Believe it or not, elliptical machines have not been around for that long as an alternative to high-impact treadmills, the first ones you could purchase appeared in the 1990s.
The right ellipticals do a lot more than just save the joints.
They give you a full-body workout, targeting muscle groups in your arms, chest, back, and legs while amplifying your heart rate and helping you pass the time with technology.
And they always excel at that; you need a low-impact elliptical machine if you want to get into your cardio without gradually ruining any joint from your waist down.
Others skip it but have Bluetooth so that you can use fitness apps on your phone.
Then there are more modest models that focus on basic workouts and less important things like getting in shape or quickly packing up when the activity is over.
There is room for variation since ellipticals appear similar across the board.
If you have a small space, you can always choose a lighter elliptical or one that folds up between uses.
You may want to invest in an alternative with multiple resistance levels, workout modes, and other higher-tech features if you plan to use your elliptical with any frequency.
Some ellipticals, like premium-priced treadmills and stationary bikes, offer subscription-based large-screen live coaching and curated workouts.
Image | Item Name | Programs | Max Capacity | Dimensions | Warranty | Price |
  | 12 | 300 LB | 54 x 23 x 63 inches | 1 Year limited | ||
  | 10 | 375 lbs | 32.28 x 26.38 x 8.66 inches | Lifetime frame; 5 years electronics and parts; 2 years labor | ||
  | 18 | 500 lbs | 60 x 32 x 44 inches | Lifetime frame; 3 years mechanical and electronic parts | ||
  | 22 | 300 lbs | 70.1 x 28.2 x 63.2 inches | 10 years frame, 2 years mechanical parts, 1 year electronics, 90 days labor | ||
  | 29 | 350 lbs | 73 x 27 x 67 inches | 15 years frame/motor, 5 years frame, 2 years parts | ||
  | 12 | 300 lbs | 54 x 29 x 52.5 inches | 12 MONTHS PARTS WARRANTY & 24 HOUR LIFETIME CUSTOMER SERVICE | ||
  | 7 | 350 lb | 46.5 x 22.5 x 26.5 inches | 1 Year limited | ||
  | 16 | 400 lbs | 48L x 25W x 62H inches | Lifetime part warranty | ||
  | 22 | 325 lbs | 80 x 32 x 67 inches | 10-Year Frame, 2-Year Parts, 1-Year Labor | ||
  | 12 | 350 lbs | 70.5 x 24.5 x 60.5 inches | 5-year frame warranty and 90-day parts and labor warranty; |
10 Best Elliptical Machines For Home Use-Reviews In 2023
An elliptical is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a fitness workout with a low effect.
Whereas other types of cardio can place a lot of pressure on your lower body, such as running, jumping, and HIIT, ellipticals tend to give a smooth, easy step.
For this reason, elliptical machines are one of the most popular gym and at-home fitness equipment pieces.
They’re low-impact exercises that can help you improve your cardiovascular health, core strength, upper and lower body strength, and even balance.
You can burn a lot of calories in a short time without putting a lot of strain on your joints because you’re using your legs and arms/shoulders simultaneously.
If treadmills give hip and knee pain, and cycling scares you because of the whole “clip in, clip out” thing, ellipticals are a convenient, entertaining, and relatively safe method to work out anywhere, including at home.
Hill climbs, interval training, and other dynamic exercise modes are available on the top elliptical machines and may be incorporated into various workout regimens.
Ellipticals are also an excellent way to cross-train with other modalities, such as jogging or weightlifting because they maintain cardiac health without pushing your body to its limits and risking injury.
If you want to train your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, or even glutes, you may change the direction of the pedals or lower the foot pedals to target specific leg muscles.
If you’re recovering from an injury, under-desk ellipticals are great home workout equipment because they’re low-impact but can help you improve your range of motion while strengthening and healing an injured ankle, knee, tendon, or another joint.
Here are the most excellent elliptical machines to add to your home workout routine if you want to get in shape without doing anything too fancy, sophisticated, or tough to understand.
When you want to work up a sweat without overexerting yourself, this can be good, and it can be especially significant for beginners who want to ease out without overdoing it.
Our Favorite Features
- Can be used instead of an elliptical, stair climber, or treadmill.
Allows for rapid calorie burn
Comfort, safety, and endurance are all enhanced by a low-impact design. - There are four built-in programs as well as a manual mode.
- There are four online fitness routines available.
