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When you’re in the market for an elliptical trainer machine, where do you start to discern what features you want? You need to determine what your goals are, what kind of characteristics you desire in your machine and what kind of price range you’ll be looking at. There’s so many brands, models and variations to review and research, it may seem overwhelming.

First, think about why elliptical trainer machines have grown so popular. They provide a safer means for a low impact workout with cardiovascular benefits. Elliptical trainers simulate walking, stepping or cross country skiing with a low strain to knees, backs and hips. They have the advantage of giving you an upper and lower body workout with a smooth fluid motion.

See Amazon below for the best deals online on ellipticals, all of the best brands, many with free shipping, so you don't have to worry about lugging anything home and can order online and read more actual user reviews on them.

For this review, I’m going to focus on several reputable manufacturers of elliptical trainer machines, Schwinn, Proform and Horizon. Price ranges can vary with all of these brands from several hundred to a thousand and over depending on what your finances and needs demand.

The Schwinn 438 elliptical trainer is in the price range of $999.00 and has a long list of features and extras. The stride length can go up to 18 inches and it features a step trainer for your legs. With it’s moving arms, it provides a cardio workout for the whole body. Your heart rate can be measured either through the grip with sensors built into the handlebars, or telemetrically with the use of a chest strap.

The Schwinn 438 elliptical trainer features a backlit LCD with LED prompts to measure and inform you of time, distance, calories burned, speed, resistance, calories used per hour, course profile and RPM. This model of elliptical trainer also has 8 controlled resistance programs and 16 resistance levels. Variety of your workout is provided with 21 different workout programs so boredom of your exercise routine is not a problem.

With the Schwinn 438, there are 4 different user settings so you can track your workout and progress. The motion is bi-directonal and goes in forward and reverse. For adequate hydration, there is a bottle holder to keep your water handy. The maximum user weight is 275 lbs.. For your service plans, you can select contract length and terms to suit your needs and budget.

Proform is another reputable name in elliptical trainer machines. Within this brand there is a wide variation of makes and models and price range. For the purpose of this article, I’ll focus on the Proform 950 Spacesaver elliptical trainer that sells for about $799.00. The foldaway design of this particular model makes it appealing to anyone with storage and space issues.

One of the more unique attributes of the Proform 950 Spacesaver is the 10 personal trainer workouts. You determine your goals in relation to aerobic, weight loss or performance and then fit them to the 10 pre-programmed personal trainer workouts. There is an LED pacing coach that advises you when to speed up or slow down your pace of workout.

With the Proform 950 Spacesaver, there is a cool air adjustable workout fan to keep you more comfortable. The pedals are oversized for a more secure foot positioning and there is a 3 position adjustable stride.

Next, we’ll look at the Horizon brand of elliptical trainers. The Horizon CSE 4.6 elliptical trainer features pedals that are pivoting, oversized and joint friendly. This model has an 18 inch stride length and a front drive design. It is unique with storage compartments and an accessory tray. Your heart rate is measured with the use of a chest strap and it features four red LED windows.

The Horizon CSE 4.6 elliptical trainer has 20 resistance levels, eTRAK performance tracker technology and it’s maximum user capacity is 300 lbs. This style of elliptical trainer sells for approximately $899.00.

For a healthier body and better physique, owning an elliptical trainer machine will help you meet your goals. With so many to select from, you should be able to find one to work for you financially and to improve your health.

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