In this article we will take a close look at the pros and cons with a folding elliptical.
Last Updated: December 10, 2016 -Steve
A lot of people want a good cardio workout machine, though don’t want to deal with the setbacks of a treadmill or similar machine.
So, instead of settling for a treadmill, they settle for something else: an elliptical machine a.k.a. cross-trainer.
The elliptical machine is an interesting machine, as it provides a gym quality workout with the benefits that a treadmill may provide. In fact, they eliminate some of the issues that you may see with a treadmill, including the strain that treadmills may place on the joints, due to the repetitive and sometimes uncomfortable positioning that it places people in.
Elliptical machines eliminate the issue found with other workout machines that often involve body posture and joint impact.
That said, the elliptical machine is probably the best machine you can get for the money.
The problem is… what if you don’t have the space for one?
Your Best Bet – The Space Saving Folding Elliptical
So… what if I don’t have the space for a traditional elliptical machine? Is there a way I can use an elliptical without having to make changes to my home?
Of course!
That solution comes in the form of a fold up elliptical machine.
These handy machines often pack the punch of a standard elliptical machine with the compact form factor that you need to keep it around the home.
I mean, elliptical machines are probably the best cardio workout machines available on the market today.
The way they work allow people to workout their entire body without the impact caused by other similar cardio workout machines like stair climbers and treadmills. When you combine those benefits with a compact form factor, you’ve got the best value you can get in a cardio workout machine.
Though, some of those benefits do come with a bit of a concern.
To start, what about the build quality of a fold up elliptical?
After all, the build quality of any good cardio workout machine is probably the most important thing you need to watch for.
Fold Up Ellipticals And Build Quality – VERY Important Stuff
Why is build quality so important to a fold up elliptical? Does it affect how the foldable elliptical works during a workout?
That’s a good question, especially since it can help you find the right fold up elliptical in the market today.
Build quality is important because it does affect how you workout.
If you have a poorly built machine, it’s going to eventually wear down fast.
And, a lot faster than you think!
But, when it comes to fold up elliptical machines, you might find some inexpensive foldable elliptical models that do work as well as advertised. There’s a catch, though. The main factor that makes them different from lower quality fold up elliptical machines is their weight limit.
Yes, inexpensive fold up elliptical machines often limit the amount of weight you can place upon the machine.
Usually, that weight limit is about 200 pounds.
So, if you do weigh a little under the weight limit, inexpensive fold up elliptical machines may work for you or younger members of your family who don’t meet the weight limit.
Most adults do comfortably weigh between 150 to 250 pounds, so it’s a better choice to invest in a folding elliptical machine that will adequately support your weight and give you the cardio workout you need to help workout your body.
Of course, you can save money on a better fold up elliptical by buying manufacturer-certified refurbished folding elliptical machines.
Foldable Vs Full Size – Your Choice
All right, thanks for the info! But… what are the benefits of using a fold up elliptical machine? Why should I opt for a folding elliptical machine instead of a full sized one?
Well, the main benefit of using a fold up elliptical is the fact that anyone can use a fold up elliptical… from inexperienced beginners to seasoned athletes needing a smaller elliptical for their current place of residence.
And, that’s not the only benefit, either.
Probably the best benefit offered by a fold up elliptical is the fact that they easily fold up and out of the way.
So, you can easily pull out your folding elliptical and place it into your living room, workout and then put it away after you rest. The ease of using that machine makes it so you don’t have to dedicate an entire room to just that machine.
They’re also, as mentioned, the best way to get an ‘instant’ cardio workout without using a larger machine all the time
The moving components of the folding elliptical help the body facilitate energy production by really working the body’s major muscle groups. And, when the muscles work hard, it helps produce an excess of energy that stimulates the cardiovascular system to oxygenate the body—and, that ultimately greatly benefits the body’s conditioning.
The folding elliptical machine, in design, also has another benefit.
As we mentioned before, this workout machine doesn’t place a lot of impact on the muscles and joints.
This helps you perform a much safer workout without placing too much strain on your body.
Even if you can’t extensively workout due to age, illness and/or injury, a fold up elliptical can provide you a way to stimulate blood flow in the body and keep your body efficiently working.
What You Should Look For Before You Buy
Okay, I’m convinced. So, what should I look for in a fold up elliptical? And, where can I start looking for one?
So, you’re about ready to buy your own fold up elliptical, but you don’t know what to look for.
Well, that’s easy to narrow down.
To start, you need to make sure that the fold up elliptical will be compact enough for your home.
Some fold up elliptical trainers, while good in other homes, are actually too large for some homes.
The folding mechanisms also have to be safe and simple to use, too, since you don’t want to get a workout machine that doesn’t even do what it’s supposed to do—and, well at that.
The performance also matters.
You want to get a folding elliptical that will work as well as many full sized models do. The best fold up ellipticals allow you to do a large variety of cardio workout programs and even workout programs that don’t exclusively focus on cardio.
Modern conveniences like a digital heart rate monitor and a progress tracker also make fold up ellipticals good buys.
If you’re wondering where to actually find fold up ellipticals, you’re in luck.
Many retailer stores and online stores sell various brands of fold up ellipticals.
Before you buy, try out the machine.
And, if you can’t try out your favorite folding elliptical machine, make sure you read the reviews!
Get my latest thoughts on cross-trainers & my most recent reviews of folding ellipticals, here >>