Just got a recent interview on this topic with Fit Jerk:

FitJerk’s Bio, in his own words: I am Certified Level 2 Gymnastics Coach, Black Belt Martial Artist, National Champion Power Tumbler & Passionate Fitness Writer. My initial goal was to develop the mighty six pack, which got me into the fitness scene. I’ve been through many different body phases: Skinny, chubby, ripped…you name it, my body’s been through it. It was after developing some core techniques and principals that I am now at a state where I know EXACTLY what to do to get the desired results (in me or anyone else).

After reaching my goals I just got obsessed… or passionate, whatever you want to call it. I had so much information that a buddy told me to turn it into a book, which became the Flawless Fitness Book… and then as they say, “the rest is history”. You’ll notice I don’t like wasting time, I don’t kiss people’s ass and I can’t handle those that feel sorry for themselves. This is where I get my pen name from, but I think being blunt is necessary. In the end, I live for results… and you can’t achieve results if you sugar coat everything. You gota keep it real. You can read more on FitJerk’s Fitness Blog

Kaleena Lawless has been a personal trainer since she lost 50 pounds, six years ago. After working in fitness clubs including women’s only, boutique style studios, and major chains, she ventured in to independent training under her new business name “Kalisthenix Fitness.”

Kaleena also works with Dr. John Barrett, leading obstetrician at The Women’s College Hospital, training pregnant women with multiple birth pregnancies, and medical risks. She has been featured on CBC news at six, to analyze the Wii Fit for Nintendo, as well as interviewed for Faze Magazine’s summer issue on the benefits of outdoor exercise, for teens.

She is determined to continually reach new goals, and try a variety of activities that promote health, and well being. Kaleena can be found on her blog, Kalisthenix Fitness Blog.com

Q: Please Kaleena, let Us know a bit more about Yourself. How did You started Your brilliant Fitness career?

A: Of course! Growing up, I lived a very sedentary lifestyle, being more interested in reading, writing and video games. By the time I finished high school, I was eating fast food regularly, and found myself fifty pounds overweight. I was unhealthy, and very unhappy. My Mother had lost around eighty pounds a few years before, after having four children, and I thought, “If she could do it, so can I!”

We had a treadmill at home, and I started using it every morning, in addition to cutting out junk food, and drinking lots of water. Getting started was really hard at first. I could not run for more than thirty seconds, and didn’t think I had the motivation, or attention span, to achieve my goals. However, with some persistence, I improved really quickly. Before I knew it, I was running ten, twenty and finally thirty minutes without having to stop! It was incredibly motivating, and from then on, I was in love with fitness.

I really enjoyed the way it made me feel, both physically, and mentally. Plus, buying smaller clothing every time I went shopping, and having my friends and family compliment my determination, and success, made me feel really good about myself. Six years later, and I still can’t believe I did it!

I have always loved teaching, and I started personal training as a way to spread my love for fitness to others that wanted to change their lifestyle. I became a certified personal trainer, and worked in gyms for a long time, before I realized that I had lost weight without a gym. I thought it would be amazing to train clients with my own philosophy.

I have always loved writing, so I started my fitness blog, and before long, people wanted me to train with them in their homes. I really love what I do now, and I count my lucky stars every day that I have been blessed with such a rewarding career. I have really determined clients. Their amazing transformations regularly help me to prove that you can get in shape, anywhere!

Q: Please Kaleena would You suggest what’s Your favorite weekly training schedule for an average working mom?

I mean how many days a week, what exercises to do, how many hours she should train each day, how many calories she should burn, etc…?

A: After a lot of program trials, it’s my opinion that weight loss is achieved with a consistent cardio and strength routine. If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about diving in full force. Actually, it’s a good idea to slowly allow your body to become accustomed to exercise.

This way you can screen yourself for underlying injuries, and conditions. Start small, with fifteen to twenty minutes of cardiovascular exercise, such as on an elliptical trainer, or treadmill, and add an additional 5-10 minutes of strength training. Do this two times a week. When the routine becomes easy, you’re ready to take it up a notch!

