When it comes to purchasing an elliptical trainer you have four choices in where to buy:
1. Mass Merchant
2. Fitness Specialty Store
3. On-line Distributor
4. Used from a private individual
I would discourage you from option 4 since quite frankly, it’s very risky to purchase a used elliptical trainer. By their nature, elliptical trainers can be expensive to repair and you most probably won’t receive any kind of warranty with a used elliptical. So be careful.
A fitness specialty store will carry the higher-end ellipticals costing upwards of $1000 and well beyond. They will carry light commercial to commercial-grade elliptical trainers such as Precor, Life Fitness, SportsArt, and others. These are excellent brands and I encourage you to at least have a look at them since quality is extremely important when considering an elliptical trainer. This will also provide a basis on which to judge other elliptical trainers.
You will most likely find knowledgeable sales people in fitness specialty stores, but not always the lowest prices. The salespeople typically work on a commission basis and you may find them to be on the aggressive side. However, don’t let that deter you from test-driving and researching ellipticals at these stores. Just don’t get pressured into buying just yet.
Mass Merchants such as Wal-Mart, Sears, The Sports Authority, and Dick’s Sporting Goods carry the lower-end ellipticals. You can find some good values here, but it’s extremely important to understand exactly what you’re getting. Elliptical trainers in this price range can wind up costing you more that you expect in repairs and down time. I don’t recommend any elliptical trainer that retails for under $500.
Though it may be tempting to go for that $150 elliptical machine from Wal-Mart, you may wind up regretting it soon after you get it home. The salespeople at these stores, though typically friendly, aren’t always the most knowledgeable about elliptical trainers and the quality behind them.
If you are sold on elliptical trainers from ICON Health and Fitness such as Nordic Track, Reebok, and ProForm then I highly recommend that you purchase it from Sears.