Elliptical Trainer
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
Safety
The way the cross trainer works, it stops immediately when you stop, which reduces the risk of falling off it.
There is hardly a risk of falling from an elliptical machine. There's a remote chance of that happening when you use it in reverse, by walking backwards, as the motion feels strange the first few times you do it.
The models that have the handlebars are even a bit safer, as you have more points of contact with the elliptical - thus making it less likely you'll fall off it.
While there is always a concern with exercise machines and young children in the house, it is not a big issue with the ellipticals, as young kids would probably not be strong enough to operate it. The machines usually have a low center of gravity and are therefore not likely to tip over.
Minimal Space and Power Needs
Most of the models for home use do not require electricity at all, or only very little power to enable the exercise monitor.
The elliptical trainers also have small footprint and take up less floor space than other fitness equipment. This makes them a very good option for small houses.
The rowers usually occupy a very small space, and many models are foldable - to be stored away under the bed when not in use.
Most rowing machines do not need to be plugged in at all, as all resistance is magnetic. Some machines have a workout monitor that usually runs on batteries (some will use a small amount of power instead of batteries or just in order to recharge them).
Workout Effectiveness
Most elliptical trainers have dual action handlebars, and together with the foot pedals they give you a total body workout, exercising both your legs and your torso.
Since your feet never leave the pedals, an elliptical cross trainer workout is low-impact. Some studies show that this lack of impact on the joints allows a very effective workout in terms of fat burning vs. perceived effort levels, meaning you will feel that you can go on for longer.
Most elliptical trainers let you change the incline, intensity and sometimes the gait length. This adds variety to the workout. Additionally, the elliptical trainers are unique in that they let you go both forward and backward. The backward motion adds lower body workout of different muscles.
The elliptical trainer is first amongst all exercise equipment in that it simultaneously works the largest number of muscle groups. That is the reason an elliptical machine is also called a cross-trainer. The workout on the elliptical uses your quadriceps, hamstrings, gluts, chest, back, triceps and biceps.
The more muscles are exercised - the more of your body gets toned, the fat burning process is accelerated, and your fitness level increases faster.
In terms of fat burning, elliptical trainers and jogging burn a similar number of calories. However, because of the impact, jogging carries a risk of injury to the back, knees, hips, or ankles. On a cross trainer your feet are always on the foot pedals. The exercise on an elliptical trainer can be compared to running in midair.
Being a low-impact workout, elliptical machines are very good for older people or for exercising when recovering from a joint injury. People who suffer from repeating shin splints also find that the cross trainer lets them get a good cardiovascular workout without over-straining their shins.
Exercising correctly on the elliptical trainer, when using the handlebars, burns lots of fat quickly. This usually shows quick results in weight loss, toned muscles - both lower and upper body, and increased level of fitness.
While a workout on the elliptical trainer can be very effective, it tends to allow momentum from bodyweight alone. This means that if you set the resistance level too low, you will not produce force and move your bodyweight yourself. Rather - the machine will use the momentum built up in the first minute or so of the workout. The risk here is that you will not actually use your muscles to move, and therefore not burn many calories. This happens more often than not.
The rowing exercise uses both the upper and lower body for aerobic cardiovascular work with no impact on the joints.
Using a rowing machine correctly and regularly, and with adequate exercise level, you can expect it to work your back muscles but also stretch them, helping ease pain and discomfort. Note however, that using it incorrectly may lead to back discomfort and possible injury, so you need to seek advice regarding the correct way to perform the rowing machine exercise.
Rowing machines are considered to have an excellent workout value, as the exercise they provide works on large muscle groups and does not let you slack (use momentum) while working them.
Good results are achieved quite quickly in terms of increased fitness levels, weight loss and fat burning. Results will initially show toned thighs, buttocks and firmer arms.
Note that rowing machines do not provide a good level of exercise variety - you can only change the resistance you work against, but not, for example, the chair sliding length, or the angle of the string you pull.
Price
Fat Burning Efficiency
This is not so simple though, because in order for this to be true, the machine has to be used correctly, that is - with no momentum. If you can achieve that, an elliptical cross trainer is probably the best fitness machine to burn fat with.
Because there's no impact, you can exercise harder on an elliptical trainer compared to high-impact exercise equipment. This is because your perceived effort is lower. This also means that you will be able to exercise for more time, and therefore, overall, burn more fat.
Some researches show that the type of energy exertion on the elliptical trainer is very effective for overweight individuals, as it burns fat more effectively.
Note that it is easy, using the elliptical cross trainer to gain bodyweight momentum. This lets the machine do most of the work for you (like with bicycle) so it loses points for easiness of self deluding.
The rowing machine is very effective at burning fat as it uses the larger muscles of both upper and lower body. Additionally, a rowing machine does not let you easily gain bodyweight momentum, so the workout is very effective.
Maintenance Considerations
The elliptical trainer works by means of a very low-impact motion, and does not have many moving parts. It is therefore not very likely that your cross trainer will require frequent service.
The lesser impact also means less wear and tear of the elliptical machine, which contributes to lowering maintenance needs.
Most ellipticals do not have a motor and work by using a magnetic resistance wheel. The wheel and foot rests need infrequent oiling, but as there is no motor - no serious maintenance work is usually required.
On the other hand, most rowing machines have a cable which may break, and a seat that moves back and forth. These two parts require maintenance and checks to be performed on a regular basis.
Another moving part of the rower is the wheel, which usually works on magnetic resistance. The wheel compartment requires infrequent oiling, but other than that maintenance is quite a breeze.
