Elliptical trainers have been friends to gym rats since 1995. They are a type of cardio fitness equipment designed to allow you to run along your body's natural movement path.

Calories

1. A person weighing 150 lbs. will burn approximately 300 calories on the average elliptical trainer.
   

   Stride Length

2. Elliptical trainers come with a variety of stride lengths, and some high-end machines have adjustable stride length. To get the most calorie burn out of your workout, look for a machine with a stride length of at least 18 inches.
   

   Incline

3. Many elliptical machines also offer an incline feature. Changing the incline will help burn more calories in addition to helping your body from hitting a weight loss plateau.
   

   Versatility

4. Elliptical trainers offer greater versatility than treadmills or stair-steppers because you can reverse the action and work an entirely different set of muscles.
   

   Price

5. Elliptical machines are available in a wide variety of prices. The low end is around $300, and the top of the spectrum is about $6,000.