What is best elliptical for home


Best Elliptical Machines 2023

Hitting the market in the late 90s, the elliptical machine quickly became a go-to, low-impact workout machine built for fitness centers and home gyms alike. By decreasing your rate of perceived exertion, the best elliptical machines took unwanted stress off your joints, allowing you to workout in comfort. Over the years, ellipticals have embraced more comfortable and durable materials, improved tracking systems and bigger screens, turning what was once a newfangled machine into a state-of-the-art cardio powerhouse. As a solid means of building up your aerobic system, ellipticals have earned their place in every workout space.

We've rounded up the best ellipticals you can buy for a challenging but low-impact cardio workout at ... [+] home.

Forbes Vetted

When buying any piece of home gym equipment, there are basic factors to consider first such as size, portability and price range. On top of that, you’ll need to decide which features are most important to you such as elliptical style (front drive or rear drive), incline and resistance adjustability, connectivity, customizable training modes and even noise level.

Regardless of your preferences, you have a ton of options when it comes to choosing your elliptical machine. There are Peloton-style ellipticals that provide live workouts on a big, colorful screen. Others feature Bluetooth technology that allows you to easily use fitness apps on your phone or tablet, while more modest machines come without all the bells and whistles (because not everyone needs those). There are also ellipticals that easily fold up to save space, and ones that meet pretty much every price point. Basically, the best elliptical machine for you is out there—you just need to know where to find it.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best ellipticals for your home. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s an option on this list for everyone.

Best Elliptical Overall

A Crowd-Pleasing Option That Has All The Features You Need

Walmart

Nautilus E618 Elliptical

Dimensions: 73 L x 27 W x 66. 9 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 350 pounds | Stride length: 22 inches

If you want an elliptical machine that’s rugged, versatile and features great ergonomics, the Nautilus E618 Elliptical Trainer is a solid choice. It features 25 levels of resistance, a 10-degree motorized incline and a generous 22-inch stride. The padded foot pedals are adjustable so you can set it up to perfectly fit your natural movement, and the system tracks metrics like time, distance and calories on the LCD display. Granted, the LCD display is nothing to write home about, but if you’re mainly looking to keep track of your workouts, it’ll get the job done.

The E618 works best in conjunction with Nautilus’s Explore the World app, which lets you cycle through beautiful courses around the world (you’ll need to pay a subscription for certain features). If you want to follow along as you work out, you can connect your own tablet via Bluetooth.

Pros:

Cons:


Best Elliptical For Beginners

An Easy-To-Assemble Machine With Just Enough Features

Decathlon

Decathlon EL100 Essential Elliptical

Dimensions: 46. 1 L x 23 W x 60.6 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 220 pounds | Stride length: 12.2 inches

The no-frills EL100 Essential Elliptical from Decathlon is perfect for beginners as all you have to think about during your workout is striding, plus the machine comes at a great price so you don’t make a huge investment before you decide if you actually enjoy it. A large, four-function LCD display shows your calories burned, time, distance and speed. The manual turn dial on the front of the elliptical offers seven levels of resistance to vary your workout. And that’s really all there is to this simplistic machine.

Decathlon is the IKEA of the fitness machine world so while the elliptical requires some assembly, it comes with a detailed guide and video so you can do it yourself in less than 30 minutes. The 6.6-pound flywheel, while on the lighter side, still delivers a smooth pedal stroke.

Pros:

Cons:


Best Full Body Workout Elliptical

A Sweat-Inducing Machine That Enables Intense Calorie Burn

MOST POPULAR

Bowflex

Bowflex Max Trainer M9

Dimensions: 49. 2 L x 30.5 W x 65.1 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 300 pounds | Stride length: N/A

Bowflex’s Max Trainer series is what you get when you cross an elliptical with a stair stepper. The result is a machine with 20 levels of resistance that delivers full-body, low-impact exercise with an intense calorie-burning workout. Bowflex says that lets you burn more calories in less time for more efficient workouts, and the company cites a study that asserts the M9’s unique motion provides greater upper body muscle activation than traditional ellipticals. Because the M9 is vertical rather than horizontal, it also takes up less space.

The 10-inch color HD touchscreen keeps you informed about your exercise progress and is compatible with the JRNY app—that’s Bowflex’s own subscription service for personalized exercises. You get a free two-month trial with your purchase—and up to four users can work out with their own profile and progress metrics. And don’t forget the matching workout mat, a must for protecting your floors and adding stability to your workouts.

Pros:

Cons:


Best Compact Elliptical

A Space-Saving Elliptical That Rolls Away When You Need It To

NordicTrack

NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i Elliptical

Dimensions: 80 L x 32 W x 67 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 325 pounds | Stride length: 18 inches

It’s right there in the name. The NordicTrack SE9i is called the SpaceSaver, and it gets that title by folding up like a transformer, storing away vertically when it’s not in use. In other words, it can easily stand unobtrusively in a corner instead of taking up half the room.