- Data tracking using Bluetooth
- Charger and tablet holder
- Heart rate monitors that can be worn on the wrist and are wireless
- Heart rate zone indicator with color coding
- For use at home, it’s small.
- Wheels for transportation
The Schwinn 470 elliptical cross trainer is a high-quality trainer with a backlit touch screen.
Due to its excellent properties and precision, it is a favourite in its price category.
This elliptical’s functionality and features are excellent, so if you’re looking for a simple elliptical to shut out the world and glide on, this is a terrific choice.
It has a media rack for a smartphone or tablet, which can stream classes if you choose, or you can ride.
It offers 16 levels of resistance, and the multi-grip grips allow you to work your upper body in various ways.
This elliptical machine is made to work your muscles as much as possible while taking up only half the space of a regular treadmill.
This elliptical also has a “Max Motivation” feature that displays your BURN RATE, showing you how many calories you burn during your workout.
This tool also keeps track of how active you are during your workout to push you to do more.
The computer displays all relevant training information: energy consumption, training time, distance, calories burned, and the user’s current heart rate.
The belt drive system ensures the quiet and smooth operation of the device.
The HRC program adapts the load to the user’s heart rate and, thus, maintains the optimal training pace, the most favourable in terms of fat burning.
The device is perfect for advanced users who want regular training. The model is intended for home use, hotels, clubs, and gyms.
Pros :
- You can recharge while exercising.
- Handles that are simple to grasp
- There are different levels of resistance.
Cons
- Delivery times are lengthy.
Best Overall : Bowflex Max Trainer M6
Favorite Features
- Whole-Body Workout: The design allows for toning and cardio while minimizing joint impact.
- Lateral Pedal Movement: Moving side-to-side, up and down, and back and forth works multiple muscle areas and burns more calories.
- There are eight different levels of resistance: Try different degrees of resistance to see how far you can go. Advanced fitness levels may wish to concentrate on HIIT training to get the
- most out of the restricted number of resistance levels available.
- The App includes 30 full-length instructor-led videos: You’ll be motivated and challenged by the variety. While you are in the privacy of your own home, you will feel as
- if you are in a class with the instructor leading and encouraging you. Off-machine workouts, like as yoga and weight training, are also available.
- Beginners should start with one of the seven on-board fitness routines.
- Easy to view and read with a large 7.5″ backlit LCD display. Bigger is always better because you won’t be distracted while working out by trying to read your numbers.
- User weight capacity up to 300 lbs
- Connect your devices via Bluetooth to access your own music, films, or other workouts, as well as the LateralX App.
- 2 sets of hand grips (static and movable): Allows you to switch up your training while on the go.
- Radio: Pump yourself up with a choice of music genres.
- Heart Rate Monitor: Use a wireless chest strap or contact sensors for simple reading without interruption (sold separately).
- A charging port for your gadgets is built within the Media/Tablet Shelf. You’ll never be concerned about your smartphone or other device running out of juice.
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 enables you to conduct practical and effective endurance training. Both lower and upper muscles are involved in the activity.
This training burns a lot of calories.
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is a small but powerful elliptical machine. The machine’s innovative design combines the smooth strides of an elliptical with the strength-building steps of a stair-stepper, providing an emotional challenge every time you exercise.
The wide console of the elliptical allows you to easily watch your progress, and the built-in media rack is ideal for multitasking. Is it also lovely? If your smartphone dies in the middle of a workout, you can recharge it by plugging it into a USB charging port.
The cushioned handles on the elliptical are easy to hold, and the broad pedals provide a smooth, pleasant stride.
Use the machine’s 26 resistance settings to gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. You’ll also get two months of free access to the Bowflex JRNY app, which includes trainer-led exercise videos, virtual coaching, and adaptive routines that get harder as you get stronger.
Pros
- It may be transformed into a bicycle.
- Cushioned grips
- There are different levels of resistance.
Cons
- The seat is firm and uncomfortable.
Best Splurge : NordicTrack C 7.5 Elliptical
Our Favorite Features
- Strength and aerobic exercises are seamlessly blended into workouts thanks to training accessories that can be modified in seconds.
- With its adjustable resistance (20 levels) and personalized workout programs, it can accommodate beginners to advanced users.
- When compared to standard weight stack gym equipment or free weights, it provides low-impact resistance.