Gradually add time and days to your routine. Ideally, you want to be sweating for more than twenty minutes. When we exercise, our metabolism uses different fuels from our body, to burn calories. First, it wants to burn through glucose. This is basically, what you had for lunch.

For the first twenty minutes, your body will burn these sugars (or carbohydrates) as its primary source of energy. It’s only after twenty minutes that our metabolism switches over to burning fat cells. Really, our body is constantly burning both glucose and fat at the same time, but after that magic twenty minutes, we burn more fat than glucose.

In time, aim for a routine that has you exercising 3-4 times a week, for 30-45 minutes. My favourite program is thirty minutes of cardio, with fifteen minutes of strength exercises before, or after. If you’re very busy, break the workout in to two parts, cardio one day, weights the next.

Try to hit every main muscle group: Chest, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. With only a single pair of weights you can have a fantastic workout.

Try this strength workout:

- Push ups against the wall (or from your knees/toes if they’re too easy)
- Two Arm Row
- Shoulder Press
- Bicep Curl
- Triceps overhead extension
- Squats
- Lunges
- Calf raises
- Crunches
- Stretching

If you have time, do two sets per an exercise at a weight that will fatigue your muscles at 12-15 repetitions.

Q: What do You suggest to keep track of the training results? I mean how to track the pounds lost, heart rate improvement, metabolism, etc…?

A: Keep a weight loss journal. Write down your workouts including: what exercises you did, how long you worked out, what you ate, what made you feel good, what you need to improve on. It sounds a little tedious, but I did this when I was losing weight, and not only is it great to look back on when you have achieved your goal, it’s very helpful for knowing when to make the program more challenging.

For example: you see that you have been doing bicep curls for two months with five pounds. At first you could only do ten, but now you’re up to twenty. It’s time to switch to the seven or eight pound weights!

For tracking progress, I recommend tape measurements. As you get fit, you lose fat, and gain muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat. At first, you will notice your body becoming smaller, but your weight may stay the same. Go by tape measurements for a while, and focus on how you feel. If you’re too focused on seeing the numbers going down on a scale in the beginning, you risk becoming discouraged.

Once you have reached your goal weight, then I suggest weighing anywhere from once a week, to a month. This will help you maintain the weight loss. If you see the weight going up, you can adjust your diet, or exercise routine accordingly.

Learn how to check your heart rate, and do it first thing in the morning. This reading will be your true resting heart rate, because at this point you have not had any stimulants, like coffee, or stress. To check your heart rate, find your pulse on the outside of your wrist (thumb side), or on the carotid artery in the neck. Just don’t use your thumb.

It has a pulse of its own! Use a watch and count the beats for 10 seconds, then multiply by 6. The average resting heart rate for women is 75 beats per minute. Less than 75 is considered very healthy. If you’re serious about monitoring heart rate and blood pressure, purchase a blood pressure machine for at home. Many machines will keep a digital record for you.

Q: What do You think about Elliptical Trainers? What would You recommend to people who want to start home fitness?

A: I love elliptical trainers. They are really easy on the body, and this is very beneficial if the exerciser has bone/joint injuries, is overweight or just wants a machine that doesn’t place so much impact on the body. These machines really get your whole body moving, and using an elliptical trainer burns a lot of calories. You can do quite a few different workouts on them.

Try focusing most of your effort in to pushing for more tricep work, or more pulling for biceps. You can also try using mostly legs and go either forward, or backward. It’s possible to even bend your knees slightly, almost like a half squat. You will really feel the burn in your quads, on a higher resistance!

Q: What do You think we should consider when buying fitness equipment?

A: Always try a floor model. Some equipment is just too big or small for a person, and it can really make a huge difference in the overall effectiveness and comfort of an exercise routine. Make sure the new equipment feels right, and ask to be shown how everything works, by a sales representative.