But there’s a lot more to this elliptical than just easy storage. Thoughtful ergonomic touches include padded foot pedals that lower the impact of your workout as well as an integrated fan. You get 24 resistance levels and 10 degrees of adjustable incline as well. The seven-inch HD touchscreen is compatible with iFit software, so with a subscription, you can take advantage of live coaches and trainers, and jog your way through courses that take you to gorgeous real-world locations. Meanwhile, the SE9i can automatically change incline and resistance levels based on your route and workout.

Pros:

Cons:


Best Budget Elliptical

A Budget-Friendly Option That Delivers A Great Workout

Amazon

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer

Dimensions: 28 L x 17 W x 57 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 220 pounds | Stride length: 11 inches

Currently priced at less than $200, the portable SF-E905 from Sunny Health & Fitness shows that good quality doesn’t always come with an expensive price tag. This magnetic elliptical enables you to adjust the resistance up to eight levels by simply twisting the controller to customize your workout. The easy-to-read digital monitor lets you keep on top of your effort by displaying the duration, speed, distance, calories and your pulse via the hand sensors on the machine’s arms. 

Large, anti-slip pedals, paired with stabilizers on the base, add a level of safety, while wheels enable you to effortlessly move the elliptical around with a simple tilt and roll. No need for any heavy lifting whether you’re storing it away or breaking it out for another sweat session.

Pros:

Cons:


Best Elliptical For Sensitive Joints

A Smooth Machine Designed By Physical Therapists

Dick's Sporting Goods

Sole Fitness E35

Dimensions: 83 L x 27 W x 58 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 375 pounds | Stride length: 20 inches

The Sole Fitness E35 has a feature not a lot of other ellipticals can claim: Foot pedals designed in collaboration with physical therapists. The oversized pedals have adjustable foot beds and a two-degree inward slope that reduces ankle and knee stress—a fairly common complaint among other ellipticals. The overall design of the E35 eliminates strain on your knee, hip and ankle joints, turning an ordinarily low-impact workout into essentially a no-impact workout, regardless of which of the 20 resistance levels you choose.

The 7.5-inch display has built-in Bluetooth speakers for connecting your phone or tablet (which has its own handy mount), along with a USB port for powering or charging your device while you workout.

Pros:

Cons:


Best Under-Desk Elliptical

When WFH Stands For Workout From Home

Amazon

Stamina Inmotion Elliptical

Dimensions: 24.5 L x 17 W x 11.38 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 250 pounds | Stride length: N/A

The Stamina Inmotion Elliptical provides any easy way to sneak in a low impact workout anytime, anywhere. This lightweight and ultra portable elliptical works while you’re standing or sitting, meaning you can burn calories, tone lower body muscles and improve cardiovascular health while sitting at your desk or on the couch. 

A dial on the front of the elliptical enables you to increase or decrease the resistance level. A small LCD display shows your total strides, number of striders per minute, calories burned and exercise time so you can pat yourself on the back at the end of your workday (and workout). The non-slip pedals operate in both a forward and reverse direction to target different muscle groups in your lower body. Available in five different colors, the under-desk elliptical includes free access to müüv, the smart audio coaching app, and you can usually find it on sale.

Pros:

Cons:


Best Self-Powered Elliptical

An Option That Doesn’t Require An Outlet

Decathlon

Decathlon EL520 Self-Powered Elliptical

Dimensions: 57. 5 L x 24.8 W x 62.6 H inches | Maximum user capacity: 285 pounds | Stride length: 15.35 inches

No more tripping over cords or facing your elliptical towards a wall in order to reach the power outlet. The EL520 from Decathlon is self-powered, meaning you can place it wherever you want in the house. Time to enjoy that beautiful view out the window or work up a sweat in the garage away from all the family raucous.

The elliptical tracks six key health metrics—time, distance, speed, calories, cadence and heart rate—via the hand pulse sensors. With nine training programs to add variety to your workouts and a whopping 15 levels of resistance, you won’t miss the main power supply one bit. 

The smart console connects to a variety of fitness apps, and includes a secure pocket for phones and tablets as well as a water bottle holder to keep you hydrated.

Pros:

Cons:


What To Consider When Buying An Elliptical Machine

All ellipticals provide a low-impact cardio workout, but the right one for you depends on your size, fitness level and home gym space. You’ll want to consider additional features, too. Some ellipticals come with large, Wi-Fi connected touchscreens that let you follow along with a personal trainer, while others skip those bells and whistles. Here’s what to consider when the time comes to invest in one of the best ellipticals.

Usage

Be sure to consider your fitness and experience level—not to mention how you plan to use it—before purchasing an elliptical machine. For instance, if you want to be challenged for a long time to come, consider an elliptical that offers a lot of resistance levels (20 or more), and daily users should forego the budget picks. There’s nothing wrong with many budget-priced ellipticals, but they simply can’t stand up to daily use in the same way a sturdy, premium model can.

If you’re a beginner looking to try one out without making a huge financial commitment, there are several user-friendly machines under $1,000 that offer just enough features to get you started. For occasional or casual users, a lower-cost elliptical—or an under-desk unit that lets you move while you work—will get the blood flowing.

