Front Drive Elliptical

Elliptical Exercise Machine : 3 Different Designs - Which is Best?

Buying an elliptical? Elliptical exercise machines used to be simple. Precor introduced the first one back in the 1990s and other fitness brands like NordicTrack, Proform and Schwinn followed with more affordable home versions.

If you're buying an elliptical today, you'll notice that you have a lot of options. One of the main options you have is which style or design of elliptical you want.

Elliptical exercise machines offer 3 general designs: Front drive, rear drive and center drive. Which one is best?

Here's a brief overview of each so you can decide which best suits you:

#1 Rear Drive - As the name states, this design puts the flywheel in the rear - behind the foot pedals. This was the first design originally introduced by Precor. However many brands now produce this design including Nordictrack and Smooth.

Rear drive ellipticals tend to give you a flatter elliptical motion - kind of like a running feel. According to some reports rear drive models also give more inertia behind the user, although I can't really feel this myself.

#2 Front Drive - This design came later into the marketplace and places the flywheel in front of the foot pedals. This design tends to give you a more climbing or inclined feel to the elliptical motion.

Front drive, like rear drive, is also quite popular among many different brands. Brands that produce machines with this design include Sole and Schwinn.

#3 Center Drive - This is a newer design in the home market. Instead of one large flywheel in front or back, there are 2 smaller flywheels on the side of the user footpedals.

Advantages to this design (besides just looking cool) are that these machines take up less space than the 2 other designs. They also tend to hold the user more upright with the footpedals closer together, which for many people feels more natural.

On the other hand, in my mind at least, 2 smaller flywheels vs 1 means double the objects that can break on my elliptical.

Plus these ellipticals are not as easy to find as the other 2 models. NordicTrack makes a few. But the most popular brand that used to make them - Ironman - wouldn't be a great choice since their parent company - Keys Fitness - declared bankruptcy.

So which one is the best design?

Well it really depends on you. For example if you have a small workout space you may want a center drive elliptical (or you could also just opt for a folding front drive elliptical). If you prefer a flatter feeling, running type motion, you may want a rear drive machine.

However keep in mind that design isn't the only thing that contributes to a smooth, stable elliptical. Other features to look at include stride length, user weight capacity, proper ergonomic design and the quality of construction.

Keep these things in mind while searching for your elliptical exercise machine. Take your time and you're guaranteed to find one you'll enjoy using for years to come.

About the Author

Vienna Miller writes for
http://www.EllipticalTrainerReview.com
offering the latest elliptical reviews, ratings and money-saving tips. For the latest top 3 Elliptical 'Best Buys' in 3 different price classes visit the
Best Elliptical Exercise Machine
page.

1/4 Elliptical Shackles by Blue Torch Fabworks for Jeep $36.99 Universal application;Bare steel;Acco mmodates a 2.5 in. spring;Limits the amount of torsion stress on the spring;CNC laser cut from P and O steel plate 1/4 Elliptical Shackles by Blue Torch Fabworks for Jeep

Front Drive Shaft by 4Wheel Drive Hardware $283.99 1976-79 Jeep CJ;26-1/2 in. collapsed and 28-1/4 in. running length;26.5 Collapsed length JEEP CJ5 CJ7 1976 1977 1978 1979 3.8L (232) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Front Drive Shaft by 4Wheel Drive Hardware

Front Drive Shaft by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep $211.99 1976-79 Jeep CJ;26-1/2 in. collapsed and 28 in. running length JEEP CJ5 CJ7 1976 1977 1978 1979 3.8L (232) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Front Drive Shaft by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep

Front Drive Shaft by Crown Automotive $892.99 1996-98 Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee;With 5.2L or 5.9L engine;With 249 and Model 30 axle;Collapsed length:31.250 Front Drive Shaft by Crown Automotive

LIVESTRONG LS8.0E Elliptical $799.99 LIVESTRONG LS8.0E Elliptical: Quality meets value: a great place to start. A long, 20? stride length provides a wider range of motion. This, paired with a flat ellipse shape, recreates natural walking and running motions for users of all heights. The LS8.0E is also equipped with 5 levels of adjustable manual incline, which means you can add variety and vary the muscles you're working for fast results. Derived from extensive biomechanics research, SIXstar Certification is a unique combination of the six key elements needed to deliver the most natural elliptical feel available. It focuses on all areas that impact the feel and comfort of an elliptical, including body positioning, handlebar spacing, elliptical foot path, pedal placement, elliptical access and the trainer's drive mechanism. It takes a heavy flywheel to deliver a smooth motion in an elliptical. This model boasts a heavy, 23-pound flywheel which results in a smooth, fluid motion that will withstand years of use. 9 different w

LIVESTRONG LS13.0E Elliptical $1299.99 LIVESTRONG LS13.0E Elliptical: Premium feel and quality; feature-packed. Derived from extensive biomechanics research, SIXstar Certification is a unique combination of the six key elements needed to deliver the most natural elliptical feel available. It focuses on all areas that impact the feel and comfort of an elliptical, including body positioning, handlebar spacing, elliptical foot path, pedal placement, elliptical access and the trainer's drive mechanism. With the touch of a console button, use any of the 20 levels of power incline to take your workout to the next level or to vary the muscle groups you're working. Our premium, multi-grip handles help you find the position that's just right for your body. Long, 20-inch stride length is smooth and fluid. The upgraded, heavy-duty 30-lb. flywheel delivers the smoothest elliptical experience and unparalleled performance. This exclusive-to- LIVESTRONG feature works like this: When you work out, simply insert the USB device that comes wi

