Elliptical Trainers?

B

bobbie1

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Hi all.

I'm a first time elliptical trainer buyer and am trying to decide between four different machines. This elliptical would be for home use and I'm looking for a good starter machine that will last. Would really appreciate any feedback/reviews on the below machines.

Thanks,
Bobbie1

Lamar A4200
Diamondback 860ER
Schwin 418
Schwin 438
 
So I guess no one has any opinions on these?
 
bobbie,

i gotta be honest, if you're going to be choosing between those, I would stay as far away from LaMar as much as possible. I sell fitness equipment (some LaMar unfortunately), and I can tell you they are cheaply made, and when...not it...something goes wrong, you will have a hard time finding service or getting parts ordered. Plus, LaMar may be on the outs. Diamondback is a strong company with solid products. Their motion is pretty similar to Precor or LifeFitness, which are the top brands in the industry

Good Luck
 
It's really hard to say which one is good. The same machine can be easy for some and hard on others.

In all these, the only one I see that is good would be the Diamondback model. It looks solid and the rest looks a tad bit uncomfortable to me.
 
I realize this is a pretty old thread, but I have to stand up for the Schwinn 418. This is what I have and I love it. Part of what influenced me to get it is that it's a Consumer Reports "Best Buy" for it's price range The handgrip HR monitor is pretty worthless (I think they all are) but I just take mine manually. It's very sturdy and quiet. If you look hard enough you can pick one up for $800. I wouldn't trust any of the other brands for that price.

My first elliptical was a cheap ass Walmart special which broke twice in 5 months. Don't buy a cheapo, it will break down. Luckily, I didn't get hurt when the foot pedal broke off.
 
Octane 35e worth 2799.99? anyone own one?

I am interested in purchasing one of these this spring. Anyone own one??? I was able to try this thing at busybody, man am i hooked! This thing is the cadillac of ellipticals, smooth, I like the way it gives you the running feeling. and the different programs on it.
 
In my opinion I would not waste $800,$2799 or $2999 on one machine that you will outgrow. There is something called a full-body workout and one machine cannot give you everything.
 
theGOOCH said:
What does a full body workout have to do with your cardio?
Click to expand...
The reverse is true. What does an elliptical trainer have to do with a full body workout? The guy who wants to spend $2999 on one would be just like the guy who hits the gym to use one machine only (an elliptical trainer) every day.

Is he getting enough bang for his buck? Healthwise and also walletwise?
 
It has nothing to do with it. That's why I lift AND use my elliptical...and cycle and hike and take my dogs for runs in the woods. I just don't get your point
 
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theGOOCH said:
It has nothing to do with it. That's why I lift AND use my elliptical...and cycle and hike and take my dogs for runs in the woods. I just don't get your point
Click to expand...
What does that GOT to do with an elliptical trainer? (You are now using the points i raised in your reply. Go over my points above again.)
 
tribal said:
What does that GOT to do with an elliptical trainer? (You are now using the points i raised in your reply. Go over my points above again.)
Click to expand...

It doesn't. That's my point. The two have nothing to do with one another.... so why would having an elliptical machine in any way hamper you from doing a full body workout as you implied?

What do you mean by "outgrowing" an elliptical machine? If it is a decent piece of equipment you can always continue to run faster even if you are on the highest setting.

I originally got mine to improve my heart health. It has lowered my blood pressure to normal levels and lowered my heart rate from the mid 70s down to the high 50s. It also inspired me to finally get truly fit instead of being in a perpetual state of bulking. I'd say it was money well spent
 
I really like the Octane machines. I was ready to purchase one, though I already have a great treadmill in the house. Decided to join another gym instead, and they are outfitted with both Octane and Precor. I think Octane has gotten some other than perfect reviews in a place or two, but after using both now, I can say I like the Octane just as much, if not more, than the precor. My biggest beef with the precor is that it does not fit my particular measurements all that well, and the octane seems to fit me like a glove...nice ability to change up grip position, etc.
I'm not a big fan of all the different programs, but many people are, and the Octane seems to have some decent, well thought out options. Arm blaster, for example. The ability to adjust the resistance separately for the arms and legs seems like it could add some versatility.

I truly believe that an elliptical is the best piece of equipment for HIIT type cardio, as the whole body can get involved. So, if one agrees that HIIT type cardio is maybe the best style when involved in weight training, it is absolutely a compliment to your routine.

