So…You’ve studied the benefits of elliptical trainers and you know you want one! Now it’s time to take advantage of the benefits of this fitness equipment and get the model that’s right for you! But how do you choose?
So many models, so much information, how to find your way around? Take the time to read our elliptical buying guide, by the end of it you will surely be in the position to decide which elliptical trainer is the best for you.
The elliptical trainer offers the advantage of being able to do full body workouts without leaving your home. No more constraints related to work, weather or family responsibilities. You can now train at your own pace and according to your schedule.
If by the end of this article you still have questions, just get in touch with us and we will help you out choosing the right elliptical! We assure you will get the elliptical of your dreams.
If you are a complete beginner to elliptical machines, please take a minute or two to go through the bullet points below. On the other hand, if you already have some experience with ellipticals and know what they are all about, you can skip this part.
Contrary to what its name suggests, it has nothing to do with cycling, but its movements are more akin to cross-country skiing. It is therefore more complete than the classic apartment bike since it allows you to work the whole body (about 80% of the muscles are used). In fact, an elliptical trainer combines the benefits of cross-country skiing and home cycling. Practical!
Its use is very simple: the user acts both on the pedals, in an elliptical movement, and on the handles that he pulls with one arm and pushes with the other. Of course the resistance is adjustable, to increase the difficulty of the exercise and make your muscles and cardio work more intensely.
The elliptical trainer not only works the entire musculature in a gentle and smooth way for the joints, but also offers many other benefits. Although the first few sessions can be strenuous for beginners, after just a few sessions you will begin to feel the effects on your endurance.
Likewise, your cardiovascular system and respiratory capacity will work effectively to help you regain fitness and vitality. Why ride an elliptical trainer? The interest of this device is real, hence its success in gyms and increasingly among individuals. Judge for yourself.
If you return to doing any kind of sports after several months or even years of inactivity, low-impact exercise is the best way to protect your joints, especially your knees. An elliptical trainer has this advantage and does not traumatize your joints. On the contrary, the cardio work is done gently for the whole body. The lower back is also protected. The same applies if you are significantly overweight or getting older.
By its very nature, the elliptical trainer allows for intensive cardio training activity that works the whole body, while remaining low impact on the joints. In addition, it allows you to perform an exercise with natural movement, as if you were running on the ground.
The elliptical trainer is very easy to use, and is suitable for all types of people, sportsmen or not. At home, it will certainly be a device used by more than one member of the family.
Its intuitive handling and easily adjustable degree of difficulty make it the number one cardio machine to own at home. You will also be amazed by the low noise emitted by the machine during its use. This silence is also an undeniable asset for home use. You will be able to do your home elliptical trainer session in front of the TV without disturbing other family members or even your neighbours.
The benefits of the elliptical trainer are multiple: gentle work of all the muscles of the lower body (thighs, calves, buttocks) as well as the upper body (arms, shoulders, pectorals, abdominals, back), toning of the buttocks, elimination of fat, maintenance of endurance, maintenance of fitness, work of the cardiovascular system, work of the respiratory capacity.
The list goes on and on. The elliptical allows a complete and effective training since the entire musculature is solicited. In addition, the movements are smooth and shock-free, unlike treadmills or jogging outside. No more back, hip or knee pain!
One of the interesting features of the elliptical trainer is its great ability to burn fat and thus lose weight. Half an hour of moderate-intensity exercise five times a week can lose 300 to 500 grams of fat per month. Exercises seem easier than on traditional machines (exercise bike, stepper, treadmill for example) because all muscles are active and accumulate the calories expended. The difficulty is thus spread out rather than being concentrated on only one part of the anatomy. A notable advantage for quick and motivating results!
The elliptical machine works 80% of your muscles. Indeed, the pushing movement of the pedal acts on your thighs, buttocks and calves. When you use the mobile arm, this time it is your arms, shoulders and pectorals that will be solicited. Finally, the positioning that encourages you to keep your back straight allows a sheathing action and strengthens your abdominal and lumbar muscles. The elliptical bike is ideal for working your whole body and toning you up efficiently!
