Folding elliptical trainer: the pros and cons, how to choose

A variety of devices for cardio further elaborated supplemented with new models that provide effective training. An alternative to the traditional treadmill became elliptical trainer. It is called symbiosis of track and the bike. The device is called "cross-country" because of the similarity of movements when skiing.

Despite its simplicity, the device is useful and helps to lose weight, lead muscle tone. Aerobic exercise have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, so regular exercise on the elliptical trainer will help to strengthen health. Orbitrek sold in sports shops, but because of the compactness can be stored at home.

Content:

  • Classification
  • Pros and cons of folding elliptical trainer
  • How to choose a folding elliptical trainer
  • functions

Classification

Classification
  1. By design (fixed and foldable).
  2. According to the level (professional and compact).
  3. According to the type of load (mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic, aeromagnetic).

Professional orbitreki not put in homes for personal use for 2 reasons: cost and size (2-2.5 meters in length). These devices are designed for gyms. Can operate without stopping for 2-3 hours. Amateur options are placed in the apartment and is suitable for home workouts. Orbitrek last for a long period at a load of 1-2 people per day.

By construction of the device is divided into folding or stationary. Gyms using stationary machines, because they are reliable and to cope with a constant load. The number of options they have more in comparison with folding models.

Pros and cons of folding elliptical trainer

Advantages and disadvantages

Since the apartment or house little room, the folding trenazher- suitable option due to the compactness. Parts of the elliptical exerciser are added, and some models are equipped with pedals that move to the frame. They form a unit which is removed when necessary.

The simulator includes a set of components that occupy a lot of space. The weight of 70-100 kg, and length - 160 cm. Despite the fact that he is folding, move it consistently difficult.

The advantages of this type is that the size and weight of less than 15-20% than that of stationary models. Thus orbitrek from manufacturers working for a long time and allows you to exercise regularly.

Folding variants are fitted with wheels, by which the movement becomes easier. Enough to lift and move to the right place. The folding mechanism is different from a specific manufacturer.

Compact - the advantage of folding models, that attracts buyers. The dimensions of limit options. Lack - impossibility of adjusting parameters: levels of resistance and stride length.

Disadvantages folding elliptical trainer:

  1. Weak resistance.
  2. The lack of adjustment range.
  3. The lack of screen and other options.
  4. Less compared to the use of fixed term.

Folding options because of its size is limited by weight. Providing ease of parts leads to the fragile structure.

Term use of the foldable elliptical exerciser is 5-10 years. Period varies depending on the manufacturer and operating conditions. Details of models with folding feature fragile, so they need to be further maintained.

How to choose a folding elliptical trainer

criteria

Analysis of the type of load

When selecting a foldable elliptical consider load type: mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic and aeromagnetic. Mechanical orbitreki available, but there is no possibility of adjusting the parameters and load. User moves the device.

Washer noisy and smoothness sufficient for comfortable use. Advantages - small size (1.5-1.7 meter) and autonomy, in fact connected to its power supply is not necessary.

Magnetic orbitreki represent the same design as the mechanical. The difference - setting the desired load level. To do this manually, the position of the magnets. Magnetic embodiments 4-8 degrees equipped with a load (at the advanced options electromagnetic type - 16-20).

The choice of the elliptical exerciser is based on a flywheel, as its size has a direct impact on the smooth.

Flywheel weight 10 kg suitable for people of average size. Heavy users need to pay attention to the folding orbitrek with a flywheel of 14 kg. For electromagnetic elliptical trainer flywheel weight is not taken into account.

Magnetic orbitrek fitted with additional equipment to monitor the state of the user, computer, and other things. This refers to the advantages and drawback - noise and size.

The next type of elliptical machines - Electromagnetic. They belong to the high-price segment. Benefits:

  • Smoothness.
  • Reliability.
  • Low noise level.

Compared with other types of electromagnetic ensure efficient elaboration of the muscles. The drawback - the need for a network connection. The machines have a small size, but the apartment is not suitable. Electromagnetic orbitreki set in professional sports centers.

