Elliptical machines are usually self-powered by the user. The newer, more expensive models have adjustable resistance using a friction belt or magnetic devices. As you are shopping for an elliptical machine, you will notice there are two major types of elliptical machines; front drive and rear drive. It is as simple as it sounds; one type is driven by the mechanism at the front, while the other is driven by the mechanism at the back.

Helpful Resources: Benefits of Elliptical Machines This web site provides great information about elliptical machines. It describes how they work, the benefits they provide to your health and what you need to look for when you are purchasing an elliptical machine. Buying Elliptical Machines This web site provides information about different elliptical machines. It reviews many different elliptical machines and compares them to each other. It also provides information you need to be aware of when buying an elliptical machine. NordicTrack This web site provides great information about elliptical machines. It is the official web site for NordicTrack treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and other pieces of exercise equipment manufactured by ICON. Top 10 Pieces of Exercise Equipment This web site provides information about the top 10 pieces of exercise equipment. This site discusses various types of exercise equipment and how to select one that suits your needs. Treadmills and Elliptical Machines This web site provides information about treadmills and elliptical machines. It compares information about elliptical machines and how they absorb shock unlike a treadmill and the health benefits they provide. Elliptical Machines This online shopping web site provides an excellent selection of elliptical machines. This is a great web site to look at if you want to review elliptical machines and compare them to other machines on the market. Wikipedia: Elliptical Machines Wikipedia.org provides a great definition of an elliptical machine. It discusses why elliptical machines are becoming more and more popular. It also talks about the health benefits of using an elliptical machine. Ironman Elliptical Machines This online article reviews the IronMan brand of elliptical machines. It provides excellent information if you want to know more about elliptical machines and the IronMan brand. This article is a great place to start if you are looking for an elliptical machine. How Stuff Works: Elliptical Machines This web site provides information about elliptical machines and what you need to be aware of before purchasing an elliptical machine. This is a great web site for consumer reviews about elliptical machines. Shopping for an Elliptical Machine This web site is a great resource for information pertaining to elliptical machines. This is a great place to start looking for how an elliptical machine can benefit your health and compares prices on the latest elliptical machines.

Depending upon the intensity of your workout, you may even find an elliptical machine that offers adjustable incline with a variety of pedal motion paths. Adjusting the slope of the pedals will cause your body to use more muscle groups in the legs. Another benefit to elliptical machines is that they can be driven in the front or the back. If your legs tire out from walking a traditional way, you can simply reverse the motion allowing your legs to walk in a backward motion.

Elliptical machine primarily focus on strengthening the leg muscles, however they have handle-levers attached to each pedal-link to allow your arms to become a secondary source of driving power. You simply grab the handles below your shoulder height and push and pull them while you shuffle your feet back and forth. It is easy to tell the difference between a poorly designed elliptical machine and a good one. A poorly designed elliptical machine will be too dependant upon the user's leg power. A properly designed elliptical machine will engage your arms and legs equally, offering a full workout to both.

There are extremely durable elliptical machines that cost thousands of dollars. These machines are typically found in fitness clubs as their durability is designed for multiple usage throughout the day. Depending upon your current health an elliptical machine can provide a light to high intensity workout based on resistance. Most elliptical machine's work your upper and lower body. Some elliptical machines do not include arm bars that allow your upper body to pull and strengthen the muscles in the upper region of your body. An elliptical trainer is designed to be a cardiovascular workout more than a muscle building machine.

Many claim that the dual action exercise of an elliptical machine is more effective for burning calories compared to treadmills and stationary bikes. The logic of an elliptical machine is that you are engaging more muscle groups simultaneously, therefore allowing for a more intense workout to be achieved. An elliptical machine allows the user to get the same results from a treadmill, but at a gentler rate of exertion.