- Pre-programmed computerized routines and 50 workout films provide fitness assistance.
- It only takes up a small amount of floor space.
- Built with high-quality materials and backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- For a high-quality all-in-one crosstrainer, it has a competitive discount price.
The NordicTrack C 7.5 Elliptical, part of the latest Reebok Fitness line, is a new piece of equipment that can be used at home for intense workouts.
It is an ergometer, which means it has the function of measuring the working muscles. The elliptical cross trainer has a computer with many parts and an LCD screen that shows essential training data.
The NordicTrack C 7.5 Elliptical is unlike any other elliptical machine you’ve ever seen. This is due to the machine’s glider design, in which the pedals float mid-air instead of resting on a heavy base.
A result is a machine with a low profile, and because glider pedals make balancing a little more complicated, you’ll receive a bit of core engagement.
The ellipse consumes 27,025 cubic inches when fully stretched. It merely takes up 17,527.5 cubic inches when folded in half. (A regular elliptical takes up roughly 127,705.5 cubic inches, so this is a relatively compact option.)
The equipment’s benefits include a 9 kg flywheel, 32 levels of magnetic resistance, adjustable skids, and a wide range of training programs that offer different workouts at every stage.
The ONE programmed elliptical cross trainer is safe and comfortable equipment, with the help of which the training will be helpful, and its effects quickly noticeable.
Pros
- Includes a variety of workout alternatives
- It keeps track of your progress.
- The operation is quiet.
- Pedals with cushions
Cons
- Heavy
Best Quality: Marcy ME-704 Regenerating Magnetic Elliptical
Our Favorite Features
- It can be used as an elliptical, a stair climber, or a treadmill.
- Allows for rapid calorie burn
- Low-impact design decreases perceived exertion and injury risk.
- Heart rate monitor with a grip
- Four internet workout regimens are available for free.
- Charger and tablet holder
- For use at home, it’s small.
- Wheels for transportation
- With a smooth 30-pound drive, this is a low-impact workout.
- Resistance training with 25 levels of resistance for strength and cardio.
- For focused muscle toning, use a 22-inch stride with a 10% inclination.
- Handlebars with three grip settings for a variety of upper-body workouts.
- Comfortable pedal cushioning that may be adjusted.
- With 11 apps, you may create a variety of workouts.
- Calorie tracking that is more advanced (Per-minute data).
- Heart rate monitor that is wireless (Chest strap included).
- To customise training, there are four user profiles to choose from.
- For data logging, a Bluetooth connection is required.
- For a mobile device, there is a media tray with a USB charger.
- For easy hydration, there’s a water bottle holder nearby.
- Most households can accommodate a space-saving front-drive machine.
- Everything comes with a two-year warranty.
The elliptical cross trainer has a specific structure and high functionality. It is trendy among people for whom an active lifestyle is a vital element of exercise.
This is ideal for people who want to maintain and improve their condition at any time of the year. The solid construction attests to its durability and safety, making training effective.
The Marcy ME-704 Regenerating Magnetic Elliptical is a tiny machine, which makes it ideal for small spaces. It weighs 63 pounds and is both portable and lightweight. To engage the machine’s transport wheels, tilt it toward you and roll it out of the way whenever you need some room.
Despite its small size, the machine is sturdy enough to support you during a workout. Its oversized pedals ensure comfortable and smooth riding. It has an adjustable tension knob that allows you to switch between eight different resistance modes and a built-in digital meter to keep track of your progress.
There’s no need to be afraid about the machine toppling over because it’s equipped with leg stabilizers that prevent it from shaking and swaying while you work out.
All you need is 20–30 minutes of exercise, 3–4 times a week, to start noticing a decrease in body fat and improve your form.
Magnetic elliptical cross trainer with 18 kg wheel, computer control, and 8-function counter indicating, among others, Exercise time, the speed at which we perform the exercise, the distance we travel, and total, and thanks to the Hand Pulse function – our pulse in beats per minute.
Pros
- Glider pedals are included.
- For convenient storage, it folds up.
- Handles that are easy to hold
Cons
- There are no resistance levels.
Best Commercial-Grade Elliptical : Life Fitness Club Series Cross-Trainer
Our Favorite Features
- This machine combines the features of an elliptical and a stair stepper into one fantastic machine.
- Impact on difficulty places including the knees, back, and other joints is dramatically reduced.
