Elliptical Machines

3 Best Elliptical Machines (2024)

By Lisa S

Elliptical machines or trainers you see them everywhere, in schools, gyms and even your neighbours homes. But if you ever thought of getting one for yourself, there are some factors that you would need to consider before making your first purchase.

Factors such as the amount of weight the elliptical machine can hold, the dimensions of the machine, levels of resistance and the computer that comes with it.

In this guide, we have shortlisted three best elliptical machines that you should purchase for your home. Through our research and review, we present to you the considerations you should take before you purchase the machine to suit your lifestyle.

Getting to your ideal fitness level never will be easy, but having an elliptical machine is a big leap towards that direction when it comes to getting you to exercise frequently and consistently.

Benefits of Elliptical Machine:

Elliptical Machine are among the best high intensity and low impact exercise equipment in the market. Some of these home elliptical machines even boast new features such as ergonomic support and fitness apps to track your workout statistics.

The increase in the interest of elliptical machine are due to them being a safer way to get a cardio workout. They are not only easy on the knees and joints but also an effective weight loss method.

Elliptical trainers also provide a great full body workout by working almost every major muscle group such as your abs, legs, back and arms. Because of this, the machines available in the gym are usually filled and people are starting to get one for themselves at home.

Compare: Best Elliptical Machines 2017

Model Exerpeutic 5000 SunnySF-E3607 Fitness Reality E5500XL
exerpeutic-5000-magnetic-elliptical-trainer sunny-health-fitness-magnetic-elliptical-trainer fitness-reality-e5500xl-magnetic-elliptical-trainer
Resistance Levels 24 8 24
Programmed Workouts 12 NA 20
Adjustable Stride tick tick tick
Adjustable Incline tick wrong tick
Display Type LCD LCD Backlit LCD
Tablet Holder tick tick tick
Product Weight 84lbs 71.5lbs 93lbs
Dimensions 55″ x 25″ x 64″ 49.5b x 27.5b x 64b 57.5b x 24b x 66b
Mobile App tick tick tick
User Bodyweight 270lbs 220lbs 270lbs
1 Year Warranty tick tick tick
User Height Recommendation Up to 6ft & above 6ft & below Up to 6ft & above
Price

Our Best Elliptical Machine Picks

1. Fitness Reality E5500XL Magnetic Elliptical Trainer:

Features:

  • User weight capacity: Up to 270 lbs
  • Dimensions: 57.5b x 24b x 66b
  • Product Weight: 93 lbs
fitness-reality-e5500xl-magnetic-elliptical-trainer

Fitness Reality e5500xl elliptical should accommodate users who are over 6 feet tall. It features a non-adjustable stride length of 18b. This trainer features a dual action drive with double transmission, 2 flywheels and 2 heavy duty v-belts to prolong its lifespan.

This gives the user more momentum and an extremely smooth striding motion. Apart from these cool features, it also carries a 3-piece crank system which can support users weighing up to 270 lbs.

Being a magnetic and belt based drive system, this machine is exceptionally quiet. This low noise level would definitely not interfere with anyone’s sleep in the house if you decide to workout at 1am.

Its resistance level is motor assisted with a magnetic brake which unfortunately for it to work, needs to be connected to a power source. Without a power source, the console and machine would not function.

The EX5500XL elliptical machine offers 24 levels of resistance. The resistance is adjusted from the console which works by increasing or decreasing the magnetic field of the motor and in return adds or reduces drag.

You can use the lower levels for recovery workouts while the higher levels offer a super intense workout that is great for weight loss and building stamina. Apart from that, it also offers 20 pre-programmed workouts that you can follow which automatically adjusts the resistance levels as you move through your workout.

The console that comes with fitness reality elliptical machine under $300 is quite impressive considering the price that you pay.

It has a 5b LCD blue backlit display which makes it so much easier to read in sunlight or in the dark. The console is able to keep track of time, calories burned, heart rate, RPM and also has an odometer and distance tracker.

The build of this best home elliptical is extremely sturdy and feels very solid which also explains its weight. However if you use the tablet holder that comes with it, your tablet will definitely cover most of the console which means you can’t see the display or access the buttons.

Overall with all the features that it provides, the EX5500XL is an easy home elliptical machine to use and have at home for everyone.

2. Exerpeutic 5000 Elliptical Machine:

Features:

  • User weight capacity: Up to 270 lbs
  • Dimensions: 55″ x 25″ x 64″
  • Product Weight: 84 lbs
exerpeutic-5000-magnetic-elliptical-trainer

The Exerpeutic 5000 Elliptical has a 3-piece crank just like the pro machines which gives you great motion so you don’t have to worry about bouncing up and down or causing painful stress on your joints.

