In a bid to lose a few pounds after uni (too much alcohol & too many takeaways) I was looking for a good all round exercise machine, and elliptical trainers were recommended by some friends.
"Why?" I enquired.
"The answer is simple" came the reply, "they are a great cardiovascular work out and the pedals mimic the body's natural movements when running, so essentially you are running, but there is no impact - saving your joints and bones!"
"Genius!" I replied.
And so my quest to buy a machine began.
After looking at a variety of makes and models, I decided upon the York 3100 Elliptical Trainer & Cycle. It looked the sturdiest, could handle the most maximum weight (16 stone - not that I was this large, but obviously the larger the maximum weight, the stronger the machine), was from a brand that I had heard of and trusted ...
Advantages: Small, Light, Good battery life and overall performance, High Spec Disadvantages: Lags occasionally, Superceded by newer model
After being given a laptop a few years back, I found that I didn't bother to use it because it was heavy and I didn't want to carry the thing around, so I decided to sell it and look for a lighter laptop. Looking at the range of Ultra Mobile laptops, the Samsung Q35 caught my eye. The Samsung brand, stylish design and specifications in particular, made me decide on this one in May 2007. It has a 12.1", which allows it to be classed as an Ultra Mobile laptop. This was important to me as smaller laptops are generally lighter and have better battery life.
SPECIFICATION
One of the reasons that I chose the Q35 is because it has a 2GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, which is one of the fastest processors out at the time. The 2.2GHz being the highest, but that was insanely expensive and it was not available for the Q35, only larger laptops. I ...
Advantages: Smooth, comfortable, challenging, lots of programmes, Robust! Disadvantages: A bit expensive, but I still think worth it
Elliptical trainers are better known as cross trainers and are now the main stay and most popular bits of kit in gyms all over the world. The main reason they are so popular is really because of their functionality.
The elliptical trainer is beneficial for a number of different reasons
1) They are an intermediate between a running machine and a bike whilst having the same levels of exertion
2) They provide both an upper body and lower body cardiovascular (heart and lungs) workout. On harder settings they have an increased toning effect
3) They provide a low impact workout, being kinder to your joints than something like running
4) If you just use your legs (take hands off) they provide an excellent work-out for the core muscles because you need to hold yourself in a state on constant tension to keep yourself balanced
5 ...
The original Octane Fitness elliptical, this proven winner is backed by multiple awards and testimonials. Recognized as an innovative, high performance cross trainer, the Q35 was the first to incorporate Body-Mapping Ergonomics and the QuadLink drive for a natural, smooth, total-body motion.With the closest pedal spacing in the industry at 1.8'', your comfort is ensured since the hips don''t have to shift laterally and tax the lower back.Plus, the Q35 offers a wealth of superior features at unbeatable value. Among them are the popular X-Mode workout and several preset resistance routines, such as effective interval training.Stationary handlebars, a convenient accessory tray and a handy reading rack further enhance convenience.Q35-Authentic ExcellenceBody-Mapping Ergonomics and QuadLink drive-Octane's exclusive design for fluid, comfortable, natural motion1.8'' pedal spacing-mimics human biomechanics for optimal comfortEasy-to-use electronics-including auto Quick Start and DedicatedLogicStationary handlebars-provide extra securityReading rack and accessory tray-convenience at your fingertipsLow step-up height-makes getting on and off effortless; great for low-ceiling roomsForward-thinking design-safe and quiet with moving parts completely enclosed in frontSpace-efficient footprint-smaller than comparable ellipticals and treadmills255 lb. machine-for rock-solid stability