Size

A “home gym” means something different to anyone you ask—everything from a corner of the living room to an entire finished basement qualifies as a home gym. If you’ve got a dedicated space for exercise equipment, then a high-tech, heavy-duty machine may be the way to go. But if you lack square footage, check out compact or foldable ellipticals that can collapse and roll out of sight when they’re not in use.

Stride Length

The stride length of an elliptical machine is an under-appreciated spec that has a substantial impact on your comfort level while using it. Specifically, stride length is relative to height: Shorter users are generally more comfortable with a shorter stride length, but it can make tall users feel restricted. According to Sunny Health & Fitness, as a general rule, users between five foot and five-foot-three should aim for a 14- to 16-inch stride length, while those closer to six feet tall should seek machines with a 20-inch stride length. Even so, it all comes down to personal preference. If you want some flexibility, look for an elliptical machine that features an adjustable stride length.

Maximum Weight Capacity

Ellipticals are excellent cardio machines for people of all fitness levels. Heavier users looking to begin or continue their workout journey should be aware of weight maximums so they can safely work out and preserve the longevity of their machine.

Other Features

Just like any modern exercise machine, you can find “dumb” elliptical models that don’t have much tech built in as well as smart machines that have big color screens, internet connections, Bluetooth, sensors and more.

If an immersive experience will drive your motivation, look for an elliptical machine with a big, built-in screen that’ll let you stream workouts or your favorite shows while you work up a sweat. And keep in mind that some built-in screens are only compatible with subscription-based services, while others support a whole range of apps, including Hulu and Netflix.

Maybe you’d rather save some cash and get a model with a deck and charging port where you can secure your own iPad for entertainment while you exercise. Other features worth considering include models that are foldable and those designed for whisper-quiet operation, perfect for early-morning or late-night workouts.


Should I Get An Elliptical Or A Treadmill?

It’s important to consider your personal needs—and limitations—when making this decision. If high-impact exercise is tough on your joints, an elliptical may be more your speed. Ditto if you want to mix up your indoor workouts from what you’d typically do outdoors. However, if you like to pound the pavement and want the option to flip between indoor runs and walks, a treadmill could be a good option (in which case, be sure to check out our guide on the best treadmills)

Can An Elliptical Help Me Lose Weight?

Typically, you get out what you put into any exercise program and exercise machine purchase. An elliptical can help you lose weight if you use it regularly and choose workouts that get your heart rate up, like intervals or using the machine for longer periods of time—but you’ll generally need to pair that with changes to your diet as well. As with any exercise or diet plan, you should talk to your doctor so you can approach it in a safe and healthy way.

Is An Elliptical A Low-Impact Workout?

Ellipticals have a solid reputation for providing a great low-impact workout. Running or other high-impact workouts like HIIT can be tough on your lower joints and hips. However, your feet stay on the pedals when you use an elliptical, so there’s no pounding to bother your knees, ankles, and hips.

What Ellipticals Are Used In Gyms?

The large, industrious ellipticals you find in commercial gyms are designed for consistent use, day in and day out. They feature durable materials and sturdy designs that can withstand sweat, impact, abuse and more. Brands such as NordicTrack, Bowflex, Reebok and ProForm make up a majority of commercial ellipticals. There’s a good chance you won’t need a commercial-grade elliptical at home, but you might consider one if you have a large family that’s using it often.

The 7 Best Ellipticals for Your Home Gym in 2023

In this article:

The days of needing to go to your local gym and use their ellipticals are long gone. You can get the best elliptical machines delivered directly to your home at an affordable price -- as far as large workout machines are concerned. This piece of cardio equipment is low-impact but it provides an efficient workout for your entire body. Because of this, it also makes for a reliable machine if you're rehabilitating an injury.

Many popular brands, including Bowflex and Nautilus, have their own ellipticals. We tested out different ones to determine which are the best on the market. Check out our list below to learn about our favorites. If you're new to using an elliptical, we've provided some helpful tips to get you started.  

These are our top picks of the best ellipticals on the market.

James Martin/CNET

We tested various elliptical models to help you decide which is the best fit for your lifestyle and space. This was a collaborative effort from the team at CNET to determine our top picks for the best elliptical machines. If you're looking for more budget-friendly ellipticals, these are some of our favorites. Keep reading to learn more about our favorites and why you'll also approve of them in your home. 

Read more: 6 Best Peloton Alternatives: Great Indoor Exercise Bikes

Lindsay Boyers/CNET

NordicTrack Commercial 14.9

Best elliptical overall

The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 really has it all -- an adjustable stride length, a 14-inch color touchscreen, oversize cushioned pedals, auto-adjustment capabilities and Bluetooth connectivity. At 32 pounds, this elliptical machine also has one of the heaviest flywheels on the market. When you combine that with magnetic resistance, the end result is an impressively quiet machine with smooth movement.

One thing that makes this machine stand out is that it's fully integrated with iFit, an immersive training experience that gives you access to elite personal trainers and structured, guided workouts to help you achieve your fitness goal. 