LIVESTRONG LS10.0E Elliptical $999.99 LIVESTRONG LS10.0E Elliptical: A premium elliptical with power incline.Derived from extensive biomechanics research, SIXstar Certification is a unique combination of the six key elements needed to deliver the most natural elliptical feel available. It focuses on all areas that impact the feel and comfort of an elliptical, including body positioning, handlebar spacing, elliptical foot path, pedal placement, elliptical access and the trainer's drive mechanism. This exclusive-to- LIVESTRONG feature works like this: When you work out, simply insert the USB device that comes with your machine into the console. When youre finished, transfer the USB to your computer. Within seconds youll be able to track your workout history on the Daily Plate feature of LIVESTRONG.com. Here you can also download exclusive new, FREE programmed workouts designed by Peter Park, Lance Armstrongs personal strength and conditioning coach. With the touch of a console button, use any of the 20 levels of power inclin

Front Drive Shaft by Crown Automotive for Jeep $418.99 Propeller Shaft JEEP CJ7 1984 1985 1986 2.5L (150) GAS Front Drive Shaft by Crown Automotive for Jeep

Horizon Fitness EX-79 Elliptical $999.99 This elliptical features 11 program options, Advance Goal Center and Nike + iPod -equipped fitness tracking to help you reach your fitness goals. The SMOOTHpulley large drive pulley ratio and magnetic brakes offer smooth, efficient motion.

Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.22 $907.99 1997-02 Jeep TJ Wrangler;4.0L 6-cylinder engine;Manual transmission;Same length as factory drive shaft for same application JEEP WRANGLER (97-06TJ) SPORT 1997 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.22

Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.27 $501.99 2003-04 Jeep TJ Wrangler;2.5L 4-cylinder engine;Automatic transmission;Same length as factory drive shaft for same application;37 in. extended and 35 in. collapsed JEEP WRANGLER (97-06TJ) SE 2003 2.4L Power-Tech (148) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.27

Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.08 $418.99 1982-86 Jeep CJ;T-176 manual transmission;4-cylinder engine;Collapsed length 27-1/4 in. JEEP CJ7 1984 1985 1986 2.5L (150) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.08

Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.25 $467.99 2001-02 Jeep TJ Wrangler;Automatic;4-cylinder engine JEEP WRANGLER (97-06TJ) SE 2001 2002 2.5L (150) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.25

Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.4 $748.99 1992-93 Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee;4.0L 6-cylinder;Automatic transmission JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (ZJ) LAREDO LIMITED 1993 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.4

Replacement Front Drive Shaft by Chrysler for Jeep $543.99 1999-01 Jeep WJ Grand Cherokee;4.0L 6-cylinder engine JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (WJ) LAREDO LIMITED 1999 2000 2001 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Replacement Front Drive Shaft by Chrysler for Jeep

Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.24 $501.99 2003-06 Jeep TJ Wrangler;4.0L 6-cylinder engine;Manual transmission;Same length as factory drive shaft for same application;40 in. extended and 37 in. collapsed JEEP WRANGLER (97-06LJ) WRANGLER (97-06TJ) RUBICON SAHARA SPORT UNLIMITED UNLIMITED RUBICON X 2003 2004 2005 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.24

Front Output Gear by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep $82.99 1980-86 Jeep CJ;Dana 300 JEEP CJ5 CJ7 SCRAMBLER 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 2.5L (150) 2.5L Iron Duke LX8 (151) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Front Output Gear by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep

Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.02 $730.99 1976-79 CJ7;Automatic transmission;6 or 8-cylinder;Collapsed length 36-5/8 in. JEEP CJ7 1976 1977 1978 1979 3.8L (232) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.02

Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.41 $543.99 1992-96 Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee;4.0L 6-cylinder;AX-15 transmission JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (ZJ) LAREDO SE 1993 1994 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.41

Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.03 $465.99 1976-79 Jeep CJ;T150 manual transmission;Collapsed length 26-1/2 in. JEEP CJ7 1976 1977 1978 1979 3.8L (232) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.03

Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.04 $458.99 1976-79 Jeep CJ;T-18 transmission;1981 Jeep CJ;Automatic transmission;Collapsed Length 30-1/4 in. JEEP CJ5 CJ7 1976 1977 1978 1979 1981 2.5L Iron Duke LX8 (151) 3.8L (232) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.04

Dana Spicer 915374-1903 Front Drive Shaft by Dana Spicer $547.99 1989-00 Jeep XJ Cherokee;1989-92 Jeep MJ Comanche;4.0L 6-cylinder engine;Automatic transmission;Same length as factory drive shaft Dana Spicer 915374-1903 Front Drive Shaft by Dana Spicer

Fiberglass Front Fender by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep $201.99 1987-95 Jeep YJ Wrangler;Passenger side JEEP WRANGLER (87-95YJ) ISLANDER LAREDO RENEGADE RIO GRANDE S SAHARA SE SPORT 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 2.5L (150) 4.2L (258) 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Fiberglass Front Fender by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep

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