Doing cardio while protecting your joints is possible with the elliptical trainer! If your goal is to lose weight, you are right to be interested in the elliptical machine! It’s intuitive to use and it’s very comfortable to use with a very natural and fluid pedaling. And because the whole body is in motion, you burn a maximum of calories on your fitness machine.
The elliptical trainer is a complete cardio-vascular activity, just like jogging, cycling or swimming, and very effective in burning calories. A one-hour session allows you to burn between 500 and 800 kilocalories. These figures vary, of course, according to the intensity of the effort but also according to the weight of the user and his age.
Extremely simple to use, the elliptical trainer allows you to train at any time, without preparation. All you need to do is put on a sports outfit and trainers to use it! It does not require any special maintenance.
No more annual gym membership and no more time-consuming and fuel-intensive travel! Your investment will pay for itself quickly. A quality elliptical trainer (see below for tips on choosing and buying an elliptical trainer) will give you the same feeling as a professional elliptical trainer. Moreover, you choose the most suitable time for your session: in the morning when you get up, after breakfast or in the evening when you come home from work. Total freedom for increased motivation!
There’s nothing like an elliptical trainer session to help you forget the worries of the moment, relax, wake up well or prepare for a good night’s sleep. The workout can be done against a musical backdrop, with or without rhythm (see our article on the effects of music on our body). In addition to its benefits, the elliptical trainer has many other advantages. A fun and motivating way to train.
The elliptical trainer can be criticized for its size, although some models can be folded and / or on wheels for easy storage. The activity can also become monotonous in the long run if you don’t have an on-board computer that offers a variety of exercises. The price of an elliptical trainer can also be a barrier to its acquisition. However, the increase in the number of bikes on offer has led to a fall in prices to such an extent that mid-range models are now accessible to most people. Moreover, the price of an elliptical is quickly amortized if you replace the use of a fitness room with sessions at home.
Eliminate excess fat, work on your endurance, tone up your muscles or simply maintain your shape, all gently and without damaging your joints, the elliptical bike has everything to seduce you. Its success has made it very popular in fitness centres and, more recently, at home. A real revolution in the world of cardio-training.
Elliptical Buying Guide:
What to look for when choosing your elliptical machine
To get the most out of your elliptical, you must choose a model that corresponds to your morphology (height, weight), your goals (fitness, training, weight loss, etc.), the intended frequency of use (occasional, regular, intensive, number of people who will use it) and the practical aspect (space available, gadgets, design, etc.).
📝 Continue reading our elliptical buying guide below to find the most important things that you should consider before buying an elliptical trainer.
A solid and sturdy structure will bring you pleasure and comfort of use over the long term. The heavier your device is, the more stable it will be. A small distance between the pedals (also known as footboards) promotes a more natural position for the body, for a comfortable workout.
Did you know that there are several sizes of elliptical trainers? You may not realize it when you practice this activity in the gym, as most of the time the models are all the same. However, if you’re thinking about investing in this equipment to do sports at home, its size is an important consideration.
Tall people, i.e. measuring at least 5’11” or 1.80 m, should prefer models measuring at least 4’3” or 1.3 m. Similarly, people planning to train several times a week should prefer a larger elliptical trainer. The larger the machine, the greater the stride amplitude and the more effective the cardio-fitness work will be.
Be careful, even if you are small, avoid models measuring less than 3 feet or 1meter, which in reality offer little opportunity for work and progression. Moreover, if your elliptical trainer will benefit several members of the family, choose a model with adjustable pedals for equipment adapted to the size of each one.
All the above criteria ultimately depend on the most important selection criterion: price. The more budget you have, the more you will be able to claim a high-performance model.
I’m always surprised to see the comments about cardio machines at very low prices… I wonder what you expected? It’s for sure that by putting less than $200 in an elliptical trainer, you can’t get a top quality product. Even though there are some cheap models that deserve your attention, it is impossible to get a gym quality machine at this price.