- Display that is simple to read
- Control panel with a simple and straightforward interface
- Increased 30-minute calorie burn
- Design that is compact
- More effective upper-body workout than most ellipticals
- Holder for a tablet
- Using a chest strap, you can monitor your heart rate wirelessly (included)
- Price that is reasonable
The Life Fitness Club Series Cross-Trainer is a cross-trainer from the new series of products.
The elliptical cross trainer combines high quality, functionality, and simplicity.
The Plasma Fit Elliptical Machine is a strong two-in-one trainer that is part elliptical and part exercise bike. It’s also less expensive than many more traditional ellipticals. Step onto the wide pedals, grab the padded handlebars, and start striding to use the machine like a regular elliptical.
I’m a big fan of NordicTrack’s equipment, and this elliptical checks all the boxes for a durable, well-made machine you’ll want to use. It has a 14-inch HD touchscreen that connects you to their on-demand workout program and features Interactive Tech that adjusts your resistance automatically as you move through their programs.
You can run with their best iFit trainers worldwide from your elliptical and talk to other NordicTrack athletes in real life. It’s close to a Peloton or different high-end at-home fitness experience thanks to this clever feature. They add new workouts to their schedules all the time. These workouts include jogging, HIIT, yoga, interval training, and more.
This elliptical can automatically modify your stride based on your emotions. Thanks to the LIVE resistance and inclination control, you won’t have to lift a finger to keep up with the workout ahead of you.
The soft-touch upper body grips are easy to grab for an arm/shoulder component, and the more giant pedals are cushioned for comfort and stability.
Adjust the machine’s seat, hold its smaller stationary handlebars, and begin riding to convert it into an exercise bike. You’ll use the same pedals regardless of the type of exercise you’re doing. You can also make your workout more challenging by turning the knob on the machine’s frame.
Using a magnetic system means the training is extremely quiet, so it does not disturb other household members.
Training on an elliptical cross trainer is ideal for people who want to train the essential muscle parts without straining the joints.
Pros
- The footprint is small.
- Lightweight
- Has a variety of resistance levels
- It keeps track of your progress.
Cons
- It’s possible that taller users won’t be able to use it.
Best for Outdoors: Exerpeutic 1000XL Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical
Our Favorite Features
- Strength and aerobic exercise with a low impact.
- For an added cardio challenge and muscular toning, choose a power incline.
- For tailored training, there are four user profiles to choose from.
- Calorie tracking that is more advanced.
- There are 11 workout programs pre-installed.
- For data logging, a Bluetooth connection to mobile apps is required.
- With the chest strap supplied, you may monitor your heart rate wirelessly.
- Premium handlebars with different grip positions for a variety of workouts.
- For mobile devices, there is a media tray (tablet/phone holder) with a USB charger.
- Underneath the console is a water bottle holder.
- A space-saving front-drive machine that’s ideal for use at home.
The Exerpeutic 1000XL Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical is a modern, durable trainer with a front flywheel.
Due to the specific design, the pedal spacing is much narrower here than on equipment with a wheel at the back. For many users, it is associated with greater comfort during exercise.
The weight of the elliptical cross trainer is 56 kg, and the maximum load capacity – is up to 150 kg.
The Exerpeutic 1000XL Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical is a small, lightweight machine. Instead, it’s a pair of pedals that can be moved under desks, behind tables, in front of couches, and elsewhere.
The small, lightweight machine was created with multitasking in mind. It promises a quiet, unobtrusive workout that allows you to get some exercise while working or watching TV. You may also alter the intensity of your workout by turning the built-in tension dial to increase or decrease the resistance.
The trainer is designed for people between 150 cm and 195 cm tall.
The elliptical cross trainer is equipped with a technologically advanced backlit panel that displays all relevant data such as time, speed, RPM, calories burned, power, distance, and heart rate measured with heart rate sensors. Its operation is simple and intuitive.
The device has practical holders for tablets, phones, or magazines, as well as a water bottle.
Built-in transport wheels and a system for leveling uneven surfaces are significant advantages.
Thanks to the elliptical shape and foldable structure, the elliptical cross trainer only takes up a little space when not used.
The entire structure can be effectively locked when folded to ensure maximum security.
Pros
- Includes a variety of workout alternatives
- It keeps track of your progress.
- The operation is quiet.
