How to choose
This article appeared in Budget and midrange models can usually be found at Sears, Sports Authority, Walmart, and other discount and sporting-goods chains. Shop at sporting-goods specialty stores for the moderate to high-end models. Important factors to consider include these:
Dimensions
Most ellipticals and non-folding treadmills are about the size of a small couch. But sizes can vary greatly. The Stamina Avari GX8, for example, is a massive machine that demands more than 8 feet of floor length during use. At the other end of the spectrum, the LifeCore LC985VG requires just under 5 feet.
Many treadmills and some ellipticals can be folded when not in use. Folding treadmills are usually a bit shorter and can be stored upright to save space. Don't forget that you'll need extra space around a treadmill or elliptical to safely get on and off. For ellipticals, take close stock of your vertical space, especially if you have low ceilings, because you'll be elevated on the machine.
Ergonomics
The optimal treadmill deck for most runners is about 60 inches long by 20 inches wide. But if you have an unusually long running stride, try out models in the store to make sure. Walkers can get by with the shorter decks on some folding treadmills and many budget models.
When using an elliptical exerciser, you should never feel discomfort in your knee or hip joints, and your knees shouldn't bump the frame or handgrips. The moving handgrips should not force you to lean uncomfortably forward or back. Some models allow you to adjust the stride length to find the most comfortable position.
Display
A good display will have easy-to-use controls and will show some combination of your heart rate, calories burned, speed, resistance levels, and details such as time and distance.
Adjustability
For treadmills, consider the machine's speed and incline. The top speed on the models we tested ranged from 12 miles per hour, as on the highly rated PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR, to 8 mph on the LifeSpan TR2000. Most treadmills have a maximum incline of at least 10 percent, but some max out at only 5.5 percent, and one machine, the Esprit ET 188, had no incline at all. Look for machines with programs that allow you to adjust routines based on your fitness level and have heart-rate-controlled workouts that consider your age, weight, and gender.
Those with a chest-strap heart-rate monitor are best because they don't impede your movement. Contact monitors measure your heart rate only when you're holding onto them, which can impede your natural stride. But it doesn't need to be a deal-breaker; stand-alone heart-rate monitors are available for about $28 to $100. You'll also want a machine that is easy to adjust and has a variety of workout levels. We're also seeing more machines with a negative-incline feature, including the PaceMaster and the LifeSpan TR2000. Likewise, look for an elliptical exerciser that has a range of resistance that fits your workout needs.
Watch the warranties
Look for one that provides two to three years of coverage on major moving parts and a year for labor. Surveys on the probability of failure and repair costs have shown that extended warranties are probably not a good deal.