It is important to choose a robust device that will not give way after only a few months. Therefore, it is best to choose an elliptical trainer model made entirely of metal and not plastic. This is especially important if you are tall, heavy, or plan to use the elliptical intensively.
Don’t have a lot of space at home? Choose a folding elliptical! Check the dimensions of the folded elliptical which will be indicated on the product data sheet. You will find many foldable ellipticals on the market today. Proform is an example of a Fitness Brand that has a big range of foldable ellipticals.
What kind of user will you be? It tends to fall into three categories: occasional, regular or intensive users. If you fall into the last two, I think it’s wise to invest in a quality model, perhaps a little more expensive than our initial budget, to have a robust and pleasant to use machine.
The flywheel is one of the most important features to consider before buying an elliptical trainer. We recommend that you choose a flywheel that weighs at least 15 to 22 lbs (or 7-10kg). This allows the movements to be smoother when pedaling, preventing stuttering.
The heavier the wheel is, the more effort it will require when accelerating or changing resistance. The change will be slower and will require more force from the user. If you want to use your elliptical trainer intensively and are looking for fast progress, you should use a flywheel of at least 20kg.
The longer your machine is, the greater the amplitude of your stride. The ellipse formed by the movement of your legs will be more or less elongated depending on the model you choose. Do you have the choice between an elliptical with a front and a rear inertia wheel? Which one to choose? What will be the difference?
A flywheel at the front allows a flatter stride. The muscles are thus put under greater strain and the speed of rotation is slower. These Ellipticals are designed for muscle strengthening. The amplitude is automatically greater on elliptical bikes with a front flywheel. This type of stride is particularly suitable for tall people.
The Comfort of any fitness equipment is rather difficult to determine before testing a device over several sessions, but you can nevertheless rely on a few elements in the description such as the quality of the materials (e.g. handles), what the customer reviews say about stability and comfort of use, or details such as the presence of a water bottle holder…
Based on a calories burned chart by activity and weight article published by Harvard Medical School.
270 Calories Burned
335 Calories Burned
400 Calories Burned
Choose your fitness equipment according to your weight but also the maximum user weight supported by the equipment. Make sure to keep a margin between your weight and the weight supported by the equipment for the longevity of the equipment and for better stability of the machine during your training.
If you are looking for therapeutic training to recover from an injury, you should opt for an electromagnetic resistance elliptical trainer. These models contain pre-determined programs to motivate you to achieve your goals. They are more accessible and intuitive.
Depending on the space you have, you can choose one model or another. For example, the folding tapes have a folding system to reduce their dimensions so that they can be stored in any corner. This option is usually very favorable for users who want to have it in their homes. If the size of the elliptical is not a problem, you can opt for a cheaper design because folding options generally cost a little more.
Each elliptical will have a maximum user weight. Take this into account when choosing your elliptical model, otherwise your fitness equipment may wear out prematurely! It is preferable to choose an elliptical trainer with a front flywheel for more strength. The user’s weight is more evenly distributed on the front driven ellipticals.
Your waist does not require a very large amplitude movement. Prefer an elliptical with a wheel on the back. It will be more comfortable to work at height and not lengthwise. The movement will be more circular, the movement of your legs will be less elliptical. Your pace will be faster, but you will avoid injuries due to excessive strides.
An elliptical bike with a stride of 12 inches or 30 cm will be perfectly adapted to your size. Take a look at elliptical machines with small strides.
Pay attention to the weight of the flywheel. Do not use a wheel that is too heavy unless you want to build up your lower body muscles.
Prefer models with a stride length between 14 and 20 inches (or 38 and 51 cm). You want a wide stride but have little room at home. The Kettler EXT technology features a double joint at the flywheel and rail-mounted pedals. The combination of these two elements allows you to have a longer stride with a movement closer to running while keeping the compact dimensions of a rear wheel elliptical bike.
Choose an elliptical with a nice stride length, around 20 inches or 50 cm. Generally, it is advisable to choose a front flywheel to maximize the stride, but some models with a rear flywheel may suit you.
