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Monday, April 19th
LifeFitness gym equipment can be spotted almost everywhere, and for those who have the money and want to replicate their fitness center workouts at home, these elliptical machines are dependable and high-tech. On the downside, LifeFitness isn't as customer-friendly as it was in the past, with a shorter return window, higher costs for delivery and setup, and fewer elliptical trainers to choose from overall.
Horizon Fitness used to be one of our highest-ranked retailers of elliptical machines. Unfortunately, their selection has dropped to just two models available for purchase online. Those two ellipticals get plenty of praise from customers, but we found numerous issues reported regarding Horizon's lackluster-to-nonexistent responses to warranty issues and other problems. You'll probably have a better experience buying your elliptical machine from a higher-rated store.
On the market for more than two decades, these versatile pieces of workout equipment are some of the most popular in fitness centers and home gyms alike. Why? First of all, many people prefer the motion of an elliptical trainer over treadmills because of the decreased impact on joints. Not everyone can hop on a treadmill and run a 5K with painful knees and ankles; using an elliptical machine gives you a high level of cardiovascular exercise without as much strain.
Another advantage of using an elliptical trainer is the ability to get a full-body workout. Although using the handles is optional, most exercisers like to use the push-pull motion to strengthen muscles in the arms, abs and back at the same time as the lower body. Who wouldn't benefit from the efficiency of working out multiple muscle groups at once?
Plus, many elliptical machines can be used in different ways: some combine a traditional elliptical system with a recumbent or upright bike, while others let you change the stride motion to more closely resemble a stair stepping machine or even a treadmill. This flexibility makes it likely that you'll use your elliptical trainer for a long time, because you can change the workout to match your mood, your physical capabilities at the moment, your fitness goals, or the other users in your household.
And, if you think that elliptical machines have been left out of the live streaming workout craze, think again! Some of the most advanced models offer large touch screens that can deliver real-time coached workout sessions - and may even allow a trainer access to change your resistance levels or incline during the workout! Even if your elliptical doesn't come with that built-in feature, almost all brands and models have a tablet holder, allowing you to choose your own workout platform and go for it (or just binge a few episodes of your favorite TV show: your choice!).
When choosing the right elliptical machine for your home gym, how can you tell which retailer should get your business? Here are several factors to keep in mind as you shop:
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best retailers of elliptical machines available today. We hope this information helps you pick the right equipment for your home gym!
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