I'm in the market for an elliptical machine but I don't have a whole lot of money to spend. I'm leaning towards an el cheapo elliptical, but I've never really used one so I don't know what exactly I'm looking for and how likely a cheaper priced model would be to break. I had one in mind manufactured by welso or weslo (I'll find the link), which is sold via Wal Mart, but I'm not sure...

If anyone has any advice on a particular model I should get or any specifications in general for an elliptical machine that I should look for or stay away from, I'd appreciate the insight.

That's a tought one. I would check out used ones at health stores I as I think the heavy duty ones will really be benficial in the long run. You can really dish out alot of abuse on those when going at full speed. Not sure if a walmart special could take the abuse. Check out the hybrids at Sears - can get a norditrack for about 500.

That's a tought one. I would check out used ones at health stores I as I think the heavy duty ones will really be benficial in the long run. You can really dish out alot of abuse on those when going at full speed. Not sure if a walmart special could take the abuse. Check out the hybrids at Sears - can get a norditrack for about 500.

Check out nordictrack.com - they have really nice stuff but are a little more pricey...however, they let you select a 10 payment "credit" plan that does not involve any credits or payment. For the first payment you pay 1 installment, shipping and interest and then its like $59 a month for 9 or 10 months...its worth it if you can afford it!

-Super Fink

I love my Precor and I sing it praises to anyone that will listen. It is basically a commercial unit with a cheaper program/software package. You can find decent deals online and most distributors will have financing packages. It isn't a cheap piece of equipment but then again it is a whole other level of robustness and fit/finish.

With high duty cycle machines like ellipticals and treadmills it is to your benefit to get the most reliable and well engineered piece of equipment.

On the subject of Nordic Track, used Nordic Track Skiers are the deal of the century. At least in the San Francisco Bay Area, on www.craigslist.com, you can pick them up for $50-$100. Don't know if they're that cheap elsewhere; I paid $75 for mine, and it's in primo shape - everything works, full documentation and videos, etc. I found a buddy of mine one with no computer for free; the computer is supposed to cost something like $25 from Nordic Track. If you don't have a strong opinion and are motivated to use it, it's a great deal.

And, hey, if you don't use it, in six months, it'll still be worth $50 when you sell it. ;)

TQ

Sounds like NordicTrack comes highly recommended. I found a CXT 910 somewhat local for $350, which I can certainly afford, but I can't seem to find any pictures or features for it. If anyone could help me find some info on that particular model, I'd appreciate it.

Also, I'm looking into a Proform elliptical for about $300. It seems pretty sturdy, but again, I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to ellipticals. If anyone has any info on proform equipment, please feel free to pass it my way. You can check out the machine I was looking into here. (http://www.iconfitness.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=979&prrfnbr=271510&cgrfnbr=10672)

And John, if you happen to read this, how is your elliptical machine holding up? I know you specifically didn't shell out a lot for it, and if it's working out under your HIIT regimen (I also plan to do HIIT with the elliptical), I would imagine it would hold up just fine for myself.

And John, if you happen to read this, how is your elliptical machine holding up? I know you specifically didn't shell out a lot for it, and if it's working out under your HIIT regimen (I also plan to do HIIT with the elliptical), I would imagine it would hold up just fine for myself.It's (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1982112&cat=77630&type=21&dept=4125&path=0%3A4125%3A4134%3A77630) creaky as hell, but so far still in one piece. The action remains smooth, but the creaking is really annoying and smacks of poor quality. If it lasts another 5 months I'll be surprised. Recommended for an inexpensive, short-term solution only!

I just picked up a Schwinn Elliptical 428p from a local Costco warehouse for only $799. I know that sounds expensive but everywhere else they are going for $1399!! This thing is very sturdy, quiet, and smooth like a commercial health club unit. Heck... I had a workout just trying to get the box up my stairway - the thing weighs 176 pounds!

I have use of a gym at work but I wanted this unit at my house so that I can hit it on the weekends and also since my wife has seen my interest in fitness and health she is going to be working out on it as well :tucool:

Here is a link to the unit info is anyone is interested...
Schwinn Elliptical 428p (http://store.schwinn.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=989492&cat_num=270&prmenbr=177&CGRY_NUM=133927&cgrfnbr=270)

Sounds like NordicTrack comes highly recommended.

