Health buffs and fitness aficionados alike would be happy to learn that a surge in demand for exercise equipment have been noted for the past few years, with many people now striving to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. I should know, because I used to be one of those who thought ignorance was bliss, and was unaware of how lack of exercise can truly affect my body. The moment I realized I had to get up and exercise was when I also started to dig a little more information about home exercise machines. I’ve tried every equipment imaginable while searching for the right one, and my search has brought me to the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer.

Being a couch potato, it was hard for me to do the transition to getting more active until I stepped on the scales and my weight fluctuated ten to fifteen pounds. It was then that my resolve to keep in shape was made, and primarily why I spent time researching and reading more about proper diets, fitness regimen especially designed for your body. Exercise machines were my next priority. I scoured well-known sports establishments and asked around; I learned the pros and cons of each and every exercise machine I came upon. I was interested in something that would be easy yet enjoyable to use, with a cool and hip designed frame that does not resemble a gargantuan spider (believe me, there are lots in the market these days; I wouldn’t want to try using any of them for fear I might get crushed). Of course the price was important to me too. I tried elliptical trainers and came to a conclusion that the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer is something not only suitable for my taste, but also something I can recommend to friends and family alike.

What you need to know when deciding which exercise machine to buy

Choosing the exercise machine that’s appropriate for your body type and health goals takes a lot of time. I spent hours cruising through malls trying to decipher some technical information found on sports magazine articles and product fliers, but still realized that the best and fastest way to discern what I need is by trying out the equipment. Here are the top seven things you should ask before buying an exercise machine:

• What is the equipment for?
• How does it answer my fitness needs?
• Can it help me reach my fitness goals?
• Is the size of the equipment right for my body size?
• Can it last long enough for regular use?
• How much should I pay for the equipment?
• Does it come with a warranty?

I know that having the answers to these questions for every time you try out an exercise machine will make you tired enough to throw in the towel, but believe me; in order to get your money’s worth you should be very precise about these things. You would not want to end up with a $1000 exercise machine that breaks down in less than a year without any warranty! Neither should you bother with an exercise machine that has lots of features, none of which answers your needs to meet your fitness goals. In essence, the majority of exercise machines out there can help you lose or maintain your weight, help you undergo strength training, build your muscles - but make sure that the tools you buy meet your purpose. For me, I was torn between buying an old generation of elliptical trainers, which are much cheaper in the market, and brand new models which are slightly higher priced when compared. I was dead set in getting a lower version thinking that all I need is an exercise equipment and I’ll make sure to watch my diet and all that stuff, but when I actually tried the equipment I realized there are small things that count. A good example would be comfort, considering that my feet size are too small than the average person I need foot pedals that are adjustable and can support my weight as well. Fortunately, I got to know more about the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer before I have even signed on to buy that old model.

What the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer can do

Like most home elliptical trainers, the Lifecore LC-985VG has a standard stride length of 17.5 inches, that’s just perfect for my height and legs. Using a front flywheel motor design as is the norm for newer models of elliptical trainers, it only weighs 129 pounds so it’s easy to move from one room to another. That makes it quite flexible especially since mine is left in the living room until visitors arrive and I have to carry it all the way to my room. What got me excited was that there are more than ten workout programs that are already preset and available for me to follow, and sure enough the instructions were pretty simple for me. I had a great time following the fitness programs and was happy with how I was progressing; I was sweating buckets in no time at all. There was no hissing sounds from the motor while I was using it; the engine continued to whirr without making any noise. The Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer also comes with a rectangular console where you view and monitor your pulse rate, distance, calories and other crucial workout data.

Can the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer last long?

It may seem too cute for an exercise machine especially when compared to those huge equipments found in gyms, but would you believe the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer can actually carry up to 300 pounds maximum weight? That’s a nice surprise! For something so sleek and curvy, you would not think it can carry someone twice my size. What’s also great is that the Lifecore LC-985VG has spacious foot pedals with anti-slip functionality to keep you from injury as most people who are new to having exercise equipment at home get into accidents the first few times they try to step on the elliptical trainer.

How much should I pay for the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer?

With all these magnificent features plus a very likeable nippy design, the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer is an awesome buy at around $1,200 a pop. Here’s a totally enchanting deal though: Amazon.com is offering the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer for just under $1000! That’s right! I thought my eyes were confusing me too until I checked the Amazon product page again and saw that you can now purchase the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer for just $799. This comes with free shipping too. That is definitely an offer that’s hard to resist.

Does the manufacturer offer a warranty?

Yes! The Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer comes with a residential warranty of 5 years for parts plus 1 year for labor.

What customers are saying about the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer?

Majority of the customers have expressed their satisfaction and happiness after buying the Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer. You can check out and read the customer reviews on Amazon when you browse the product page. The Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer got a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with many people saying it was excellent value. Check out what their reviews are saying:

• "Very impressed"
• "Best thing I ever did for my knees! I Love this machine"
• "Excellent value and great vendor support"
• "Great value elliptical trainer"
• "THE BEST"
• "Outstanding Elliptical Trainer"

Are there any disadvantages?

A handful of people mentioned some problems like rubber wheel noise and poor packaging. Some have problems with assembling the parts or replacing a few screws. However, nearly all customers thought they bought a product that works pretty well and at a very affordable price too.

Visit Amazon.com and read more details about honest buyer reviews, product information and pricing by clicking here.

Technorati Tags: Elliptical Trainer, LC-985VG, Lifecore, Review