- Pedals with cushions
Cons
- Heavy
Best All-Around Elliptical : Nautilus E616 elliptical cross trainer
Our Favorite Features
- Low-impact workout for the entire body
- Short workout sessions are effective; very efficient.
- Up to four user profiles are supported.
- A lateral stride that can be adjusted
- Pedal inclination for comfort and variety in workouts
- Handles with four grip positions for pushing and pulling
- ten layers of resistance
- There are ten built-in workout regimens.
- Radio’s music
- Contact sensors and a wireless heart rate chest strap are incorporated.
- Bluetooth is used to transfer workout data.
The Nautilus E616 elliptical cross trainer is a high-class elliptical cross trainer.
It has a modern look, is of high quality, and has a lot of comforts to make training as easy as possible.
The elliptical cross trainer is equipped with a modern computer that can connect to a mobile device: a phone or tablet with Android or iOS. Thanks to this, the user can use the free DelightTech Fitness APP.
This Schwinn elliptical is less expensive than the others, but it still has many valuable features for at-home workouts. It has Bluetooth and can connect to the Schwinn Trainer app and other fitness apps, so you can use them to access programs all over the world.
It comes with 29 different workout routines and 25 different resistance levels, so people of all ages and fitness levels can use it. It has a metric LCD, a media shelf for storing gadgets, a USB charging port, and a fan that you can change the speed of.
Two-in-one trainers can be used as ellipticals or recumbent bikes, depending on how the seat is adjusted. On the other hand, the Nautilus E616 elliptical cross trainer is a mix of an elliptical and a recumbent bike. The recumbent elliptical combines the lean-back form of a recumbent bike with the arm and leg action of an elliptical to create a new kind of fitness machine.
You’ll be seated when you utilize your Nautilus E616 elliptical cross trainer. You can also alter the position of your seat depending on how far you want to lean back when pedalling. You’ll stride as you would on a regular elliptical but with the added benefit of using the moving handlebars to work your upper body.
The recumbent elliptical has a more significant impact than a typical recumbent bike but less than a regular elliptical, which makes it a good choice for people who want a challenging but comfortable workout.
The software collects all data related to training and provides an unforgettable experience using Google maps.
You can quickly train anywhere: New York, Barcelona, the Cote d’Azur—no problem! Google Street View is responsible for virtual travel, displayed from street level, giving a realistic image.
Pros
- The footprint is small.
- Operation that is quiet
- There are different levels of resistance.
Cons
- Over time, wheels may begin to squeak.
Best Small: EFITMENT Air Walker Glider Elliptical Machine
Our Favorite Features
- Touchscreen with 10 inch HD resolution
- JRNY Digital Fitness Platform is a digital fitness platform created by JRNY.
- 20 levels of resistance – There are a lot of levels to choose from to fit your needs.
- Speakers with Bluetooth
- Pedals with a textured surface and a larger size
- Rack for premium media
- Heart rate sensors and a Bluetooth HR armband are included in the grips.
- Its small size allows it to fit into most locations.
EFITMENT’s Air Walker Glider Elliptical Machine is multifunctional equipment that guarantees comprehensive training of all body parts.
It is quiet and smoothly working equipment with a magnetic braking system, a professional 50 cm step, a distance between skids of 9 cm, and a flywheel weight of 16 kg.
The EFITMENT Air Walker Glider Elliptical Machine is a traditional elliptical that can be used for various exercises. The machine is easy to use and will always help you get good practice. There are 22 workout routines available on the elliptical, including beginning and advanced options. (If you prefer a no-fuss option, it also has a “fast start” mode.)
The machine’s Goal Track feature allows you to set objectives and track your progress over time, and its 20 resistance ranges keep you challenged as you gain strength. The elliptical offers a smooth, silent ride no matter what settings you use, and its wide, cushioned pedals promise to keep your strides comfortable.
During the training, we have a choice of 5 fixed programs and two heart rate-controlled programs.
This elliptical cross trainer is designed for users with a maximum body weight of 150 kg. It has transport rollers that are helpful when changing the place of equipment.
Pros
- Stride length can be adjusted
- It can be used as a treadmill or a stair stepper.
- There are different levels of resistance.
- Ample inclination range
Cons
- There is no assembly service available.
Best Two-in-One : NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i
Our Favorite Features
- It’s like having your own personal trainer with the Max Intelligence Platform enabled.
- The range of 20 resistance levels will keep you challenged for years to come.
