Elliptical trainers have become one of the most popular pieces of home fitness equipment on the market today. Everybody seems to want one and there many companies out there making them. They have become so popular because they combine the benefits of hiking, cycling, and cross country skiing all in one with extremely low impact on your joints.

Furthermore, recent studies show that you will burn as many calories in a workout using elliptical trainers as you will using treadmills - and without the impact and stress on joints! If that's not enough to explain why they have become so popular, elliptical trainers are usually less expensive than treadmills and take up less room.

Treadmills are still the most popular piece of home fitness equipment, but I suspect that in time, elliptical trainers will take the number one spot.  To see how treadmills compare to elliptical trainers, read my article called, Treadmill vs Elliptical Trainers - Which One is Better?

If you already know what to look for in buying an elliptical trainer and would like to know what are the best brands to consider, read my elliptical trainer reviews. Otherwise, if you're just getting started, here are some things to look for when shopping for elliptical trainers:

Prices
Elliptical trainers can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000. A quality elliptical trainer, however, can be found in the $600 to $1,400 price range. Set your spending limit first and then research specific models in your budgeted price range. Make a list of the pros and cons of each model and have your list narrowed down to your top one or two models before you hit the stores or the Internet. If you don't set a budget first and do a little research, you'll most likely spend more than you need to!

Drive Systems
One of the first things to consider when preparing to look at elliptical trainers is whether you want a model with rear or front drive. Typically, front drive models tend to be less expensive. However, they don’t usually provide as good of a workout as the rear drive models. The rear drive models have a more fluid motion. If your budget allows, stick with the read drive models as they provide the best workouts. If you do purchase a front drive model, be sure to purchase one with an articulating pedal which will angle as you move and help to smooth out your stride.

Resistance
Resistance in elliptical trainers comes from a magnetic source. In cheaper models, a magnet must be manually moved to create the desired level of resistance. Mid-range models offer a system in which a magnetic brake is controlled by a small motor. It is important to note that these often require quite a bit of maintenance due to the number of parts involved. More expensive models provide resistance via the eddy current brake system. In these models, an aluminum disk rotates between magnetic fields and produces electromagnets, which provide reliable resistance. This system of resistance operates with little noise, and maintenance is minimal.

Stride Length
It is recommended that you purchase an elliptical trainer with a stride length from 16-19 inches. If the stride is too short, the motion of the machine will not be smooth. In the past, stride length has been a problem if two people planned to use a trainer frequently. Recent trends have led manufacturers to begin producing machines that have adjustable strides which allows users to select their own stride length.

Preprogrammed Workouts
Almost every elliptical trainer comes with preprogrammed workouts. What this means is, you simply select from a list of workouts that you want to do and the machine will automatically adjust the resistance during your workout to give you the type of workout you selected. The question you need to ask yourself is, how important are these and how many do you need? The cheaper models will come with a few preprogrammed workouts, while the more expensive elliptical trainers may come with several preprogrammed workouts. If all you're going to do is jump on the machine and manually create your own workout as you go, then you don't need lots of programs so save your money. However, if you like variety and don't want to think about creating your own workouts, then an elliptical trainer with lots of programs will be a better choice.

Dual Action
Some elliptical trainers provide a dual action workout, meaning they have the pedals for the lower body workout and moveable handlebars for the upper body workout. Dual action elliptical trainers are designed to allow you to work your upper and lower body simultaneously. If your arms wear out during your workout, you can release the handlebars and continue working your lower body. This feature is more expensive so make sure you'll use it if you're considering purchasing an elliptical trainer that has it.

Dual Direction
Another option that some elliptical trainers offer is dual direction. This feature allows you to exercise all of your leg muscles by moving forward or backwards. Again, consider the importance of this feature before paying for it.

Warranties
As with any major purchase, pay attention to the warranty. The better brands of elliptical trainers will have warranties covering parts and labor for at least one year, while the cheaper brands may only have a 90-day warranty. Warranties say a lot about the elliptical trainer you are buying. The longer the warranty, the higher quality the machine is and the less problems you'll have.

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