Best Elliptical Machine To Reach Your Exercise Goals
Forget about having to pay that monthly gym membership and make an investment in an elliptical machine. You no longer have to waste time going to and from the gym when you have all the tools you’d need in the comfort of your home.
Keep reading to find the best elliptical machine you can add to your living space.
To get you started on helping you find the optimal elliptical machine for your workout needs, we have reviewed the best elliptical machines for home use. We separated the machines based on their price tag, so you can get an idea of what features are associated with what cost.
Product Name | Our Rating |
|---|---|
Best Elliptical Under $200 | |
Best Elliptical Over $200 | |
Best Elliptical Under $200
Winner: Sunny Health & Fitness E902 Air Walk Trainer
Features
Digital Design Elements
After you factor in the price of the Sunny Health & Fitness E902 Air Walk Trainer, the digital features it comes with will definitely seem high tech. This elliptical machine comes with an LCD monitor that makes tracking your workout progress extremely easy.
When you first start moving on the Sunny Health & Fitness E902 Air Walk Trainer, the display monitor will turn on to show you both the time and distance you’re achieving.
Once you finish your workout, all you have to do is write down the exact numbers shown. You can see yourself progress a little bit each day.
You can also take advantage of the scan mode that keeps track of your progress for you, so you can readily achieve all your fitness goals. More specifically, the screen will alert you of your stride count, calories burned, time, and distance.
Don't get too excited about the record it provides you with calories burned because the Sunny Health & Fitness E902 Air Walk Trainer doesn't ask you to enter your age. This means that the calculation of how many calories you burn will be off.
Keep in mind that the Sunny Health & Fitness E902 Air Walk Trainer does not come with preset workout programs.
This means that you have to know the exact speed and resistance you require to attain your ideal body.
Since this is the best budget elliptical, you shouldn't expect it to be extremely advanced in its overall design.
Easy To Assemble
The best elliptical for the money will be easy to assemble, which is true of the Sunny Health & Fitness E902 Air Walk Trainer.
In fact, once you take this machine out of its box, you'll realize that most of it will be pre-assembled.
The foot pedals, base stabilizers, and the main frame will already come attached. This will take a lot of weight off your shoulders so that you can apply that additional energy to your workouts.
Runner Up: Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical Machine
Features
Compact & Portable
If you happen to live in a tiny apartment and can’t afford to use a full-length elliptical machine, then the Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical Machine is the perfect option for you. In fact, a majority of buyers recommend this machine specifically for its space saving features.
Most people aren't aware that small elliptical machines don't offer as intense of a workout as their larger counterparts, so they don't achieve their fitness goals promptly. The Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical Machine ensures you're not being cheated out of a workout session even though it is small.
Since this elliptical machine has a small overall dimension, you shouldn’t be surprised that it doesn’t weigh much either. More specifically, the Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical Machine weighs around 50 pounds, which means you can easily move it around your apartment when you see fit.
The Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical Machine comes with transportation wheels, so moving it from one place to another won’t be a struggle. You can store this machine in one room and take it out to another when it’s time for your daily workout session.
Comfortable To Use
The opinions of doctors have been taken into account when the Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical Machine was being designed so that it won't stress your joints out. You can expect both your upper and lower body to feel the positive effects of working out on this particular machine.
Another comfortable design aspect of the Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical Machine is how fluid its motion is. Most elliptical machines in this price range often move very rigidly, which makes it difficult to get the most out of a single workout session.
With this elliptical machine, you can expect it to move both backward and forward, so you have the option to target several muscle groups in your body. For this price range, we can wholeheartedly agree the this is the best home elliptical machine out there.
Price
For less than $100, the Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical Machine could be sitting in your home waiting for you to get started on that summer body.
Best Elliptical Over $200
If you don't mind making a dent in your wallet when it comes to purchasing an elliptical machine for home use, then we highly recommend you continue reading our reviews regarding more high-end options.
Winner: Nautilus E614 Elliptical Machine
Features
Ease Of Use
Those who are new to the concept of exercising need a bit of motivation to get started. You will find it a hassle to use an elliptical machine at home that doesn’t provide any guidance whatsoever.
Thankfully, for the price that you’re paying for the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Machine, you don’t have to worry about a thing.
This is because the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Machine comes loaded with 22 preset workout programs that make working out as simple as clicking a few buttons.
You can forget about having to do hours and hours of research regarding the various resistance and time you require to achieve your ideal body because the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Machine has it already laid out for you.
If you think you have an understanding as to what workout regime you need to adhere to, you also need to remind yourself that you have to add a bit of variation to your workouts. Merely following the same workout plan for weeks on end will prove to be extremely boring and you'll find yourself quitting after enough time passes.
