Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
Elliptical Trainer
Safety
The way the cross trainer works, it stops immediately when you stop, which reduces the risk of falling off it.
There is hardly a risk of falling from an elliptical machine. There's a remote chance of that happening when you use it in reverse, by walking backwards, as the motion feels strange the first few times you do it.
The models that have the handlebars are even a bit safer, as you have more points of contact with the elliptical - thus making it less likely you'll fall off it.
While there is always a concern with exercise machines and young children in the house, it is not a big issue with the ellipticals, as young kids would probably not be strong enough to operate it. The machines usually have a low center of gravity and are therefore not likely to tip over.
Minimal Space and Power Needs
The rowers usually occupy a very small space, and many models are foldable - to be stored away under the bed when not in use.
Most rowing machines do not need to be plugged in at all, as all resistance is magnetic. Some machines have a workout monitor that usually runs on batteries (some will use a small amount of power instead of batteries or just in order to recharge them).
Most of the models for home use do not require electricity at all, or only very little power to enable the exercise monitor.
The elliptical trainers also have small footprint and take up less floor space than other fitness equipment. This makes them a very good option for small houses.
Workout Effectiveness
The rowing exercise uses both the upper and lower body for aerobic cardiovascular work with no impact on the joints.
Using a rowing machine correctly and regularly, and with adequate exercise level, you can expect it to work your back muscles but also stretch them, helping ease pain and discomfort. Note however, that using it incorrectly may lead to back discomfort and possible injury, so you need to seek advice regarding the correct way to perform the rowing machine exercise.
Rowing machines are considered to have an excellent workout value, as the exercise they provide works on large muscle groups and does not let you slack (use momentum) while working them.
Good results are achieved quite quickly in terms of increased fitness levels, weight loss and fat burning. Results will initially show toned thighs, buttocks and firmer arms.
Note that rowing machines do not provide a good level of exercise variety - you can only change the resistance you work against, but not, for example, the chair sliding length, or the angle of the string you pull.
Most elliptical trainers have dual action handlebars, and together with the foot pedals they give you a total body workout, exercising both your legs and your torso.
Since your feet never leave the pedals, an elliptical cross trainer workout is low-impact. Some studies show that this lack of impact on the joints allows a very effective workout in terms of fat burning vs. perceived effort levels, meaning you will feel that you can go on for longer.
Most elliptical trainers let you change the incline, intensity and sometimes the gait length. This adds variety to the workout. Additionally, the elliptical trainers are unique in that they let you go both forward and backward. The backward motion adds lower body workout of different muscles.
The elliptical trainer is first amongst all exercise equipment in that it simultaneously works the largest number of muscle groups. That is the reason an elliptical machine is also called a cross-trainer. The workout on the elliptical uses your quadriceps, hamstrings, gluts, chest, back, triceps and biceps.
The more muscles are exercised - the more of your body gets toned, the fat burning process is accelerated, and your fitness level increases faster.
In terms of fat burning, elliptical trainers and jogging burn a similar number of calories. However, because of the impact, jogging carries a risk of injury to the back, knees, hips, or ankles. On a cross trainer your feet are always on the foot pedals. The exercise on an elliptical trainer can be compared to running in midair.
Being a low-impact workout, elliptical machines are very good for older people or for exercising when recovering from a joint injury. People who suffer from repeating shin splints also find that the cross trainer lets them get a good cardiovascular workout without over-straining their shins.
Exercising correctly on the elliptical trainer, when using the handlebars, burns lots of fat quickly. This usually shows quick results in weight loss, toned muscles - both lower and upper body, and increased level of fitness.
While a workout on the elliptical trainer can be very effective, it tends to allow momentum from bodyweight alone. This means that if you set the resistance level too low, you will not produce force and move your bodyweight yourself. Rather - the machine will use the momentum built up in the first minute or so of the workout. The risk here is that you will not actually use your muscles to move, and therefore not burn many calories. This happens more often than not.
Price
Fat Burning Efficiency
The rowing machine is very effective at burning fat as it uses the larger muscles of both upper and lower body. Additionally, a rowing machine does not let you easily gain bodyweight momentum, so the workout is very effective.