With fitness equipment it’s better to go for a machine that is of good quality, even if it costs a little more. I’ve bought a lot of equipment over the years, and you really do get what you pay for. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to purchase the most expensive model out there, but keep in mind that you want a machine like an elliptical, or treadmill, to last around ten years. Even more importantly, you want it to be safe, with a warranty, and even a maintenance plan. If you can arrange for a service person to visit once a year for a tune up, at the time of purchase, you’re all set!

Q: Please Kaleena have you any resources You would suggest about home fitness?

A: “Women’s Strength Training Anatomy” by Frederic Delavier is a fantastic, fully illustrated reference that shows how muscles look during specific exercises. If you have ever wondered “What exactly is this exercise doing for me?” This book will explain it all.

I also really enjoyed “Fitness for Life” By Matt Roberts. This book is from 2002, but it’s guaranteed to stand the test of time. It’s a complete lifestyle makeover program with nutrition advice/plans, workout programs and exercise instruction.

On the web I regularly visit www.bodybuilding.com for their extensive exercise database, and fitness articles and programs.

Thank You Kalenea!

From walking to jogging I’ve tried it all. Now at the (what I consider still young age) of 21 I am already feeling the wear and tear on my feet and knees. Maybe it’s because I didn’t have proper jogging form, maybe it’s just me, but I attribute it to three main things.

CONDITION THOSE MUSCLES!

First of all, the heavier you are, the more pressure is going to be placed on your lower body when you run. For most people trying to lose weight, as I was, this is going to be a tremendous amount of pressure for your feet to handle and frequently leads to stress fractures and overuse injuries.

Secondly, I never considered flexibility training important. I did not stretch before or after my jogs and I am now regretting that decision every day. It is so important that your muscles be prepared to deal with the contractions and relaxations that accompany the movements associated with long strides.

And, like most people I know who began exercising to lose weight I placed cardio at the top, while strength training took a bottom rung. That meant if I had time, I might do it, but most of the time I did not and I ultimately considered it unimportant. Now I know how important strength training is. By strengthening those muscles around your joints you are able to better protect them from injury.

Also, whether you are doing cardio or strength training the muscles will be taking your excess fat cells to use as energy and to build muscle with, so even though strength training does not burn as much as cardio it still helps with weight loss. Another way it helps with weight loss is because, as we’ve all heard, muscle burns more than fat. While you may need to be a bodybuilder for this to have a significant impact on your weight loss that doesn’t mean it doesn’t help. Toning and strengthening your muscles gives you a leaner, healthier body, which in turn boosts your metabolism and helps your body to use your energy sources more efficiently.

HITTING THE GYM

So, if I incorporated these new pieces of information that I’ve learned over the years does it mean I will be able to jog without pain? Maybe, but for me I’ve leaned more into the world of ellipticals. I began with treadmills, naturally, because running was what I had been doing and what I had heard burnt the most amounts of calories. However, running still caused me pain, and even though I was indoors (with no passerby’s to gawk at my poor jogging form) I still was not enjoying running.

Then I tried the stairstepper, and it was a WORKOUT! After just five minutes my heart rate was past 200 (a very high and dangerous number) and I could not go on any more. The stairstepper is a great workout, don’t get me wrong, just make sure that before you attempt it that you are already in good shape because those machines can be harmful if you fatigue and take a wrong step. So, I had tried a stairstepper, I tried a treadmill, what else was there?

I FOUND MY MATCH!

That’s when I found the treadclimber, a mix between a treadmill and a stairstepper specifically designed to take impact off of the lower body and provide more comfort during exercise. On this machine I do interval training, all the while keeping my heart rate around 180 (except during warm-up and cool-down). I do it anywhere from half an hour to two hours a day and I really feel like I’ve got a good work out when I’m finished. I feel tired, and hot, but not like I’m going to die (that type of feeling never inspired me to work out again :p). Maybe it’s the endorphins released during exercise but after I’m finished I feel so good about myself and what I’m doing for my body.

