Ironman produces a range of elliptical trainers from economy to midpriced, starting around $599 and up.

Although Ironman ellipticals are not as well known as some other brands, they have recently come out with several new models that may be worth considering.

The Ironman Achiever elliptical for example, offers a long 21″ stride, a more compact layout and center drive technology (where there are 2 smaller flywheels on either side of you instead of one large flywheel out in front).

Is an Ironman elliptical trainer right for you? Here’s a general review to help you decide:

Strengths:

1) Center Drive Technology – This is feature found only on some newer Ironman models like the Ironman Achiever and the CDT Elliptical.

Instead of a large flywheel out in front or behind you, there are 2 smaller flywheels on either side of you. According to Ironman, this helps to ensure proper workout posture. It also gives you a smaller footprint if you are short on space.

This 2 side flywheel design is also found on several other brands like Nordic Track and Proform

2) Longer Stride Lengths – While older economy Ironman models had really short stride lengths (14 – 16 inches), the newer higher end models have actually come out with 21″ stride lengths.

A longer stride length more accurately mimics your body’s natural motion and can give you a more efficient workout. While 21″ may be a bit too long for shorter users (under 5’4″), most users love the feel of a longer stride.

3) Great Reviews – Iron man ellipticals rate fairly well with experts and users. A leading consumer ratings organizaion gave the Ironman 320e a ‘Budget Buy’ rating.

Also, users have rated these ellipticals quite well, with many of the models averaging about from 4 out of 5 stars – mainly on the new models. Buyers liked the smoothness of the ellipticals as well as the center drive construction, which is more compact.

Weaknesses:

The older economy Ironman units do tend to have shorter stride lengths and very short warranties. There are other economy brands that offer you more for your money.

Also, while the newer models show promise, they don’t have a lot of history behind them. So it’s hard to say how well they’ll last over the long run.

Summary:

The new Ironman models are impressive – giving you smaller footprints, long 21″ strides and the center drive technology. While they don’t have as many bells and whistles as some other brands, the longer stride and design make them a popular choice with buyers.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the older, economy models with the smaller elliptical strides. You won’t get the best workout and you probably won’t feel comfortable on these units.

However the higher end models (especially the Achiever & CDT models) offer better construction and show a lot more promise overall.

Regardless of which elliptical you choose to buy, make sure you know what to look for when buying an elliptical. Consider the needs of everyone who will be using it, their height and weight, as well as the space you have in your fitness area.

Vienna Miller writes for Elliptical Trainer Reviews, a consumer oriented website focusing on the home elliptical market. For the more information on where to buy discount ellipticals direct from the manufacturer visit the Discount Elliptical Trainers page.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

By articlespan.com

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1. To increase your flexibility and to avoid injuries, stretch before and after workout. Almost everyone knows that stretching before workout prevents injuries during the exercises, but only few people know that stretching after workout, when muscles are still warm, can increase flexibility.

2. Hold your stretching position for more than 60 seconds to increase flexibility. While holding your position for 20 seconds is enough for warm ups, holding each position for at least 60 seconds will develop the body’s flexibility.

3. Do not go into a stretching position then immediately return to the relaxed position, and do it repeatedly. This is more appropriately termed as bouncing while in a position. When stretching, hold that position for several seconds, and then slowly relax. You may do this exercise repeatedly this way. Bouncing or forcing yourself into a position during stretching can strain or damage some joints or muscles.

4. Work slowly in increments instead of immediately proceeding to doing the hardest exercise or position.

5. Make sure that you have stretched or warmed up all muscle groups. For some people, even if they have strong bodies, they tend to neglect the neck when working out of stretching. Stretching the neck muscles can be as simple as placing the palm of one’s hand against the front of the head and pushing it. Then, do the same to the sides and the back of the head.

6. Stretch regularly to continually increase your range of movements and your level of flexibility and strength.

7. Workout considering only your capabilities and not of others. Do not force yourself to do exercises that you are not yet capable of just because there are people who can do it. Increase your limits slowly. Listen to your body. There are days when your body may be too tired that you may have to consider reducing your range of motion.

8. Learn to rest. Rest in between sets and stations to make sure that the body has enough time to recover its energy. Also, it is advisable that you don’t work the same muscle groups consecutively for two days. The muscles grow during the period when you rest and not when you are working out.

9. Do aerobic exercises to strengthen your heart. Aerobic exercises are those physical activities that much oxygen for fuel. This includes cardiovascular exercises such as skipping rope, running or swimming.

10. Music may help you when you want to train for longer periods or to increase your intensity. You can use mp3 players, CD players or lightweight am radio receivers for this. Just make sure that you brought your headset with you so you wouldn’t disturb people who don’t prefer music while exercising.

Apart from preventing injuries and increasing one’s limit, it is also said that stretching is good for a tired body and also for a stressed mind and spirit.

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