The Elliptical Cross Trainer is newer to the exercise world than the more traditional treadmills and exercise bikes, but elliptical exercise machines gained a huge following in recent years. There are several reasons for this, and all of them are excellent things to keep in mind when you are trying to decide on what kind of machine is right for you and your workout needs.

Elliptical Trainer vs. Treadmill

The first thing to keep in mind when you compare these two is that the elliptical machine was designed for a specific reason -to provide low-impact exercises with great cardiovascular benefits. If you are looking for a good cardio workout, you can't go wrong with either one, but with elliptical cross trainers you are saving your joints from undue wear-and-tear. If you suffer from joint problems, especially with knees and ankles, elliptical machines are the way to go.

Elliptical trainers also give you a smoother pace and less of the "jerkiness” you'll find with many other types of exercise equipment - you feel like you're gliding on air with a quality elliptical cross training machine. Let's face it, the comfort level of a workout can make or break your decision to keep up with it long term.

Finally, elliptical cross trainers give you a better value for the money than many treadmills. For between $250 and $600 you can choose from a wide selection of elliptical machines. There are, of course, expensive ones going for as much as $2,500, but you don't have to approach this mark for a really solid exercise machine.

Knowing What to Look For

Shopping for the right elliptical machine means looking at the various elements that are essential to top performance as well as where and how you are going to use it. If you want a beginner's machine that will provide smoothness and a basic workout, you won't need to spend us much as on a cross trainer with various exercise programs such as a more advanced user might need.

Stride Length

Consider the elliptical machine's stride length and compare carefully. If the cross trainer's stride length is too short, you won't be getting an effective workout of all the muscles in your legs even if you are still getting cardio benefits from the exercise. This is more important to some than to others, but if you are taller or have long legs, stride length is a featu

Resistance

The elliptical trainer's resistance can be adjusted with a belt (on a lower end cross trainer) or be magnetic (on more expensive models. Again, this is a matter of choice, although magnetic resistance elliptical machines have fewer moving parts and so fewer break-downs.

Folding or Non-Folding?

Will you have your machine in a place where you'd like to store it away when not in use? Unlike most exercise equipment, some elliptical cross trainers can be folded flat enough to fit under your bed or tucked away in a closet - great for smaller homes.

Fly Wheel

Don't forget to look at the elliptical machine's fly wheel. A larger fly wheel will generally give you better performance. It's not always the case, but it's a good rule of thumb. Some will be covered, others won't. If keeping the sound to a minimum while exercising is important while using your cross trainer, get a covered fly wheel. This muffles the sound if you have thin walls or work out late at night on your elliptical trainer.

Finally, talk to others who own an elliptical cross trainer and see what they have to say. Word of mouth can be a great source of information when purchasing elliptical machines and exercise equipment - satisfaction is the best advertising.