Elliptical trainers are a new type of exercise equipment. They are similar to a stair climber and a cross-country ski machine in the way that they move your arms and legs. I have been using an elliptical trainer now for the past six months and I can say with certainty that they really help you to lose weight. I needed a piece of exercise equipment that wouldn’t make too much noise, when I am running my home-based business, and one that would be effective. I have found both in the elliptical trainer. It is a very quiet and effective machine to use. There are no whirring motors to contend with because all of the power to operate the device comes from the user.

You never have to wait for a nice day to exercise or have to worry about running off to the gym. The elliptical trainer will satisfy all of your exercise needs any time of day or night and in any type of weather.

The elliptical trainer has several advantages over the treadmill because it is really low impact on your joints and it keeps a constant pressure on the joints being used. A treadmill, even though it is not as bad as running, still causes impact on the joints. The elliptical trainer allows you to keep a constant motion to get your heart rate to where you would like it to be and keep it there for the time that you need to get the aerobic benefits.

Several of the new elliptical trainers have electronic controls and monitors that allow you to keep track of your heart rate and intensity of your exercise. The machine can be set to decrease or increase the level of your exercise as needed to maintain your target heart rate and distance coverage.

As with most machines you get what you pay for with an elliptical trainer. The less expensive models are not as sturdy as the more expensive models causing them to rattle and shake when you use them. So it would be a good idea to shop for one somewhere where you could try it out and make sure you like it before you buy one. Once you find a model that you like you may be able to get a good deal on one on e-bay or at a local exercise equipment re-seller. They do take up some room so you will have to plan out where you can put it without it being in the way and where you are able to use it when you want to.

The best kind I have found is the type that has movable handle grips. The movable handle grips allow you to combine your leg workout with an arm workout as well.

Using an elliptical trainer has allowed me to keep up with the demands of my home-based business while getting the exercise that I need.