For those with the extra space for larger pieces of equipment, an elliptical trainer is an excellent addition to a home gym, offering many benefits and an enjoyable experience. Let’s review the advantages of elliptical trainers and present our top picks for these versatile machines available in 2022.
It’s not the most inspiring name for a machine, but one look at this elliptical, and you’ll see the instant appeal. The Commercial 14.9 is named for its 14-inch Smart HD touchscreen, which brings the machine’s price up to $1,999.99. This front-drive elliptical combines classic design with modern quality-of-life upgrades like powerful fans, Bluetooth connectivity, and oversized, cushioned pedals with auto-adjusted strides. You’ll also gain access to an iFit membership, which comes to life on that HD screen. Pros
14-inch smart touchscreen Included iFit membershipAuto-adjusted strides
Cons
Assembly can be difficultComplaints about issues with iFit membership promo
The E95 is durable and packs a lot of tech into the console, like Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, an integrated tablet holder, built-in speakers and more. In addition to a stronger frame and heavier flywheel, the E95’s customizable “Worm Drive” is a significant upgrade here from other models. You can save programs, settings and track your progress over time. Pros
Built-in speakers 27-pound flywheel Charging port for your devices
Cons
Only 10 workout programs Speakers could be more powerful
Use it as a climber, an elliptical, or a treadmill-like stepping platform to engage more muscle groups and ramp up the intensity. With that 14-inch touchscreen making a return, this machine is simply on another level, and the price reflects that $2,499.99. If money is no object, we can’t recommend the FreeStride enough. Pros
3-in-1 training 32-inch adjustable stride Automatic trainer control
Cons
Lighter flywheel at 20 lbs.
The build on the 430 is a little bare, and you won’t get many tech features, but this is the best bang for your buck when building a home gym, bar none. Pros
Most inexpensive option22 preset exercise programs
Cons
A little noisyLight flywheel means less intense workouts
At $999.99, this is ProForm’s mid-range elliptical, and we think it’s worth the upgrade over the Carbon model. The pedals are more comfortable, the flywheel is smoother, and the display has received a much-needed upgrade. It is still a reasonably simple front-wheel elliptical, but it has an old-school charm that seems perfect for any growing home gym setup. For the price, it’s a top performer. Pros
32 workout programs Inexpensive for a quality machineComes with iFit membership
Cons
No touchscreen display
Ellipticals require you to walk, run or climb with your lower body while “pumping” your arms back and forth with an alternating push and pull motion. The result is a considerable amount of calories burned – between 200 and 400 in just 30 minutes, depending on intensity and settings. Regular workouts will boost endurance, strengthen muscles from top to bottom, and burn stubborn belly fat. An elliptical is also a great low-impact exercise method, especially compared to running on pavement or even a treadmill. You’ll save your joints and tendons strain by opting for an elliptical session over a jog. Finally, an elliptical is arguably the safest machine for at-home exercise, requiring less intense focus or coordination than a treadmill. You’ve got a firm grip on the handles, a platform for balance, and total control over speed and intensity. Below, you’ll find some of the most important specs of each bike for a proper comparison. First, always look at stride length because that’s an indicator of comfort based on your height. We prefer the ability to adjust pedals if possible. You don’t want to be stuck with a machine that doesn’t fit your frame. Also, consider flywheel weight and the amount of resistance you want from your machine. If you plan on putting in serious hours on the elliptical, your strength will increase quickly, and you might outgrow an entry-level machine sooner than you think. Finally, be honest with yourself about how much tech you need from an elliptical. Those shiny HD screens might be appealing, but are they truly worth the significant cost bump? Since most of us have phones, tablets, and TVs already, you may not need them.