Buying an Elliptical Machine
Knowing your budget is essential when purchasing an elliptical machine. Many stores sell low-end elliptical machines for $200 or less, but they tend to squeak and breakdown quickly. With an elliptical machine, you get what you pay for. Most low-end models do not provide a smooth flow and therefore negate the purpose of buying an elliptical machine. The low-impact cardio workout that protects your joints provided by an elliptical machine is a great investment. You should expect to pay at least $500 for a quality elliptical machine. Here is a shopping guide to help you purchase the right elliptical machine:

• The safety features, stride length, adjustable incline, smooth motion, upper body option, the noise, and resistance are important features of an elliptical machine. Your elliptical machine should offer a warm up and cool down period to allow your body to return to its normal state and allow the muscles to relax. A good warranty on an elliptical machine is 1 year for labor and 1-3 years for parts. As with any piece of exercise equipment, you want your elliptical machine to be safe. Ask the dealer if they offer set-up services so you don't have to worry about building the elliptical machine from the box.
• One important feature of your elliptical machine is the stride length. The stride length on an elliptical machine should be around 21 inches. Many elliptical machines only offer 14 inches of stride length which is too short for the average sized person.
• An adjustable incline is another important feature of an elliptical machine. The adjustable incline will allow you to increase the intensity of your workout. Test your machine to make sure it is quiet, smooth flowing, and comfortable. Your machine should not be squeaky or feel jerky.
• The arms handles are a great upper body option, providing exercise to your arms and upper body. Arm handles do not come standard on every elliptical machine, but they are useful.
• A heart rate monitor and calorie counter is another benefit to your elliptical machine. The heart rate monitor will allow you to adjust your workout so you can keep your heart rate in its target zone.
• There are interactive features offered with many elliptical machines. The interactive features usually allow you to select programs that will change the resistance or adjust the incline as you are working out, causing different muscle groups to be engaged and strengthen the core muscle group.

Before you run out and purchase an elliptical machine, you need to make sure you like it. Using one at the store for 10 minutes won't give you a good feel for the machine, instead try going to your local fitness center and using the elliptical machine for at least 30 minutes. If possible, try to go back at least 3 times within the week and use the machine to make sure you enjoy using it and it is providing you with the exercise you need.

When you are doing a trial of the elliptical machine, pay close attention to the motion of the machine. Your machine should feel smooth and not jerky. The handrails should be easy to reach and coordinate with the foot pedals.

The last thing to consider with an elliptical machine is space. Do you have enough space in your home for an elliptical machine? Elliptical machines are tall and long, they require more space than a stationary bike or even a treadmill that can fold. Make sure you have adequate room so you aren't hunched over because your head hits the ceiling.

Elliptical Machine Suggestions
Once you have your ideas and goals ready, you can begin shopping for an elliptical machine. You can go to your local fitness store, but they may not have the best models out there. Here are a few of the top elliptical machines on the market:

NordicTrack is owned by ICON, the leading manufacturer for treadmills and one of the most trusted names in the fitness industry. ICON builds Schwinn, ProForm and Reebok elliptical machines. NordicTrack, Reebok, ProForm and Schwinn elliptical machines are all iFit compatible and for an extra $15 a month you can get downloadable specialized programs for your elliptical machines. NordicTrack machines rage from $649 on up. A great benefit to a Nordic Track elliptical machine is their high customer ratings and excellent warranties.

IronMan elliptical machines are sold by Costco and a few other small retailers. Currently, IronMan elliptical machines are one of the best selling elliptical machines on the market. IronMan treadmills and elliptical machines are usually found in many health clubs and gyms. IronMan elliptical machines provide a 19 inch stride and allow for users up to 300 pounds. IronMan elliptical machines provide many different functions including interval, hill, mountain, weight loss, random, and manual. IronMan elliptical machines typically cost $800 on up. Like the Nordic Track brand, they have long lasting durability ratings and provide excellent warranties.

Precor elliptical machines are rated number one on the market by fitness clubs in America. The Precor elliptical machines vary in prices and features. The introductory elliptical trainer, the EPX 5.17i has 4 programs and 20 different resistance levels. The EPX 5.17i has an incline that adjust from 12 to 25 degrees. It has a 19 inch long stride, allowing it to be comfortable for taller users. You can purchase the EPX 5.17i for about $2,700. The one downside to this elliptical machine is that it doesn't include moving handles for an upper-body workout.