The Single Most Effective Way to Compare Ellipticals - Stride Length
Are you exceedingly tall? Maybe you're a tad on the short side? Either way, you want an elliptical that will work with your height, not against it. What will happen if you hop on an elliptical that has a fixed stride length that's too short for you? Well, you won't have a very pleasurable experience and you definitely won't get the quality workout you were looking for. Likewise, if you use a machine with a fixed stride that's too long for you, you'll find yourself doing more of a lunge than a run; this is not preferred. When you begin to compare ellipticals, you'll need to figure out the ideal stride length for you first. Let's take a look at some of the characteristics of the stride length on an elliptical.
Now, it should be fairly obvious that the stride of an elliptical should be relative to its user. When you begin to compare ellipticals, be mindful of your height. If a user exercises on an elliptical with a stride length that is relatively short for him or her, they will target mostly the thighs and calves. The degree to which these muscles are targeted is relative to how many inches too short the stride is. If it becomes too pronounced, the burn will inhibit the user from achieving a decent cardiovascular workout. Similarly, if the stride length is relatively long for the user, he or she will be targeting the hamstrings and glutes. Again, if it's too pronounced, the user will not achieve what he or she set out to achieve, which is a cardio session.
With that being said, the ideal machine has a variable stride length. When you compare ellipticals, if you can find a model with a variable stride length in your price range, jump on it! This way you'll know for a fact that you're going to get the cardio workout you desire. Additionally, you can take advantage of being able to target specific musculature. One day you can hit glutes and hamstrings, and the next you can work thighs and calves.
Just remember, compare ellipticals stride first. Don't get caught up in all of the gismos and gadgets on this model and that, or you might end up with a machine you can't get the most out of. Try and find an elliptical with variable stride length, that way there will be no issue and you can benefit from extreme settings.
Now, it should be fairly obvious that the stride of an elliptical should be relative to its user. When you begin to compare ellipticals, be mindful of your height. If a user exercises on an elliptical with a stride length that is relatively short for him or her, they will target mostly the thighs and calves. The degree to which these muscles are targeted is relative to how many inches too short the stride is. If it becomes too pronounced, the burn will inhibit the user from achieving a decent cardiovascular workout. Similarly, if the stride length is relatively long for the user, he or she will be targeting the hamstrings and glutes. Again, if it's too pronounced, the user will not achieve what he or she set out to achieve, which is a cardio session.
With that being said, the ideal machine has a variable stride length. When you compare ellipticals, if you can find a model with a variable stride length in your price range, jump on it! This way you'll know for a fact that you're going to get the cardio workout you desire. Additionally, you can take advantage of being able to target specific musculature. One day you can hit glutes and hamstrings, and the next you can work thighs and calves.
Just remember, compare ellipticals stride first. Don't get caught up in all of the gismos and gadgets on this model and that, or you might end up with a machine you can't get the most out of. Try and find an elliptical with variable stride length, that way there will be no issue and you can benefit from extreme settings.
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