Elliptical Trainer Exercise

The Yowza Captiva Elliptical Trainer is the best elliptical trainer – and you are about to read why that is. What you are about to read is first-hand experience of a great company that I think you should really get to know. That’s because Yowza Fitness has one of the strongest warranties in the business, with a 60-day money back guarantee – no questions asked – policy. That’s good business in anyone’s book.

Beyond good business, however, their products are first in class. Before I make the case, there are a few other resources on our site you should look into. Our recent review of the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer is one to consider – it’s one of the top-rated elliptical trainers on Amazon and admittedly is in a lower class than the Yowza Captiva (the two don’t compare, it would be unfair to do so: you don’t compare a Cadillac to a Pontiac), but still a great buy. And keep in mind that currently the Captiva is the flagship of Yowza’s ellipticals, their entry level elliptical trainer, the Yowza Largo Elliptical is an example of fine craftsmanship as well, without the bells and whistles you’ll read here about Captiva.

Let me also give you some other recommendations from our other review page at Elliptical Trainers Reviews. For a buying guide that I wrote LONG before I ever heard of Yowza myself, you can read our Elliptical Machines For Sale page. I bring that up because if you read that page first, and then this one, you’ll understand why I was so excited to begin talking about Yowza – they hit all my “buyer’s guide” points without even asking!

Is the Yowza Fitness Captiva the best Elliptical trainer?

In this reviewer’s eyes, out of a possible 5 stars, this gets the Milky Way Galaxy! Yes, it sounds ridiculous, but I love analogies and hyperbole, so excuse the over-the-topness of my writing style. If I were to tone down the rhetoric, I’d still throw a full 5 stars at Yowza.

Yowza Fitness, whom we highly recommend, produces several models of elliptical crosstrainers. This model, the “Captiva,” represents their top-shelf product and is full of patented innovation, exclusive to Captiva.

Certain reviews have already touted this model as “The Best of 2010,” to which we raise a hearty, “Huzzah!” The reason for that is because of the re-invent-the-wheel, innovative design. This model represents an evolution in design in elliptical technology. There are two particular features that set this apart from the rat-pack: “Variable Motion” and the “Cardio Core Training,” according to the Yowza literature, and the Cardio Core training is actually a feature available on their Sanibel model, too – though the Variable Motion is exclusively a feature of the Captiva.

The benefit to you as the end-user: you experience one of the hands-down best cross-training workouts you’ve experienced. This machine isn’t for sissies or for those who aren’t committed to a regular cardio exercise regimen. This is a “man’s game,” to quote Jim Rome (yes, Jim Rome of “J.R.I.B.,” gotta love that guy. Not that he reads his fans blogs…) Not to say that this isn’t a “woman’s game,” it’s actually a “stay in shape” game, so if anyone with a functional body wants to get into shape, these machines are right for you.

You may not have ever heard of “Yowza” for the life of you – just who are these guys? Well, in Europe they’re pretty big fish. In America, not quite yet, but give them time, you have to start somewhere. The two designers of this machine, according to their site, have a combined experience of almost 50 years in fitness. They know what they’re doing.

Their reputation in Europe: Yowza Fitness is a producer of quality, durable, maintenance “free” equipment. Like I said, they aren’t slouches. They don’t make Ford Pintos. These are “BMWs.” No offense to Pinto fans.

As of the writing of this article, New Year’s Eve of ’09, the Captiva is selling directly from Yowza’s site for $3,499.

**Newsflash!**
No, this isn’t some gimmick, this is how the cookie crumbled: It is now selling at a rock-bottom sale price price of only $1,999

That includes free shipping. For this introductory sale, they’ve extended the warranty (labor) to 2 years!

Financing is Available – So you can pay as you go, just click through to the appropriate section.

Here is a screen shot of their financing:

This sale is just an introductory sale to get the word out, so I’m going to recommend you look into it and leave it at that. Just don’t write to me and complain I didn’t tell you so.

In this reviewer’s mind: this is currently the best elliptical trainer, giving you the most bang for your buck. Let’s take a peek at some of the reasons why – the features.

Yowza’s Captiva Features Make it THE Best Elliptical Trainer

Cardio Core Elliptical

This is a unique feature to the Captiva, and actually a very competitive edge for this particular model. Watch for imitations to creep up in months and years to come. See, as discussed on our home page, one of the main benefits of elliptical trainer exercise is the combination of upper/lower body movement, for a total body workout.

On most elliptical designs, what this means is that the upper body is holding onto the handlebars, and simply “going along for the ride” in a manner of speaking. Result: the lower body gets the lion’s share of the workout. The upper body’s just playing the part.

Yowza Fitness battled this design flaw with Cardio Core Training. Your core muscles get a workout (abdominals). This is due to the design of the handlebar, which swings side-to-side in conjunction with the pedals. Benefit: your core gets trained, much like when you’re doing crunches. Don’t just take my word for it, though – hop on one and try it out. You’ll feel the burn.

