Elliptical Trainer - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Busy schedules, family obligations, and just plain lack of motivation are some of the most common self-improvement spoilers. Owning good gym equipment can significantly increase your chances of staying on track and reaching your personal fitness goals, whatever they may be.
Offering a well-balanced, low-impact workout, elliptical machines are the perfect solution for anyone interested in improving their fitness level - and general well-being - in the comfort of their own home. If you've made the decision to invest in your health by purchasing an elliptical machine, but have no idea where to start, we're here to help.
At Real Indian, our goal is to help consumers find the best products available on the market by providing the most accurate, informative, and unbiased product reviews available. We also consult with specialists, like our fitness expert, Denise, for advice on products and uses.
Our rigorous selection process involves a combination of extensive research, expert guidance, consumer feedback, and laboratory testing. We never accept free samples from manufacturers, so you can have complete confidence that our reviews are 100% bias-free.
To help take the guesswork out of choosing the best elliptical for your needs, we've identified the qualities that matter most, and chosen our top five accordingly.
In our guide below, we've mapped out each step needed to find the perfect elliptical to help speed up your self-improvement journey.
Why choose an Elliptical Machine?
When shopping for fitness equipment for your home, one of the biggest challenges can be figuring out which one to choose. Treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines, home gyms, elliptical machines, and weight-lifting equipment are just a handful of options…and none of them are cheap. Whether it's budget constraints or limited space, for many, it's necessary to stick to a single team.
Unfortunately, most exercise machines are designed for a specific purpose; they are typically categorized based on cardiovascular conditioning or muscular development and strength training, and do not typically offer a comprehensive fitness solution. Also, many of these options are not suitable for those with joint or back problems, and can end up doing more harm than good if used incorrectly.
Elliptical machines, also known as crosstrainers, are one of the few pieces of gym equipment that almost anyone can safely use. Not only that, but in terms of a well-balanced workout, elliptical machines offer more than most.
If you still don't know which exercise machine is best for you, a quick look at the various benefits of using an elliptical machine may add some clarity.
Benefits of the Elliptical Machine
- Anyone Can Use One
Elliptical machines are suitable for almost any age and fitness level.
They offer low-impact exercise for joint health. Whether you suffer from arthritis, have osteoporosis, are recovering from knee surgery, or need to avoid impact, elliptical machines allow you to stay in shape without risking injury from excessive stress on your joints.
- The Exercises are Fast and Effective
With a combination of moving handles and pedals, elliptical machines provide a full-body workout by working your upper and lower body simultaneously. The legs, chest, shoulders, arms, and back muscles are recruited to a certain extent, allowing for a full workout in just 20 minutes.
- Benefits Include Cardiovascular Health and Weight Loss
By increasing your heart rate, exercising on an elliptical machine effectively burns calories, and by using your whole body you'll burn more calories in less time, which could result in accelerated weight loss.
- You can Sculpt and Strengthen Muscles
Using an elliptical machine works a wide variety of muscles, and you can increase resistance, adjust incline, or customize workouts to increase intensity.
Types of Elliptical Machines
Elliptical cross trainers are classified by the placement of the flywheel. The flywheel acts as the drive system, providing movement in response to pressure exerted on the pedals, and can be located at the front, rear, or in the center of the machine.
- Front-wheel Drive
With the flywheel positioned at the front of the machine, usually under the console, this design is generally more compact than other models. Not only that, they also tend to be more affordable, making them one of the most popular options for home use. Using one of them may require a slight forward lean when exercising, and the front-wheel drive design produces an up-and-down pedaling motion similar to that of a stair climber. For a more natural movement, we recommend using a model with articulated pedals that move with your feet.
- Rear Wheel Drive
In this traditional design, the flywheel is located at the rear of the elliptical. These types are most favored for commercial use due to their smooth stride and low maintenance requirements. Rear-wheel drive ellipticals offer a balanced, natural motion for walking or running. However, they also tend to be the most expensive, and they also take up a lot more space.
- Head Unit
The newest addition to the drive types of elliptical machines, mid-drive ellipticals have a flywheel located on each side of the machine. Although this type of drive offers additional stability and a natural range of motion, they generally do not have a tilt option, and are often much more expensive than other types.
- Hybrid
Hybrid models have a seat and can be used both standing and sitting.
While many hybrid ellipticals have a front-wheel drive setup, the flywheel is often located closer to the pedals for added stability.
At the end of the day, everyone has their own setup preferences, and it's impossible to say which one is best.
