Whether you are a health fanatic, a runner, or just someone who likes to stay in shape, an elliptical trainer is a machine for you. Elliptical trainers are one of the most popular cardio machines, and they work like a treadmill, but they also provide a different type of workout as they focus on cardio and resistance training, while treadmills only focus on cardio.
The best Elliptical trainers are often seen as a safer alternative to treadmills due to their greater range of motion and lower risk of falling. Elliptical trainers are portable machines that can be used to burn calories and maintain your health and also help you to stay in shape if you just can’t make it to the gym.
This blog features 5 of the best elliptical trainers available in the market currently. We also help you decide which features are important for your needs and how to choose the right elliptical trainer.
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Table of Contents
How to choose the Best Elliptical Trainer for you
The best elliptical trainers have a lot of great features, but you must make sure that you can get what you are looking for – and not just something good, but the best elliptical trainer on the NZ market. So, if you have a hard time selecting the right elliptical trainer for your needs, here are some of the main factors to consider:
Length of Stride: the length of your stride is one of the most important factors to consider when buying an elliptical trainer. It is measured from heel to toe and must be at least 32cm long if you are a man and 30cm if you are a woman.
Incline: The greater the incline on your elliptical trainer, the harder your workout will be – and the more calories you will burn. Incline can also be a good way of varying your workouts, as you can vary incline to give your muscles a different challenge.
Smoothness of Stepping: Another thing to consider is the smoothness of your step when you are doing exercises. If your stride is not smooth, it will be more difficult for you to focus on your exercise and it can also cause more injuries.
Resistance: The more resistance your elliptical trainer has, the harder you are working out. So, if there is no resistance on the machine, you will be working at a lower intensity. If the machine has a good range of motion and can provide a good range of resistance for you, it is a great elliptical trainer for any activity.
On-Board Console: When buying the best elliptical trainer, make sure you consider the onboard console. The on-board consoles give you a variety of different information about your workout, such as your time, calories burned, distance covered and even the amount of resistance being provided for your exercise.
Weight capacity: the maximum weight capacity of your elliptical trainer is also a very important factor – however, the limits are different for different elliptical trainers. It is generally known that the heavier you are, the lower your stride will be on the elliptical trainer in order to keep your balance. You should need to check the maximum weight capacity of their elliptical trainer before buying it.
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The Best Elliptical Trainer in NZ
1. Ape Style Electric Elliptical Trainer
Ape Style Electric Elliptical Trainer is an awesome elliptical trainer because it provides a sleek design that will look perfect in any living room. They also have a 21 built-in training program with automatic variable resistance, making it easy to find the perfect one for you. Ape Style Electric Elliptical Trainer also displays speed, rpm, time, distance and calories burned. It has 16 levels of resistance so you can find the one that will fit your individual needs. It has Smooth and silent magnetic resistance with a premium belt transmission that will provide the best cardio workout.
2. Ape Style Elliptical Cross Trainer
The Ape Style Elliptical Trainer is a great elliptical cross trainer which helps individuals to work out at their convenience. This machine has 8 levels of resistance with magnetic control, which offers the ability for high-intensity, low-impact workouts. The resilient belt transmission allows for smooth and silent magnetic resistance, as well as display time, speed, distance calories and pulse rate. The 2kg magnetic wheel allows for a comfortable stride length of 310mm and also has a two-ways system that offers its users comfortability in every workout session.
3. Ape Style 3-in-1 Elliptical Trainer
The Ape Style 3-in-1 Elliptical Cross Trainer is an elliptical trainer that provides a full body workout and ergonomically designed frame construction. The elliptical motion reduces the impact on the knee joints during exercise. The soft materials and adjustable handlebar height provide for a comfortable and secure workout experience. It has an LED display with time, speed, distance, calories and scan. The Ape Style 3-in-1 Elliptical Cross Trainer has built-in wheels for easy transporting.
4. Genki Cross Trainer Elliptical
The Genki Cross Trainer Elliptical Trainer is a perfect machine for individuals with any fitness level. It features magnetic resistance, making it almost silent and frictionless so the workout will be quick but effective. The frame is constructed from plastic that won’t damage floors or damage your feet. Its compact size makes it easy to store, even in limited spaces, which can be used in the home or office.
5. Horizon Andes 3 Elliptical
The Horizon Andes 3 Elliptical is a front-drive cross trainer that has been designed to get a fluid, natural motion through its versatile 11 diverse programs. The slim design of the Horizon Andes 3 Elliptical makes it perfect for any home gym. The 11 diverse programs implemented on this cross-trainer will provide you with all the information about your workout including heart rate, time, distance and calories burned.
FAQ’s
What Are the Benefits of Cross Trainers?
They are great for a cardio workout but aren’t as boring as a treadmill or bike. They can be used by people of all ages and fitness levels. They also are able to work the entire body and can be used by people who are short on time. Cross trainers are also great for a joint and low-impact workout.
The resistance on ellipticals is controlled by the pedals which allow users to switch between slow and fast spins. The pace at which a user goes during a training session on an elliptical differs with each person depending on the intensity and pace that they want to work towards.
What is Better, a Cross Trainer or a Treadmill?
Cross trainers are stationary machines that provide an alternative to a treadmill. These machines combine features of a treadmill and an exercise bike hence they are also referred to as ‘treadmills’ with a crossbar.
Is doing the elliptical 30 minutes a day good?
The elliptical machine is great for cardiovascular training. If used properly, the elliptical can be an effective way to burn a lot of calories in a short period of time. The elliptical burns an average of about 350 calories in 30 minutes, equating to more than 100 calories per 10 minutes of workout time.
Does an elliptical burn belly fat?
An elliptical crosss trainer can help you stay in shape even while exercising at home at lower intensities than a treadmill (as opposed to walking), which can sometimes lead to burning a lot of calories and therefore trimming down your belly fat.