By Fred Waters

Fred Waters author of the Fitness Equipment Source web site. He has worked in the fitness equipment industry for over 15 years and has been providing elliptical trainer reviews over the years to literally 100s of thousands of potential customers. Every year he comes out with his elliptical trainer Best Buy recommendations to assist people in finding the very best value for their body and their budget. He has personally visited the corporate headquarters of each of the models mentioned below and has talked to their top executives. This gives me the type of insight you will not find on other elliptical review sites.

For 2012 there is a continuing trend to offer better quality, more innovation and overall better value . What you can get on a elliptical trainer today would have cost considerably more several years ago.

Our first choice at the competitive $999 is the 2012 NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 PRO. Both the ergonomic features and the innovative technology make it an exceptional deal. Where do I start? The AudioStrider utilizes many of the same design features found on commercial grade Precor ellipticals. NordicTrack leases the patent from Precor. This includes the rear drive design and the Power Incline feature. The rear drive gives a very natural elliptical motion, like running in the air. The Power Incline allows you to incline your elliptical stride, which results in a more intense cardio burn that also targets more lower body muscles.

The AudioStrider 990 PRO is also iFit Live compatible. For an additional fee you get a module that allows the elliptical to communicate with the Internet. You are able to go to iFit.com and define your fitness goals. iFit Live will download a customized workout routine with audio coaching. Your daily stats are recorded on your iFit.com account. You can also trace routes on Google Maps and iFit Live will simulate the terrain by controlling the incline. With the use of a laptop or smartphone you can visualize your progress on Google Maps. And if there is a street scene you can actually see yourself running down roads. This technology has redefined cardio exercise equipment.

Next we have the Smooth CE 3.6 elliptical trainer at $1,299. What is most notable about the CE 3.6 is that it is a low maintenance and durable machine with an excellent service record. And that is reflected in the lifetime frame and braking system, 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty. A very generous warranty at this price range, which suggests that the CE 3.6 seldom has service issues. You also get a speaker system, fan, wireless heart rate control, and pedals that pivot with the angle of the elliptical stride.

at the $1,500+ range we chose another NordicTrack product, the E 15.0. This elliptical trainer is loaded with features designed to give you a superior workout and motivate you at the same time. First, you have the ability to both incline and decline the elliptical stride. This lets you simulate going up and down mountains. It also allows you to target more lower body muscles groups. You get a 10″ Google Android Internet Browser that allows you to access your favorite web sites as you exercise. The footpedals can be adjusted to the perfect angle to minimize heal lift and numbness. The flywheel weighs a heavy 32 lbs. giving you a smooth and natural elliptical stride. Life the AudioStrider 990 PRO the NordicTrack E 15.0 comes with iFit Live. In fact, the module is included in the price. With the Android browser you can directly access and view Google Maps without the need of a laptop. Also, when you trace a route the E 15.0 will simulate going both up and down hills with the incline and decline feature. Do to time restraint I left out several other features, but you get the point. The NordicTrack E 15.0 is not your run of the mill elliptical.

At $2,000+ we chose Yowza Fitness Captiva. The Captiva has two features that make this elliptical a stand-out. First, there is the Variable Motion, which varies the motion and stride from 18″-32″. In comparison to a fixed elliptical stride, the Variable Motion exercises more lower body muscles while getting an intense cardio workout. Second, you have the patented Cardio Core Training. In general, the dual handlebars on an elliptical trainer provide minimal results. In contrast, the Captiva has a T-bar that swings from left to right, forcing your body to twist. You target your core muscles like abs and obliques. These two technologies make the Captiva one of the most innovative and effective cross-trainers on the market. This is a serious cardio burning, body toning machine.

Our final choice is one of the best elliptical trainers on the planet, the Precor 5.33. Precor invented the crosstrainer and holds numerous patents that the competition is always trying to work around. The 5.33 excels in its ergonomic and biomechanical features and provides one of the most fluid and natural elliptical motions in the industry. The Precor 5.33 is a commercial grade residential elliptical. In fact, it uses the same frame and many of the components found on their commercial models. The evidence of the durability of this machine is the 10 year parts warranty. The Precor 5.33 costs $4,500, but that is the price you pay for perfection.

So there you have it, the 2012 Best Buy picks. Each of these elliptical trainers are an excellent choice if you are considering a cardio machine for your home.

About the Author: Fred Waters has worked in the fitness equipment industry for over 15 years. If you are in the market for an elliptical trainer, you can get his recommendations at Elliptical Trainer Ratings and Reviews site. He assists people in getting the right equipment for their body and their budget.

Source: www.isnare.com

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