The elliptical features 16 intensity levels as well as three different motion levels, allow of which keep your workouts challenging. It will be difficult to find yourself getting bored. With the variety of choices, it makes it easy to push yourself and get an serious workout quickly.

The machines also boasts several features to add to your experience exercising. There is an Ipod docking station, for example, which comes with speakers for listening to the music you best like to workout to. There is an LCD display that is multi-color and easy to program as well as to watch how you are progressing.

More technical features include the magnetic brake system which makes your stops and transitions smoother. And the foot pedals are ergonomic, allowing for more comfort and less fatigue. There is also a wireless heart rate control monitor.

If you are sharing the machine, you can set up as many as nine different user profiles. This way, no one needs to keep entering their target heart rate, age, sex, weight and height every time.

The warranty for service on the unit is 2 years while the electronics and parts are guaranteed for 3 years and the frame and brake have a lifetime warranty. The service warranty is a plus as some ellipticals come with only 90 days and most have no more than a year.

One downside can be mentioned. This is that the 3 motions that are adjustable must be done so manually. It is not as convenient as machines featuring automatic adjustment. On the other hand, those types of machines normally have a higher price tag as well.

To top it all off, you also get some great pre-set programs from which to choose so that you can get even more out of your workouts. Though this is not the fanciest elliptical that you can find, the construction is high quality and that and all the accompanying features come at price that is reasonable.

To summarize this Smooth CD 3 7 elliptical review, if you are in the market for a mid-range priced elliptical, meaning between $1000 and $1500, this is a good one to put on your list. While they are certainly not the most inexpensive one you can find, the quality is much higher than cheaper machines and well worth the cost.

How well do Smooth Fitness Ellipticals rate against the competition?

A lot of NordicTrack ellipticals feature inclines that are adjustable so you can better work out more muscles. This can also help you get a more intense cardio workout also. Some machines also feature strides that can be adjusted which will also assist you in working out more muscles in the lower body. For an even greater variation in stride, check out the FreeStride which ranges all the way up to 35 inches. This one is a bit of a cross between elliptical and step machine.

There is an interesting technology by NordicTrack called iFIT. It features workout cards which have been designed by fitness trainers. These cards are available in four different varieties: body shaping, performance, weight loss and wellness. There are also 3 different levels of workouts: beginning, intermediate and advanced. Each card has 24 workouts on it covering 8 weeks of training.

The cards are sold separately from the machines and also include audio from a trainer to help motivate and coach you. The trainer also gives tips on how to get more out of your workouts. Though they are an extra expense, they are still much cheaper than having an actual trainer. On some of the newer models, you are also able to connect to iFIT on the Internet. There is an additional charge for this but it also give you access to customized workouts and hiking trails that use Google Maps.

There are many different models of elliptical trainers made by NordicTrack each featuring somewhat different features. For example, if you really need to save floor space, there is one model that folds called the NordicTrack Spacesaver. Bear in mind that this one is probably not going to stand up to as intense usage as the other models.

For the most part, fitness trainers suggest that when you plan on using an elliptical for workouts that are really intense, you are best off spending more money on machines that are really sturdy. For light use, NordicTrack gets great markets in the low to mid-range category.

Most Nordic Track elliptical reviews are very positive although, as always, there are a few negative ones. For the most part, these are talking about the lower end models. They are also usually reviews that are older so it is quite possible that any problems with the machines, as well as customer service, have been resolved. Even so, as with any product, you should always be sure you know what the warranty and return policy is before you buy.

Read a few reviews on Nordic Track Elliptical Trainers before you make your decision to buy.

People usually want a compact type of elliptical machine for a couple of reasons. They are small to average and want a machine that has a smaller stride. Or, they live in apartments or otherwise have space that is restricted in size.

If you are heavy or are of a height that is taller than average, it will probably not be your best choice. On the other hand, if you are of a build that is between small and average, it is worth a closer look.

It has a few features that are worth mentioning. The pedals can be adjusted so that you can set them to accommodate your individual stride. In addition, altering the positioning can allow you to work on other muscles.

There are 12 programs preset and it includes Polar compatible heart rate control programs. You can store the data for as many as four users. The console features an LED display which is easy to read and lets you see your time, distance, speed, watts, pulse and calories all at the same time. There is a gauge to adjust the resistance.

Enclosed bearings are used in the parts that pivot which will reduce wear and tear and thus cut down on needing service. There is a warranty of 1 year on service and of 5 years on parts. The frame and the joints come with a lifetime warranty. A leading consumer magazine rated it as a best buy for two years in a row.

The LifeCORE LC985VG elliptical trainer is a machine that is built to last. Unlike most ellipticals in this compact category, it does not receive customer complaints about it breaking down. Instead, the reviews continually say that they do not need a much maintaining and work just as well later on as they did on the first day they were used.

A Lifecore LC985vg Elliptical Trainer provides a lot of quality in a compact size. Lifecore elliptical trainers are an efficient use of space when you don't have much space for a full range of exercise equipment.

An elliptical trainer can only provide those benefits, though, if it contains some must-have features.

In any piece of fitness equipment safety comes first. That's provided by a sturdy frame and quality parts. It's no accident that those attributes also give you a good deal for your money. Look for an elliptical made from good steel alloy and high-impact plastic or composites.

The handrails should feel like the Hulk could not rip them off. The stepping pads should be able to withstand an insane six-year old jumping on them until he's sixty. Ok, that might be an exaggeration, but you get the idea.