A great elliptical machine is often one that meets your personal fitness, space, and budget needs, without sacrificing quality or safety.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Elliptical Machine
Elliptical machines can be found in a variety of designs, ranging from models that offer basic fitness functionality, to technologically advanced options with every conceivable convenience. Sometimes it's all too easy to lose sight of the qualities that matter most. Keeping the following points in mind when shopping for an elliptical machine can help keep you on track.
- Size
First of all, consider the size of your available space. To use your elliptical comfortably, you'll need to choose one that fits into your designated clearance area. If you have limited space, a compact front or center wheel drive elliptical may be your best option. For those who can't afford to permanently sacrifice floor space, there are foldable ellipticals available. However, to enhance their space-saving capabilities, they often drastically reduce important features, stride length and quality of construction materials.
Remember that your height will likely have an impact on the size as well. While the average elliptical machine is around 6 feet long and 2.5 feet wide, if you're taller than most, a larger machine may be more suitable. Whatever the size, you'll need a minimum of 25 inches of clearance on all sides for safe use.
- Flywheel Weight
For smooth and comfortable pedalling, a strong flywheel is essential. Lighter flyweights are likely to produce erratic and jerky pedaling at any pace, making it impossible to achieve a rhythmic stride. Not surprisingly, lighter weight flywheels offer little resistance and require minimal effort to reach higher speeds, which certainly won't get you any closer to reaching your fitness goals. For the most comfortable and effective workouts, aim for flywheels that weigh no less than 20 pounds.
- Ergonomics
Although it is always advisable to try an elliptical machine before buying, sometimes this is not possible. To ensure optimal comfort and productivity, look for features like articulated pedals, adjustable stride length, easy-grip handles, and a reasonably weighted flywheel for smoother motion. Also, pedals with a narrower stance tend to feel more natural, and if you're taller than average, don't forget to take your height into account when considering sizing.
- Stride Length
It is often overlooked that the correct stride length is essential for a comfortable and effective workout.
Measured as the distance from the heel of the rear pedal to the toe of the front pedal when fully extended, your optimal stride length will be determined by your height :
- 16” to 18” will accommodate users up to 5’3” tall.
- 18” to 20” generally fits those between 5'3” to 5'7”.
If you're buying an elliptical for multiple users of different heights, choose an elliptical with variable stride length, or aim for the longest fixed stride length possible. Although you may pay more for an adjustable stride length, the added versatility is well worth it.
- Workout Customization and Adjustable Settings
Every elliptical machine has an adjustable resistance, but not all have a customizable incline. The ability to adjust the intensity of your workout will not only keep things fresh and interesting, but also ensure that your fitness level continually improves. The best elliptical machines will allow you to adjust intensity levels right from the console, without having to stop your workout to manually change settings.
- High-tech Features and Convenience
Many modern elliptical machines have a number of desirable technological features. USB ports and built-in speakers can make working out more enjoyable, while wireless connectivity and compatibility with your favorite fitness apps help you track your workouts and monitor your progress. Just remember that while extra features and bright bells and whistles are tempting, they should always serve to enhance your training, rather than act as a distraction.
Tips to get the most out of your elliptical machine
- When using an elliptical machine, there are some helpful techniques that can be used to maximize your training potential.
- Conscious tightening of your abdominal muscles will help strengthen your core and maintain proper form.
- Many models have fixed handles located between the movable handles. Forget they exist! Opt for a total body workout using the moveable handles.
- Challenge yourself by increasing resistance levels. Weight loss and fitness gains will stall as your body adapts.
- Mix it! Alternating between shorter, more intense bursts of pedaling for about 60 seconds, followed by a slower, steady pace for 90 seconds has been shown to burn more calories.
FAQ
Que: Are elliptical machines better than treadmills?
Ans: This is a common question, and one that means different things to different people. For those looking for a joint, friendly workout, elliptical machines are better than treadmills. If you are a runner who needs realistic indoor training conditions, a treadmill is by far the most suitable option. In terms of energy output and calorie burn, the results are almost identical, with treadmills having a very slight advantage over elliptical machines.
Que: Why does the heart rate monitor give me inconsistent readings?
Ans: When using the touch-sensitive grips, be sure to grip them firmly to get an accurate heart rate reading. In some cases, the use of a chest belt may be more effective. If you are already wearing one of these and are getting erratic readings, check that the chest strap is centered and in direct contact with your skin. Applying a little water to the chest can provide better contact with the transmitter. If this does not work or the screen is blank, the heart rate receiver may be incorrectly installed or disconnected. We recommend that you consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for specific product support.
Que: How can I better target my glutes when exercising on an elliptical machine?
Ans: If you want to focus on your glutes while getting your cardio out of the way, choose an option with adjustable incline levels, or increase the resistance. Your pace may slow down a bit, but your glutes and legs will work harder.