Top Pick
- Bluetooth and app connectivity.
- Built-in speakers.
- Monitor to keep track of progress.
Are you looking for a cardio workout that can help tone your entire body? If so, then keep reading, as we’re going to explore the realms of elliptical workouts. In this article, we’ll break down the benefits of the best elliptical machine for home use, as well as explain what it can do for you.
Afterward, we’ve picked out our top five best elliptical machines on the market to make it easier for you to make your decision. We’ve done all the hard work for you here—just read on to find out more.
The Five Best Elliptical Machine for Home Workouts
Below we will provide a buying guide on what to look for in the best elliptical machine for home use, but now here’s a list of our favorite elliptical machines.
1. Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
There’s a lot that makes the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine stand out. Let’s start with the technology—the product actually connects to Bluetooth, so you can sync it with the Schwinn Trainer app, or other fitness apps, providing an exciting regime. For example, the RunSocial app allows you to run with other people all over the world!
What’s more, the elliptical itself has 29 workout programs built in, and 25 resistance levels, which allow you to challenge yourself further each day. To top it all off, the built-in speakers and USB charger further the enjoyment of your workout, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes as you go. Then, the finishing touch has to be the built-in fan, which will keep you cool, even on the hottest or toughest days.
- Pros
- Bluetooth and app connectivity.
- A huge array of fitness programs and resistance levels to follow.
- Provided with a device holder to watch your favorite TV programs.
- Built-in speakers for an exciting workout.
- Monitor to keep track of progress.
- Cons
- No wheels, so can’t easily be moved from room to room.
- Shorter warranty period than some other products.
2. Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer
The Precor elliptical is a little larger than those you’d normally use at home. That said, if you have enough space for it, and enough money to buy it, go for it!
Not only can you alter the resistance levels of your workout, you can also change the height of the elliptical cycles. This means almost anyone can use it, as it can be tailored to the user’s movements. It also allows you to challenge your leg and glute muscles through this variation.
Moreover, the 15 built-in workout regimes, as well as the accessories holder, make this a really interesting option. Not only can you further vary your workout, but you can keep your brain interested through the use of your device.
- Pros
- Great warranty, from 1-year labor and 10 years on parts, to a lifetime warranty on welds and frame.
- Holders for your phone and water bottle.
- Heart-rate and other statistics are displayed on the monitor.
- Multiple settings to keep your workout interesting.
- Wheels are built in for mobility.
- Comfortable workout due to smooth mechanism.
- Cons
- Way above budget for some people.
- Quite large, so will not be ideal for small rooms.
- At 338 pounds, not easy to move, even with wheels.
3. Life Fitness E1 Go Cross-Trainer
Our next option is a really compact elliptical, ideal for home gym use. The part that we really like about it, though, has to be the Whisper Stride mechanism.
This means that friction and noise are minimized, keeping your neighbors and family happy, as well as maintaining your focus. It’ll also make the elliptical last longer, as the internal components won’t rub against each other.
Keeping you focused and motivated is the natural elliptical motion, backed by research for the most comfortable experience possible. This is aided by the 13 workout programs, which will keep your exercise regime varied, reducing boredom.
- Pros
- Long warranty, varies on different components.
- Durable.
- Compact, great for home use.
- Quiet.
- User-friendly.
- Built-in monitor with stats.
- Maximum 400-pound user weight.
- Cons
- Stride may be too short for tall users.
- No incline feature.
4. ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Trainer
Finally, this ProForm trainer looks a little different to the other ellipticals we’ve chosen, standing much more upright. This makes it compact, so it’s ideal for a smaller room. It also means that more of your muscles are activated than with a regular elliptical, as you can mimic boxing and punching actions as you go.
On purchase, you’re also given one month’s free membership to iFit, for a huge array of fitness programs. This, along with the 32 workout apps and 24 resistance levels, will ensure you maintain a varied and exciting workout.
With the oversized pedals, water bottle holder, and fan, your comfort is clearly put above other elements. Then, with the device holder and iPod audio compatibility, you’re almost guaranteed a more interesting and vibrant workout experience.
- Pros
- Stats monitor.
- Durable steel frame.
- Comfortable.
- Small footprint.
- Device and water bottle holder included.
- Flywheel mechanism for a quiet workout.
- Can be moved from room to room easily due to wheels.
- One month free iFit membership.
