Elliptical Exercise Equipment - How To Find The Right Size For You
When you're shopping for elliptical exercise equipment, it's important to find one that is the right size for you. You need to look at overall size, as well as the length of the stride and the feel of the foot pedals.
What Size Is Right?
Elliptical trainers come in a variety of sizes, from full-on treadmill size to compact. If you have a small space to devote to your elliptical, then it makes sense to look for a model that fits neatly. But, you need to make sure that you aren't sacrificing quality! There are many small ellipticals that have an equally small price tag...tempting, but in most cases you end up with a machine that is too light and too tiny to be truly stable.
If you can, opt for a regular sized machine. These are usually between 5'6" and 7'6". They are more stable than compact models. If you must buy small, then take care to find a reputable manufacturer, and make sure you can test it out before you buy to make sure that it is heavy enough to remain stable when you use it.
Stride Length
Next, you need to make sure that the stride length is comfortable for you. You want a natural feeling stride, so that it feels similar to walking or running, and you also want your hips to stay aligned and not swing.
Elliptical machines have a wide range of stride lengths, generally from 14" to 22". The taller you are, the longer stride length you will need. Testing your machine first is the best way to see which lengths are best for you. If you're sharing your machine with someone else who is not the same or similar height as you, you may want to consider an elliptical that has self-adjusting stride lengths.
Foot Pedals
Finally, make sure that the foot platforms are a comfortable distance apart, about hip width. If they are too wide or narrow, then you may experience back, knee, hip and ankle strain. You also want to be sure that the platforms have some flex to them, and are large enough to let you adjust your foot placement on the pedal itself. Some models now have articulating foot pedals, which rise along with your feet and keep your ankles, knees and hips aligned properly while you work out.
Elliptical exercise equipment is definitely not one-size-fits-all! You need to find a machine that fits your body as well as your workout space. That way, you'll have a comfortable workout that you actually enjoy.
Find out more tips on on how to buy an elliptical exercise machine
