Lifecore ellipticals is a scary-sounding phrase, isn't it? Sounds a bit like something that would chase Sigourney Weaver across the galaxy. But, unlike an Alien, a Lifecore elliptical machine is good for you. Ellipticals, also called cross trainers, are exercise machines that give you a thorough cardiovascular workout with the benefit of not impacting your body unnecessarily.

What's The Deal About Low Impact Workouts?

When you do exercise like jogging, you are doing high-impact workouts. These are great for muscle tone, loosing weight and cardiovascular health, but greatly stress out your joints and skeleton. Think about when you jog on a hard, unforgiving surface like a road or sidewalk. One foot goes after another, and your full weight is on each foot. When your stride lengthens, that's like adding more weight that your foot has to bear. This repeated pounding can hurt.

But this is not an excuse to give up exercise altogether (sorry!) You just exercise smarter, not exercise harder. With the use of an exercise machine like a Lifecore elliptical, you get to burn calories and strengthen muscles, but your joints and skeleton also takes it easy. Although Lifecore ellipticals are a little more expensive than some other brands of elliptical machines, they offer five year warranties, at least. The LC-990 model offers a lifetime warranty on its frame.

Let's Go Shopping

By working out at home, you can work not only on your schedule, but you don't have to worry about sweating in front of others and how clean your machine is. Your Lifecore elliptical will be smaller and lighter than a commercial elliptical exercise machine, because it will not need to be industrial strength.

Still, Lifecore ellipticals will be able to handle up to 350 pounds and contain many levels of difficulty to keep you interested and challenged. Expect to pay about $1200 (US) for a new Lifecore elliptical. By taking the time to do comparison shopping, you can often find places with free shipping or refund policies.

There are only three Lifecore elliptical machines made as of this writing, but all come highly rated on internet customer review websites. If you come across an ad for a used Lifecore elliptical in your local classifieds or at a sporting goods store, be sure to check it out before you buy. Although the price tag will be low, you do not get any guarantees with used exercise equipment. And you will often be stuck having to cart the machine back to your home rather than get it delivered to you.