AC adaptor
The AC adaptor enables you to connect the elliptical
trainer to an electric power outlet. Not
all elliptical machines offer this option – some are manually operated and use
batteries to operate the console.
Adjustable
footplates
Some of the higher-end elliptical trainers have
adjustable footplates which allows you to adjust the angle of the footplate for
preferred user comfort.
Adjustable stride
length
Some of the higher-end elliptical trainers have an
adjustable stride length as opposed to most machines’ fixed stride length,
allowing individual users to adjust the length of the machine’s stride for a
custom fit.
Articulating
footplates
Articulating footplates are pivoting foot pedals that
adapt to the motion / angle of the elliptical stride, thus replicating a
natural fluid striding motion. The
ergonomic design of articulating footplates helps to keep your feet, knees and
hips in proper alignment as you exercise, thus helping to reduce the stress and
strain on your feet, arches, ankles and other joints.
Bluetooth
connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity allows you to wirelessly connect
either a telemetric heart-rate monitor or connect to your own mobile device
(tablet or phone) for online fitness tracking apps.
Compact design
An elliptical trainer with a compact design typically has
a smaller footprint so will take up less space in your home. But you need to bear in mind that a machine
with a smaller footprint will typically have a shorter stride length which may
not be suitable for taller people.
Console
The console is the control panel situated on the front of
the elliptical trainer from which you can choose workout programs, change
resistance levels and view workout data.
Custom workouts
Some of the higher-end elliptical trainers offer custom
workouts on their consoles, i.e. it allows you to design your own workout
programs.
Data export
Data export allows you to transfer your workout data from
the elliptical trainer to another source such as computer or mobile device
(tablet or phone). Data export could be
via either a USB port or via Bluetooth connectivity. Not all elliptical machines offer this
feature.
Display screen
The display screen forms part of the console and shows
your workout data as you exercise such as time, speed, distance, calories
burned, heart-rate. Stats are typically
displayed in digital format on a clear LCD screen. Some screens on the higher-end elliptical
trainers have a blue-backlit display that’s easier on the eyes.
Drive system
An elliptical trainer’s drive system comprises of the
flywheel and transmission mechanism / drive axle. The drive system can be located either at the
front or the rear of the machine.
Dual handlebars
Most elliptical trainers have dual handlebars, i.e. 2
sets of handlebars – static and moving.
Dual rails
Some elliptical trainers are constructed with dual rail
systems as opposed to a single rail system, which helps to distribute the load
of each stride more evenly, thus giving added stability, balance and extra
smoothness to the machine’s operation.
Dual Track LCD
2 LCD display screens on a console (instead of the
standard 1).
ECB
Electronically Controlled Braking system.
Electromagnetic resistance
Some of the higher-end elliptical trainers use
electromagnetic resistance – an electromagnet that is positioned near the
flywheel to create resistance. As you
push a button on the console or on the machine’s handlebars to increase or
decrease the intensity, more current is either directed to the magnet for more
resistance or reduced for less resistance.
Electromagnetic resistance provides super smooth and whisper quiet
momentum.
Fan
Some of the higher-end elliptical trainers incorporate a
fan into their console to help keep you cool as you exercise. The cooling fan on an elliptical machine
obviously isn’t as powerful as a standalone fan but sometimes a light breeze is
better than none!
Flywheel
The flywheel forms part of the elliptical trainer’s drive
system and can be situated either at the front or the rear of the machine. The heavier the flywheel, the higher inertia
it creates to keep the drive system turning.
So in theory, the heavier the flywheel is, the smoother and more
consistent the operation will be.
Footplates
Large foot pedals.
Frame
The frame is the main structure of the elliptical trainer
to which all the moving parts are attached to.
The frame is usually constructed from metal tubing for durability such
as heavy-duty steel.
Front drive
Front-drive means that
the flywheel and drive axle is located at the front of the elliptical machine.
A front-drive system typically gives the user a "leaning forward"
feeling and a stride that feels more like stair climbing but with a much
smoother motion, i.e. without the abrupt motion of stair climbing.
You are reading
Part 1. Click on the links below to read
the rest of my A-Z Glossary of Elliptical Trainer Machines Jargon, Features & Terminology Explained:
N.B. It’s always
advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before undertaking
any new exercise regime.
*Prices/discounts/shipping
indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change
anytime. E&OE.
Related articles:
- A-Z Glossary of Elliptical Trainer Machines Jargon, Features & Terminology Explained, Part 2 (G-R)
- A-Z Glossary of Elliptical Trainer Machines Jargon, Features & Terminology Explained, Part 3 (S-Z)
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