Fluid movements from top to bottom
Smooth, impact-free elliptical machines were immediate hits when they debuted a decade ago. Recently, they’ve become even more popular. That’s because all the major manufacturers now offer models with simultaneous push-pull arm action, turning the already knee-friendly leg workout into a torso-torqueing, full-body blast. Solid, rattle-free models with heart rate programs like the ones below don’t come cheap -- generally $2,000 and up -- but no other exercise save swimming works you from head to toe like this.
--
The only adjustable foot ramp
Diamondback Fitness 1250 Ef: The sole full-body elliptical with changeable pedal elevation.
Likes: Feels as solid as a club machine. Only model that lets you change the slope of your foot stride from shallow to steep. Shorter length (70 inches) than Precor. Highest elevation setting is great for tough, high-knee-lift running sans arm handles.
Dislikes: Feels choppy when used legs-only at flatter slopes.
Price: $2,749. (800) 776-7642;
www.diamondbackfitness.com.
--
Small wonder
Keys centerG: Eye-catching mighty mite with the market’s most radical new design.
Likes: Quality performance. Sleek, house-friendly looks and size (54 inches long) due to unique design that places the flywheel in the middle of the machine. Eerily quiet. As solid as a club machine.
Dislikes: Highest resistance level may not be hard enough for serious athletes using the handlebars, although fine for hands-free running.
Price: $2,599. (800) 683-1236; www.keysfitness.com.
--
Space saver
Vision X6200 HRT: Full-featured model that folds up.
Likes: Fits in a closet when not in use; foot pedals and rails lift to vertical position in seconds, reducing 7-foot length by half. Large dot-matrix screen. Sprint 8 interval program delivers a fun, challenging workout in 20 minutes.
Dislikes: Feels solid, but not quite club quality. Placement of the small, stationary handle bars feels too cramped. My fingers occasionally hit them while I ran hands-free.
Price: $1,999. (800) 335-4348; www.visionfitness.com.
Cadillac of ellipticals
--
Precor EFX 5.33: Superb quality from the elliptical pioneer-leader.
Likes: Very fluid motion and solid feel -- just like Precor’s popular health-club machines. Hand-arm position is very natural, ideal for hard pushing.
Dislikes: Ramp does not adjust. At 80 inches long, it takes up a lot of space.
Price: $3,499. (800) 4PRECOR; www.precor.com.
-- Roy M. Wallack