With the 22 programs that the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Machine comes with that are all entirely customizable, you will never get tired of using your in-home elliptical machine. We will go into further detail about these 22 programs by grouping them into specific categories.
Nine Profile Programs
To understand what each profile program entails, we will split them up into three general categories that are as follows: Mountains, Challenges, and Fun Rides. If you’re looking for a casual workout, the Fun Rides option is the way to go.
On the other hand, for an intense workout session, Challenges and Mountains will become your best friend. As you would expect, the more you advanced your way through the Challenge programs, the more the intensity increases as well.
You don’t have to worry about adjusting the elliptical machine while the intensity changes because the console will automatically do that for you. All that’s required on your part is to continue working out.
Eight Heart Rate Control
On the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Machine, you can set a target heart level to keep consistent throughout your workout session. Sensors located on the arms of this elliptical machine will keep track of your heart rate so the machine can adjust the intensity accordingly.
The heart rate sensors measure your heart in beats per minute. As long as you keep your hands on the sensors, you can expect an accurate reading. Four of the preset options include the following, 50% to 60%, 60% to 70%, 70% to 80%, and 80% to 90%.
Other Workout Programs
The other workout programs include two custom, one quick start, and two fitness tests.
Those who have a specific fitness goal in mind will benefit greatly from the fitness test because the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Machine will use your height and weight as a foundation for setting up your future workout sessions.
Price
For under $700, you can equip your home with an elliptical machine that you couldn’t even find at your local gym.
Runner Up: EFITMENT Elliptical Machine Trainer
Features
Smooth To Operate
One of the most important design elements of an elliptical machine would be how smooth it is to operate. This was a question that was burning the minds of the team responsible for designing the EFITMENT Elliptical Machine Trainer, which is why it ended up being the best elliptical for home use.
When discussing your average elliptical machine, the drive elements are the same. They include the crankset, flywheel, and the transmission. A majority of elliptical machines are designed disproportionally, so the flywheel tends to be a bit larger than necessary.
You’ll notice that with the EFITMENT Elliptical Machine Trainer, you won’t run into any issues with the flywheel being too large. This is because every drive element is proportional to the overall size of the device.
The emphasis on the main drive elements being proportional is the reason for the EFITMENT Elliptical Machine Trainer running so smoothly.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the device runs bi-directionally. This means that you can pedal both forwards and backward, which gives you room to add variety to your workouts. The more diversity your elliptical machine can offer you, the more you can make out of your exercise regime.
Unique Magnetic Resistance
The EFITMENT Elliptical Machine Trainer comes built with a magnetic resistance system. What this means is that its transmission relies on a poly-v belt. For most buyers, this fact alone doesn’t mean anything, but we’ll tell you why this is such a huge deal.
For example, the magnetic resistance system ensures that your pedaling motion is close to being one hundred percent silent. If you have kids at home and you don't want to disturb them with your exercising, this would be the ideal machine to purchase.
You can also forget about having to lubricate your belt, which is a necessity for a majority of chain drive elliptical machines.
The magnetic brake is attached to a dial that you have total control over. Whenever you want to increase or decrease the resistance, all you have to do is turn the dial.
To make it easy for you to know which resistance you’re setting the dial to, the dial on the EFITMENT Elliptical Machine Trainer comes with eight levels. Those looking for a light workout should set their dial to levels one to three.
As you can see the higher you set the dial; the more intense your workouts will become.
Price
You can add the EFITMENT Elliptical Machine Trainer to your in-home gym for a low price of around $230.
Alternative: ProForm 150i Elliptical Machine
Features
Saves Space
Proform listened to the complaints the buyers had about previous elliptical models. Its response as positively received when it released the ProForm 150i Elliptical Machine.
A majority of buyers negatively reacted to the large size of prior ProForm elliptical machines, which makes sense as to why this model is specifically designed to save space. Usually, you had to use a separate room to fit your other equipment, but you can say goodbye to those worries with the ProForm 150i Elliptical Machine.
Even with all the extra features that this best elliptical trainer comes with, you can still make good use of it in a tiny studio apartment. For instance, you can easily fold the ProForm 150i Elliptical Machine and fit it in your closet.
All you have to do is take it out whenever you feel the need to workout. Those looking for a practical workout machine will find that the ProForm 150i Elliptical Machine is a suitable option.
Top Tier Performance
Similar to one of the previous elliptical machine reviews, the ProForm 150i Elliptical Machine comes loaded with user-friendly features that make exercising a fun ordeal. You can control every facet of this device through its LCD monitor, which will show you all the information that's relevant to your workout.
Everything you need to know regarding your distance traveled, resistance level and workout program will be displayed on the LCD monitor.
