Elliptical machines, introduced in 1995, offer joint-friendly cardio workouts. They are popular in gyms, homes, and offices. When choosing an elliptical, consider budget, space, and workout goals. Many machines offer customizable features, including entertainment consoles to combat workout boredom.
Key Features to Consider When Buying an Elliptical
1. Space Requirements
- Compact: Small and ideal for home/workspaces. Some are just pedals, easily stored under desks.
- Foldable: Full-size machines that fold for storage, combining functionality and convenience.
- Full-Size: Durable, heavy machines for home gyms or commercial use, with higher weight capacities.
2. Workout Type
- Rehabilitation: Low-impact magnetic resistance ellipticals for recovery or post-surgery workouts.
- Intense Training: Air resistance ellipticals offering high resistance for challenging workouts.
- Low-Intensity: Compact strider machines for seated, low-effort calorie burning throughout the day.
3. Drive System
- Front Drive: Most stable and commonly found on newer machines, ideal for stride length adjustability.
- Rear Drive: Smoother, more natural motion; typically found on high-end, commercial ellipticals.
4. Console Types
- Traditional: Tracks metrics like speed, calories burned, time, and distance.
- Entertainment Console: Web-enabled for watching videos or surfing the Internet while working out.
- Tablet/Book Holders: Useful for readers or tablet users during workouts.
5. Stride Length
- 16-18 Inches: Best for users under 5'3\".
- 20+ Inches: Suitable for users 5'4\" and taller. Adjustable lengths are ideal for varied users.
- Up to 26 Inches: Necessary for individuals over 6'7\".
6. Adjustability
- Incline & Decline: Targets different muscle groups and adds variety.
- Resistance Levels: Magnetic resistance for adjustable difficulty levels.
- Pedals: Adjustable pedals ensure comfort for users of different heights.
Types of Ellipticals
1. Hybrid Ellipticals
- Combine features of ellipticals and other machines (e.g., stationary bikes or stair steppers).
- Cost-effective and versatile for home gyms.
2. Cross Trainers
- Offer full-body workouts with movable handlebars for synchronized upper and lower body movement.
3. Magnetic Resistance
- Quieter than air resistance, with digital adjustability for resistance settings.
- Common in gyms and commercial settings.
4. Air Resistance
- Resistance increases with workout intensity; noisier but more challenging.
Best Fit for Different Users
1. People with Knee Pain
- Low-impact, smooth motion is joint-friendly, making it great for physical therapy.
2. Runners
- Ideal for cross-training, mimicking running motions while reducing joint stress.
3. Gym Owners
- Should opt for durable commercial-grade machines with varied options to attract members.
Pro Tips for Buyers
- Home Use: Look for compact or foldable options to save space.
- Intense Workouts: Choose air resistance machines for higher intensity.
- Customization: Opt for machines with adjustable stride length, incline, and resistance for versatility.
- Entertainment Needs: Invest in consoles with advanced features if you value distraction during workouts.
Top Brands and Features
1. Yowza Fitness
- Focus on advanced cardio equipment like treadmills and ellipticals.
- Unique technology with online shopping options.
- Financing and warranty available for select models.
- Best for: Innovative buyers seeking advanced machines.
2. Proform
- Wide variety of ellipticals, including hybrids for varied workouts.
- Affordable pricing starting at $799.
- Best for: Recreational home users.
3. NordicTrack
- Offers front-drive, rear-drive, FreeStride, space-saving, and commercial models.
- Durable machines starting at $1299.
- Best for: Serious trainers and light commercial facilities.
4. SOLE Fitness
- Machines suitable for home and commercial use.
- Features Bluetooth compatibility, compact storage, and 20 incline levels.
- Price match and 30-day return guarantee.
- Best for: Serious trainers and light commercial facilities.
5. Schwinn
- Known for reclined ellipticals ideal for joint support.
- Models include Schwinn 470 (29 programs, 10-degree incline) and Schwinn 520 (reclined design).
- Prices start around $450.
- Best for: Home users.
6. Nautilus
- Offers four models for at-home use.
- Features include MyFitnessPal compatibility, tracking apps, and DualTrack\u2122 displays.
- Prices start around $600.
- Best for: Recreational home users.
7. Life Fitness
- Renowned for commercial-grade ellipticals with Whisper Stride quiet technology.
- Home models include Track+ Consoles with app compatibility.
- Prices start at $1799.
- Best for: Serious home trainers and commercial facilities.
8. Precor
- Two series:
- Experience Series: Full-size, customizable for large gyms.
- Assurance Series: Cost-effective for smaller facilities.
- Includes professional delivery and maintenance options.
- Best for: Small and large commercial fitness facilities.
9. Diamondback Fitness
- Offers one elliptical model: 1260 EF, featuring 20 resistance levels and custom programs.
- Accessories and reconditioned equipment available.
- Price: $2,699.
- Best for: Durable home gym setups.
10. Stamina Products
- Compact, space-saving InMotion striders for home and office use.
- Avari magnetic ellipticals with quiet operation.
- Affordable pricing starting at $179.99.
- Best for: Cost-effective workouts at home or work.
Buyer Tips
- Budget: Prices range from $179 to $2,699. Select a model that fits your financial plan.
- Space: Compact and foldable options save space for home/office use.
- Customization: Look for adjustable resistance, stride lengths, and incline levels.
- Entertainment: Opt for models with consoles or tablet holders for distraction-free workouts.
- Purpose: Choose based on your fitness goals - rehabilitation, intense training, or all-day activity.
Invest in the elliptical that aligns with your fitness needs and lifestyle.
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