Generally speaking the more expensive a machine is the more features it has to offer. You can have preconfigured programs that suit your body s present condition and capacity. There are different difficulty levels that are fit for the greenhorn up to the more advanced runner. Speed variations are not the only ones that can be manipulated during a workout session. This machine gives you the advantage of upper and lower body workout which is an excellent overall exercise. The least equipment that requires space is the stationary bikes. It is also easy to read magazines, books, watch TV while using the stationary bikes. If you prefer doing other stuffs like the ones mentioned, stationary bike is the right equipment for you. Instead of quickly choosing elliptical trainer that your friend recommended or the popular treadmill specifically for its calorie-burning factor, you should first and foremost figure out and identify the exercise machine that truly feels best to you. Everything else should be secondary. In other words, the best and most effective piece of all exercise equipment is that which you are most willing to regularly use. Is the fitness equipment safe and easy enough not to require full time spotting or a personal trainer? Is it easy to adjust to fit into the individual s ability? Will it make the user feel invigorated from an exercise and not exhausted? Never forget to ask or consult your doctor, before purchasing any equipment. Elliptical trainers are not weight bearers, so it's gentle on the joints and provides a very fluid movement. Elliptical trainers provide a variety of configurations. If you want to simulate walking or running up hills, it is best to try a machine that has an incline option. If you want to adjust the intensity of your workout, you may pedal faster, raise the incline, and increase the resistance or any combination of machine's features. For example whether you are buying pre-owned equipment or brand-new ones, check the motor, intensity and resistance levels of the workout, and if you would be able to take advantage of these. Take a look if the machine s motor will be operating smoothly. Yearly, Americans would spend millions of dollars in purchasing cardio exercise equipment which is sometimes used or just placed in the corner to gather dust just because they are the wrong equipment for you.