HOW IT FITS INTO MY LIFE

I try to incorporate healthy eating habits (although I do have to indulge in the occasional treat) along with my treadclimber, strength training exercises and stretching. So all in all, would I recommend the treadclimber, yes, a very big yes. Would I recommend jogging, treadmills, stairsteppers? That really depends on the person, all I can tell you is that I have tried many cardio machines in the past and this is the only one I have been able to stick with, have been able to maintain the recommended amount of exercise per week (and more) and have been able to effectively lose weight with.

SHORT BIO: Alyxandra Hayden

I was born and raised in Richland, WA. During high school I participated in such sports as track and volleyball, but my coaches never taught me proper form or stretching techniques. During high school I also did running start (completing two years of college while in high school) at which point I moved to Ellensburg, WA to attend Central Washington University. It seems weird but at twenty years old I graduated college with my degree in English education and a minor in creative writing (but please don’t judge my writing abilities on this, I’m not used to blog style ). Now I am beginning a year long program in massage therapy so that I will have supplemental income. I live in a very tiny house with my boyfriend, three dogs, and two cats :O. Other than that…that’s me!

Paige Waehner is a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise and a freelance writer with more than 13 years of exercise experience. She trains clients in-home in the Chicago suburbs. She is originally from Nashville, TN and misses the nice, warm weather there.

Q: Please Paige, let Us know a bit more about Yourself. How did You started Your brilliant Fitness career?  What do You suggest to people who want to follow Yours steps?

A: I’ve always been into fitness and exercise but, in my previous life, I was actually a paralegal working for various law firms. I didn’t enjoy what I was doing and started personal training part-time for a gym after work. After doing that and gaining more clients, I started doing it full-time and I haven’t looked back. I got my job about About.com 9 years ago and I love both writing about fitness and exercise and teaching my clients about it. For anyone who wants to become a trainer or get into the fitness business, I would suggest you go for it. Don’t wait for years and years (like I did), but make the commitment to get certified if it’s something you’re really passionate about.

Q: As You can see, this blog is about Elliptical Machines. Before asking You more on this topic, please can You share with Us why We should train Our bodies? It’s all about beauty and weight loss?

A: Beauty and weight loss are important, but exercise has a number of other benefits beyond that. Exercise makes your body strong (your lungs, heart, bones and muscles), it helps protect you from injury, gives you energy, helps you sleep better, builds self-confidence and it can even prevent some types of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. It’s one of the few things you can do that have such far-reaching benefits, and it only takes a little time each day to get those benefits.

Q: Paige, what do You consider better based on Calories/Hours ratio: Exercise Bikes, Treadmills or Elliptical Trainers?

A: Typically, treadmills offer the most calorie-burn simply because walking or running involves impact. Anytime you’re involved in an activity that requires impact (e.g., your foot striking the ground), you’ll find your heart rate will get higher faster than with low or no impact activities like the bike or elliptical. That said, it’s really all about how hard you work. With the bike and elliptical, you can increase the resistance and/or ramps to up the intensity and get your heart rate up. It’s more important to enjoy what you’re doing than it is to choose an activity that burns the most calories – the more you like something, the more you’ll do it and the harder you’ll work at it.

Q: What should We look for when choosing an Elliptical Trainer to buy?

A: Price is one of the most important things to look for, of course, since most of us have a budget we’re following when buying expensive equipment. As with anything, you get what you pay for, so you want to spend as much as you can for the highest quality elliptical (which will range from $300 to more than $1500 – somewhere in the middle, between $800 and $1000 will usually offer quality with value, depending on the brand). You also want to look for:

-Stability and a fluid motion
-Quiet operation and a comfortable stride that is appropriate for your height
-A variety of programs and the ability to change the resistance
-The size of the machine – don’t forget to check the height, especially if you’re putting it in a room with a low ceiling

It’s great if you can use the machine for at least 10-15 minutes before you buy, to see how it feels, sounds and how all the buttons work.

Q: How Many Days a Week Should I Workout on an Elliptical Machine ?

A: How often you workout, whether you’re on an elliptical or doing any other activity, really depends on your goals. For weight loss, you’ll want to do cardio about 5-6 days a week and strength training 2-3 days a week. It’s also important to mix up your workouts. The elliptical trainer is a great machine and, if it’s what you enjoy, make that the foundation of your workouts. Doing other, different activities can be good for your body as well so incorporating other things like walking, running, swimming, etc. can give you a well-rounded workout routine.

