Shopping today for an elliptical machine online is difficult enough if you haven't spent time comparing current reviews and ratings. Almost all gyms, fitness clubs and many homes are already outfitted with their own elliptical trainers. Higher-end machines brands such as SportsArt Fitness, Quantum Fitness, Precor, Life Fitness and other brands found in specialty stores, can usually handle users who weigh up to 180 kg (400 lbs). And they range in price from $1300 to $5400 (US).

Now when you go shopping for a unit, you may already know if you want to buy something expensive or do you just want to buy a low cost or discounted machine. Because of the fact that it's a low or no impact machine it's a perfect choice for people who are suffering from or are recovering from any type of joint problems such as those in the knees, ankle, hip or back. Also for people with balance issues or have disabilities or medical issues that prevent them from lifting up their feet as they would on a treadmill, than the elliptical machine is the perfect answer. When shopping for a trainer you want to find the best quality machine while saving as much money as possible.

To get the best possible price when shopping online or at your local fitness store, sporting goods or big box stores always ask the salesperson, or better yet the manager, for a discount no matter which store you end up buying a machine. There are business discounts, professional discounts, health professional discounts, nurse's discounts, senior discounts, student discounts, college student discounts, disability discounts and many others to name a few.

Whether or not they give you a discount ask them to throw something in with your purchase. Perhaps something related to your workout routine. Just make sure to ask. Discounts are given all the time. They want to make the sale, so why not benefit.

The best way to decide which machine is the best fit for you and/or your family or partner is by making a list of all the features that you'd like to have.

With elliptical exercise equipment, your legs travel in an elongated circular motion. They use the arms and the legs, making it a cross trainer, in a smooth and natural motion. While using a machine gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise helps to build up bone density and fight off osteoporosis it's reported.

They have also been proven to offer a lower - what is called -'Perceived Rate of Exertion' whenever you're working out. An elliptical workout provides an overall body workout without all the strain. Many people want machines that store well because they want to use them when they need them and then put them away in a closet when they're not using them.

The elliptical trainer uses all of the muscles in the lower part of the leg. Most units will come standard with an on-board computer. According to the manufacturers, a general estimate of calories burned by an elliptical trainer can go up to as high as 720 calories an hour.

Assorted facts: ellipticals are able to help provide healthy bodies by maintaining healthy bone density, which is important today with the standard American diet. You may want a trainer that folds away for storage purposes so make sure to consider this before you purchase. It combines the movements and benefits of hiking, cross country skiing, and biking all rolled up into one.

Recent studies have shown that because these trainers are optimizing your energy expenditure, the average person will burn more calories. A workout burns 13 calories per minute or so. Because these units are a mix between the treadmill and a stair climber you have a great opportunity to cross-train each time you work out.

The best machines offer many, many advantages over other forms of exercise and exercise equipment. It is quickly gaining popularity both in and out of the gym or health club. And it can provide the same benefits people can get with exercises.