BEST FITNESS DEALERS

An elliptical machine is all about the FEEL. Now we all realize that people are all different, in size, weight, stride length, mobility. So it is fair to say that this particular elliptical that may be great for one person may not be for another. An elliptical machine is a fixed path so if you are 5'4" a 21" stride may not be comfortable for you. Unlike a treadmill where you can choose your stride on an elliptical you are fixed to the design of the machine. It important to keep this in mind as we shop for an elliptical machine.

Look for build quality. This is a pretty easy visual and mechanical inspection. The machine should be steady (it should have a good solid footprint) since it does after all support your body weight. So in the case of an elliptical machine smaller may not be better. Look for welded steel, look for a machine that moves freely (get on the machine) and doesn't develop a dead spot in the rotation.

Front drive or rear drive? The first machines were rear driven (the resistance mechanism is in the back) and commercially most still are. This usually means that the machine is quite a bit longer. But as we mentioned above a bigger machine would be more stable on the floor. But lately more and more front drive ellipticals have come out. Many are excellent and offer a nice feel that is similar to the rear drive units but with a little less space needed on the floor. 

Don't worry too much about the weight of the flywheel. Sometime unless the bearing that supports this heavy flywheel is of top quality it will actually hinder the machine instead of benefit the movement.

No clunks and squeaks. If it clunks and squeaks on the sales floor it will not get quieter at your home. Ask the dealer to explain how this machine works.  

Do you want upper body as well? Most offer this. So look for handles that YOU are comfortable with. Note that most handles will still move if your hands come off the bars, so make sure they are wide enough to cross your shoulders should you decide not to use the handles.

Resistance levels, most manufacturers use either a permanent magnet or an electro magnetic resistance. Both are excellent but some are smoother and offer higher levels. You may not need the higher levels so we suggest that you concentrate on the smooth changes between levels.

Software. What do you want to see on screen? I know there are machines that tout programs but we all know that most people just want to enter their exercise times and they will change their levels themselves. So programming is not as important as the mechanical aspects.

Pedal comfort is important as well. Elliptical machines are notorious to putting your feet to sleep as you exercise. This is because your feet aren't moving as you exercise. Some pedals offer a cushioned sole which helps alleviate this problem but may not solve it. 

Warranties are important and most manufacturers offer a 3 year parts and 1 year labor warranty. This is actually enough since elliptical issues will be more bearing related than any important machine, motor or electronic issues. 

Your specialty fitness dealer has selected machines that they are comfortable with. Machines that they know offer the best value and performance for the money and they certainly have something that is right for you. 

How to buy a treadmill

Selecting a treadmill shouldn't be that difficult but it has become more so because of more websites that make outrageous claims. Also unlike an elliptical which is all about the feel all treadmills seem more the same since they all go to a certain speed and elevation. So why are there treads that sell for $1000.00 and others at $3000.00? Don't they do the same? Well, yes, but there are MAJOR differences in quality which translates into longevity. So lets try and work our way through this information.

Motor. The motor size is frequently used to distinguish the differences. You need to make sure your treadmill is at least 2HP for home fitness. Don't go overboard with a larger motor size since it is more than likely not needed. 2-3HP is more than enough. You also want to make sure that the motors spin under 4000 rpms. This means that the motor will develop it's HP at the rated RPM. 3000-4000 is best. Too low and too high is not recommended. Too low and the integrated fan (most have) will not develop enough cooling and too high and the motor will be working at a too high temperature. Continuous DUTY DC vs. PEAK HP. Continuous DUTY means that the motor has been tested and passed at the maximum HP for 24 hours which is now based on power, rpm and internal windings. PEAK means what the peak HP was attained before the motor blew up. Stay away from any treadmill that uses PEAK HP as a rating. This is marketing hyperbole. 

DC or AC. Most manufacturers use DC for home fitness machines. Since they are less expensive to manufacture and maintain. AC motors are more expensive and are usually found on commercial machines. 

Look for a decent HP (2-3HP), integrated cooling, and decent rpm ratings.  

Flat or folder? Today this is a 50-50 decision and is based on your available space. Treadmills are very large machines. Either one will offer you quality so choose based on the space you have available. All manufacturers are now making space saving folders. The advantage to a folding treadmill is obviously less space when not in use. Also, what kills treadmills is dirt, dust and carpet fibers. Having a folder allows you to lift up the deck and vacume underneath something that is difficult with a non folder. So the choice is yours, either is perfect.

Weight of the machine. The weight of the machine is important. A better quality treadmill should be a heavy machine. This will insure that you are running on a stable running surface and that over time you won't have a frame issue in the future. So look at the size and weight of the machine as an important feature.

Deck size? The actual running surface is important but there are a few determining factors you need to look for. Width- Most are 20 inch wide now which seems to be the norm nowdays and offers a good width for all walkers and runners. Some are 22 inch wide which just gives you the runner some more drift area. Length- Be very careful when selecting the length of a deck. Look for at least 50 inch deck for walking and running to 60+ for serious higher speed running. Longer decks create more heat and possible issues unless the manufacturer has done something to counter this. 

How much room do you have? Make sure that the back of the treadmill when flat has at MIN 50% more space behind it before you hit the  television or coffee table. We call this the crash zone. This also determines your deck length. HINT-Why pay more for a large machine if you are only going to walk or jog? Save some money and don't over buy. The quality in the shorter ones is the same in the longer ones.

Suspension system. All manufacturers have something. Whether it be a new fangled shaped grommet or something. The reality it this is where you need to understand that the best suspension is in your running shoes. Shoe companies spend millions in investigating shock and dissipation when treadmill companies spend pennies on a piece of rubber. Don't stand on the machine and try to make it flex because that doesn't do anything. Many runners complain that too soft cause back and joint pain. Be aware!

Speed and elevation. You can hear the oohs and aahs when someone points out that this treadmill will go to 12+ MPH. Will you ever try to run at that speed? Look for a Maximum 10-12 MPH and look for an elevation that goes to 12-15% elevation.

Roller size. Roller size should be a minimum of 2" diameter. A larger roller will keep the belt from deforming and keep more of a distance between the top and bottom hence keeping it cooler which is a good thing. A roller too large will lose torque. So a 2-3" diameter is perfect.

Deck thickness. Simple enough, stay away from 5/8" deck thickness. Look for 3/4" for walking and jogging and 1" for longer and running.

Treadmill Mat. Treadmill mats are overlooked about their importance. A mat under your treadmill will cut down on accumulation of dirt and dust that finds its way under the tread and eventually works it's way into the motor area causing a myriad of problems. Always if you are buying a non-folding tread opt to also purchase a mat. Also a tread mat can make the treadmill feel softer since the mat has some give to it.

Warranties. Look at the warranties they are all over the place. Some offer lifetime frame and motor. This is realistic because they usually will not have any issues with those particular parts. Look for at least 3 year parts and 1 year labor on the remaining parts.

Your specialty fitness dealer will help you choose the right machine for your needs.