When you choose a workout through iFit, you're taken through terrain in places like Chile and the Canary Islands as an elliptical trainer guides you through a simulated workout that automatically adjusts both incline and resistance on your machine as you go. And the 14-inch touchscreen made it that much better and more realistic. 

You get one month of iFit family membership for free with the NordicTrack Commercial 14.9, and then it's $39 a month. You also have the option to skip iFit altogether and run the machine manually, but the iFit experience takes this elliptical trainer machine from good to great.

The only real negative of this fitness equipment is that it's big. Because this elliptical exercise machine was technically designed for commercial gym equipment use, it takes up a lot of space in a home gym, both horizontally and vertically. 

It's not only the largest horizontally, it's also the tallest machine of the bunch, so when I was standing on it, I felt like my head was pretty close to the ceiling, even at average height. If you like all of the features of the 14.9, but want something that's just a little bit smaller (and a little bit less expensive) the NordicTrack Commercial 12.9 is almost the same thing -- it does have a smaller screen and a lighter flywheel -- in a more compact size.

Pros

Cons

You're receiving price alerts for NordicTrack - Commercial 14. 9 - Black/Gray

Lindsay Boyers/CNET

ProForm Carbon HIIT H7

Best elliptical for smaller spaces

Weight Capacity

325 lbs

Stats Tracked

Heart rate, speed, time, distance, calories burned, and incline/decline stats.

Dimensions

29.25" W x 52" D x 66.7" H

Warranty

10-year frame and 2-year parts warranty

Stride Length

10” Vertical, 5” Horizontal

One of the biggest hesitations in purchasing a traditional elliptical machine is the size. There are a lot of compact ellipticals out there, but as a general rule, you have to sacrifice performance for space. That's not true of the ProForm Carbon HIIT H7, though. Unlike other ellipticals that take up a lot of horizontal space in your home gym, the Carbon HIIT H7 has a vertical design that makes this home elliptical more reminiscent of a stair stepper machine, rather than an elliptical.

Because of the way it's designed, it takes up about half the space of a regular elliptical. It's not just about gym equipment space, though. The 10-inch vertical and 5-inch horizontal elliptical path were intentionally combined to give you a better workout intensity and a higher calorie burn.

The stride definitely felt different than a traditional elliptical machine, but when using the machine, my legs were on fire, in all the best ways. I especially felt it on my glutes and the backs of my thighs, similar to the places a stair climber targets. However, since your foot never leaves the foot pedal, it's still a zero-impact workout that puts less stress on your body than stair climbing or other cardio workout options.

Another thing that made this ProForm elliptical machine stand out is that it's quiet. When compared to some of the other higher-end ellipticals, this one was considerably less noisy. That's because instead of air resistance, it uses Silent Magnetic Resistance, or SMR, a trademarked form of resistance that's smoother and quieter. It was also stable, without any rocking or shaking at all, even at high speeds on the cardio machine.

Because ProForm is owned by Icon Health & Fitness, like the NordicTrack, this machine comes equipped with iFit, which is another huge check in the pro column, offering the option to be guided through your workout by a professional elliptical trainer. And the 7-inch HD touchscreen on the console made the iFit experience hyper-realistic and easy to navigate.

One thing that bothered me about the ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 was that there's no place to put a tablet. This isn't a major deal, especially if you're using iFit, since you likely wouldn't be paying attention to your tablet anyway, but I thought it would be a nice additional touch for those who have other fitness memberships. I also didn't like the fact that there's no power button. The manual says the machine has auto shut-off, but it never kicked in for me. I had to unplug it to turn it off when I wasn't using it -- something that was inconvenient for a high-end machine.

Pros

Cons

$1,750 at Walmart

You're receiving price alerts for ProForm - Carbon HIIT H7 - Black

Gianmarco Chumbe/ CNET

Schwinn 470

Most comfortable elliptical

Weight Capacity

300 lbs

Stats Tracked

Time, distance, calories and transfer metrics via Bluetooth to Explore the World app

Dimensions

70.1 L x 28.2” W x 63.2” H

Warranty

Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 Years

Stride Length

20” precision path stride

The Schwinn 470 is the elliptical for you if you're looking for a comfortable yet intuitive machine. Upon first look you can tell it's a step up from the Schwinn 411, which we previously recommended. The Schwinn 470 has a more modern aesthetic. This was one of the easier machines to assemble on our own because the manual provided clear instructions with illustrations. The design on this machine is also less bulky than expected, even though it's larger than the Schwinn 411. 

When in use, the machine is sturdy and doesn't wobble, which indicates that it can support people of different weights and heights. The pedals have large footplates and are smooth and comfortable with each stride. This machine's stride length is 20 inches, therefore it should be suitable for people over 6 feet tall. I'm short, so it didn't affect me, but if you're on the taller side make sure to have enough room between the machine and the ceiling otherwise it may feel a little cramped.

