Yeah so... anyone know some good elipticals?

[zerosoma]

Since we are in the season of new years' resolutions...

I'm looking as inexpensive as possible but something that will last at least a few years before needing to be replaced. I can do all kinds of research myself, but I'm looking for personal opinions and experiences here.

Preferebly between the $100 and $500 range online.

Thanks!

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Probably better to spend the money on a gym membership and have access to a wide range of equipment.

 

[zerosoma]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
Probably better to spend the money on a gym membership and have access to a wide range of equipment.


Tried it. Lost a bunch of weight, then got busy and couldn't be bothered going anymore. Didn't have the time. Basically paid for air for the last 6 months of my membership.

At home I can work out when I want, I don't have to bother driving to get there and change clothes and drive back etc.

If I can only do 5 minutes that day, so be it. At home I don't have to worry about the time so much.

 

[wkcars]

I know you asked about ellipticals, but i did get one of these schwinn ad2 from amazon and have been using it about a year now since i can't run on the treadmill anymore and it's been pretty good. The complaints people have is the hard seat and how loud it gets when you go really fast since it's a wind resistance machine, both are true, but the seat I don't think it's that bad it is soft but it just doesn't have enough cushion, and the noise is like having a fan set on high, neither of these bother me. For $300 i think is a good price and it's been pretty good, and it doens't have a motor so that's one less thing you have to worry about. #1 rule in zombieland...cardio lol

Also...just to add, this thing doesn't have any programs or anything, you work out at your own pace, the computer monitor only shows you your speed, time, estimated calories...

 

[Corvette Owner]

I found ellipticals hard to use. I prefer a treadmill and a stationary bike.

 

[95busa]

Live strong has some nice stuff

 

[dave123]

You just waste your money on something cheap you dont have to go all out but need to spend some coin. Brands Precor and Vision Fitness are two great brands I use a Vision Fitness S70 love every second on it and worth every penny. JMO but 500 or less will realy just be junk and cheap not worth it u are going to have to get out and look at a bunch from high end and that wont be found at a big box store to cheap and give them a try U CANT just buy on how it looks u have to get on them and give it a try.

 

[bradepb]

Been going to the gym for a couple years now and I find the elliptical to be the best overall. Its a lot easier on joints as you get older. I mix it up some with the bike and treadmill.
Bike bothers my knees and treadmill bothers my back and knees some. Elliptical no problem.
Unfortunately I think your going to have to spend more like 800-1200 to get something that is realy going to last.

 

[DragRace]

Originally Posted By: bradepb
Been going to the gym for a couple years now and I find the elliptical to be the best overall. Its a lot easier on joints as you get older. I mix it up some with the bike and treadmill.
Bike bothers my knees and treadmill bothers my back and knees some. Elliptical no problem.
Unfortunately I think your going to have to spend more like 800-1200 to get something that is realy going to last.

Yup,your gonna need more $$$ for something thats quality built. At our gym,they use Precor for all of their cardio and weight machines.

 

[JHZR2]

Elipticals are a waste. Treadmills arent much better. They force you into a stride that may be shorter than natural, dont offer wind resistance, and though the elliptical often has leg and arm movement, its not very tough.

If youre looking for a good full body workout, find a used Concept II rowing machine, it is far better.

Or better yet, go outside. I can appreciate that doing that in SD in the winter may not be a good option... But then Id also consider some other approaches to help strengthen the core muscles, the main muscle groups, and flexibility. All that can be done with no equipment at all! (e.g. pushups, crunches, pilates, yoga, stretching, "prison workout" moves, etc. This can be quite challenging.)

I can appreciate the convenience of working out at home to squeeze in whatever time you can... I just dont personally believe that an elliptical is a very good workout.

 

[javacontour]

The secret to remaining at the gym is working out with others.

Take some classes at the gym. Do something like bootcamp or some of the other classes and establish some relationships with folks.

You may find it much more fun to go to the gym if you have people you look forward to meeting.

The group I've joined does Saturday bike rides, we have progressive parties, etc.

I wouldn't dismiss the gym just yet. See if there are ways to make it more likely you'll keep going.