Aeromagnetic - belong to the premium segment. The advantage - no need to connect to the power supply. The design provides for a generator, which provides details of the energy. Orbitrek batteries are charged from the mains if necessary.

Advantages - low noise, high functionality and mobility. Equipped with modern equipment (computer, heart rate monitor, TV). Drawback - the price.

Simulators may be rear-wheel or front-wheel.

The first type - the most common. It is equipped with a footrest, which gives the ability to change their position on the workout. Advantage - slope forward, which provides the body position is comparable with the real run. The main parts (flywheel and transmission) at the rear.

Rear-wheel drive elliptical trainers are stable and compact, so they are installed in apartments and homes for personal use. The efficiency of loading and study of the leg muscles to orbitrek of this type is better than the front-drive.


Disadvantage - people taller than 185 cm are uncomfortable using RWD variants.

Front-wheel drive machines have appeared recently. Main parts are arranged in front of the device, so the user's body is upright. The trajectory of the rear wheel drive compared to other devices. The advantage of the models - the ability to be used by people of all sizes: from 150 to 200 cm.

Disadvantage - the low efficiency, because the verticality of the body does not allow it to fully work through.

Be sure to pay attention to:

  1. At step length.
  2. At design.
  3. An angle of inclination of pedals.

The average pitch length is 40 cm. This is sufficient for most people's employment. The variants with the index of 30 cm. We do not recommend to buy such options, as for an adult comfortable not get to use them. For users taller than 190 cm need to buy orbitrek a stride length of 45 cm.

If you use the folding option few people choose a model with an adjustable stride length.

When choosing an elliptical trainer, evaluate visually the condition of parts, fixtures and assemblies. Connections shall be securely fixed and do not hang out. If the strength of the structure does not cause problems - buy orbitrek.

pedal tilt angle is provided at a small number of models. This option equipped with expensive devices. This feature allows you to change the position of the body in order to choose the most suitable for the exercise. Tilt affects the comfort, but there is no functional advantage.

Setting the ramp changes the slope, creating more or less stress. You can adjust it and work out different muscle fibers.

Maximum allowable weight - one of the key parameters. By purchasing orbitrek, leave a margin of weight, which has a positive impact on its longevity, because overuse destroys parts. For example, for users weighing 80 kg is to buy a car with a tolerance of 100 kg.

functions

Additional options

Computer on the elliptical trainer is required to monitor and analyze your workout.

The display shows cover the distance, calories burned and time classes. Some models are equipped with a computer fitted, which on the basis of the sensors to activate the program to the user. Most folding orbitrek not equipped with a computer due to lack of space.

Programs are available for a fee. Advantage - a detailed study of the body. Needed for beginners. If you select the device plays the role of the price, then the presence is secondary programs.

In sporting activities need to control the state of the body. Built-in heart rate monitor will allow you to monitor your heart rate and adjust the load. For the analysis of pulse on the handle are placed sensors operating at the user touch. The drawback - the need to keep your hands on the handles to monitor heart rate.

Some orbitreki equipped with wireless sensors that are attached to the wearer's body. They represent valid data, and do not interfere with training. Price simulators with wireless sensors heart rate higher than that of models with sensors.

Function test determines the recovery of the body's adaptation to physical stress and overall health. The work is based on periodic measurements of heart rate by analyzing the speed of recovery.

Zhiroanalizator - a device that measures the percentage of body fat. The accuracy is not 100%, but estimates the figure for the organization of training.

When buying an elliptical trainer, you need to carefully examine the requirements and understand how it is used. Noticeable effect only when used regularly, so the choice is based on specified parameters, including personal feelings. Ignore the trainers with plastic housing. The frame is weaker than the metal models.

Feel free to check orbitrek in the store. Work on it for 2-3 minutes in different modes, evaluate the work machine. Be sure to read attachment, structural integrity and availability of electronic components and buttons. Ask any warranty of 2-3 years.

Pay attention to the manufacturer.

The market is full of cheap Chinese low-quality models. There are fakes that give manufacturers of original products. Prefer only proven manufacturers who have confirmed the quality of its production time.