The heavier your elliptical trainer is, with a longer wheelbase (width of the elliptical trainer legs) on the ground, the less likely it will move.
The length of the stride, or stride length, corresponds to the range of motion of the legs. For comfortable and natural strides, it is recommended to choose an elliptical with a stride length of at least 12″ or 30 cm. As for the distance between the pedals, the shorter the distance, the more natural and gait-like the movement will be.
Elliptical trainers have 2 types of handlebars: 1 fixed, which isolates the lower part of the body, and 1 mobile, which works the whole body at the same time. The ideal is to choose an elliptical machine with these 2 types of handlebars for a complete body workout.
If you pay attention to the elliptical trainers on sale, you will see that there are some differences in the handlebars. There are fixed handlebar versions, and there are mobile versions.
The mobile handlebars on the elliptical trainer will allow you to work on the lower as well as the upper body. The two mobile arms are used by your arms during the effort and work your back, shoulders and arms. The fixed handlebars allow you to target lower body work more effectively. If possible, try to choose a model with both types of handlebars. You will then be free to use the one you prefer during each home workout.
On the handlebars of a good elliptical trainer there should also be sensors. These are used to measure your heart rate at a given moment. These sensors are integrated directly into the handlebar grip and will not interfere with your effort.
The console is a mini on-board computer equipped with an LCD or LED screen displaying all the data relating to the drives. Among these data we most commonly find information on: calories burned, pedalling speed, distance travelled, elapsed time and heart rate.
And for the more advanced consoles, also: pedalling cadence (RPM), power in watts. This is essential if you want to train intensively or improve your performance.
The on-board computer will allow you to control the machine and the training programs. It is possible to activate the electromagnetic braking system in order to increase or decrease the resistance, and even to launch programs that will automatically take care of it according to the defined objective.
Some on-board computers also have a Bluetooth connection that allows you to control the elliptical trainer directly from your phone or tablet and view your workout statistics.
Before using magnets, elliptical trainers used friction belts to increase resistance. These belts would wear out the machines after a while and make a lot of noise. That’s why the industry turned to magnets. Magnets have a much longer service life and are easier to adjust than belts.
This affects the noise that will be produced when pedaling. The magnets receive the power of the movement through the flywheel, which transmits heat to them. This is what makes them work and accelerate. That’s why you need to take into account that these magnets are heat resistant to work properly and have the longest possible life. There are two types of magnets on elliptical trainers:
Aeromagnetic: Better quality magnets. The structure has stripes to allow air to pass through, which allows them to cool down better.
Electromagnetic: These are transformers that convert electricity into magnetic energy. They must be connected to the current to work. They have ventilation holes.
The strength of elliptical trainers is their main characteristic. This is what differentiates them from treadmills and other cardiovascular exercise machines, such as static bikes and rowing machines. Resistance makes the workout harder or softer. Good stamina is absolutely essential for a good workout.
Depending on the use you have in mind for the elliptical trainer you wish to purchase, you must make sure that the resistance is appropriate. It is not the same thing to train for a run as it is to burn calories or improve your metabolism. Each type of exercise requires a different resistance.
The resistance is adjustable only by turning a small knob. Models with manual resistance have no training programs. Manual magnetic resistance is more reserved for beginners for occasional use. There are no pre-recorded training programs on ellipticals with manual magnetic braking. The number of resistance levels is also limited.
The resistance setting can be controlled directly from the console or manually via a knob. It allows for smooth and silent braking. To enjoy a console with training programs, choose an elliptical with resistance adjustment via the console. Magnetic braking consists of braking the flywheel by means of magnets. This action can be done manually, by wheel, or motorized, directly from the elliptical’s console
Found on the elliptical ergo meters. The resistance setting is more precise than the others. It offers the possibility to train on programs based on Watts, i.e. the power released by the user during the workout. They are mainly used for rehabilitation or by top athletes. Assured by an electromagnet, braking is thus particularly precise and silent, for optimal pedalling comfort. Choose a power in watts and start your exercise! This type of braking offers a wide choice of resistance levels and is particularly suitable for intensive use and rehabilitation.