Given its simplicity, I was not expecting the machine to be as smooth and comfortable as it was. The pedaling was quiet, which isn't always to be expected when it comes to exercise equipment. The digital monitor is nothing novel and has a simple display like most elliptical machines.  

This is where I wish Schwinn would've challenged their designs and experimented with a touchscreen. The display looks outdated because it only uses letters and numbers and can be difficult to read due to the blue light background. Despite not having a more modern take, the Schwinn 470 makes up for it by offering 25 levels of resistance, 29 workout programs and the option to set up a profile for up to four family members. 

Even though this machine doesn't have Wi-Fi, it does have Bluetooth and lets you connect to your favorite apps such as MyFitnessPal, Apple Health and MapMyRun/Ride. If you simply want a machine that feels comfortable and gets the job done, then you'll like the Schwinn 470. 

Pros 

Cons

You're receiving price alerts for Schwinn - 470 Elliptical - Black

Gianmarco Chumbe/ CNET

Bowflex Max Total 16

Best elliptical to stream your favorite shows

Weight Capacity

300 lbs

Stats Tracked

Time, heart rate, calories, burn rate, interval

Dimensions

49. 3" L x 30.8" W x 65.7" H

Warranty

3 years

The Bowflex Max Total 16 is the only elliptical on the list with all the bells and whistles. We previously recommended its predecessor, the Bowflex Max M9 and this is a slightly improved version. The at-home assembly was simple and easy to follow - you may need an extra person to help you unload the machine from the delivery box, but it's possible for one person to put it together.

The machine is sturdy and still has the same stepper motion as the Bowflex Max M9, though it requires a little breaking in at first. The handlebars on the Bowflex Max Total 16 have six grips instead of the original four, making it easier to change up hand positioning. The resistance dial is still conveniently placed in the center and it has over 20 resistance levels.

Compared to the Bowflex Max M9, the touchscreen is bigger this time, measuring 16 inches instead of 10 inches. It's still Bluetooth compatible, so you can connect your heart rate band or other compatible device, and it requires a Wi-Fi connection as well as a membership with the Bowflex program, JRNY. The good thing is you'll get a free year of JRNY so you can take full advantage of the elliptical. After your trial is over, it's $149 for the year or $20 a month. 

All things considered, the price is reasonable compared to other memberships that only give you a free month trial and can cost well over $30 a month. What's also a great feature is that you can personalize your fitness experience through real-time coaching that automatically adjusts the intensity of your workouts as you get stronger -- so there's no chance of you cheating yourself.

The other feature that made us fall in love with the Bowflex Max M9 in the first place was the ability to connect to your favorite streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus and more. This feature was still included in the Bowflex Max Total 16 and is a nice option for when you just want to binge your favorite show and get a quick workout in.

So if you're looking for an elliptical that can fit in a small or big space and has modernized high-tech features, the Bowflex Max Total 16 is a solid pick. If the Bowflex Max Total 16 price is a bit steep for your taste, the Bowflex Max M9 is still a good pick since you get all the same features for at least $500 cheaper.

Pros

Cons

$2,499 at Bowflex

Other ellipticals we tested

Cubii Total Body: Smart Seated Elliptical: I had a pleasant experience using this mini elliptical and could see it being used by those recovering from an injury, the elderly or those with certain physical limitations. It's not heavy and it's easy to move around on its wheels. I definitely broke a sweat, which I didn't expect from a low-impact workout you can do while sitting down. It also included resistance handles so you can include upper body workouts. The reason it didn't make our list is because it's a newer version that was sold out on Indiegogo, but there are older versions on the Cubii website if you want to get a similar experience. This mini elliptical is one of many that exist on the market and would make a good candidate for a future mini elliptical best list. 

How we picked

We understand that purchasing an elliptical is an investment and we narrowed it down to these important factors to make our picks. 

Price: We made an effort to include ellipticals of various price points to fit your budget.

Functionality: An elliptical has one fluid motion, but there are different designs, including standing or sitting options. We also observed how easy the machine was to use once it was set up.

Comfort: Besides ease of use and functionality, we also looked at how comfortable it was to use the machine according to stride and user experience.

Features: Some elliptical brands have improved the technology on its consoles, so we looked at how that adds to the user experience.

Factors to consider when choosing an elliptical

Elliptical FAQs

Are home ellipticals worth it?

Whether having an elliptical machine at home is worth it or not depends on a few factors. If you're looking for a low-impact exercise machine that provides a full-body workout, an elliptical is a great option. Also weigh how often you expect to use it versus other types of exercise. 

Price is also a significant element. Elliptical machines can run in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, so make sure you consider the overall value of the purchase before you buy.

What muscles do ellipticals work?

Exercising on an elliptical machine can work a number of muscle areas, including the chest, back, biceps, triceps, core muscles, glutes and hamstrings, according to CNET's sister site Healthline. Ellipticals offer a low-impact alternative to running, while still providing a full-body workout. 

How many calories do you burn on an elliptical?

