How to Pick an Elliptical
There are some baseline considerations you’ll want to establish across all types of ellipticals before you buy one. Below, we outline those factors across design and specs and various features.
Size
On average, ellipticals are about 72 inches long by 30 inches wide, but the length can range from 50 to 84 inches.
Keep in mind that during operation, the pedals may extend out beyond the length of the machine. You’ll also be more elevated than you would on a treadmill, so make sure you have a space with a sufficiently high ceiling. We’ve measured step-up heights between 5 and 15 inches, with pedals reaching up to 25 inches above the floor at the apex of the elliptical cycle.
You’ll also need a minimum of 20 inches of free space on at least one side and either the front or the back for safety.
Ergonomics
Unlike a treadmill, which allows you to move freely, an elliptical constrains you to its movement.
Pay attention to how comfortable you feel when using one in person: You should be able to maintain an upright posture when holding on to the moving handles; moving handgrips should be easy to reach and not force your wrists into an awkward position; the elliptical path should feel comfortable; pedals should generally be as close together as possible; and the moving handgrips and fixed frame components shouldn’t interfere with your arms, shoulders, or knees.
Intensity
All ellipticals have variable resistance. Make sure that the lowest resistance setting is easy to pedal and that it becomes challenging to pedal at about 75 percent of the highest setting—ideally, you’ll have room to grow.
Regardless, you should feel a significant (but incremental) change whenever you increase or decrease the resistance. And if your machine comes with an adjustable incline, check to see whether it’s automated or it requires you to manually adjust it.
Connectivity
Ellipticals can have built-in wireless connectivity, or Bluetooth that connects to an app on a mobile device for workout tracking, social networks, and access to a library of exercise programs. Some allow you to use a USB drive to move workout data to a web-based tracking feature accessed via a laptop.
Programs
Exercise programs can make a workout more varied and less boring, which might get you on the machine more often. But don’t pay for frills that you don’t care about—you should be able to get by with a few basic programs that address specific types of workouts. Custom programs allow you to create your own resistance profile, if that’s important to you.
General Safety
Ellipticals are dangerous for children, who could get pinched or trapped in the moving parts. People with children at home (or as visitors) should make sure that the little ones can’t access the machines by locking the door to the room, unplugging the machine, activating the machine’s software lockout feature, or inserting safety pins for the pedals after every use (if your machine provides them).
Price
High-end ellipticals cost upward of $3,000, but you can get a good machine for less than half that. For more money, you’ll often find more features and a beefier, heavier frame (with a larger footprint, to boot).
Delivery
Ellipticals are heavy and setup can be tricky, so check to see whether assembly is included or available at an additional cost.
Return Policy
Confirm the store’s return policy, including how much it’ll cost to send the machine back (don’t forget about restocking fees). If you’re purchasing online, find out how return shipping is handled.
Warranty
Look for a warranty that provides three to seven years of coverage on parts, and at least one year on labor. Most ellipticals have a lifetime warranty on the frame. Our surveys suggest that an extended warranty probably isn’t worth it.
FAQs
What are the key components to look at when shopping for an elliptical?
- Drive System: Front vs. Rear Drive.
- Elliptical Frame Construction.
- Stride Length.
- Resistance System.
- Electronic Options.
- Stationary or Move-able Arms.
- Linkages.
- Suspension Systems.
Rear drive models tend to be a more popular home gym option, as they usually take up much less space. However, for taller users you may want to opt for a front drive, as it will create the most comfortable workout experience.
How much should you spend on an elliptical machine? ›
Entry-level or basic models tend to be more affordable, while commercial-grade or high-end models with advanced features can be more expensive. Here's a rough breakdown of the price ranges for elliptical machines: Entry-Level: $200 - $800. Mid-Range: $800 - $2,000.
Are ellipticals good for seniors? ›
Ellipticals offer a smooth, flowing motion that is easier on the knees, hips, and back compared to other exercise equipment like treadmills or exercise bikes. This is crucial for seniors who may have arthritis, osteoporosis, or other age-related conditions.
What size elliptical do I need? ›
A 20-inch stride can accommodate individuals from 5 feet, 3 inches to 6 feet, 5 inches. Short individuals can work out comfortably with 16 to 18 inches, while taller individuals over six feet will need to choose an elliptical machine with a stride length of at least 20 inches.
What is better than an elliptical? ›
If you are an athletic runner who needs to maintain stamina, the treadmill is better than the elliptical. In the end, it depends on your situation. If you can't decide on one or the other, there's no harm in having both.
Are home ellipticals worth it? ›
Investing in a trusty elliptical is a helpful way to get a cardio workout in the comfort of your home. Ellipticals provide a full-body, low-impact workout. It's ideal for those who aren't fans of running, cycling or rowing.
Is it better to go faster or longer on elliptical? ›
Is it better to go faster or longer during elliptical workouts? The short answer: both. HIIT training incorporates bursts of intense work that require you to pick up speed and intensity for short bursts of time, ramping up your heart rate and burning calories.
Is walking or the elliptical a better workout? ›
Both walking and using the elliptical is cardiovascular exercise, so naturally, they're great ways to burn calories if that's your goal. If you're interested in which will burn more calories for your time, using an elliptical is likely to burn more calories than walking.
Are there two types of ellipticals? ›
There are two types of ellipticals: front-driven and rear-driven. By taking a look at the cross trainer you can find out where the drive is located.
Different elliptical makes and models will have a variety of resistance levels that can vary from 1 to 10 to 1 to 30 or more. In your first week, keep the resistance low, at somewhere under a five. You should feel challenged but still be able to carry on a conversation. Keep the incline low the first week, too.
What do I need to know before buying an elliptical? ›
Resistance options: “Having multiple resistance options is important not only for workout variability but also for training progression,” says Dinkins. She suggests choosing an elliptical that has at least 10 levels of resistance. Any fewer and your ability to progress will top out really quickly.
Can you lose belly fat on an elliptical? ›
An elliptical trainer, or cross-trainer, is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate climbing stairs, walking or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries. Elliptical trainers can help burn calories, reduce belly fat and tone the body.
Where should I put my elliptical in my house? ›
If your bedroom is temperature controlled, has proper air circulation, is well-lit, and has a sufficient amount of space available to put your elliptical (as well as store if necessary), this could be a great area for your machine.
Can you get in shape just using an elliptical? ›
Given that the calorie burn associated with an elliptical is higher than that of some other cardio machines like the stationary bike, it can help you lose body fat in a shorter amount of time. This is especially true if you focus on interval work.