Yowza Fitness perfected this technology in their Core-X abdominal trainer, which you can view at the Yowza Fitness blog.

Variable Motion Elliptical (VME)

This design feature is another nail in the competitions’ coffin, as Yowza ups the ante again. This feature allows you to vary the stride length from 18-32 inches…and not just that, because that would be exciting, but really not that big a deal. No, this is different – you get 12 (a full dozen!) motions, not simply variable elliptical strides.

Benefit: you’ll work out different muscles in your lower body, and really step your game up as far as cardiovascular workouts are concerned. Different angles of attack = different burn.

With this VME style, you’ll put less strain on your knees, lift your legs higher than you normally would expect to, and really tackle different leg muscles than a traditional elliptical motion range can accomplish. You’ll work out your quads, hip flexors, hams and lower back muscles. Another benefit: this is a serious step up in cardio exertion. You’ll feel it as you increase in intensity, and now the elliptical machine isn’t just for those who don’t want to “push” themselves.

This machine is for the athlete, as well as the man or woman-off-the-street. If you’re serious about getting a total body workout, with genuine exertion for both upper and lower body, you need look no further.

Free Shipping on Captive Elliptical from Yowza Fitness, and besides that, there’s more to the Captiva, such as:

iPod Docking Station and Sound System

Your iPod will keep you good company as you plug and play with your new Captiva, with a surround sound that’s no slouch. I’m sure you’ll find the sound as we did – above par.

Colorful Backlit LCD Display

This isn’t the boring, calculator-style screen you’ll find on most exercise equipment. This is full-on Star Trek: The Next Generation, full-color and hi-resolution. Even your fitness will be going warp-speed! (Translation: astounding display, and very easy to read.) Here is a glimpse:

SureFit Pedals

These pedals have “cam” action, to quote an automotive phrase. They pivot along with the motion of the elliptical, thus providing a more ergonomic design. It absorbs shock. Benefit: less wear-and-tear on your joints.

Eddy Current Braking System

This is top-shelf quality as far as brakes are concerned, typically reserved for industrial-grade machines.

Sealed Bearings

Sealed bearings, vs. bushings, will result in longer life of the machine, and quieter operation. Again: this is a top-of-the-line machine.

Heavy-Gauged Flywheel

Unlike a chintzy machine, this flywheel has real heft. It’s over 40 pounds, and results in a smooth feel, with gradual starts/stops. Benefit: this is getting repetitive, but this really is the best elliptical trainer on the market – it will outlast the competition! Not only that, but the Yowza Fitness Captiva will put less wear-and-tear on your joints, as it is fully weight-bearing, ergonomic and low-impact.

3-Speed Cooling Fan

When you push it to the max on your elliptical workout, you’ll need to cool your jets. This fan will bring your core temperature down, since it’s aimed at your core. Ahh! Relief! Benefit: longer endurance for you during your workout, more calories burned, more efficient workout.

Conclusion:

Yowza Fitness’ Captiva is the reigning crown champion, overall the best elliptical trainer of the 21st century. With its innovative and patented design, attention to detail, old-fashioned durable design and extended 2-year warranty, this is one serious cross-trainer you need to try to believe. Believe it when you read the sale price of $1,999 is a massive savings – these began at $3,499 late last year and were worth every penny at that point.

Do you want firmer abs? Do you want to train your leg muscles – you know, the ones you didn’t know you even had? – and your upper body to boot? You’ll seriously want to give these guys at Yowza their due. Our hats are off to Yowza – this one will be hard to beat. In the meantime, it’s official: the Yowza Captiva (VME) is the best elliptical trainer available to the masses.

The Captiva, in all its glory – the pictures below will take you to Yowza’s site if you want to purchase or read more:

Here’s the Navarre for sale price of $1,199, at full price it sells at $1999. Please note, this does not have the “Cardio Core” motion – it is a traditional handlebar configuration. BUT you can save using this coupon – Save $75 off Navarre Elliptical. Code YOWZANAV75

Another elliptical exercise machine Yowza offers, compact and costing $1,299 full-price–sale price of $799–is the Largo elliptical trainer, click this below, and you can read more about all of their products from various price ranges:

Yowza offers a number of exercise equipment products, actually. Such as a full range of treadmills, like this one, for $2,299, the “Keewadin Club Quality” folding treadmill. By clicking the picture, you’ll be taken to Yowza’s official site, and you can see all of their products, but this is one of their top-of-the-line, folding treadmills–normally $2,299 but on sale now at $1,699 $1,499 (this just updated 6/19/2010). – Click this coupon to save 100% OFF shipping for the Keewadin folding treadmill: Free Shipping on Keewadin Treadmills from Yowza Fitness

Below is their top-of-the line, folding treadmill, the “Biscayne” is normally $2,699–on sale for only $1,699! Here is a coupon you’ll save money with – Save $150 on Biscayne Treadmill. Code YOWZABIS150