Looking At The Flywheel Design On Elliptical Trainers
For both the person that wants to work out at home and the person who is happier at the gym or health center, the elliptical trainer is increasingly popular for its low impact but great cardiovascular workout. Whether old or young, injured or fit, an elliptical trainer suits everyone because it low impact nature means no pain and no further injury. You can workout both lower and upper bodies making them a great fitness machine for people who are trying to improve fitness and stamina, as well as those new to exercise who want to lose weight. Having your own at home is a great investment but you need to know what to look for.
Due to its popularity there are now a lot of brands and models on the market today to choose from. Prices start around $500 and go all the way up to $5000. Though the less expensive models may be more tempting to your wallet, do consider that a cheap price probably means cheap components that may go wrong sooner rather than later. The flywheel is key to an elliptical trainer – it generates the circling motion and the resistance for your workouts.
In most lower priced elliptical models they cut cost by using a flywheel that uses a belt to generate the resistance. This belt wears very easily and quickly, so the trainer would be no good for regular use. If you want to be able to change up the intensity of your workouts often and use it more than a couple of times a week, you need an elliptical with a flywheel that uses a magnetic system that gets the resistance by alternating electrical current.
The flywheel’s position is also a factor to consider before you make a purchase. Older models have one large flywheel which fits at the back of the trainer. They are therefore large machines, which may be a problem if you have limited space. However there is now an alternative to this, which designers say improves the machine’s stability and smooth motion. Some later models have two smaller flywheels that sit next to each other making a fatter machine but not as long.
Very importantly you need to check the flywheel mechanisms warranty. You need a warranty on this part, and most decent brands will at least offer a year, though some have warranties that are as long as 5 years or fall somewhere in between. Make sure you opt for a known brand that can be trusted, check out the reviews of models you are considering and pay particular care to the flywheel.
Elliptical fitness equipment and accessories. Today’s special: Kettler Elliptical Cross Trainer