This machine employs the use of magnets to increase the difficulty of the workout and also allows you to adjust 24 levels of resistance with a button or through your mobile phone.

The magnetic resistance ensures that you transit from one level to the next smoothly.

The Exerpeutic 5000 Elliptical machine has a Bluetooth connection which allows you to connect the LCD display to your phone through its app.

The good thing about this is that it allows you to instantly sync and save all your workouts so that you can track your progress at a later stage.

The elliptical home trainer also features a list of pre-programmed workouts that you can follow. There are various programmed workouts that will vary in intensity and rest periods.

So far, the hardest that users came across is the hill climb mode which makes the intensity higher periodically until the workout is complete.

Something worth noting about this trainer is its ability to adjust the incline on it. Being able to adjust the incline allows you to increase your workouts intensity even more. Going higher on the incline will give you a harder workout depending on your fitness goal.

The stride length of this Machine can also be adjusted. Typically, lower end elliptical trainers have fixed stride lengths but for the case of the Exerpeutic 5000, it has an adjustable 18b stride which allows anyone up to around the height of six feet to use the trainer with ease.

Although the warranty is only for a year, the quality of the build seems to be very durable. Coupling with its features that are offered on its mobile application and the comfort, this trainer certainly delivers a bang for your buck.

3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer:

Features:

  • User weight capacity: Up to 220 lbs
  • Dimensions: 49.5b x 27.5b x 64b
  • Product Weight: 71.5 lbs
sunny-health-fitness-magnetic-elliptical-trainer

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3607 is one of those machine that you would put on your list if you’re looking for a budget elliptical home machine.

There are only 8 levels of resistance and a basic LCD display to keep track of your current workout progress. Pedalling on this machine does feel like you’re moving slightly downhill but the movement is notably smooth and quiet.

The machine uses a magnetic resistance system as well which also means you do not need a power source to power up the machine. The resistance can be adjusted by turning a simple knob on this trainer.

However at the maximum level of resistance, it doesn’t feel like you are getting a hard workout and only midway at best.

The console on the machine appears to be very basic and minimal. It has a simple non-backlit LCD display and only three buttons.

There are also no pre-programmed workouts for you to follow and can only track your main workout statistics such as distance travelled, heart rate and calories.

The display only allows you to view one stat at a time but there is also a scan function which will slowly cycle through and display the statistics to you.

There is also a tablet holder available for those who like to watch shows or videos while working out. This home elliptical comes to you partially assembled with an installation manual provided plus the tools you will need.

The frame feels quite sturdy which will give you the confidence that it won’t topple over while you’re working out.

However you might find that the pedals are a bit too close to the handlebars which unfortunately shortens the stride length. Overall, this machine will still help you burn the extra calories that you don’t need.

Buying Guide For Best Elliptical Machines:

There are a few important points that you will need to consider when you are making your first elliptical machine purchase.

  • Build & Stability: The quality and stability of the machine is extremely crucial. After all you wouldn’t want to fall and crash with your machine during your workout.
  • Levels of resistance: With more levels of resistance, you are able to increase the intensity of your workouts
  • Display Console & Computer: You will need to look out for the type of display, the type of information that the computer is capable of feeding you and the pre-programmed workouts.
  • Stride length: It is better to have wider stride lengths than shorter ones so that you can get a full complete range of motion.
  • Power source: If youare intending to get a trainer that needs a power source, you will have to consider the area for the availability of one.
  • The dimensions of the elliptical trainer: You will need to consider the space of the area you are intending to place the trainer in and whether it fits.

Other Considerations for Elliptical Machines:

Once in a while, maintenance of the machine is always a must. Sometimes the machine might give you problems but a quick call to the manufacturer should help, so ensure that your machine comes with a proper warranty coverage.

You should make it a habit to wipe the machine down after a sweaty workout and perhaps apply some oil to movable parts every month.

Over time, accumulated sweat can corrode a machine’s parts and will reduce the machine’s lifespan. Cleaning and maintaining your elliptical trainer will ensure it goes a long way through your fitness journey.

Elliptical Machines: Conclusion

Having an elliptical trainer at home will bring about many benefits to your health and those around you. Not only are the workouts low on impact, they can also be incredibly challenging as well.

We wish you all the best on your fitness journey with your new elliptical trainer and always remember to wear proper shoes when you’re using exercising!

RESEARCH LINKS:

USA Homegym:http://www.usa-homegym.com/elliptical-trainers/exerpeutic-5000-elliptical-trainer/
Best Fitnesseq:http://bestfitnesseq.com/fitness-reality-e5500xl/
Best Fitnesseq:http://bestfitnesseq.com/sunny-sf-e3607/
Health and Ditness Den:http://healthandfitnessden.blogspot.sg/2016/08/comparing-sunny-health-fitness-sf-e3608.html