Types of Elliptical Machines Shreveport

Residents of Shreveport: Get to know your Elliptical Machine Better

If you’re in the market for an elliptical machine in Shreveport, you’ve likely noticed the staggering number of options available to you on the market today. Having many choices can be both a blessing and a curse. Variety means that you don’t have to settle; you can find a product that meets virtually all of your requirements. It also means that you may spend a considerable amount of time combing through options and still feel uncertain about which direction to go in.

You may not be sure what to look for and which model will best suit your particular lifestyle and fitness goals. Fitness Expo Stores has developed a thorough guide on Shreveport elliptical fitness equipment, which will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect elliptical machine for you.

Types of Elliptical Machines

Elliptical Trainer

The elliptical trainer is the most basic type of machine but don’t let that description fool you; it offers substantial impact and focus on the lower body. The elliptical is so named because as your feet push the pedals on the machine, an elliptical shape is created from the movement. The handlebars on these machines are fixed; they don’t move and therefore, don’t offer any upper body stimulation.

Elliptical Cross-Trainer

This machine provides equal stimulation to both the lower body and the upper body. In this case, the handlebars are mobile, giving you the opportunity to work your shoulders, upper back, and chest. Similar to the foot pedals, the handlebars move in an elliptical-shaped motion. This machine can provide more of a total body workout, but it can be more difficult to determine proper technique.

Foldable Design vs. Non-Foldable Design

Foldable Elliptical Machines

These types of fitness equipment were designed with portability in mind. They are full-sized machines but can be minimized in order to be moved. If living or storage space is a concern for you, but you want the full elliptical experience, this is a good option for you.

Non-Foldable Elliptical Machines

The more common of the two types, these machines are durable and sturdy. As they were not designed to be folded or minimized, you can expect them to come equipped with some extra features. Full attention was dedicated to the performance aspect of these machines rather than sharing time on design, so nothing has been spared in that regard. You will need to have more space to contain this machine and it may be difficult to transport between rooms.

The Octane Q47X Standing Elliptical providers adjustable stride length, so that it can comfortably fit in every user’s home.

Elliptical Drive Systems

Each type of elliptical has a flywheel mechanism which powers the machine. The placement of the mechanism impacts the type of workout you will achieve.

Front-Drive

The flywheel will be located in an encasement at the front of the machine, with the weight of the user being centered behind it. This is considered to be a very sturdy setup and therefore is optimal for very intense workouts. The machine’s pedals are supported by wheels that glide along a track. These wheels can create considerable noise.

Center-Drive

The flywheel is located in the center of the machine. This model is the most compact of the three types of drive options. It takes up less floor space; however, the arms of the pedals extend beyond the body of the machine, so the total space needed to store it may be similar to the other drive models. Center-drive machines provide smooth transitions during arm and leg movements.

Rear-Drive

The flywheel is located in the rear of the machine, in a smaller encasement. These machines tend to have ramps which can tilt and create an incline for more challenging workouts. The ride is known to be both quiet and smooth, making it a very popular option. This style tends to be very long and is therefore not optimal for smaller spaces.

The high-tech Octane Zero Runner zr7 is cordless and comes with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless heart rate monitoring.

Choosing the Right Model

Here are the most important things to consider when shopping for a new elliptical in Shreveport:

Size

The average elliptical is 6 feet long by 2 to 3 feet wide. You will want to make sure that you have the space to comfortably fit the machine and still be able to use it properly. The nature of the machine is that you will be moving up and down as you pedal, so adequate height is an important factor as well.

Programs

Elliptical machines may come with or without heart rate programs. If a heart rate program is included, the machine will intuitively increase or decrease the resistance level based on your target heart rate. In order for the machine to do this, it must track your heart rate throughout the workout. Other programs include hill climb programs, distance programs or random training.

Intensity

Different models of elliptical machines have different levels of resistance. It should feel challenging to you to pedal when you reach three-quarters of the highest possible resistance setting. This will give you room to grow with the machine as you increase resistance over time. Just like treadmills, some elliptical machines provide the opportunity for you to include an incline for further resistance.

Tech Features

Many machines are equipped with high-tech options. You may have the ability to upload your workout summary to a cloud for tracking or to social media to share with others. Elliptical machines may also have Bluetooth connectivity and USB drives.

Test Run

It’s always recommended that you try an elliptical out in person before purchasing it. A machine may seem like the perfect fit from what you see online, but unless you give it a try, you won’t be aware of any potential issues. A perfectly good machine may not suit your particular body type; this is a factor that will not be apparent in online reviews. The path of pedals while you’re cycling should be comfortable; your knees should not bump into the machine and you should be able to comfortably stand in an upright position while moving the handles.

Closing Thoughts

For many Shreveport residents looking to get in their cardio, hitting the pavement or treadmill just isn’t an option. From bad knees, to personal preference, elliptical machines offer a highly effective cardiovascular workout without the high impact of running or jogging.

At FitnessExpoStores we have a broad range of new and used commercial and personal elliptical machines perfect for helping you meet your fitness goals in no time flat.

Drop us a line or stop by today. We’d love to hear from you and look forward to seeing you in the best shape of your life.