How many calories you burn on an elliptical will vary depending on your weight and the intensity and duration of the workout. According to Harvard, 30 minutes of exercise on an elliptical can burn an average of 270 calories for a 125-pound person, 324 calories for a 155-pound person and 378 calories for a 185-pound person.

Is the elliptical good cardio?

The elliptical is a good cardio workout because it works your heart and lungs. It can be performed as a steady-state workout or as a high intensity interval training workout. As a result, it helps you build up your endurance.

CNET writers Lindsay Boyers and Megan Wollerton also contributed to this story.

More for fitness enthusiasts


The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

How to choose an elliptical trainer for home

FitnessLook is here to help you find the coolest elliptical for home workouts! Agree, it is difficult to choose a simulator without knowing anything about its device and characteristics? We have tried to disclose the selection criteria as accessible and useful as possible!

💣 Most Popular Elliptical Trainers

❓ Why should you trust this manual?

🎓 Fresh rating of ellipsoids

🏆 TOP 10 elliptical trainers for home 2023

We test everything personally Each of the 461 elliptical trainers in our store is tried and tested by us personally!

6 years in the field We have been selling exercise equipment since 2014, and every month with the help of us more than 500 buyers make the right choice of home exercise equipment

Proven reputation ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4. 9 / 5

Insider from service centers FitnessLook managers receive 100% of information from service centers — we know what breaks and why, and which models can be recommended due to the absence of breakdowns

This information is not a squeezing of articles from the Internet. Our experts do not seek to sell an expensive simulator with unnecessary functionality. You will understand which ellipsoid is suitable specifically for your height, weight and personal requirements!

🤔 For what purpose do you want to buy an ellipsoid?

🎓 Material on the topic!

🏆 TOP 15 best elliptical trainers 2022

🔴 Easy workouts to keep you moving. For this purpose, you can pick up an inexpensive elliptical trainer with modest technical characteristics - if you want to exercise 1-2 times a week.

🔴 Weight loss, more frequent training to work out muscles. To train 2-3 times a week with a more intense load and comfort - choose a model that is larger, more expensive and with the appropriate technical parameters.

🔴 Weight loss or high intensity training. Take a closer look at heavy and oversized ellipsoids with additional functionality and a reinforced frame.

+1 material on the topic

💣 Which is better: a treadmill, exercise bike or ellipsoid

🎓 Have you decided on the purpose of buying an elliptical trainer? It's time to sort out the main criteria and technical characteristics of - let's start!

💪 Choosing an elliptical trainer starts with determining the load

The maximum allowable load depends on the strength of the structure and the connections used. A simple and cheap option is bushings, bearings are used in more expensive and reliable models. It is important to take into account the number of guides along which the rollers go: they are single and double. The latter option is more reliable, since lateral loosening is excluded.

When choosing an elliptical trainer for your home, be sure to check the specifications and adjust to your own weight. It is better to buy an ellipsoid with a margin of 20-30 kg, especially on simulators with a rear flywheel in the budget price category. In such ellipsoids, the entire load falls on the pedals, which, with a user weight of 110 kg, can simply break.

If the simulator itself weighs a little (about 40 kg), an adult man weighing 100 kg will not be able to train intensively on it. The design will simply stagger, cause discomfort and give a minimum of usefulness / efficiency. Ellipsoids of a higher price category are suitable for high-intensity training: they are heavier, more massive, more stable and have good functionality.

Pay attention to these models of elliptical simulators:

This Elliptical simulator
contains

Svensson Body Labs Comfortline ESM

32 990 ₽

This Elliptical SYLIPTIC APPEL

104 990 ₽

Specifications

This
elliptical trainer is in our store

Proxima Senator

149 990 ₽

Specifications Which

elliptical to choose for the home?

🔵 The compact elliptical trainer is very light, so it is not suitable for adult men for intensive training. If your weight is small, you are not tall - take a closer look at such models.

🔵 Dimensional ellipsoids - comfortable, stable, but quite expensive. Therefore, we recommend proceeding strictly from the individual characteristics of the user.

🔵 Folding models - a universal solution for those who want optimal dimensions, but do not have space for a permanent installation of a large structure. There are few such solutions on the market. A folding ellipsoid will not be super stable and as reliable as possible, but it will bring the results of your training closer to the desired ones.

It's simple: if you want a full-featured high-performance machine for intensive training, prepare plenty of space for it. If you choose compactness and small dimensions, you will have to sacrifice reliability, stability and functionality to some extent.

Examples of good elliptical simulators:

This elliptical simulator
contains

Svensson Body Labs Comfortline ESA 9000

84 990 ₽

Features

This
elliptical trainer is in our store

Sole Fitness E35 (2019)

164 900 ₽

Characteristics

👌 Which drive to choose for effective workouts at home

Design features are divided by the location of the flywheel - a disk driven by pedaling.

🔴 Rear-wheel drive is found in home elliptical trainers up to 40,000 ₽ Ellipsoids with a rear flywheel are small in size and simple in functionality.

