Best rated elliptical trainer.

What to look for in a cross trainer.

 
As the phrase goes you get what you pay for. What is it that make an elliptical trainer better than another. So what do you look for in an elliptical trainer.

The better trainers have the drive wheel at the back. The unit is more balance with the flywheel at the back.

It is actually better to have a heavier elliptical trainer as the added wait means the unit is probably built of heavier grade metal and is more sturdy. The added weight also means the trainer is more stable. It's less likely to move around when you train on it.

Elliptical trainers have a flywheel, that has some form of brake applied to it to provide the resistance when you workout. Some of the cheaper models use a simple belt that is tightened over the flywheel to provide the resistance. The better models use magnets to provide the resistance, this make a much smoother ride than other types.

The electronics make a big difference on an elliptical trainer. If you can vary the resistance electronically, it allows for a much more varied workout and allows you to continually improve on you fitness level.

A good idea is to look at the warranty that comes with the trainer, this is often a good sign of the build quality. The manufacturers must be a lot more confident in the build quality if there is a 3 year warranty rather than a 1 year.

Generally at the end of the day you get what you pay for, so a model for $5000 is going to be better quality than a model for $200. If you can you should go to the fitness store and try the model you are looking at before you buy.