Q: Thank You Paige for Your time and for the great answers. Please share with Us what are Your favorite resources You suggest reading for people new to home fitness.

A: I have some resources at my site for beginners – Beginner’s Corner. Fitwatch is also a great resource for tracking workouts and great exercise information. Calorie Count offers great information about dieting and nutrition and, for people interested in home exercise videos, Collage Video and Video Fitness are also great resources.

When you visit a gym or your local fitness club, you will usually see a line of elliptical trainers which are being used by both the young and old. So what exactly is it about elliptical trainers which make them ideal in helping you meet your fitness goals?

What are Elliptical Trainers?

First, here’s a quick definition of the term. Basically, an elliptical trainer is a stationary exercise machine which simulates the act of walking or running. What makes elliptical trainers more beneficial to an individual as compared to treadmills, for example, is the fact that they do not put excessive pressure to your joints. As a result, the risks of exercise-related injuries are minimized – an advantage which especially suits the elderly.

In addition, having a workout which uses exercising with an elliptical trainer as the major form of your physical exertion will greatly reduce the risks of osteoporosis.

4 Factors to Consider when Choosing the Perfect Elliptical Trainer to Help Meet Your Fitness Goals…

…Next, let us take a look at the factors that you need to consider when purchasing an elliptical trainer. Take a look at the following list:

1° Know exactly where you can get elliptical trainers.

There are several avenues from which you can source the elliptical trainers that you are planning to buy. First, you can check out mass merchant stores like Wal-Mart and Target. The problem when you go this route is that the brands are mostly the cheapest in the market, and you will not be able to try out the equipment.

If you are looking for budget to mid-range priced elliptical trainers, go to a sporting goods store. For the middle to high-end brands, visit a fitness specialty store. Finally, you can always rely on good old online shopping if you want to have as many options to choose from as possible.

2° Make a comparison of the brands and models

Make a comparison of the brands and models of the elliptical trainers which you are considering to purchase. Just as it is when purchasing any type of product, you need to make a comparison of the different brands of elliptical trainers which are available. If you want, you can check out the online elliptical trainer reviews first to have an idea about the benefits that you will get to enjoy when choosing a particular brand and model of elliptical trainer.

Make a list of the pros and cons of purchasing the different models and brands of elliptical trainers, narrow down your choices to two or three and make a selection from there.

3° What is the ideal elliptical trainer stride length?

This is probably one of the most important features that you need to consider when purchasing an elliptical trainer. Stride length refers to the distance between your front and back feet when they are fully extended on an elliptical trainer.

If you’re of average height, it is not recommended that you go for a 14” stride length because that would be too short so you won’t get the most benefits out of the exercise machine. Anywhere from 16” to 21” would be more preferable – and the rule of thumb to follow is the taller you are, the longer the stride length.

The benefits of choosing an elliptical trainer with the perfect stride length is that you will be able to fully extend your legs during each movement to achieve a fuller range of motion through the joints in your hips.

Now, if more than one person with different heights will be using the elliptical trainer, you might be better off purchasing one with an adjustable stride length. Some brands which offer models that have adjustable stride lengths are Smooth CE and Turturi elliptical machines.

4° What additional features are included with the elliptical machine?

Aside from stride length, you should also look at additional features like having an adjustable incline to increase the intensity of your workouts; the smoothness of pedal movement; the option to work on your upper body; the quietness of the machine; and the number of resistance.

For the last item, you need to make sure that the brand and model of elliptical trainer that you will buy has a broad range of resistance so that you can experience the maximum workout benefits. Finally, consider the costs, the reliability of the brand, the durability and the quality of components of the elliptical trainer that you will buy.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can rest assured that you will be getting the best elliptical trainer that will help you meet your fitness or weight loss goals in no time at all.

