Advice on buying an eliptical machine?

[Bires]

Since biking has become a kind of extreme sport on the Las Vegas roads, and the heat can kill on walks, I've fallen majorly out of shape.

So, I was thinking of buying an eliptical. (They are my favorite at the gym.)

I know I can't afford a professional-grade machine, but I was wondering if bargain machines ($400 at Sears this week) are OK, or is it really a you-get-what-you-pay-for kinda deal.

Any other advice?

[ialsohaveadream]

Check Consumer Reports for ratings. I know they've rated treadmills. There are bargains to be had, but there are also some $400 machines that won't last you more than a month of regular usage.

[Jeffbx]

:stupid:

Don't go cheap. I'd say check craiglist in your area & pick up a used one to start. If you really do like it & use it regularly, then upgrade.

[kgsilvas]

A recent issue of Consumer Reports rated those machines and I believe one of the Sears units rated fairly high. You should check it out. They'll have it at your local library if you're not an on-line member.

[smeakim]

Why not just go to the gym? For 35 a month or cheaper you get access to all the equipment, including the elliptical, and at 35 you almost break even at the end of the year. Then if you decide to quit before then you save money and don't have a useless thing sitting around the house?????

[AlpineJay]

Check Costco. I recall them having a Reebok one at a good price (totally forget how much, though). I'd trust any item from them over anything else I buy elsewhere.

[Bires]

Why not just go to the gym?
Time.

Going to the gym requires an hour or two. I wan't something to use for 20-30 minutes before my shower in the morning and when I get home after work.

Thanks for the CR advice. I'll see if I can track down the issue that rated them.

Anyone have a particular feature that they think I should look out for?

[Jeffbx]

No offense intended to anyone, but I'd recommend that you don't bother with Consumer Reports for anything, unless you have a wobbly leg on your kitchen table & you need something to prop it up.

For exercise machines, look for a resource that specializes in them:

http://exercise.about.com/cs/exercisegear/bb/bybelliptical.htm
http://www.elliptical-trainer-reviews.com/
http://outside.away.com/outside/bodywork/fitness_20040727.html
http://www.building-muscle101.com/elliptical-trainer-reviews.html

etc - use the google

[Bires]

Thanks. I'll read there too.

[PrObLy]

Anyone have a particular feature that they think I should look out for?

The actual eliptical motion of the machine.

It can have all the bells, whistles, and reliability in the world, but if it's not comfortable for you to use then it is no good.

I always had thought there was a pretty standard range of motion on the machines until I signed up at one of the gyms at school where they had 2 sets of the machines. One set fits my stride perfectly while the other felt completely awkward and there didn't appear to be any way to change that.

[chadlnc]

The actual eliptical motion of the machine.

It can have all the bells, whistles, and reliability in the world, but if it's not comfortable for you to use then it is no good.

I always had thought there was a pretty standard range of motion on the machines until I signed up at one of the gyms at school where they had 2 sets of the machines. One set fits my stride perfectly while the other felt completely awkward and there didn't appear to be any way to change that.

We have one at our house and it works great for my wife, but I can't use it. It does not allow for my longer stride and makes my kness hurt.