No, that's not a "laundry rack"

December 26, 2006 2:53 PM

NewYearsResolutionFilter: My husband and I want to cash in on the New Year's savings and buy an elliptical machine. Right now, we feel like we're in a little bit over our head.

So, we've decided to buy an elliptical machine. Grand! I've discovered, though, that i have absolutely no idea how to buy one of these things. I checked out the most recent big review of ellipticals at Consumer Reports; I think it was from late 2005. However, i'm encountering a lot more brands than they included in their ratings. Obviously, cost is of some concern. We're hoping that, with the sale prices, we can spend $1000 or less. Space is also an issue. This torture device has to fit in our bedroom (with all the other torture devices). I've heard that the ones that fold up are to be avoided, though, because they're less sturdy. That means we need a machine with a medium to small "footprint." Still, it needs to be a well built machine. I'd like both my husband and I to be able to use this machine safely. Therefore, I'm thinking a maximum weight capacity of around 300. I hate hate hate when the arms swing involuntarily on the machine. It's OK if they CAN be moved, but there should be an option for them to remain still. So far, we're looking at Sears and Dick's Sporting Goods...and I can't even think of anywhere else to buy one that isn't a specialized equipment store.

I'm a little overwhelmed! Does anyone have any advice about how to go about making this purchase? Any additional things I should be looking for, or mistakes I'm making in my criteria? Personal recommendations are also extremely welcome.

posted by theantikitty to sports, hobbies, & recreation (7 comments total)

Have you tried looking for a used one? I bought mine off of Craigslist, and there were a lot listed in my area that were barely used. I looked the models up on epinions to try to find out that had good reviews, and ended up with one that was old and huge but built like a tank for less than $200.
posted by amarynth at 3:12 PM on December 26, 2006

Oh, and one thing to watch out for how high they are off the ground -- if you're tall and have low ceilings, you'll want one that sits close to the floor.
posted by amarynth at 3:17 PM on December 26, 2006

Based on where you live, here's a google maps search for fitness equipment.

Now, go try out equipment. Seriously. 5-10 min. Intend to spend near the $1k mark. See how the equipment feels to you. If you don't like it in a showroom, you won't like it when you get home.

You're going to end up buying a consumer model - Pro models are about $3-5k and up (at your local health club.) Ask what sort of maintenance is involved. Ask (over the phone, not in person) if they sell used equipment.

Generally, the maxim is true - the more you spend the better the machine. Ignore addons like heart rate monitors, but do look for one that can read the 'pulsar' HR monitors (what the ins.
posted by filmgeek at 3:38 PM on December 26, 2006

I bought an elliptical about a year ago for $300, which is rather cheap. Within two weeks I took it back and bought a much better one for $1000 (on sale) and loved it. It was much better made and stayed quiet. Horizon is a pretty good brand I have found; and is the one that I have now. It hasn't made any bad sounds and is pretty solid.

I second trying it out first while in the store. Height matters with these things. I'm short so a couple models were out for me, because the feet were spaced to far for me to comfortabley use it. You and your husband should go together to try them if you have a big difference in height. I was on a few different machines and most were good, but the one I have now was perfect. (I'm really short though, so you may have an easier time)

Check out the different exercise programs it has. I think they are different depending on the brand and model, but I am not sure. I didn't know about the programs until I got home with the second one, so I don't know much about it. Good luck.
posted by Attackpanda at 5:13 PM on December 26, 2006

i actually have checked craigslist, and they don't seem to have anything particularly worthwhile there at the moment.

Thanks for your tips Attackpanda! Horizon is one of the brands I was wondering about. There is a bit of a height difference (5'6 and 6'2) so I'll be alert for that. No ceiling height problems -- 9 footers.

I'm surprised more mefites don't have elliptical machine experience! Seems like it's a question that a few people have too. If anyone else out there can add anything further, that would be fantastic.
posted by theantikitty at 8:33 AM on December 27, 2006

By the way, for most consumer products, I go to a Consumersearch.com to look at reviews. They are actually a meta-review site because they combine multiple reviews from different sources and try to determine the best overall values. The link above is to their section on elliptical machines. It is quite informative. They make recommendations at different price levels.
posted by bove at 11:37 AM on December 27, 2006

Although not a true elliptical machine, I've been very happy with the Tony Little Gazelle (you know... "YOO CAN DO EET!" Seriously.) It has everything you don't want (it folds up, the arms swing involuntarily, and as I stated before is not a true elliptical machine since you really are just moving you feet in a swinging motion rather than an elliptical motion). I have the base model (which I bought for less than $100, with free shipping) and I am surprisingly super happy with it.

So far it's the only exercise machine I have that I use on a regular basis because it's so quiet and portable enough that I can exercise in any part of the house (in front of the tv even!) without disturbing anyone else (I wouldn't recommend putting it upstairs though).

There are two other higher-end models that I haven't used but have heard that they are better built and more stable than the base model (though I might add I have no complaints on the construction or stability of the base model I own).

I guess you weren't really asking for a recommendation but I thought I'd chime in anyway because this is what I decided on getting after months of researching elliptical machines as well.
posted by zippity at 1:25 PM on December 27, 2006