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Looking at a Reebok elliptical for your home gym? Wondering if they are a good value for your fitness needs? This article will review the strengths and weaknesses of Reebok ellipticals to help you decide.

Reebok CrossTrainers can be found in many discount department store fitness areas as well as online. They are actually produced by Icon Health and Fitness, one of the largest exercise equipment manufacturers in the world (They also own brands like Proform, Healthrider, Weslo and Image.)

Reebok crosstrainers used to be more popular with buyers. However, over the past few years they have been eclipsed by better built trainers with more sophisticated features.

Strengths:

Affordable - The older Reebok units used to sell for $699 and under, which made them affordable for the home gym on a budget. However it's getting harder to find these older models and the new Reebok units tend to be higher priced at around $999+.

iFit compatibility - iFIT.com technology can be found on many of the older models. It controls the resistance of your elliptical so you don't have to worry about a thing. Interactive workouts can be sent right to your machine from iFIT.com or try an iFIT CD and Scenic Video workouts. The new models also come with several built-in workout programs, which can again, challenge you and stave off workout boredom.

Upper body workout arms - Most Reebok ellipticals come with moveable upper body arm bars. These allow you to get a total body workout and burn more calories in a shorter amount of time.

20" Stride - While most older Reebok units have a smaller 14-16" stride, the new Reebok crosstrainers are starting to improve and some machines do offer the 20" stride. A longer stride gives your legs a more full range of motion which results in a better workout and more calories burned. For most people over 5'6", a longer stride also feels a lot more comfortable.

CoolAire workout fans built into the Console - These are little things but they do make your workout more comfortable and enjoyable.

Weaknesses:

The older Reebok ellipticals are economy grade machines. They probably won't hold up too well over the long run - a fact seen in generally short warranties.

And while the new Reebok crosstrainers are an improvement, they are also more expensive $999-$1599. This puts them in an entirely different category and they are competing with other elliptical brands that generally offer higher grade machines and give you more for your money.

Also, user reviews of these ellipticals in the past have not been positive, with users complaining mostly about the resistance levels on their elliptical trainers getting stuck.

Conclusion:

Reebok ellipticals are a mixed bag. On the one hand, they are affordable and the new models are starting to improve with longer stride lengths, more advanced consoles, heart rate monitors and built in workout programs. Also, it's nice to know the Reebok name will definitely be around in the years to come, should your elliptical need servicing.

On the other hand, while Reebok crosstrainers have fared well with some experts, buyers aren't positive about them so far. Plus most Reebok machines offer very short warranties - which tells you something about the quality of construction. And while the new models are an improvement, there are many similarly priced ellipticals that give you more for your money.

If you choose to buy a Reebok elliptical, I would recommend you try it out at the store first to make sure the feel and stride length is right for you. Also, try to get an extended warranty, just to give you that extra peace of mind.