Elliptical Machines Are Different

We've written a few blogs on elliptical machines in the past. But there seems to be a resurgence of interest. So one thing that's important to understand is elliptical machines and their effectiveness is a very different equation than the rest of the cardio categories. 

 

Treadmills, bikes, rowing machines, steppers, and other cardio machines are all very similar to each other and not bound by patents. This means the difference between models and quality levels are more easily understood. Spend more, get better components, a better warranty and better part support. And you get the same workout on a residential machine as a commercial version.

 

But elliptical machines are very different. You can see this in all the different flywheel positions, rear drive, front drive, center drive, as well as different motions and even different adjustments. 

 

What this really means is that you're not merely buying a quality level, you are also buying the patents that brand has access to or paid for.

And this is why almost all the lower priced and online /department store brands are very similar. They use older style and available patents to create the motion.


Upper level retail models are normal made by commercial brands that obviously have access to commercial patents. This allows them to have better adjustments and often, more modern biomechanics. And a better workout.

 

It also means that there are machines out there using patents that are only available on the commercial level.  

 

You can't get a residential arc trainer. You can't get a residential Lateral-X. You can't get a residential XT-One. These are patents, and the workouts they provide, are only manufactured at the commercial level.

So when you're choosing and elliptical machines to use or to purchase for your home, understand that it's the only cardio category where the workout you get on a commercial machine is often superior and more effective than any residential machine.