I will say that absolutely no elliptical will probably ever be smoother than a precor.
 
Worked out on an actane today 35e

I went back to fitness unlimited today. The salesperson was great, very informative, I worked out it today, it is ever worth 2799.00. I had an opportunity to use the Glute workout and the x-mode workout. Then I got on other ellipticals. Octane blew them out of the water. So yes, I have also read reviews, and alot of people have had their health completely changed around on this thing. So I am buying one, whats 2799.99 spread out for the next 40-55 years of my life Nothing! Its chump change. It amazes me how people are willing to go out and spend money on other things besides their health. Then they say its to much, People...your health is something you can never compare or put value on. You only have one body. So take care of it! So for those of you that are wanting to purchase one of these things. Go to the store, Have a reall workout on it, no matter how stupid you may look, heah yourspedning almost 3,000 on a cardio machine. You better know waht your buying!
 
What does a low heart rate interpret into?

I know what it means in and of itself, OK?

I am concerned about calories used as I am wanting to lose weight. I have healthy eating habits, and am being more focused since I do want to lose about 10 pounds, max.

How do I use my heart rate as a measure of calories burned. Since losing weight is at its very core calories in vs calories out, how can I not be concerned if my cardio is burning enough calories?

I am a 53 year-old woman, who has just returned to workouts. I am doing about 45 - 50 minutes on my elpitcal trainer on a level of 7.
I workout 5x a week.
I also do in each workout about 20 minutes of weight training.

I am not seeing a noticeable difference in the numbers of the scale.

My jeans are tighter because I know my ass and thighs are now firmer and lifted.

I have just recently stopped to major addictions-smoking and a drug addiction and have put on almost 15 pounds.
I want to take off 10 pounds, as I was probably at least 5 pounds under weight before I went into detox at the end of September.

If you can follow this posting, you're a better man than I am!!:newangel:
 
simplysassy said:
What does a low heart rate interpret into?

I know what it means in and of itself, OK?

I am concerned about calories used as I am wanting to lose weight. I have healthy eating habits, and am being more focused since I do want to lose about 10 pounds, max.

How do I use my heart rate as a measure of calories burned. Since losing weight is at its very core calories in vs calories out, how can I not be concerned if my cardio is burning enough calories?

I am a 53 year-old woman, who has just returned to workouts. I am doing about 45 - 50 minutes on my elpitcal trainer on a level of 7.
I workout 5x a week.
I also do in each workout about 20 minutes of weight training.

I am not seeing a noticeable difference in the numbers of the scale.

My jeans are tighter because I know my ass and thighs are now firmer and lifted.

I have just recently stopped to major addictions-smoking and a drug addiction and have put on almost 15 pounds.
I want to take off 10 pounds, as I was probably at least 5 pounds under weight before I went into detox at the end of September.

If you can follow this posting, you're a better man than I am!!:newangel:
Click to expand...


The only way to lose weight is to eat at a caloric deficit.

I'm not sure you can gauge your calories burned by your heart rate. Find an estimate of what your caloric intake should be and play with that number until you are losing 1-2 lb a week. Those calories you burn will go toward your deficit, but it isn't necessary to know exactly how many you burn if you use a little trial and error starting with the estimate you come up with

http://training.fitness.com/nutrition/nutrition-101-a-13819.html

Kudos on kicking the smokes and the drugs:cool:

I wish you the best
 
Dont Give Up!

Hi there! i read your post, I have to say that ther reason your not burning calories as fast as you want is because your body has gotton use to the same routine, you need to shock your body, change your workout around, do HIIT, ITS HIGH INTERVAL TRAINING. You shock your body adn yo burn more. Never stay with the same routine for to long. Other wise you will hit a plateau. Also if you eat 1500 calories, and you burn 450 your fine, but if you eat more that you burn then you will gain. Dont give :beerchug:up!!change it around. let me know your results in 6 weeks. never bite off more than you can chew.

Veronica
 
I like the ellipticals, and I new to this forum and this is my first post, but my questions is would you go for the Sole E55 or the Smooth CE ? I just am looking to get one for about 1500.00 and these look good, but would really appreciate an opinion on these 2 or other that are about the same price.
I like the work out, and getting to the gym is difficult with my work schedule. I had one at my old job, and lost 54 pounds. 6 months later I am figuring I need one because I am not getting my cardio.
Any opionions are very much appreciated.

Jim from Michigan.

Thank you
 
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