Listed below is an assortment of what are the best buy elliptical machines, and their special features.

When people are looking to add a cardio machine to their home gym, elliptical trainers are a first choice. They allow everyone to get a good cardio workout but without joint impact that treadmills and other machines have on the body.

What makes an elliptical trainer a good exercise machine is that it combines the motion of running and climbing but without a jarring shock to the knees.

Many elliptical machines offer a variety of resistance levels to meet your exercise goals, and combine upper and lower body exercises for a total body workout. A few elliptical machines fold for storage and work well in an apartment.

Deciding which options will work best for you such as stride length, programs, heart monitors, or adjustable resistance should be considered.

A stride length of at least 21 inches is recommended, as well as multiple resistance levels. Ability to track progress and programmable options can keep goals in sight. Having a heart monitor can keep track of target zones.

There are over 30 different elliptical brands on the market, and each year newer models are added. They range in price from inexpensive to very expensive depending on the brand and model. Research can help make choosing an elliptical trainer a little easier.

Listed below is a breakdown of a few of the best elliptical machines on the market today, including features, prices and reviews.

Listed as Best Overall Elliptical Trainer 2010, Precor EFX 5.17i

$2,000

Features of the Precor EFX 5.17i include an adjustable incline angle of the pedals from 12-25 degrees, state-of-the-art LED displays and graphics, 20 resistance levels, 19 inch stride, 4 pre-set programs, LED console with color graphics, reverse motion, heart rate monitor.

Comments: Comfortable stride, good quality machine, superior low-impact cardio workout. Precor has a reputation for quality.

Listed as Best Club-Quality Trainer 2010, Best Elliptical Machine Money Can Buy, Precor EFX 5.33

$3,999

Features of the Precor EFX 5.33 include 14 upper body workouts, 20 resistance levels, LED display with graphics, heart rate monitor, 19 inch stride, 20 degree incline, reverse motion, unlimited weight capacity.

Comments: Precor invented the elliptical machine in 1995 and has the highest quality products. Good cardio workout. Works different muscle groups.

Listed as Best New Elliptical for 2010, The Yowza Fitness Captiva

Priced around $1,999

Features of the Yowza Elliptical Fitness Captiva are variable motion and stride from 18 to 32 inches, core training using a T-bar that goes left to right, a 43 pound flywheel, pivoting pedals, a fan and iPod plug.

Comments: Most ground-breaking elliptical trainers on the market. Great workout.

Nordic Track Audiostrider 990 PRO Elliptical Machine.

$999

Heavier flywheel and IfitLive are the 2010 upgrades.

An adjustable stride from 18 to 20 inches, upper body controls, power incline, iPod port, personal trainer workouts, and ability to fold are a few features of the Nordic Track Audiostrider.

Comments: Well-built for not being commercial quality. For an elliptical under $1,000, best value for the money.

Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer, 2009 Model, $1700.

Features are a stride length of 20 inches, power incline, angled, oversized footpads heart rate monitor, iPod/mp3 hookup, 29 pound flywheel and 400 pound user capacity.

Comments: Listed as the Best Elliptical Buy for 2009. Great commercial grade elliptical machine without the high price.

Smooth CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer, Priced around $1,799.

Features of the Smooth CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer are a 21 inch stride length, one of the longest on the market, ergonomic pivoting foot pedals for proper alignment, 16 resistance level, 8 pre-set workout programs, 9 user profiles for multiple users, dot matrix console similar to health club machines and 350 pound weight capacity.

Comments: This is a highly recommended machine mostly for the longer 21 inch stride length, stable feeling, club-like console and pivoting footpedals.

There are numerous elliptical trainers out there with a variety of different options. Deciding which machine is best for you may take some time but it will be well worth it in finding out what are the best buy elliptical machines, and their special features.

Find the machine that will fit your requirements when you compare the elliptical reviews available today! When you add the many elliptical features available, you will be able to achieve your fitness goals fast and easy!