[JasonJayhawk]

My parents are looking at buying an Elliptical. They're $599+ USD, and I'll probably end up being the primary user of it.

Anybody have any horror stories with using one, or have any advice that would say "Don't get it!"?

[zookeeper671]

My boyfriend loves the elliptical. I, on the other hand, look like a marionette controlled by a sadist when I'm on one.

Maybe give one a try in a store to see how you like it?

[am1977]

I love the eliptical machines that they have at the gym...I'm trying to think of the brand. I'm drawing a blank, but if I remember I"ll PM you.

I also have a Nordic Track eliptical machine that takes up a ton of room in my apartment. I used it fairly often before I joined the gym, but now it just sits there. I can't say I like it that much. It's very difficult to use. I don't know how, but it's set to a very high resistance which makes it almost impossible to use.

As for most elipticals in general, I do like them and think this would be a wise investment towards keeping in shape and keeping healthy. I'd recommend it

[SunniD]

Make sure your body moves in conjunction to the elliptical movements or it will be a waste of money. Make sure your
knees will also hold out for the workout as a fair amount of
stress is put on the knees in the elliptical workout.

I like the ellipticals but they are not my first choice for gym
equipment for sure. I think your money could be better spent
elsewhere but that's my opinion.<smile>

SunniD

[JasonJayhawk]

Thanks for the feedback!

I did what zookeeper suggested, and tried one in the store -- actually, several. It wasn't bad, and I was impressed with how the quality varies -- and that more expensive doesn't necessarily mean any better.

At Sears, they happened to have a Nordic Track model. It had all sorts of fancy electronics, but I doubted that I'd need those electronics to keep peddling away like a marionette.

I was ready to get one, but then realized something... I must put this device in the basement, which only has a 7' ceiling. I'm 6'2" tall, and the elliptical boosted me up in the air by about 12 to 15". Therefore, the elliptical is out for now -- Do'h!!!

SunniD -- thanks for the info about the knees. My mom is of the greatest concern, since she'd be "inheriting" this device from me, and has knee problems. I could already imagine what it looks like with laundry hanging off of it.

I'm back in the drawing board for a treadmill!