Just to be clear, I was talking about the skier, not the elliptical. Those still go for a higher percentage of retail on the used market. But, if you're willing to go for ten years ago's fad, the skier is a good workout, and you can get it for $50 used vs. $600 new (instead of $400 used vs. $700 new for an elliptical).

I'm sure in ten years ellipticals will be $50 each too, once some other new machine comes out. :)

TQ

I invested in a Nordic Trac Elliptical and I love it!! It helped me go from 27% to 11% BF in about 15 wks using HIIT. I would definatly invest in a good quality, sturdy machine as you'll really be gernerating some energy when you are at level 9 and 10. You don't want to have to take the focus off of your cranking the last few minutes out to concentrate on holding the machine together...

Just purchased a Weslo 710 from Wallmart for $199.
Having used it a few times, I like it.
It feels sturdier then the low end eqipment at Sears and seems equal to the Nordi track stuff that sells for $700. It has electronic adjustable resistance with 10 levels. After lots of research this seems like a very good deal. However, with a 90 day warranty and it is a Chinese made Walmart product it will probably completely fall apart in 91 days. lol.

Here's the link.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2400608&cat=4134&type=21&dept=4125&path=0%3A4125%3A4134

I got one of these the other day- The only thing I'm noticing is some swaying when I get on it. Maybe I'll tighten the front and rear rests some more. No creaking on mine, but I do see that it's somewhat less-than-highest quality. Then again, it was only 150 bucks

It's (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1982112&cat=77630&type=21&dept=4125&path=0%3A4125%3A4134%3A77630) creaky as hell, but so far still in one piece. The action remains smooth, but the creaking is really annoying and smacks of poor quality. If it lasts another 5 months I'll be surprised. Recommended for an inexpensive, short-term solution only!

I've been looking this one http://www.thane.com/html/products/hf/orbitrek2/orbitrek2.html but I'm not sure if it is good, It seems be fragile. Could you give an oppinion about it?
Best regards.

In my experience, cheap ellipticals are useless. I'm only 5'10" with stubby legs but I find the stride length on most cheap ellipticals to be far too short. A short stride doesn't feel natural and makes it hard to get into a good rhythm. I've also found that the decline angle of the footpad is often exagerrated on these cheap machines (and even on some mid-range machines). A steep decline feels very unnatural and causes your feet to slide forward as you come through your stride.

In general, cheap ellipticals, like all cheap equipment, feels flimsy and poorly constructed. Considering all of the moving parts in an elliptical, poor construction will be a more of a nuisance than with a bike or stepper. If you don't have a lot of money to spend on a cardio machine, I think you would be much better off with a bike of some sort.

edit: That orbitrek you linked is absolute worst elliptical I've ever used. Go to a local mall and give it a test run before you buy it.

I did a session with the Wal-Mart special one. It's pretty good, if still wobbly. The movement is smooth, but the whole unit is on these two crossbars that seem to sway when I use it. Regardless, it works well for me. I would second the notion to try a piece of equipment before using it.

Sounds like NordicTrack comes highly recommended. I found a CXT 910 somewhat local for $350, which I can certainly afford, but I can't seem to find any pictures or features for it. If anyone could help me find some info on that particular model, I'd appreciate it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3659168649&category=15275

there are a few on ebay. some friends have this type of elliptical machine with the pedals on what appears to be a slightly curved arm from the rear flywheel to the front runners. I got on theirs and nearly fell on my ass, because the movement was absolutely nothing like the nice expensive precor units at my gym. it literally felt REVERSE of what i was supposed to be doing. also, you can increase the tension on the unit, but you cant increase the incline/decline in the front which helps you target different muscles in the legs during your program.

ive decided that it may be time to chuck the gym membership and begin working out at home, since upgrading my membership to the family plan will be about $70/month. at that rate, i can buy a ton of good stuff, and over the course of 12 months it will have paid for itself, plus, no stinky showers, no dirty equipment, and no old ladies staring at my ass when im doing lunges!

i hit up play it again sports yesterday, and was expecting to find some gently used gear in there. apparently, their volume is so high that no more than 5% of their business is used gear. most stuff sold is now new, which is a large departure from what they did 10 years ago. oh well! im not sure which cardio machine im going to buy yet, im pricing out ellipticals, bikes, and even treadmills and steppers. i do want to get the most quality for the money, and am even considering buying a used commercial precor from a gym that has either gone out of business or upgraded their gear. i dont want to buy something that is crap and be forced to replace it in another 12 months