- LCD/LED panels with enhanced dual mode: large and easy to view.
- Up to four distinct profiles are possible.
- Its small size allows it to fit into most locations.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6″ Tablet/Armband Heart Rate Monitor Performance Pack
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i is a modern device for professional training. The elliptic belongs to the high-quality devices of the 300 series.
Training on a NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i can easily be combined with entertainment.
This model was equipped with an insole + computer with a touch screen based on Android, Bluetooth 4.0, USB, and Wi-Fi.
With the pad for mobile devices, you can use your phone or tablet without stopping your workout.
The computer offers a wide selection of training functions and programs.
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i from NordicTrack is a high-tech elliptical that adapts to your habits, giving you a tailored workout. When you go on the elliptical, you’ll note that the 32-inch stride provides plenty of area for pedalling. You may notice that your stride becomes shorter and more comfortable with time. This is because the machine adjusts to your stride length automatically.
You can also use the machine’s wide range of motion to make your workouts more flexible. You may turn the elliptical into a treadmill by shifting your feet forward and back. You can also use it as a stair stepper by pressing up and down on the machine.
Many ellipticals have multiple resistance levels, but this has a staggering 26. You may also choose between a 10-degree incline or a 10-degree descent, a unique feature that will make your exercises even more enjoyable.
The elliptical comes with a one-year iFit membership, which gives you access to thousands of on-demand programs. You can also use iFit’s automatic trainer control feature to have a personal trainer adjust your incline and resistance levels as you work out.
This affects the variety of training sessions and the lack of monotony. The computer also offers access to various mobile applications and social networking sites.
Pros
- Converts to a bicycle.
- Everything may be changed.
- There are different levels of resistance.
Cons
- There is no assembly service available.
Our Favorite Features
- Full-body training: The design makes it possible to get a good upper-body workout.
- This is a fantastic low-impact workout.
- Compact size: Ideal for any home gym of any size.
- The intelligence platform has been activated. Max Intelligence is a new program that analyzes, predicts, and makes suggestions based on artificial intelligence each time you workout.
- It’s like having your own personal trainer at your disposal. There are 29 instructor-led films available on demand.
- There are 16 levels of resistance, which provides a wide range of challenges for people of all fitness levels.
- Burn rate display: Easily see how many calories you’ve burned, and so on.
- Heart rate monitor: It’s built right in, so it’s simple to use without being too distracting.
- The maximum user weight is 300 pounds, which indicates that almost anyone can use it.
- Up to two people can be connected and tracked.
The Teeter FreeStep recumbent cross trainer and elliptical are perfect for a home gym. Training on an elliptical cross trainer also brings satisfying results.
The minimum pedal spacing allows you to adopt a natural and correct training position. The enlarged, additionally reinforced structure allows training for even tall people.
The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical are both an elliptical and a recumbent cycle in one piece of equipment, giving you two ways to work out. To use the trainer as an elliptical, move the seat out of the way, step on the wide pedals, and hold the tall, moving handlebars.
To use the trainer as a recumbent bike, move the seat forward, turn the pedals up, and pull the stationary handlebars closer to you.
Unlike many two-in-one trainers, which allow you to change the seat, this one will enable you to adjust every aspect of the machine, ensuring a solid and comfortable workout regardless of mode.
To keep your exercises challenging, switch between the trainer’s 16 resistance levels, and take advantage of the free 30-day iFit membership with your purchase.
Possibility of using many training applications after connecting the Dual Kit. A 48-cm-long step provides the comfort of training.
The front flywheel reflects the authentic way of moving without overloading the joints.
Pros
- Converts to a bicycle.
- Seat that can be adjusted
- Tablet and drink bottle holders are included.
Cons
- The seat is firm and difficult to sit in.
How do you choose an elliptical trainer?
One of the most popular cardio and aerobic exercise machines is the elliptical trainer, also called an elliptical cross trainer.
Elliptical cross trainers help burn a similar amount of kilocalories as, for example, treadmill training, but exercising on them is much less strenuous.
Also, working out on an elliptical cross trainer is much better for your joints, mainly your knees, than working out on a treadmill.
When we exercise on an elliptical trainer, we involve both the lower and upper muscle groups to better influence the performance and condition of the whole body.
You need to pay attention to several parameters when choosing an elliptical cross trainer.
Price
This is a fundamental issue that determines the majority of our purchases.