The constructive distance between the medals (Q-factor) is quite large - about 20 cm. In rear-wheel drive simulators, this Q-factor exceeds the natural distance between the legs during normal human walking. Therefore, exercising may be uncomfortable for the user. On such ellipsoids, for tall people with a height of 185 cm and above, the knees will constantly rest against the levers that you need to hold on to with your hands (moving handrails).

Example of an ellipsoid with rear -wheel drive:

This Elliptical simulator
is in our store

Svensson Body Labs Comfortline Esa

37 9000 ₽

🔴 Optimal. . These are more advanced and comfortable trainers, with them training will be more effective:

  • The distance between the pedals is less (7-10 cm)
  • The user does not touch the moving handrails with their feet
  • are minimized to the minimum of the leg muscles that are not involved in the process of walking

Examples of good front -wheel drive ellipsoids:

This Elliptical simulator
is in our store

Svenson Base 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 ₽ 9000. elliptical trainer
is in our store

Sole Fitness E35 (2019)

164 900 ₽

Characteristics

📏 Step length - depending on height

Stride length affects training comfort and load. The taller the person, the longer the step should be.

Base length 40 cm. The gold standard for a fitness club is 50 centimeters.

A tall person (185-190 cm and above) will not be able to comfortably and effectively train with a stride length of 40 cm. cm - length 40 cm
  • 170-175 cm - length 45 cm
  • 180-185 cm - length 50 cm
  • 185 cm and above - length 55-60 cm
  • 🔧 Which elliptical trainer load system is best?

    There are 3 load systems, which are methods of resistance to pedal movement that create load.

    🔴 Magnetic. For example, the Applegate E 32 M ellipsoid. There are 8 load levels, switched mechanically - by scrolling the lamb. Such ellipsoids do not require a network connection, the console is powered by a battery. The software package is missing.

    🔴 Electronically adjustable magnetic. For example, the Oxygen GX ellipsoid has 75 HRC. The elliptical trainer is equipped with programs, has 16 levels of load. Most models are connected to the network. But some advanced ellipsoids work from a built-in generator: the user starts pedaling, and everything starts to work.

    🔴 Induction brake. For example, in the Matrix A50XR ellipse. The system is used in premium and PRO models - the simulator will cost much more. The induction system has a minimum of rubbing elements. It is distinguished by high load accuracy, which is maintained for a long time.

    📌 The choice of an ellipsoid for the house according to the weight of the flywheel

    🎓 Material on the topic!

    ⚖ Ellipsoid or exercise bike - comparison

    🔵 Flywheel - a disk driven by pedaling. It is advisable to choose models with a heavier flywheel in order to create an optimal load. The minimum weight is 8 kg. Heavy disc provides:

    • Smooth ride
    • Comfort and safety for joints
    • Heavy duty

    This elliptical simulator
    is in our store

    Proxima Panda

    37 371 ₽

    Characteristics

    This Elliptical System
    is in our store

    Oxygen EX-56 HRC

    79 990 ₽

    ALLIPTICA. simulator
    is in our store

    Spirit Fitness XE895

    219 990 ₽

    Characteristics

    🎁 Additional functionality of ellipsoids

    The additional features of the elliptical trainer are essential for a more efficient and smart workout.

    🔴 Variable stride length. It is very convenient when several people of different heights are training on the ellipsoid, for example, family members. The stride length can be changed mechanically (manually) - this option is available in relatively inexpensive models within 70,000 ₽ In more advanced and expensive ellipsoids, the stride length is set electronically - just press a button.

    🔴 Changing the angle of the pedals. The simulator imitates walking uphill: the ramp rises, an additional load on the muscles is created - the intensity of the workout increases.

    Great simulators with rich functionality:

    This Elliptical simulator
    contains

    Proxima Veritas

    69 990 ₽

    Characteristics

    This Elliptical simulator
    is in our store

    SOLE FITNIS E95S 9000 9000 9000

    002 225 900 ₽

    Characteristics

    This Elliptical simulator
    is in our store

    Nordictrack C9.5

    129 990 ₽

    characteristics

    This Elliptical SELLIPTIC This Elliptical SELLIPTIC This Elliptical SELLIPTIC This Elliptical SEN ₽

    Characteristics

    Pay attention! In robust models equipped with bearings - you can conduct classes with walking backwards. Muscles are loaded that are never used in everyday life or on other simulators.

    ❤ Cardiac sensor in elliptical trainer - important or not?

    Ellipsoid is a cardio machine, which means that the user must monitor the pulse, control the intensity of the loads. In low-cost models, cardio sensors with a large measurement error are usually installed. But even in the most expensive simulators, it will not be possible to achieve 100% accuracy, because such heart rate monitors do not belong to medical devices.

    Advanced models can connect a wireless heart rate monitor. Here you get more accurate data, which makes training better and more intense. This is especially important in ellipsoids with pulse-dependent programs.

