Elliptical Machines - opinions please!

julesmom wrote: Has anyone tried one? What do you think?

If you own one, which one do you have?

Is there a model you recommend?

Thanks.

mckayleesmom replied: I have one...and I love it. I could only do like 5 minutes when I first got it, but then I did alot better when I adjusted the resistance as I went along. Mine is from Walmart and its the Wesslo Momentiom 950 or something like that. I bought it from another lady where I live. SHe didn't like it, but I think she was just doing it wrong. I also like that Im not sore the next day and its really low impact.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: What is an elliptical machine?

Nevermind. That is what I use at the gym. I LOVE IT!!! It burns the most calories.

mammag replied: I absolutely LOVE mine!!! It is the Horizon E30. I liked it a lot because it has all the preset programs so you don't have to manually change the resistance. It has the heart rate monitor, a fan, and speakers so you can attach your mp3 player or portable radio whatever.... It is really smooth and easy to use. I think we paid around $900 but it is cheaper now. I liked it better even then some of the more expensive models I tried at the store.

Here is a picture of one online but ours looked a little different... it has a wood colored trim on the bottom...

julesmom replied: Do you know anything about Tony Little's machine? It's only around $100. I was thinking of that one. Since I've never done it before, I don't want to spend a ton and then not like it. I also don't have much $ to spend.

mammag replied: I don't know much about that. It doesn't look like it would work as well as the others but I haven't tried it. I found there was a big difference from one machine to the next as far as smoothness of motion and that's why I got the one I did.

Does that have any resistance? Do you have any gyms around you that you could go to to try out different machines for a while and get an idea of what kind of exercises you like?

mckayleesmom replied: I think he is on the Gazelle....my friend has one and she likes it,,,but I don't think it has much resistance....I heard people say. My elliptical machine was only about 400 dollars with shipping...at least that is what the lady told me....try wallmart.com...let me see if I can find it.

mckayleesmom replied: This one looks like mine,,,but it looks a little smaller.....but its only 200 dollars

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp...duct_id=2400608

MyLuvBugs replied: Ellipticals are the best things EVER!!!

I have asthma and the Ellipticals are the only machines that I can use that don't induce and asthma attack.

However, to get a really good one (like the kind that are in gyms) you'd need over $3000. The cheap ones don't last long (believe me, I've tried them).

Don't waste your time or money on a cheap one from Wal-mart or Sears. It's almost better/cheaper to get a gym membership and go. Or do what I did and marry a guy that works in a Recreational Facility at a University and then you can work out for free.

Kaitlin'smom replied: I was just wondering about those they have them at the gym but I have not tried it but if its better than the treadmill with buring calories then I will try it.

mom2tripp replied: I LOVE THESE MACHINES!!!!! Feels so good after you are all done!!!!

I use the Precor brand, or at least I think that's what brand it is

MyLuvBugs replied: Aren't they wonderful!! Precor has some of the best equipment. And you're right. You feel amazing after your done, but while you're on the machine it doesn't feel like you're doing much of anything. Then you get off, and you're legs are like jello. It's so cool!

mammag replied:
I can always tell I'm getting a good leg workout. I get a really good burn and sometimes I don't know if I can make it to the end of the 30minutes. I have to disagree about having to spend $3000. The one I got is great and you can get them for $800 or so. Not super cheap and I do agree that the really cheap ones would probably not hold up as long but this is a solid machine. I think if you go mid range on price you should be okay.

Maddie&EthansMom replied:
This is how I am also. I just love it. I really feel like I'm doing something.

MyLuvBugs replied: Ok. $3000 is a bit of an exaggeration.
The commercial grade machines cost around $1500-$2200 dollars. But those are the exact machines you see in gyms like 24 hours fitness and the such. These machines are heavy duty. Are built to hold over 350 pounds of weight and are meant to be worked 24/7. If that's not what you need (and really, who does) an $800-$1000 one is good for home use.

Just don't go too cheap. It will fall apart quickly. My parents bought one for $199.00 at Wal-mart (or Sears?) once. Yeah, it fell apart after 2 months, and didn't ever give you a good work like the ones in a gym.

mckayleesmom replied: The one I have is really sturdy and heavy duty.....they even have it at the gyms on base and it was cheap.....