Elliptical trainers, cross trainers, elliptical machines – these are the terms which are usually applied to an exercise machine which seems to have taken the place of the traditional treadmill in the market. Basically, an elliptical trainer is just like a treadmill in the sense that they are both stationary exercise machines which simulate running or walking.

However, the similarities seem to stop there. This is due to the fact that using elliptical trainers have a lot of benefits. When you use this type of an exercise machine, you do have the chance of working on both your upper and lower body.

Elliptical trainers are the best type of exercise machine for ageing individuals since it will not put undue stress to their joints and muscles. Also, the gliding motions that you will be able to make using elliptical trainers make for a lighter yet more fun workout!

Frequently Asked Questions about Elliptical Trainers

Now that you already have an idea about the benefits that you will get to enjoy by using elliptical trainers, let us now check on the most frequently asked questions about these exercise machines:

I am in my mid-50’s. How often should I use an elliptical machine?
Individuals who are over 40 years of age – especially those who have had heart conditions in the past – are advised to consult a physician first before using elliptical trainers just to be on the safe side.

When using the elliptical machine which is set at “High”, what is the equivalent number of miles that I walked if I workout for, say, 30 minutes?
When your elliptical trainer is on a high resistance setting, the effects of your workout would be similar to walking about 3 miles in 30 minutes. Naturally, a moderate to lower setting would yield lower. At this specific rate, you should expect to burn around 400 calories for a half an hour workout.

What is the correct form and foot position to take when using an elliptical machine?
Just as it is when using any kind of exercise equipment, it pays to learn about the basic position that you need to take when using elliptical trainers to prevent fitness-related injuries. With elliptical trainers, make sure that your feet follow a path which is just what the name implies: an elliptical motion.

The reason why elliptical trainers are marketed as similar to giving you the motion of gliding in mid-air is because using the equipment produces the results of several activities combined. It’s somewhere between fast-walking, skiing or stair-climbing.

The first time that you will use the elliptical trainers, make sure that each foot is securely placed on the center of each pedal. Take an upright but relaxed stance and once you start with the gliding motions, it should feel natural.

What is the best workout gear to wear when using an elliptical machine?
Working out using an elliptical trainer should be treated just as if you are having a regular exercise session in the gym. Make sure to wear the proper shoes that will provide ample support to your feet and your body during the more strenuous workouts.

Also, to keep your gym shorts from possibly bunching up while you are doing the gliding motion using the elliptical trainer, it is better to opt for the looser sweat pants or gym bottoms.

How many times should I ideally use an elliptical machine if I want to experience maximum fitness results?
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, it is best to make a habit out of using elliptical trainers. Set a specific time of day and set the number of minutes by which you aim to use this exercise machine, and make it a routine.

However, starting out slowly is the best course – and again, always seek the advice of your physician if you are over 40 and you would like to use an elliptical trainer. The same thing holds true if you are younger and you have a health condition as well.

These days, there are a good number of stationary exercise machines that you can use. Two of the most popular are the classic stationary bike and the just recently launched elliptical trainers.

Now, the question is: which exercise machine will give you maximum results and help you meet your fitness goals in the least amount of time?

Here, we will make a comparison of these two different types of exercise machines, exercise bikes and elliptical trainers – and also determine which one is suitable for individuals who are suffering from knee injuries.

Fitness Machine #1: Exercise Bikes

First, there is the oh-so-classic exercise bike. Visit any gym or local fitness club in your area and you will surely see one. Also called exercise bicycle, stationary bike, or exercycle, this exercise machine is exactly what the name implies. It’s similar to a typical bicycle used for transportation, only this one is stationary.

Over the years, several models of exercise bikes have been released. Rather than just allowing you to work on your lower body, there are brands of exercise bikes today with handle bars which will allow you to work on your upper body.

Exercise bikes are used for the following fitness-related purposes:

• Cardiovascular exercises.
• Overall fitness.
• Physical therapy.
• Training for cycling events.
• Weight loss.

Unlike when you use treadmills which put undue stress to your joints, using exercise bikes actually relieve the stress on such parts of the body while at the same time promoting low-impact movement.

