I know this is a touchy subject. I do not intend to point fingers or call anyone by name. The fact is that many people use elliptical trainers because they want to lose weight. And unlike treadmills, which are tough and durable, your elliptical may not be able to support weight if you’re classified as “obese.”
If you weigh more than 250 pounds, you have to take extra care with your elliptical. If possible, you should keep in mind that you need a sturdy machine when shopping for an elliptical. Elliptical machines, naturally, are not as durable as treadmills and other fitness equipment.
Check weight limits when buying
Here’s a simple tip on buying ellipticals. If you see a model that costs less than $500 and says there is no weight limit, they are lying. One of the reasons cheap machines are cheap is that they can’t carry as much cargo.
Unfortunately, companies often overestimate how much weight their machines can handle. This is especially the case with lower-end models. With a cheap elliptical, even someone who weighs 150 pounds can put pressure on it. Don’t believe in weight limits!
One way around this is to check the machine yourself. Jump in and see how it works. If he can’t hold you, he’ll start to wobble quickly. After a minute or so, you’ll know if it can hold you or not.
Another way to avoid this is to buy a more expensive model that is specially designed to be durable. This may not be a practical solution if you want to save money on your machine, but a more expensive elliptical will be made to hold more.
This will cost you more, but look for an elliptical that is “commercial class.” These are the ones that are made for gyms and fitness centers. They are strong and made to withstand a lot of abuse. But, they will cost you more.
Elliptical machine maintenance
There are two things you can do to make sure your elliptical machine doesn’t croak. First, do a routine maintenance check from time to time. Make sure everything is bolted and screwed down, and nothing is loose. If things get loose, you can tighten a few screws here and there and keep the machine from falling apart any further.
Another thing to do is use your ears. If you hear a grinding noise or anything else a bit out of the ordinary, have your machine checked. Something is definitely wrong. You can fix most elliptical problems yourself with a screwdriver or two.
Always pay attention to your machine and take note of anything that might be working differently.
The good news!
Elliptical trainers are great for losing weight with less stress. They offer an easier workout than treadmills and you can lose the same amount of fat. Some elliptical models have BMI and body fat reading functions. If your main goal is to lose a few pounds, this is a great feature to help you monitor your progress.
Almost all elliptical trainers, even the cheapest models, have heart rate monitors as a standard feature. These features are constantly being improved and are offered on less expensive models.
An elliptical machine is a wonderful and easy way to lose weight. Some research suggests that it may be a better exercise for obese people than a treadmill. In any case, with an elliptical machine you will see results quickly.