won't do you much good.

These trainers are also fairly expensive. They go for about $1,500, and you won't find anything cheaper than that. Still, it's a good buy for the price, and it will take about any punishment you can give it.

Proform 800 - Go Interactive

If you're into special features to give your workout some pizazz, the Proform 800 might be a good choice for you. The Proform 800 is famous because it can be connected directly to your computer. You can create your own workout program with these interactive features. Happy customers say that it's like having a personal trainer in your home.

But, if you're not into features, the Proform 800 may be a let-down. In the past, these machines have been criticized for their use of cheap parts. Newer models are made stronger, but the old ones were not as durable as some would have liked them to be.

Also, Proform doesn't offer a very good warranty. Most of their warrantees are for only a couple of years, and offer very limited coverage. This may not be a good model if you plan to run your elliptical hard.

Sole E25 - Great For Beginners

The Sole E25 is a great machine for beginners. It's fairly cheap, but not cheaply made. And, it has all the same standard features that the more expensive models usually have.

One thing that sets the Sole E25 apart is that it has a longer stride length than most machines. This, along with the swing control features, makes it a more comfortable and versatile elliptical trainer.

The Sole E25 is inexpensive and well-built, but it lacks some features that others have. For example, it doesn't have a chest strap. There are some other little things they skipped out on, but overall it's a great machine and a good deal.

Elliptical trainer reviews are a great way to check them out before you buy, and these 3 models are some of the most popular out there.

How It All Works - A Look At Treadmill Parts

If you own a treadmill, you should know how it all works together. Understanding your machine helps you to know what's happening when things go wrong. There are probably books out there on treadmill repair, but here's a brief look at treadmill parts and how they can break down.

The Deck

The deck, or frame, is what holds it all together. This is the part you are least likely to have repair issues with, although it may be useful to know that you can remove the "deck hood" at times to clean or fix things.

The Motor

This is the engine that runs everything. Treadmill motors are made up to 3 horsepower. But, horsepower isn't everything. A high horsepower doesn't make a better treadmill, if the rest of the machine is poorly designed.

When buying a treadmill, see that the warranty covers the motor. This is a part you really don't want to pay for replacing. If you start to hear funny noises coming from your treadmill while it runs, chances are you have a motor problem.

The Belt

The belt is the most common problem with treadmills. Belt breaks happen a lot. You can replace the belt yourself. It's not such a tough operation, but you'd better study your owners' manual before you go taking things off.

You'll also find that your treadmill runs more smoothly if you clean the belt from time to time. You can buy belt cleaning solution and lubricant at your fitness supply store, or order online. Sometimes when your treadmill begins to feel sluggish, it might just need a little lube.

If you have to replace your treadmill belt, make sure you get the right kind. Not all belts are compatible. Your safest bet is to buy the belt from the company that manufactured your treadmill.

Rollers

You may need to replace the rollers on your treadmill at some point. These guys keep the belt in line and moving smoothly. They also can cause wear and tear on the belt and motor if they are cheaply made or ill-fitted.

When you are buying a treadmill, the rollers are one of the things you should check out carefully. The bigger and sturdier the rollers, the better they will run your machine. If you buy a high quality treadmill with good rollers, you won't need to worry about replacing them. Replacing rollers is a hassle.

Electronics

Treadmills come with a wide variety of electronic features, usually using a display console. Electronics are one of the most easily broken and most difficult to fix parts of your treadmill.

Like motors, decks and other treadmill parts, electronics are covered under warranty. Make sure that the treadmill you buy is covered.

These are the most basic treadmill parts that every standard treadmill comes equipped with. Other optional parts include grips, belts, comfort features such as padding and media systems. When you get your treadmill home, poke around on it before you run. Take a while to get to know your treadmill's parts, and it will save you trouble later.

Precor Elliptical Cross Trainers - One Of The Best

Precor Elliptical trainers are known for their quality and special design features. Precor is known as a trendsetter in the world of fitness machines. Now the market is full of imitation Precors that sell for a lower price, but you still can't beat Precor's high quality construction.

Cross Training

What has made Precors so popular is their unique design features. 10 years ago, Precor developed the first elliptical especially for cross training. This was done by developing Precor's patented CrossRamp on its EFX line of models.

The CrossRamp can be adjusted. You can change the angle of the ramp and work out different muscle groups. This is great for athletes and others who are cross training and need to get the most out of their workout.

Ellipticals are known for not offering as vigorous a workout as treadmills, but with a Precor CrossRamp, you can switch up your workout and give yourself a challenge.

Like most ellipticals, Precors have lots of programmable features so that you can design your own workout. But, because Precors are designed for cross training, you can do much more. The CrossRamp and programmable features make a Precor a great buy for athletes.

Smooth Ride

Precors are also known popular because they are smooth. Precor prides itself on the high quality parts it uses in its machines. A good, smooth elliptical workout will cause less stress on your joints and make your workout more worthwhile.

People are often amazed at how quietly Precor cross trainers run. Some would say that the Precor EFX is the quietest elliptical on the market. Precor has strict standards of quality control and uses only the best parts in their machines.

It'll Cost Ya

The only downside to Precors is that they are expensive. In the last few years, the market has been flooded with cheaper cross trainers, but most would agree that the Precor still can't be beat.

What the cheaper models sacrifice for a lower price is what makes Precors so outstanding. When you're paying that much money for an elliptical trainer, you're really getting quality for your money. Precor doesn't cut corners to lower their prices.

The Precor EFX 5.17i

The most popular and highly rated Precor model is the EFX 5.17i. This trainer has the CrossRamp and programmable features, and is one of the most durable ellipticals on the market. These machines have no weight limit, so anyone can use them. It is also known as one of the most comfortable ellipticals.

Lots of people consider Precors to be the best ellipticals in the world, and lots also think that the EFX 5.17i is Precor's best, most well-rounded model. But, as we mentioned earlier, it's not cheap. The cheapest you can find an EFX 5.17i for would be just under $3,000. This is a lot to pay, but with all the great reviews and endorsements, it's well worth it.

A Precor elliptical is a great buy for any kind of athlete. Even if you're not training for something, a Precor is a great machine to use for a fully adjustable, full body workout.