Interestingly enough, if you are training using an exercise bike for one hour, you will be able to burn the same number of calories as if you ran for the same amount of time – at 7mph.

Fitness Machine #2: Elliptical Trainers

Second, there is the elliptical trainer. These are also called cross trainers or elliptical. What makes elliptical trainers different from exercise machines is the fact that instead of the rounded path that your feet takes as you pedal away, this type of an exercise machine has pedals which follow an elliptical trajectory.

Using elliptical trainers is a ‘cross-training’ between fast-walking, cross-country skiing and climbing the stairs. Just like exercise bikes, using an elliptical trainer is a great cardiovascular workout which does not place undue stress to the joints.

Your calves, glutes, hamstrings and upper body are the parts that will be worked when you use elliptical trainers.

Which Exercise Machine is Better for those with Knee Injuries

Now that you already have an idea about the basic difference between exercise machines and elliptical trainers, which one is actually better to use if you have knee injuries? Generally, using an elliptical trainer is actually kinder to your knees. If you have a chronic knee problem, using a cross trainer or elliptical trainer will produce less stress to your joints.

Elliptical trainers are even the fitness machine of choice for overweight individuals – so that they can burn off as many calories as possible without placing undue stress to their heart and joints.

Another reason why elliptical trainers are great for individuals suffering from knee injuries is because the natural movement produced by the machine will ensure that your knees are properly aligned. The same thing holds true for the alignment of your hips and ankles.

Just remember to still consult your general physician if you have serious knee injuries or other underlying health conditions before using elliptical trainers.

At the end of the day, using an elliptical trainer wouldn’t be known as similar to running on air for nothing. If you have knee injuries, the smooth flow of movement that this fitness machine produces will let you workout with the least amount of effort – while helping you reach your fitness goals at the same time.

If You want to read more info on Using The Elliptical Trainer please have a look at Steph’s fitness blog www.easy-exercise-tips.com

When purchasing any type of equipment or gadget, it does help to check on the online reviews first. This way, you can make an informed decision about which model and brand will give you the best value for your money.

The same thing holds true when it comes to buying exercise machines like elliptical trainers. Over the years, more and more individuals are taking advantage of the convenience of being able to workout right in the comfort of their own homes. This is precisely the reason why the sales of exercise equipment like elliptical trainers have risen over the years.

Read on to get a review of one of the most popular brands of elliptical trainers in the market today: Precor Elliptical.

Manufacturing Company & Equipment Background

Before digging deeper into the features of the line of Precor elliptical trainers, let us first check on the background of the company which manufactures this brand of exercise equipment. The company is called Precor and they introduced the very first Precor elliptical trainer in the market way back in 1995. When you visit any gym in the world today, you are bound to come across one of the high-end Precor exercise equipments and elliptical trainers.

To give you an idea about the variety of PreCor elliptical trainers that you can choose from, take a look at the following list of models that they have:
Precor AMT
Precor EFX 5.18 Elliptical Cross Trainer
Precor EFX 5.17i
Precor EFT 5.21i
Precor EFX 5.35
Precor EFX 5.37
Precor EFX 544 Elliptical
Precor EFX 546 Elliptical
Precor EFX 546HR
Precor EFX 564i Elliptical

The good thing about purchasing Precor elliptical trainers or cross trainers is that although the brand might be on the high-end part of the consumer market, you can rest assured that the equipment that you are buying is of the highest quality and durability. This is exactly the reason why Precor exercise equipments are mostly sold through specialty fitness dealers which carry only top-of-the-line exercise equipment.

Pros & Cons of Buying the Precor Elliptical Trainers

What are the good points and are there any bad points when you purchase elliptical trainers from Precor? Let’s take a look at the benefits first. As mentioned earlier, the quality of the exercise equipment that you are buying will never be compromised when you purchase any Precor elliptical trainer – because of the long-standing reputation that the brand has.

If there are companies which offer all the bells and whistles when it comes to the elliptical trainers that they produce, the downside is that the components aren’t that hardy. The opposite is true when it comes to the elliptical trainers manufactured by Precor because they are definitely built to last.

