When people are in the market to buy something, they usually want either the best quality in the market or the cheapest. Fitness is similar. People either want a machine that they know they can depend on for a long period of time with numerous features, both practical and luxury. Some people will settle for a smaller elliptical trainer than they would like, because they either don’t have the room for a bulkier one, or they simply do not have the means. However, those who can afford the elliptical trainers with a bigger price tag have several brands to pick from.  However, they can also look forward to a bill of at least $2-3,000 all the way up to about $5,000+.

Cybex is the first brand we will be mentioning because they are renowned for their redefining of the elliptical trainer. In fact, they don’t necessarily make ellipticals. Instead, they make arc trainers. This is because the motion of the arc is better for the body than that of a real elliptical. It helps to keep the foot under the knee, hence reducing joint problems. It also essentially has three different types of motion. At a low incline, it is like that of cross country skiing. When the incline is at a mid point, it is like a true elliptical with proper positioning, and at the highest inclines, the motion is like that of a stepper. So there are basically three machines in one, and better yet, there is no joint stress. The other perk to the Cybex elliptical trainers is that they are made to work the major muscles in the lower body: the quads and the glutes. Once these two muscles are forced to work harder, they start to burn many calories which contribute to increased weight loss. This brand also boasts a benefit of having some models’ color suited to the preference of the owner. Therefore you can match the machine with the décor.

Another well known high end brand is Precor. This brand is the one that patented the back drive technology and still holds a large sway in its development. Granted, some companies have found innovative ways around this patent. However, for the most part, Precor is the largest maker of back drive ellipticals. Back drive ellipticals in and of themselves are beneficial because they tend to be smoother and more fluid feeling that some of the front drive ellipticals. Between this and the fact that Precor boasts that their design is one that decreases the amount of stress on the hips, knees, and back, Precor is well deserving of its notoriety.

There are numerous other brands that tout a high price tag to go along with high quality, but these were only two of the brands among the many others. However, just because one costs more than the other, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is automatically better.  Each person has their own preference, so what may be fantastic for one may be sub-par for another. Experimentation and actual use is the only factor that can make a true decision for a person, not the amount of information read.