At the same time, all those parts should be smooth and quiet. That isn't just a matter of not being annoyed while you listen to music. Quality parts are quiet and vice-versa. They're reliable and long-lasting and continue to perform like new even after years of use.

But beyond the basics, ellipticals have several unique features that will distinguish a great one from a merely good one.

Adjustable resistance and inclines will help you get the most out of your workout. As you use the machine over a period of time your strength and coordination levels will improve. That's the whole idea. The machine should let you start out at your level, but keep up with you as you rise.

One important feature that ties into that is stride length. Since ellipticals, by design, allow you to emulate walking they have to be set for some stride length. Get one appropriate to your height, leg length and natural stride. Some are as short as 14 in/31 cm but 21 in/47 cm is the average. Taller individuals will want to look for something larger, of course.

Even though you need the right stride, be prepared to stretch yourself a bit. You don't want to feel awkward forever. With an elliptical many people do at first - that's natural. But you want the machine to have the capacity to challenge you. A longer stride length is a factor in making that possible.

The arm handles (not present on all models, but very handy to have, no pun intended) let you get a good upper body workout while you walk. If their resistance can be adjusted, that's a great feature. Here again they should let you work them at your beginning level, but not be too easy as you gain muscle.

Look for quality that fits your body style and workout goals and you're bound to find something that suits your needs.

Low-impact fitness gear to the rescue!

There are half a dozen different kinds of fitness equipment that offer the ability to build strength and coordination, improve balance and optimize joint health. Cardiovascular health and lung capacity are not neglected here, either. Several of the items discussed below offer those benefits as part of an overall low-impact exercise program.

Rowing machines, for example, offer a full body workout that gives tremendous cardiovascular benefits with little stress on the joints. On the contrary, a rowing machine helps improve joint health by keeping supporting muscles strong and encouraging lubrication.

Stationary bikes or spinning cycles also provide a great cardio workout as they emphasize development of the hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes. They really work the muscles that stabilize the knees and provide similar benefits to ankle joints.

Stair stepping is another low-impact exercise and stair steppers are usually less expensive than many other items in the home gym. They keep knee-stabilizing quadriceps firm as they help shape up the calves and give an all-round good cardio workout.

For those with a little bigger budget a treadmill is a superb piece of low-impact fitness equipment. Walking in general is great for health. But sometimes sidewalks can be a little hard on the ankles and knees. Also, you may want to keep your workout indoors for reasons of safety or convenience, especially if you tend to exercise in the evenings. Treadmills are the perfect low-impact item to help you achieve those values.

An elliptical trainer is the latest must-have addition to the home gym, but it's not just a fad. Over the years since their introduction they've proven their worth. They help improve coordination, develop leg and back muscles, and optimize the cardiovascular system. But, unlike the outdoor exercises they emulate an elliptical doesn't stress the joints.

Even a weight machine can provide a whole set of low-impact exercises that build strength, tone, curb body fat and burn calories. Weight machine exercises do put some stress on joints, to be sure. But there's a big difference in effect on the knees between, say, a leg-press that works the hamstrings, calves and quads and the pounding that jogging entails.

There are a variety of reasons that finding low-impact exercises can be near the top of someone's fitness goals. Recent surgery or other medical condition, advancing age, or a dozen other life circumstances can make it important to take extra care with joints and bones. Fortunately, there are several items of fitness equipment that make it easy to satisfy those goals.

Most people will first think about getting a treadmill. That's an excellent choice. They provide superb cardiovascular benefits, help strengthen and tone several muscle groups and can burn calories like mad. But, because of the cost, this might not be the piece of gear to start with first.

An aerobic rider is a good place to start, even though that piece of gear is not absolutely essential. It has real benefits for those just starting out and a used one can be purchased for less than $50.

To build muscle and improve coordination and joint stability, a good set of weights is a must. To save money, it's possible to start small with a few neoprene dumbbell sets of varying weights. But soon, you'll want to graduate to an interchangeable outfit, especially the type with plates or discs that can be used either on dumbbells or barbells.

If you have the budget (and interest) you might take the plunge and go for a weight machine or home gym. That investment is better made after you've used one at the public gym at least a few times, though. Once you decide to go for it, make sure to get one with at least a few stations. You don't want your interest to wane out of lack of variety after only a few weeks or months.

A good weight machine will cost at least a few hundred dollars, probably closer to $1,000 or more. That's a substantial investment, but a good machine will work for you and keep your interest for years. You can build strength in every muscle group and a good one will have enough variety to perform a few dozen different exercises. Some will even include a rowing machine as part of the unit.

An elliptical trainer is another favorite, even though they too can be pricey. They provide not only excellent cardio benefits, but make possible a whole range of exercises. The emphasis is on leg development, but with a good pair of handles you can also work back muscles, deltoids, pecs, biceps and more.

One alternative, or addition, is Nordic ski machines. They may seem like a specialty item, since they're designed to emulate cross-country skiing and you may not be into that. But the types of motion used are similar to that employed in using an elliptical trainer. Emphasis is on leg development, but with simulated pole motion you can get a range of back and arm exercises too.

The most important aspect of outfitting a home gym, though, isn't the dollars you spend or the gear you get. Those aren't unimportant, but they're not the key. The key is to get quality gear that you will enjoy using.

According to numerous official studies the major reason most people stop working out is lost motivation. That can be brought on by injury, lack of variety or other factors. A good home gym plan will keep you using that gear you spent so much research time investigating and money buying.