- Due to vertical positioning, workout becomes more varied.
- Cons
- Membership to iFit must be paid for after the one-month free gift.
- Professional assembly is an optional extra.
- The upright position may not provide the most natural elliptical motion.
A Buying guide to Elliptical Machines
Why Elliptical Machine
Elliptical machines are a bit like treadmills, providing an aerobic workout for your whole body, with a bit of cardiovascular exercise too. However, instead of running along a tread-belt, you place your feet onto two paddles, and your hands on the upright handles, and the machine moves with you as you run.
Seems strange, doesn’t it?
Well, it’s actually a really great way to achieve the benefits of a running machine, without the impact your joints would normally feel. With this, you can achieve great muscle tone, with less risk of injury.
Walking and running really are great ways to exercise the body. However, sometimes getting outside can be a struggle, particularly if the weather isn’t looking up.
This is where the elliptical comes in. In fact, studies show that elliptical training can provide a more well-rounded total body workout than the average walking exercise anyway.
When to Use an Elliptical Machine
Elliptical machines are a great outlet to help people lose weight. But what makes an elliptical machine really special is the accessibility it provides. Working out can be unobtainable for those with disabilities or injuries, but the best elliptical machine for home exercise can combat this.
For starters, it’s a low impact way to work out your entire body, similar to a treadmill, but without injuring your joints. Some people who may benefit from this could be those with pre-existing injuries, or who may be older.
What’s more, for those with motion disabilities, or who might need rehabilitation, ellipticals are actually a great way to build strength. What a positive way to introduce more people to the fitness world, wouldn’t you say?
The Benefits of Elliptical Machines over Other cardio equipment
So now we’ve seen what elliptical machines can do, let’s break down the benefits of the best elliptical machine for home workouts:
- Low impact.
- Accessible for most ages and abilities.
- Total body muscle workout.
- Also provides a cardiovascular workout.
- Money-saving, as there’s no need for much more equipment.
It seems like a winner really, doesn’t it?
What to Look for in the Best Elliptical Machine for Home Gyms
Now that we’re really in the know about what elliptical machines do, I think it’s time to let you know what to expect from the best elliptical machine for home use.
Resistance
If the product has multiple resistance levels, this is a winner in our eyes. If you’re using the same force every time, you’re not likely to progress—and progression is what we want to see for results. Luckily, all of our favorites have a number of resistances, keeping your workout interesting and challenging.
Motion
Motion is key, as the more natural and smooth it is, the more comfortable you’ll be. This way, you’re more likely to avoid injury. You’ll also be less distracted if your rhythm is maintained, improving your positivity and motivation.
Warranty
The longer the warranty, the better the product—simple as that. How do we know this? Well, if the company has real faith in their product, its warranty will be longer. So, if the warranty on parts is over five years, we’d say you’re onto a winner.
Durability
Steel or aluminum are the words we like to see when it comes to manufacturing. The stronger, the better, as ellipticals can really cost an arm and a leg. We want to ensure we’re putting our money to good use, so looking out for good materials is a sure-fire way to ensure this.
Extras
As I’m sure you may have guessed, using an elliptical trainer can often get rather repetitive. That said, if an elliptical has some cool additions to keep you interested, the more, the better!
For example, many of them will have built-in Bluetooth speakers, as well as app connectivity, and a device holder. This means that you can apply various workout regimes to your exercise routine, along with music, or perhaps even some television! It’s your choice—whatever floats your boat.
Conclusion
Which one’s the winner of the best elliptical machine for home use? Well, if we break it down in terms of price for product, we have to say that the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine is our winning bet.
Well, I think it comes down to its versatility. Not only can you keep your device nearby using the device holder and USB charger, but you can even connect the elliptical to numerous apps, so you can run alongside people all over the world! This is a fantastic way to keep you motivated, as your workout won’t always feel the same.
What’s more, the multiple built-in resistance levels and workout programs further add to this versatility. With these numerous settings, you can challenge yourself, perhaps with a HIIT workout.
Other than this, the built-in speakers and MP3 port mean you don’t always have to join your fellow runners. Instead, you can listen to your favorite tunes, or even watch television as you go. Then, the monitor display allows you to keep track of your progress, further motivating you to keep at it.
What’s not to like about the Schwinn elliptical? It’s perfect for home gym use, so climb aboard and get running!
