Elliptical Machine Recommendations - San Diego,CA

You really need to try many machines out to find the one that is right for you. I am 5ft 4in with a narrow stance, and the machine that is comfortable for me would be much different than for a person that is much taller with a wide stance. There are also machines that have a circular rotation, an oval rotation, etc. Getting the one that is comfortable for you makes the difference between a machine that you will use and enjoy, and a machine that will hold your laundry!
It is worth going to a place that sells elliptical machines and testing them out. Find one that is comfortable for you. Work out for a while. Go home. Tomorrow, make sure there are no strains anywhere. If you are still comfortable with that machine, go for it! Good luck!

I have a Pro Form SpaceSaver DX from Costco (I believe it was around $700). I've had it almost 2 years. Don't use it as much as I would like to, but it's great. I had one in the past that was a cheapy and was SO hard to use, even on the lowest setting.

This Pro-form has several different settings/programs, a hookup for MP3, a fan, etc. I recommend it!

Hi S.,

I have a Spirit Pro, but don't remember the model. This a big machine -- basically the top of the middle-of-the-road type of machines, and it's great, but was pricey. One of the reasons we chose it is that it has the durability and features of a gym machine and a much reduced cost (~$1200, if I recall correctly). Durability is important. "Cheap" machines have limited warranties and the important parts -- like the wheel break that controls resistance -- tend to wear out and need to be replaced, often at a significant cost. The Spirit machine came with a life-time parts warranty, which is pretty hard to find with most other manufacturers. Other features we particularly liked is that it has a longer stride than most machines, so good for short and tall people, and the foot rest angle can be adjusted to help with things like pronated ankles. Supposedly, the angle of the foot rest helps with keeping your feet from going numb, but I haven't really found that to be the case.

I have a Nordic Track. I got it at Costco for around 700. It is very well built and have pretty much everything on it the commercial ones do.

I have had it for three years and still love it.

We have a Reebok we got at Costco that is great