    Examples of elliptical simulators with a cardio attach:

    This elliptical simulator
    contains

    Oxygen EX-35

    54 990 ₽

    characteristics

    This Elliptical SELLIPT IN THIS store

    Proxima MAXIM

    Features

    This
    elliptical trainer is in our store

    NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS7i

    206 991 ₽

    Characteristics

    📊 Program package: control the intensity

    Programs should not be considered an unnecessary option: they are important. The user trains more intensively and more competently, improves his performance, controls the load.

    There are 3 categories of programs:

    🔵 Standard - basic settings set by the manufacturer

    🔵 Pulse-dependent - a heart rate sensor reads information about your heart rate, and the program adjusts the training intensity

    🔵 User -You yourself set the individual mode and save it in memory

    Ellipsoids equipped with a software package:

    This Elliptical SELLIPARY
    is in our store

    Oxygen EX-54 HRC-54 9000 65 990 ₽

    characteristics of the characteristics of the characteristics of the characteristics of the characteristics

    This
    elliptical trainer is in our store

    NordicTrack Commercial 12.9 New

    107 991 ₽

    Features

    This elliptical trainer
    is in our store

    Svensson Industrial Base AMT560

    144 990 ₽

    Characteristics

    🤖 Elliptical trainers with a multimedia system - for interesting home workouts

    You usually get the maximum from an ellipsoid with multimedia stuffing. The models come with a tablet installed: the user watches YouTube videos, listens to music, and gets access to interesting information through a full-fledged Internet browser. You are unlikely to quit classes, because they will be much more exciting.

    Here are good models with pumped multimedia systems:

    This elliptical simulator
    contains

    NordICTRACK C9.5

    129 990 ₽

    characteristics

    This Elliptical System
    is in our store

    Matrix E0002 309 990 ₽

    Features

    This
    elliptical trainer is in our store

    Matrix A50XIR

    449 990 ₽

    Features

    💵 Question price: what inexpensive or expensive models can you choose

    Only after choosing an ellipsoid according to the most important criteria, you can talk about the price. First determine the characteristics, and then try to adjust them to fit your budget. We will conditionally divide elliptical trainers into 4 price categories and show interesting models in each of them.

    👇 The most inexpensive ellipsoids - up to 40 000 ₽ :

    This
    elliptical trainer is in our store

    Oxygen ALABAMA EXT

    34 990 ₽

    Characteristics

    This Elliptical simulator
    contains

    Oxygen Satori El HRC EXT

    47 9000 Applegate E42 A

    54 990 ₽

    Specifications

    0063 In our store there are

    Oxygen EX-56 HRC

    79 990 ₽

    Characteristics

    This Elliptical simulator
    is in our store

    Proxima Enima III iPro 9000 84 990 ₽

    of the characteristics 9000. available in our store

    NordicTrack C 7.5 (exhibition sample)

    89 990 ₽

    Characteristics

    👇 Higher price, but with impressive functionality — up to 100 000 ₽ :

    This elliptical simulator
    is in our store

    Proxima Maximus IPRO

    109 990 ₽

    Characteristics

    This Elliptical simulator
    is in our store

    SOLE FITNESS E25 (2012) 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 149 900 ₽

    Features

    This
    elliptical trainer is in our store

    NordicTrack A. C.T. Commercial 7 New

    149 990 RUB

    Features

    🏆 Premium segment and professional ellipsoids:

    This Elliptical simulator
    contains

    Sole Fitness E95 (2019)

    174 900 ₽

    Characteristics

    This Elliptical System
    is in our store

    Matrix A500 MATRIX A50

    449 990 ₽

    Specifications

    This
    elliptical trainer is in our store

    Svensson Industrial HIT X850 LX

    212 990 ₽

    Characteristics

    🔝 Top brands of elliptical trainers

    🎓 Related material!

    ⚖ Treadmill or Ellipsoid - Comparison

    FitnessLook advises against buying suspiciously cheap ellipticals from one-day brands - even if the declared characteristics are at a high level. When choosing a brand, pay attention to its popularity, product quality.

    Such criteria can be assessed by reviews of elliptical trainers, it is also important to familiarize yourself with the history of the manufacturer. If it has been on the Russian market for a long time, this is a big plus. And we recommend finding out in which cities there are service centers.

    Still have questions? Write 💬 or call 📞 FitnessLook expert — we will select a simulator for your requirements. And more — we will welcome you in the exhibition hall!

    How to choose an elliptical trainer? - The main parameters of the selection of the ellipsoid

    We deliver to 277 settlements in Russia

    • Moscow
    • Saint Petersburg
    • Nizhny Novgorod
    • Barnaul
    • Vladivostok
    • Volgograd
    • Voronezh
    • Ekaterinburg
    • Izhevsk
    • Irkutsk
    • Kazan
    • Kemerovo
    • Krasnodar
    • Krasnoyarsk
    • Makhachkala
    • Novosibirsk
    • Omsk
    • Orenburg
    • Permian
    • Rostov-on-Don
    • Samara
    • Saratov
    • Tolyatti
    • Tomsk
    • Tyumen
    • Ulyanovsk
    • Ufa
    • Khabarovsk
    • Chelyabinsk
    • Yaroslavl

    Leave your phone number.


    Learn more