The ProForm 150i Elliptical Machine is also compatible with third-party application s such as Google Maps and iFit. Those who already have an iFit membership find this elliptical machine to be an excellent workout partner.
If you happen to get extremely bored while using elliptical machines, you can take advantage of the Google Maps app that's displayed on the LCD monitor. You can set Google Maps to Street View setting, so you have something to keep you entertained during your workout.
The 12 preloaded workout programs that are included with the ProForm 150i Elliptical Machine will transform your exercise regime. You no longer have to guess which resistance is best suited for your fitness goals because the ProForm 150i Elliptical Machine will lead you along the way.
Those who already have a grasp of their workout plan don’t have to adhere to the preset programs. You can opt out to utilize the manual mode, which gives you total control over the workout experience.
Price
One of the best elliptical machines for home use, the ProForm 150i Elliptical Machine, has a price tag of less than $320.
Continue reading to equip yourself with relevant information regarding what you need to know before you finalize your elliptical machine decision.
Benefits Of Elliptical Machines
Heart disease is a major problem that plagues countries all over the world. The number one way doctors recommend to combat such an issue is to engage in a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
What better way to engage in physical activity that targets both your upper and lower body than by using an elliptical machine in the convenience of your home.
On What To Pay Attention When Choosing Your Elliptical Machine
Size
You should have a good idea as to how big of an elliptical machine your home can accommodate. If you have no clue what would be the ideal size for an elliptical machine meant for in-home use, you can easily figure that out.
When you find one that catches your eye, you should make a note of its dimensions. Then you should measure the area in your home or apartment that you expect to place your new machine in. If the numbers fit then, you should be able to operate the device readily.
Keep in mind that when you use an elliptical machine, it’ll add several inches to your overall height. The last thing you need is to hit your head on your ceiling when you initially make use of your workout device.
Is It Foldable?
If your elliptical machine comes with a foldable design, then you size won’t become a massive issue. This is because you can easily fold your machine and place it under your bed or in a closet.
You can keep your workout space separate from your living space, which is a feature a lot of people appreciate in an elliptical machine.
Stride Length
Other than making sure the machine fits your home, you should also consider its stride length. In the reviews above, we made sure to include the stride length of each machine in the features section.
Some elliptical machines come with adjustable stride lengths, but for the most part, they tend to be set in stone. Beginners to the whole workout game aren’t aware that the stride length plays such an immense role in the comfort of your exercise session.
In fact, if you purchase an elliptical machine with a stride length that doesn’t cater to your height, you run the risk of performing ineffective workouts.
Anyone above 5’7’’ will find that a stride length of about 20 inches is most proportionate to their height. Those shorter than 5’3’’ will require an elliptical machine that comes with a stride length of around 17 inches.
Weight Capacity
You need to make sure that your elliptical machine can adhere to your weight. Most elliptical machines will have listed its weight capacity, so you don't have to play a guessing game.
A majority of the elliptical machines reviewed above have a weight capacity of 220 to 300 pounds.
LCD Screen
A sign of a high tech elliptical machine is the presence of an LCD screen. An LCD monitor is extremely helpful in tracking your workout, so you can be up to date with how you're progressing.
Some LCD screens do the bare minimum of simply displaying numbers while others have the ability to show entire television shows. The complexity of the LCD screen entirely depends on how much money you’re willing to spend on your elliptical machine.
Extra Features
Those who like to feel comfortable while exercising should definitely keep a lookout for extra features that an elliptical machine might come with. Extra features may include a built-in fan, an mp3 player, in-console speaker, a water bottle holder, and even a heart rate sensor.
Some machines could even hold your laptop so that you can get work down while you workout. If you're a massive multitasker, you'll greatly benefit from buying an elliptical machine with these additional features.
Adjustability
Cheap elliptical machine models tend to run on a set incline and stride length. This will become an issue if you expect to diversify your workouts by switching up resistance levels with the touch of a button.
Adjustable elliptical machines will yield the fastest results when it comes to building muscle in your upper and lower body. A manual elliptical machine forces your muscles to get used to a specific motion, which doesn’t leave much room for growth.
By switching up your resistance and incline levels, your body can burn twice as many calories in half the time it will take with a manual elliptical trainer.
The adjustable models do have a high price tag, so keep this design element in mind when you’re searching for your ideal elliptical machine.
Conclusion
All of the products reviewed above are guaranteed to be top ellipticals in the current market. The difference in quality all depends on how much money you’re willing to spend. If you’re looking for a basic elliptical machine, then don't bother dropping hundreds of dollars.
However, those who want one similar to the one you'd find at a top-tier gym, you should expect to make a significant investment.
Our winners, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer and the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Machine won’t disappoint you.
Resources:
Wikipedia
LiveStrong