If nothing else, there is the occasional eye candy that makes the trip a pleasure.

 

[dave123]

Elipticals are a waste. Treadmills arent much better. They force you into a stride that may be shorter than natural, dont offer wind resistance, and though the elliptical often has leg and arm movement, its not very tough.

Not True one bit Not all eliptials are built the same.

 

[zerosoma]

Haha. I love it when people are telling me to get a stationary bicycle when it has nothing to do with what I asked.

BITOG Test Question :

"Which one of the previous posts do not belong or relate with the original statement?"


Kind of like...

Bob likes Lisa.
Lisa likes Johnny.
Johnny has cancer.
Rodeos are fun.

 

[zerosoma]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Elipticals are a waste. Treadmills arent much better. They force you into a stride that may be shorter than natural, dont offer wind resistance, and though the elliptical often has leg and arm movement, its not very tough.

If youre looking for a good full body workout, find a used Concept II rowing machine, it is far better.

Or better yet, go outside. I can appreciate that doing that in SD in the winter may not be a good option... But then Id also consider some other approaches to help strengthen the core muscles, the main muscle groups, and flexibility. All that can be done with no equipment at all! (e.g. pushups, crunches, pilates, yoga, stretching, "prison workout" moves, etc. This can be quite challenging.)

I can appreciate the convenience of working out at home to squeeze in whatever time you can... I just dont personally believe that an elliptical is a very good workout.


What I don't understand is how you can completely assume an elliptical machine will not suit my needs. I mean after all, you know me, right?

This is getting borderline disastrous. I have had years of gym memberships (as previously posted as well, just read) and I have used all kinds of machines. The machines that help me achieve the most weight loss, cardio, and overall fitness have been ellipticals.

Wam bam thank you ma'am.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: zerosoma
I'm looking for personal opinions and experiences here.


Speaking from first-hand experience. Ive tried multiple types of elliptical machines and they all stink compared to a natural stride and some wind resistance. So from a gait point of view, which equates to building fitness, strength, stretching, joint mobility, etc., I see them as no good.

Originally Posted By: zerosoma


What I don't understand is how you can completely assume an elliptical machine will not suit my needs. I mean after all, you know me, right?


I dont know you, but I can speak from direct experience, and if you dont like it, that's fine. I know what doesnt work for me also from a performance and maintaining a high level of fitness point of view. I never said that an elliptical will not suit your needs. I just said that there are better options out there that have no impact and offer a better workout.

There are a ton of fatsos at the gym too. Generally plodding along on the ellipticals.

 

[Benzadmiral]

I was a runner for a lot of years, and now my right knee gives me some trouble. About four years ago I signed up with a private gym with 24/7 access, about five minutes' walk from my place. Elliptical work (12 min./mile), situps/crunches, and free weights and the machines, got me a lot trimmer.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

If you're dead set on buying something then I'm going to say the Cybex Arc Trainer. But it's about 7x your upper price limit for the home model...

 

[dave123]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2

I'm looking for personal opinions and experiences here.


Speaking from first-hand experience. Ive tried multiple types of elliptical machines and they all stink compared to a natural stride and some wind resistance. So from a gait point of view, which equates to building fitness, strength, stretching, joint mobility, etc., I see them as no good.

Originally Posted By: zerosoma


What I don't understand is how you can completely assume an elliptical machine will not suit my needs. I mean after all, you know me, right?



I see whats going on and we are lumping the word elliptical in one group and it is not. I DO use a suspension elliptical others say natural stride. I do agree with U to use natural stride or suspension call it what u may they are the best. Money wise I dont think u can get in a good one for under 2 grand the S70 I use is about 5 grand.

 

[zerosoma]

yes, I must be even more specific than I ever thought necessary.

What I should have said was,

"I can do research myself, but I'm looking for personal experiences on specific models of ELIPTICAL machines specifically within the price range I am setting for myself. General responses of ellipticals overall, your opinion of whether you like them, whether or not you use them, and any comments about stationary bikes, free weights, tredmills, and gym equipment lube alternatives are not valid."

thank you and goodnight.