This is not so simple though, because in order for this to be true, the machine has to be used correctly, that is - with no momentum. If you can achieve that, an elliptical cross trainer is probably the best fitness machine to burn fat with.
Because there's no impact, you can exercise harder on an elliptical trainer compared to high-impact exercise equipment. This is because your perceived effort is lower. This also means that you will be able to exercise for more time, and therefore, overall, burn more fat.
Some researches show that the type of energy exertion on the elliptical trainer is very effective for overweight individuals, as it burns fat more effectively.
Note that it is easy, using the elliptical cross trainer to gain bodyweight momentum. This lets the machine do most of the work for you (like with bicycle) so it loses points for easiness of self deluding.
Maintenance Considerations
On the other hand, most rowing machines have a cable which may break, and a seat that moves back and forth. These two parts require maintenance and checks to be performed on a regular basis.
Another moving part of the rower is the wheel, which usually works on magnetic resistance. The wheel compartment requires infrequent oiling, but other than that maintenance is quite a breeze.
The elliptical trainer works by means of a very low-impact motion, and does not have many moving parts. It is therefore not very likely that your cross trainer will require frequent service.
The lesser impact also means less wear and tear of the elliptical machine, which contributes to lowering maintenance needs.
Most ellipticals do not have a motor and work by using a magnetic resistance wheel. The wheel and foot rests need infrequent oiling, but as there is no motor - no serious maintenance work is usually required.
Risk Free
The technique is important in order to avoid back strain. The rowing machine works on your back muscles and at the same time stretches them. This has the benefit of helping ease pain and discomfort.
When applying good technique, there is a very low injury risk as there is less pressure to knees and ankles. This allows you to exercise for longer durations, which lets you raise fitness levels and burn fat more quickly.
The cross trainers are regularly used for rehabilitation, as the elliptical workout does not involve impact at all. Your feet never leave the foot rests and so the elliptical provides exercise without abusing the joints in your lower body.
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
Elliptical Trainer
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
based on 212 customer reviews
Feel factor: 6
Love this machine!
(Score 5/5)
Just received my Stamina 1050 rower. Nice, sturdy product for the price, and assembly was a snap. I am a 5'4 female, and the fit is fine for me. The key to keeping your feet on the pads is to wear comfy running/walking shoes with a good thick base. Strap the velcro snugly and you're set for a good workout with virtually no slips. I couldn't believe how quickly I got to target heart rate, especially after choosing a more resistant setting. I recommend this product highly for a quality, low-impact, full-body workout in half the time of other routines. Thanks, Stamina!
Posted on: 2010-08-30
By Dmac
It does the job it's supposed to.
(Score 4/5)
I bought the Stamina Body Trac to help in my recovery from back surgery. It arrived a day earlier then promised (that was nice), it was very easy to setup (think Christmas with an 8 y/o's toys!). I have been using it 4 days a week since it arrived. I think it's a good workout and well worth the time and money. I'm one of those people that hates the gym and this is a fantastic alternative.
Posted on: 2010-08-18
By Rich
Helpful index: 100%
Good for the money
(Score 4/5)
I was afraid about reliability after reading some reviews, but did not have $900 for a concept2. I figure, even if I pay $30 for a new piston every 6 months, I am still ahead. You get what you paid for, at $150 you get a decent machine, the frame looks sturdy, the monitor is just a timer, do not expect much from it. The seat squeaks and I can see why people complain about the foot rest, but with a little bit of creativity it can be solved. It is not a machine for people less than 5'6" or 5'7". I have been using it and I am happy with what I got, my heart rate gets to the level I want and I work my upper body, my main goal. Some people expect a Cadillac for $150, if you can live with some squeaking and can not afford more expensive machines, this is the one for you, I would recommend it.
Posted on: 2010-08-16
By Leon M.
Helpful index: 100%
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 rowing machine
(Score 5/5)
This is a good device, quiet, does the job. For the money, its a good deal, I have a stationary bike,
and ride off road on a 29er single speed, a lot of out of the saddle, the stationary bike only does legs,
hips down. On that you spin, heart rate is easy to get up. Using both, you can do it all. I find the
stationary bike boring and painful. This I find I can get in a zone and do it longer.
