Eliptical Trainers

Type

Manually operated

• You can adjust the load and type of program; a cheaper option with fewer features.

Elliptical ergometer

• Continuously adapts the load according to the current heart rate of the user and keeps it within a set range, which leads to efficient fat loss.
• More comfortable to use; offers a wide range of settings.

Stride length

• The most important parameter.
• Ellipticals with stride lengths of approx. 40 cm are suitable for most users.
• Some cheaper ellipticals have stride lengths of less than 30 cm, which is unsuitable for most people.

Design and load capacity

• Load capacity should be at least 20% higher than the weight of the user to ensure stability and prevent accelerated wear.

Load regulation

• Magnetic resistance
  • The resistance is controlled by the distance of the magnet from the flywheel; the most widely used type.
  • The advantage is quiet operation, a wide range of adjustable resistance levels, and long life.
• Induction resistance
  • The load is regulated by a computer that controls an electromagnet coil.
  • The advantage is the possibility to set very high resistance with high accuracy and minimal failure, but this comes with a higher purchase price.

Features

• The display is now an integral part of every elliptical. More expensive models allow connection to a computer or tablet.
• Some models can measure heart rate - special sensors are integrated in the handles.
• Wheels make it much easier to transport or move the elliptical.