One of the best features available on most Elliptical Cross Trainer Machines is the built in heart-rate sensor.  More expensive machines with have the sensor built right into the handles of the machine allowing you to monitor your heart-rate during your work out.  Some machines without the actual sensors in the handles come with wireless sensors providing a less restrictive workout.  Obviously the third and least expensive monitor would require you to hook-up sensors to your body while you work out.

LCD consoles are another great feature included in many of the most popular elliptical cross-trainers.  Generally, they come with features such as calories burned, heart rate, timers, distance and other various features.  Some of the more advanced machines have built-in programs that guide you through the exercises using varying resistance and other automatically adjustable controls.  They also can manage your program, track your progress and provide recommendations to achieving your goals as well as provide visual cues to make your workout more interesting and custom tailored to your fitness level.

Many elliptical machines have adjustable pedals and upright handles allowing you to adjust your cross trainer to your height ensuring maximum comfort during your workout.  It’s almost like having a machine customized to your specific size and height requirements and goes a long way in helping you stick to your exercise program.

Another great feature on many of the popular elliptical machines is the adjustable magnetic resistance.   This feature allows you to control the difficulty level of your workout, so no matter your fitness level you can ensure you will always get the optimal full body workout.  These machines advance with you as your fitness level increases and you really never outgrow, or outwork the machine.

There are numerous features available on most elliptical cross trainers. There are even features that use technology that is proprietary to the maker of the product.  Ensuring you know what features are the most important to you will help you in making your decision a little easier when you decide to purchase one of these remarkable full body work-out machines.  Knowing yourself and your goals will help you decide on what features are the most important to you.