The Best Elliptical Machines for Your Home Gym
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The Best Elliptical Machines for Your Home Gym
Do you want a low-impact, but extremely effective machine that works your entire body? Then you need to consider the elliptical, a bundle of fitness equipment in one relatively compact package.
Elliptical trainers are stationary machines that can be used as a stair climber, or to walk or run, without the stress and strain that these exercises typically place on joints. They first hit the market in the 1990s, and are still popular because they’re super efficient and safe to use, even if you’re recovering from an injury. In recent years, elliptical machines have evolved considerably in terms of tech, comfort, and the ability to customize workouts.
Read on for our top picks for the best elliptical machines currently on the market, along with advice on essentials to consider before you shop.
The Best Elliptical Machines
What to Consider
Most of us focus on budget when buying gym equipment, but you should also think about the size of the machine, special features, and the functionality it offers.
Just like under-desk treadmills, there are elliptical machines designed to give you a workout while you work and are about the same size as a canister vacuum. There are also space-saving ellipticals that are tall and have a small footprint. Full-size models can span as much as 7 feet and offer a longer stride than other options. There are also seated elliptical machines that resemble recumbent bikes for zero-impact workouts.
Features on today's elliptical machines include smart HD touchscreen monitors, pre-programmed workouts, and advanced stats that track incline levels, calories burned, time, speed, and more. Things like designated space for a water bottle and personal devices like tablets are just a few bells and whistles you can expect to find. No surprise here: The more it does, the more it will cost you.
How We Selected
We write about elliptical machines from top brands including Bowflex, Schwinn, and Sole Fitness, along with lesser-known brands that offer quality products for those shopping on a budget. To round up models, we drew from our own experience with fitness machines and consulted expert reviewers at publications like CNET and Sports Illustrated. We judged each based on key features relative to price point, and our final selection covers the best options across a range of designs as mentioned above.
For workout accessories that will go with your elliptical machine, check out our roundups on the best workout headphones, fitness watches, and home gym flooring.
Popular Mechanics; Sole - 2/8
470 Elliptical
Schwinn Fitness
amazon.com
$1099.99
This comfortable, intuitive elliptical machine wins our top spot because it's easy to master and offers an incredible array of programs that will keep you engaged and sweating for hours.
Users can set, track, and monitor their progress with an array of app-based tools, thanks to the Schwinn’s enhanced Bluetooth connectivity. The 10-degree motorized adjustable ramp makes controlling the incline easy, plus the 25 levels of resistance and 29 workout programs will keep you engaged whether you’re in the mood for a slow roll or a serious sweat.
amazon.com - 3/8
Max Trainer M8
Bowflex
amazon.com
$1899.00
The Bowflex Max Trainer M8 is a top-of-the-line elliptical machines with a slew of desirable features and an attractive, compact design — but it'll cost you.
The machine delivers efficient workouts and customizes intensity based on the length of each session to meet fitness goals. There are 20 resistance levels and seven workout programs, plus it stores user profiles for up to four people.
Highlights include Bluetooth connectivity, an interactive full-color backlit display with a magnetic media rack for devices, and a heat rate armband and contact grips. There's also a membership-based app to download for access to more than 50 global routes that automatically adjust to your speed in real time.
amazon.com - 4/8
FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer
Teeter
walmart.com
$996.55
This recumbent elliptical allows you to get into shape while you sit. If the idea of lounging your way to fitness appeals, look no further, as the zero-impact ride gives you a full cardio workout.
It engages your upper and lower body with 13 levels of resistance, and progressive stepping power—without impacting your joints. The soft step pedals and padded seat add additional layers of comfort, and the rubberized handles provide a firm grip.
walmart.com - 5/8
E35 Indoor Elliptical
Sole Fitness
amazon.com
$1399.99
If you love technology as much as you love fitness, step right up. This Sole elliptical features a whisper-quiet drive system, functions in backwards and forwards motion, and has a power incline feature that adds resistance and up to 20 incline levels. A heart rate chest strap is included for highly accurate wireless monitoring.
This machine has a tablet holder allows you to watch shows or follow workout machines as you sweat, and the USB port charger and Bluetooth speakers are also essential amenities for long workouts if you want to stay connected.
amazon.com - 6/8
Under-Desk Elliptical Machine
DeskCycle
amazon.com
$249.00
This compact under-desk elliptical is surprisingly versatile and gives you the ability to workout while you work. There's a large-function LCD display—removable to set up on your desk—that tracks RPM, time, calories burned, and more.
Other highlights include eight resistance levels and extra long and wide foot pedals allow you to change the shape of your motion from horizontal to vertical, depending on where you place your feet.
amazon.com - 7/8
Elliptical Workout Machine
Niceday
amazon.com
$599.99
Most ellipticals have a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds or less, but this Niceday’s main frame supports up to 400 pounds. The extra-thick commercial steel pipe means the machine can not only hold more, but it’s more stable and sturdy over the long-term.
The digital display tracks your progress, monitoring time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse, and there are 16 resistance levels to choose from. This elliptical is also a great option for those who would prefer to not whip out the toolbox, as it comes 90 percent assembled. The main drawback is that stride is limited to about 15 inches.
amazon.com - 8/8
Elliptical Cross Trainer
Sunny Health & Fitness
amazon.com
$150.21
This value-priced elliptical is compact and gets the job done to give you a good low-impact workout. You can easily adjust the intensity with eight levels of resistance available at the twist of a knob. The set-up is easy, as the machine comes partially pre-assembled. There's also a digital monitor that tracks your time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse. The biggest drawbacks are that the stride maxes out at 11 inches and the weight capacity tops out at 200 pounds.
amazon.com