Most elliptical machines have a heartbeat grip either by contact (directly on the elliptical) or by a chest belt. The chest belt allows a more precise measurement and gives the rider the choice of placing his hands on the fixed or mobile handlebars.
Other accessories make it possible to enjoy a training session in comfort: fan, water bottle holder, tablet support, speakers… Everything you need to stay motivated during your exercises!
There are many applications that are compatible with the console technology.
Depending on the module integrated in the elliptical, it is possible :
Moving the elliptical easily around the house is one of the most important requirements for a majority of buyers. This way you will be able to workout without sacrificing all your space. If you want just move it around the house and see the best place to put it.
There are 3 types of cardiac sensors:
Anyone can work on an elliptical trainer. Whether you are a beginner or a professional sportsman, this device will bring you a plus in the musculation of your body. Also, it is ideal for people who want to lose weight, fat. In some cases, even children can use elliptical machines.
In addition to advising the elliptical trainer to lose weight, I also particularly recommend it to people who have joint or back problems given its low impact at these different levels. People with certain injuries can use an elliptical trainer to stay in shape, as the low impact affects them little.
It’s good for strengthening your back muscles, but beware: if you already suffer from back problems, rotating your arms and shoulders may be contraindicated. In my opinion you’d better talk to your doctor if you want to use an elliptical trainer against your back problems or for rehabilitation. In any case, avoid low-end models in order to be as comfortable as possible.
A question I get for every piece of fitness equipment. Everybody is in a hurry and wants to get results quickly, it’s normal… But a lot of people think that it only takes a few workouts to see the first effects on their body. Unfortunately it is a long process, which will depend on your metabolism and the efforts you will make on the side (food, sleep…).
Sport must be integrated in your life because it is good for you, for your health, and the physical results will come naturally to reward you. But if you start from the beginning with objectives of duration such as “I do sport for a month to lose 5lbs and then I stop” it’s a pity and I don’t think that’s the way to do it.
The elliptical trainer has the advantage of working the upper body more. But let’s make a match between these 2 cardio machines according to your goals:
If your goal is to lose weight, I’d say it’s a draw. At equal intensity, you will lose about the same number of calories for 1 hour of exercise, whatever your choice.
To build muscle, I would give a small lead to the elliptical for the fact that it works the upper limbs slightly. For the buttocks, the elliptical trainer is also in front. Nevertheless, don’t kid yourself, it’s not with a cardio training machine that you’ll really build muscle.
For fitness, I would again give the advantage to the elliptical because it is less constraining for the knee joints (you will perform circular movements). Even if running on carpet reduces the shock compared to running outdoors, it is still not recommended for those with joint problems.
Verdict: The elliptical trainer is a bit ahead in performance, but it is also more bulky (you can find treadmills that take up very little space when folded). No problem if you do it in the gym, but a point to consider for home use. But best of all, it’s still what you like! If you enjoy training on a treadmill more, then it is the one you should choose.
The exact measurements depend on the model and type of device. Before answering this question, ask yourself how much space you have at home. The answer to this question will give you the model information you need. The size of your elliptical trainer is important to consider in order to use it more comfortably in your home.
It is not the same to finish your workout and leave the machine where it is as it is to store it. It is not uncommon for home elliptical trainers to be smaller than professional elliptical trainers. So also consider the ease of transport of each model. For example, some models have small wheels and foldable handles.
To give you a general idea of the sizes available, the standard measurements of elliptical trainers are as follows:
Length: 180/200 cm (70 to 79 inches)
Width: 50/60 cm (20/24 inches)
Height: 160 cm (63 inches)
You can buy them in the “Sport” section of a supermarket. In stores like Walmart, you are sure to find a wide variety of elliptical trainers for sale. They are generally available in the majority of large shopping malls.
However, on the Internet you will find a much better selection of models, brands and types of elliptical trainers available. We recommend that you buy your elliptical trainer from sites such as Amazon or Ebay. If you’re looking for a specific model, you can also search on specialized sports equipment sites or on the brand’s own sites.
