Looking at elliptical machines? This is the time of year that most people choose to buy an elliptical trainer.
The good news for you is that elliptical trainers get better every year. There are 2 reasons for this:
#1) Competition - With more manufacturers entering the market, competition is fierce. Elliptical companies are scrambling to provide the best fitness gadgets and designs that they can - for as low a price as they can.
High competition may make it confusing for some buyers (so many choices!) However it's good in the sense that you're getting more bang for your buck than ever before.
#2) Buyers Researching On The Net - The rise of the Internet has helped manufacturers improve their models and give buyers more of what they want. I regularly speak to elliptical manufacturers who are upgrading their models because of what they've read on my site or other review sites.
New 2009 Elliptical Machines - What's Around The Corner:
So what can you expect for the new 2009 elliptical machines? Here are the 3 main ways I think elliptical machines will improve in the new year:
1) More Incline Models - Incline (also called Ramp or Power Ramp) used to be a feature only offered on $3000+ Precor models (Precor actually engineered the first elliptical with incline - called CrossRamp).
Incline is different from resistance. Resistance makes it harder or easier to push through the elliptical motion. Incline actually changes the slope of the elliptical pattern.
The advantage to this is that you work different sets of muscles, get a better overall workout and avoid overtraining. Incline has been trickling into the home market a little bit over the years however, you'll probably find that it will become a standard feature for the high end home brands in the New Year.
2) Better Online Pricing - While buying online has offered better prices for the past few years, there are more manufacturers now jumping on the bandwagon, selling direct to the consumer.
Margins are tight and manufacturers are looking for any chance they can get to beat out the competition. This will probably mean more direct-to-consumer selling with lower prices.
The buyer wins because they save money on store markup. Plus they don't have to drive around all over town to see a few different models. They just sit in their living room and shop from a much larger range of different models. With more to choose from, chances are higher that they'll find a better value buy.
3) Improved Entertainment Goodies & Fitness Tools - At the last fitness trade show I attended, there were some mind-blowing new features built into the new commercial ellipticals. TVs, stereos, iPod hookups and charging stations, interactive workout programs - it was like having your own personal trainer built into your elliptical.
And usually what starts in the commercial market, filters down to the home market. (For example, treadmills with TV's started in the commercial market and now there are several home units offering built-in TVs).
Manufacturers are looking for an edge - and turning a boring old elliptical into your personal entertainment station is a good way to get it.
While built-in TVs may still take a while, you're already seeing iPod docks, built in speakers and interactive workout programs in home units. With the new 2009 models you'll probably see more new elliptical models offering these entertainment goodies.
So those are 3 predictions for the new elliptical machines coming out in the New Year. If you're looking for new 2009 models, they usually start trickling out around late November of 2008 and into January 2009. Just remember to choose a high quality brand and properly designed elliptical that suits your fitness needs.
Kathryn O'Neill writes for Elliptical Reviews, a site offering elliptical machine reviews and tips on what you need to know before you buy an elliptical.
For the latest elliptical "Best Buys" that offer high value for bargain prices visit the Best Elliptical Machines page.
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