The advantage of an elliptical cross trainer is that, in most cases, they are cheaper than, e.g., treadmills.
The higher the amount we can spend on the machine, the greater the number of available functions.
We advise against buying hypermarket machines as cheaply as possible – they are often unreliable, wear out quickly, and work much louder than proven manufacturers’ slightly more expensive devices.
We can spend anywhere from $1500 to over $6,000 on a good elliptical cross trainer from 1500 to over 6000 %%EDITORCONTENT%%nbsp; (these prices depend on training programs, type of braking system, additional functions, and load capacity).
Type of braking system
There are elliptical cross trainers on the market with three braking systems.
– Mechanical (they are the simplest, cheapest, but also the noisiest and the most unreliable)
– Magnetic (the resistance force is controlled by resistance magnets that generate a magnetic field when moved closer or farther apart).
Elliptical cross trainers are those in which the resistance is controlled by a knob or is motorized.
The first ones are cheaper, while the second ones give us a much larger scale of adjustment resistance, which means that training can be more accurately adapted to the individual abilities of the exerciser)
– Electromagnetic (the distance between the electromagnet and the wheel is constant, and resistance is generated by varying the strength of the electromagnetic field).
Electromagnetic elliptical cross trainers are the most expensive. Nonetheless, unlike magnetic ellipticals, they allow for a variety of training programs (whereas magnetic ellipticals only allow for purposeful programs that are usually set for a specific training time).
They have a much larger scale of resistance and react faster to changes in their value on the control computer.
Failures occur much less frequently in these devices than in the other two types.
The size of the flywheel
The flywheel is just as crucial in an elliptical cross trainer as it is in stationary bikes – it is the part that regulates the whole work of a trainer.
Both the smoothness of movement and the resistance force depends on the flywheel size (unless we are dealing with an electromagnetic trainer, in which case the electromagnet’s strength determines the quality of these features).
In other cases, it was assumed that the greater the flywheel mass, the better the elliptical cross trainer worked. Recently, however, manufacturers have not focused so much on the wheel’s weight.
The mass of the entire braking system (for example, the Kettler), so instead of 5–6 kg, we have 16–18 (and even 25!) kg.
Load Capacity
The user’s maximum weight should be taken into account, especially if the elliptical cross trainer is used by a big person.
If there are many users, it is worth choosing a trainer with a higher load capacity (a higher load capacity also means greater device strength).
Step length adjustment The step length
The adjustment function is critical when several people use the elliptical cross trainer. Then, it can be adjusted to the user’s height, which makes training easier and more effective.
There is no specific metric to date that assigns height to a particular length of stride, but general guidelines are known:
- size – up to 160 cm – stride length up to 16 ” (i.e. up to 40.5 cm)
- height 160 to 170 cm – stride length 16 ” to 18 ” (40.5 to 45.5 cm)
- height 170 to 180 cm – stride length 18 ” to 20 ” (45.5-50.5 cm)
- height over 180 cm – stride length over 20 ” (over 50.5 cm)
Training programs Training
Programs are not a prerequisite for a good workout, but they allow you to diversify your training, making it less monotonous or boring (so they are essential, especially for people who easily get demotivated).
You can learn more about the various types of training programs HERE.
It is also worth adding that programs are often tailored to different training goals.
Size
Although elliptical cross trainers take up much less space than training treadmills.
It is worth checking whether the model will fit into the available space – this applies especially to people with small living spaces.
For example, the York Fitness Heritage X101 elliptical cross trainer has the dimensions 136 x 65 x 152 cm. In comparison, the Kettler Skylon 3 elliptical cross trainer has the dimensions 200 x 70 x 180 cm (the first of these values is the length, and this parameter of 64 cm makes a big difference).
Other available functions and facilities
In the medium- and high-priced elliptical cross-trainer models and training programs.
There are often other amenities, such as the ability to measure body fat percentage, fitness assessments, remembering user-profiles and fans, connecting an mp3 player and headphones, newspaper/book stands, and even built-in screens (which display route visualizations or ordinary TV programs).
Summary
Elliptical machines are stationary exercise machines that work both the upper and lower bodies.
Using this equipment does not put as much strain on the joints as other workouts, such as jogging. The training is suitable for persons with arthritis because the feet push on pedals rather than touching the ground.
Before investing in an elliptical machine for home usage, a person should think about other low-impact exercises like brisk walking or water aerobics.