Risk Free
The cross trainers are regularly used for rehabilitation, as the elliptical workout does not involve impact at all. Your feet never leave the foot rests and so the elliptical provides exercise without abusing the joints in your lower body.
The technique is important in order to avoid back strain. The rowing machine works on your back muscles and at the same time stretches them. This has the benefit of helping ease pain and discomfort.
When applying good technique, there is a very low injury risk as there is less pressure to knees and ankles. This allows you to exercise for longer durations, which lets you raise fitness levels and burn fat more quickly.
Elliptical Trainer
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
Elliptical Trainer
based on 477 customer reviews
Feel factor: 13
Great Machine
(Score 5/5)
The Schwinn 430 eliptical was very easy to put together. I am a woman and put it together by myself in a few hours. I couldn't get the electronics to work, but called customer service and they were very helpful and sent me the parts I needed. The machine is very quiet and the operation very smooth. The computer console is easy to understand and program. It's well worth the money.
Posted on: 2010-09-14
By PJ
Fantastic Value
(Score 5/5)
I am a frequent user of elliptical machines and find this machine to be a great value. The machine has good resistance levels, many options, can go in reverse and all-in-all provides an excellent workout. This machine is also (relatively) inexpensive for its type (elliptical) and is well worth the price. The machine is quiet (I exercise when my children are sleeping) and is not overly bulky. Also, the machine is not difficult to assemble (the instructions are very clear) and machine upkeep has been easy. I am very happy with this purchase!
Posted on: 2010-08-27
By Anonymous
Great machine @ great price!
(Score 5/5)
My boyfriend and I purchased this machine based on the strength of the positive reviews on Amazon...and we weren't disappointed in the least...the assembly was pretty straightforward (except for the addendum to step 7 that I discovered while half way through step 9...$%#!?&!) and, for the most part, (except for step 2) I was able to put the whole thing together by myself (I'm no engineer!) in about 2 & 1/2 hours. As soon as the machine was assembled and plugged in, I tried it out and was amazed...not only does the Schwinn 430 look great but it's also fairly compact, very sturdy, smooth, and quiet...and it came at the great price of $599! It's a great deal! I'm in love! :D
Posted on: 2010-08-26
By V. Minnett
Nice machine for the price...but a bit noisey
(Score 3/5)
This machine is a great value for the price. The machine is relatively compact compared to other similar models. Construction seems solid although it is a little noisey at low speeds.
Posted on: 2010-08-23
By Torretta
smooth and quiet
(Score 5/5)
This is a great workout machine. Very smooth and quiet in operation and can give a light or strenuous workout, depending on what one chooses. In a ten minute workout, I have been able to work up pretty heavy breathing and (sweating). As a mechanic, I consider it well designed and well constructed. The moving parts etc. do not appear likely to break with normal use. I applied lots of white lithium grease to all the joints (axles) during the "put together". Wipe the excess grease off after tightening the nut. One should pay close attention to the instructions and finish one section before going to the other. It may be difficult and time consuming for some but with diligence, can be done. Tighten all screws tightly but the axle nuts should be slightly looser. I have been using mine, now, for about a month and it is working just fine, very smooth and quiet. I did add an external fan ,though, to keep me cool.........................................
Posted on: 2010-08-06
By sploziv
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
based on 216 customer reviews
Feel factor: 4
Terrible
(Score 1/5)
I got the machine and it was bent. I bent it back out with pliers so that I could put it together. It was missing a screw and the cord to the monitor was ripped in half. I emailed the company and no response. One of the worst purchases I've ever made.
Posted on: 2010-09-27
By Greg
Great Entry-Level Rower
(Score 5/5)
Great entry-level rower. The arms pivot for a natural stroke. The known issue of foot slipage at the heal was solved with a few dollars worth of velcro applied at the heal. In operation, the velcro at the heal is fastened over the ankle to hold the heel in place. The toe straps are fine as they are.
Posted on: 2010-09-26
By H2O
Demo of Stamina Rower
(Score 5/5)
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2NN8NRK05JS7U So far, so good.
There are 12 levels of resistance. I was using resistance level 8.
The computer tells you how many complete rows you have performed, time performed, calories burned or you can scan through all three. My computer didn't work when it first arrived. I gave it a good punch (I was a little upset that it wasn't working) and it started working. I was worried I'd be returning this item, but it ended up just being another happy owner.
Also, the clicking noise was my feet hitting the foot rests at the end of each rep.
Posted on: 2010-09-26
By Louie Arrighi
best value for the $
(Score 5/5)
Excellent value for the price paid. Sturdy - very well built. Smooth action. Easy to put together. Display easily read. One improvment would be for each foot pedal I would have two velcro straps instead of one - that is easily solved by "wraping" a strap around your ankle to the base. Would definitely buy again.
Posted on: 2010-09-14
By H. Chin
Love this machine!
(Score 5/5)
Just received my Stamina 1050 rower. Nice, sturdy product for the price, and assembly was a snap. I am a 5'4 female, and the fit is fine for me. The key to keeping your feet on the pads is to wear comfy running/walking shoes with a good thick base. Strap the velcro snugly and you're set for a good workout with virtually no slips. I couldn't believe how quickly I got to target heart rate, especially after choosing a more resistant setting. I recommend this product highly for a quality, low-impact, full-body workout in half the time of other routines. Thanks, Stamina!
Posted on: 2010-08-30
By Dmac
