If you ask any doctor, he or she will tell you that running is hard on your body. It is especially hard on your legs, knees and feet with the constant banging. For this reason, elliptical machines have become very popular as they have a smooth motion that is not as destructive and they give you the same workout as if you were running.
Elliptical reviews of all the best machines will tell you much the same thing. Health clubs have started to take note you might have noticed, as the number of treadmills has gone down in many of them as they are replaced with elliptical machines. The smooth gliding motion of elliptical machines effectively works your legs and thighs and gets your heart pumping just as effectively as running but without the impact dangers.
Unfortunately, elliptical machines are quite expensive and you have to pay in the $3000 to $5000 range to get a really good one. The bright side is though, that these machines will be health club quality and might last as long as the rest of your life.
If you are thinking about buying a home elliptical machine, it is a good idea to do some research first. There are many models to choose from at many different price levels and it is smart to have an idea of what you want first. This is because when you go to an elliptical store, you will most likely be a bit overwhelmed with all the choices.
When you give the different machines a test by getting on them, you will immediately feel a difference between the more expensive models and the cheaper ones. Machines that cost only around $1000 to $2000 will feel much less stable beneath you and the circular motion will not feel quite as smooth. It is much like the difference you feel when riding in a cheap care versus an expensive one. The more expensive elliptical models will all feel very heavy and stable beneath you and give you confidence that they will not break down.
Depending on what you have to spend, your choice will be whether you think the more solid feel and the added options are worth the higher price. In the end though, all elliptical machines do basically the same thing and give you the same workout. The added price is really only necessary for the quality of the machine and how long it will last. When you get on the cheaper machines and then switch to a more expensive model, you will be able to feel the difference in quality and that will likely translate into how long the machine will last before it breaks down.