However, starting around $2800 and up, they are not cheap. With their reputation and construction, they may appeal to the serious athlete or high-end commercial gym. Is a Precor elliptical right for you? Here's a brief review to help you decide:
Strengths:
Cross-Ramp technology - The Cross Ramp is unique to Precor and allows you to adjust the incline of the elliptical ramp (the incline is different from the resistance). This works different muscle groups of the legs. It helps to crosstrain and prevents you from reaching an exercise plateau.
High Quality Construction - Precor ellipticals are well known for their high quality components and construction. While they are built to last, you will pay for this as prices start at around $2800+ for a Precor home elliptical.
Smooth Motion - Precor elliptical trainers move smoothly both in the forward and back directions. This helps you work and develop different sets of leg muscles. It also helps reduce stress on the joints and gives you a lower impact workout.
Great Elliptical Motion Design - Some cheaper department store ellipticals will give you a "kick" or "bounce" where your heel comes up off the platform. Precor ellipticals don't do this because of their design which makes for an overall more efficient workout.
Solid Elliptical Warranty - Most Precor ellipticals offer lifetime warranty on the frame, 10 years on parts and 1 year on service. This helps to protect your investment in the long run.
Weaknesses:
Expensive - Although you can't fault the design or quality, Precor ellipticals are definitely expensive. Starting around $2800 they may be more than most people can afford. They can also be very expensive to fix.
Upper Body Arms - Although some models do offer upper body arms bars, several models do not. Most buyers want to train their upper body arms while working out. And for this price, you really should expect it.
Heart Rate Monitors - Again, like the upper body arms, some models do not offer a way to monitor your heart rate. This is another feature that, considering the price, you would expect to have.
Summary:
While Precor ellipticals are high quality elliptical trainers, be prepared to pay top dollar for the name. They do offer excellent construction and design; however they may be more than many people - especially those new to exercising - need.
And while Precor used to own the elliptical market, new brands are now offering commercial-grade, luxury elliptical machines for much less. If you don't care about the Precor name, you might want to save some money and look into one of these crosstrainers.
On the other hand, if you are a die-hard Precor fan and can afford it, you'll probably be very happy choosing this brand. They offer an ultra-smooth ride and are built to last you a very long time.
It's hard to rely on hearsay nowadays. Let's say Victor from the country club has just bought an elliptical trainer that he says is working out great for him - are you going to take it on Victor's word that this is the right exercise machine for you too? No matter how heartily Victor endorses his newest purchases, you must remember that exercise equipment is also a long-term investment. To get the best deal for something as important (and often expensive!) as an elliptical trainer, you have to look through good elliptical trainer reviews.
However, you'll also have to distinguish good reviews sites from, well, sites that don't represent a grand majority of buyers. Feedback is important, but it may also be manufactured. Be an intelligent and discriminate researcher. If you find that some elliptical trainer reviews sing excessive praise of a certain product -- they may have been written by someone on the manufacturer's payroll.
Bear in mind, also, that firsthand feedback is the best kind. You can't take it as law if enough people go "Hey, I hear this product is even better than that product!" because manufacturer hype can easily cause such talk. An example of this happening is when new gaming hardware comes out. You hear "New and Improved Features!" trumpeted throughout the media. The hype basically bombards your senses and builds up anticipation. This is not a review! A review -- a good one, incidentally -- is something written firsthand by someone who has tried a product exhaustively, has weighed the pros and cons of each feature, and has come up with a final opinion about the product that will serve as a guide for future buyers.
Also, look through tried and tested sites, ones that have been around for a while and are sure to attract good reviewers. Among these sites are Epinions.com, Amazon.com, and consumerreports.com. By comparing and contrasting reviews and ratings from different Web sites, you can see which of your prospective buys is worth your money and your time.
Consumer protection laws may be in place, but consumers also have to protect themselves -- and each other. Just as buyers do their research online, they endeavor to make things easier for other researchers by leaving input that may be useful for buyers-to-be. There are kind people out there, writing elliptical trainer reviews, who can help you make sure that you're getting the best value for your long-term investment.
Both Vienna Miller & Trevor Mulholland are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Vienna Miller has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Credit Loans and Hair Transplant. Vienna Miller writes for , a consumer oriented website focusing on the home elliptical trainer market.For the latest 2007 Elliptical 'Best B. Vienna Miller's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.
Trevor Mulholland has sinced written about articles on various topics from Arts, Acne Treatment and Low Carb Diet. Best-elliptical-machines.com provides you with the latest ins and outs on and much more, come take. Trevor Mulholland's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.