This does the whole body, small of back, critical to me, and lower ab's, to strengthen back problems, it
does get the arms, legs, knees, its as if it just gets the standing out of the saddle part of a bike, and
that feeling of a pushup on a road type bar, and holding it when pedaling, it does not get the legs like
a good spin, but it gets everything else except tension against balance on a rough trail. I am talking about
how the body feels, not the motion. Balance is a big thing, anything stationary is not as good, but this is
good enough. It does get the lower ab's better than a bike.
I got it to get something of what off road does for me when weather is bad, it does that well. You have to
do it longer, at a higher tension for a good workout, but cardio is different, you want that, you have to
drop the tension setting and pull faster. I am more interested in a long, slow, against the current feel of the
rowing, (I have done rowing on rivers), solo canoe, where the heart rate maxes out about the time you are starting
to feel the burn, then a short sprint, and a cool down. So I set the tension to 8, it seems about right compared to
what I feel on a single speed. I cannot put in the same times yet, but I can see, it being very good to do on off days
to help the cyclings.
It surprised me. Its a pretty good machine for its cost. Its portable.
Posted on: 2010-07-31
By Ink Stain
Helpful index: 100%
Practical
(Score 5/5)
Easy to use and store, takes up very little space, am very pleased with this product.
Posted on: 2010-07-27
By JOHN JAQUES
Helpful index: 0%
Elliptical Trainer
based on 476 customer reviews
Feel factor: 14
Fantastic Value
(Score 5/5)
I am a frequent user of elliptical machines and find this machine to be a great value. The machine has good resistance levels, many options, can go in reverse and all-in-all provides an excellent workout. This machine is also (relatively) inexpensive for its type (elliptical) and is well worth the price. The machine is quiet (I exercise when my children are sleeping) and is not overly bulky. Also, the machine is not difficult to assemble (the instructions are very clear) and machine upkeep has been easy. I am very happy with this purchase!
Posted on: 2010-08-27
By Anonymous
Great machine @ great price!
(Score 5/5)
My boyfriend and I purchased this machine based on the strength of the positive reviews on Amazon...and we weren't disappointed in the least...the assembly was pretty straightforward (except for the addendum to step 7 that I discovered while half way through step 9...$%#!?&!) and, for the most part, (except for step 2) I was able to put the whole thing together by myself (I'm no engineer!) in about 2 & 1/2 hours. As soon as the machine was assembled and plugged in, I tried it out and was amazed...not only does the Schwinn 430 look great but it's also fairly compact, very sturdy, smooth, and quiet...and it came at the great price of $599! It's a great deal! I'm in love! :D
Posted on: 2010-08-26
By V. Minnett
Nice machine for the price...but a bit noisey
(Score 3/5)
This machine is a great value for the price. The machine is relatively compact compared to other similar models. Construction seems solid although it is a little noisey at low speeds.
Posted on: 2010-08-23
By Torretta
smooth and quiet
(Score 5/5)
This is a great workout machine. Very smooth and quiet in operation and can give a light or strenuous workout, depending on what one chooses. In a ten minute workout, I have been able to work up pretty heavy breathing and (sweating). As a mechanic, I consider it well designed and well constructed. The moving parts etc. do not appear likely to break with normal use. I applied lots of white lithium grease to all the joints (axles) during the "put together". Wipe the excess grease off after tightening the nut. One should pay close attention to the instructions and finish one section before going to the other. It may be difficult and time consuming for some but with diligence, can be done. Tighten all screws tightly but the axle nuts should be slightly looser. I have been using mine, now, for about a month and it is working just fine, very smooth and quiet. I did add an external fan ,though, to keep me cool.........................................
Posted on: 2010-08-06
By sploziv
Great trainer
(Score 5/5)
This is a great trainer!!, had a bit of a problem with the delivery but once that was staightened out the machine was relativly easy to put together, about 2 hours. Works great is stable and very strong. The best part was after it was delivered in damaged condition amazon.com stood behind it and made it right!!!!!
Posted on: 2010-07-30
By Dawn