Other benefits of taking advantage of the elliptical trainers made by Precor include features like the smooth motion ability which allows the user to move smoothly to and fro while using the exercise equipment. In addition, there’s probably no better-designed elliptical trainer in the market than the ones offered by Precor.

Perhaps the only downside to purchasing this exercise equipment is the price. Also, some models of Precor elliptical trainers do not have upper body arm workout capabilities and heart rate monitors – features that you would expect at the price that you are paying.

The Verdict: Is the Precor Elliptical Trainer a Worthwhile Purchase?

At the end of the day, quality should definitely trump the price. If you’re looking forward to making a good, solid investment in terms of the exercise equipment that you will have in your home or office gym – then there’s no better name to trust than the truly sturdy and well-designed Precor elliptical trainers.

How would you feel if you can purchase an exercise equipment that will allow you to mimic the motions of climbing a hill, in such a way that it seems as if you are gliding mid-air? This is exactly the type of workout that you will get from an elliptical trainer. Also known as cross trainers, this exercise machine has made waves in the fitness industry over the past few years.

The best thing about purchasing any brand of elliptical trainer is that they are not as heavy and bulky as treadmills. As such, you can bring home a light yet sturdy equipment and have a workout session right in the comfort of your own home.

Now, when purchasing this type of an exercise equipment, what are the factors that you need to consider? Just as it is when buying any product, you should check on the price, quality and the set of features that you will get to enjoy. Here, we will take a look at whether on particular brand of elliptical trainer – Life Fitness – is a wise investment to help suit your personal fitness needs.

Manufacturing Company & Equipment Background

So which company is responsible for manufacturing the line of elliptical trainers from Life Fitness? It’s actually a division of the Brunswick Corporation which was founded about 30 years ago. One of the most popular exercise equipment under this brand are the first-ever Lifecycle exercise bikes.

Today, there are a variety of exercise machines which are under the Life Fitness brand, including the line of elliptical trainers that they offer:
LifeFitness X1 Elliptical Cross Trainer
LifeFitness X3 Elliptical Cross Trainer
LifeFitness X5 Elliptical Cross Trainer
LifeFitness X7 Elliptical Cross Trainer
LifeFitness Elliptical Cross Trainer CT100R
LifeFitness Elliptical Cross Trainer 9500CT
LifeFitness Elliptical Cross Trainer CT9500HRR
LifeFitness 95Xi Elliptical Cross Trainer

Pros & Cons of Buying the Life Fitness Elliptical Trainers

Now, let us discuss in detail the pros and cons of buying Life Fitness elliptical trainers. First of all, you can take your pick from a good number of elliptical trainers under the Life Fitness brand, depending on your personal fitness goals.

For example, there’s the Life Fitness 9500 Elliptical Trainer. One of the main features of this particular model is that it allows you to use a variety of strides so that you can modify your workout routine. The oversized pedals will accommodate any foot size – and they will give you a huge leeway when it comes to balancing yourself on the elliptical trainer.

No matter which type of Life Fitness elliptical trainer it is that you will take advantage of, you can rest assured that you are getting commercial-grade exercise machines.

However, the downside of this is that you also need to pay commercial-grade prices. If you’re torn between purchasing a middle-end product and a Life Fitness elliptical trainer, keep in mind that putting your money on a good machine is always a wise investment. This is especially true if you are planning to use the elliptical trainers for moderate to heavy workout sessions which are done on a regular basis.

The Verdict: Is the Life Fitness Elliptical Trainer a Worthwhile Purchase?

So are Life Fitness elliptical trainers a worthwhile purchase? Save for the high-end costs that you need to shoulder, all the other aspects of the Life Fitness elliptical trainers are worth every cent. This exercise machine is so good that it received “Best Buy” or “Recommended Buy” tags from the reviewers of exercise machines online.

All in all, if you are looking for high-quality cross trainers, you will never go wrong when purchasing Life Fitness elliptical trainers.