Maintaining good health has always been a top priority for most people, and there’s no secret to the best way to achieve it – Diet and Exercise. When it comes to exercise, a good mix of cardio and strength training is key. Today I bring you a comprehensive elliptical machines review. Why? Because along with the treadmill, elliptical machines are a cardio machine you will see in most gyms across the country. They’re a mainstay in in the cardio world and for good reason.
What is an Elliptical Machine?
An elliptical machine is a simple machines that provide the best cardio workout. The ellipticals are designed with a bicycle rhythm in mind.
Traditionally, elliptical machines primarily worked the lower body. Now, with versatile handles that move, they also provide a good workout for the upper body as well.
With variations for resistance and incline, it’s possible to adjust the mode as per your fat-burning requirement.
Workouts on Elliptical Machine
Even though elliptical machines are common to most gyms, you may notice that these machines are often not as popular as other cardio machines like treadmills or bikes.
Some people think that they will not get as much of a workouts on an elliptical machines, or that they are for newbies or novices!
But with proper usage of these machines, you can get an overall body workouts that’s even better than a treadmill! With new technologies in the sports and gym sector, ellipticals have come a long way to increase their efficiency and work different parts of the body.
With proper knowledge of this workout machine, you can get a good HIIT workout in no time. Just by varying your speed levels throughout a workout session, ellipticals give the best high-intensity workout.
Benefits of Elliptical Machines
There are many uses of Elliptical machines. Those who know will spend a good time on this machine.
Below are a few benefits of elliptical machines.
1. Cardiovascular Benefits
Ellipticals are very good for the cardiovascular system. A workout using this machine is a great way to get your pulse rate up.
It provides a high-impact cardiovascular workout for the body, resulting in healthier heart and lungs. Also an excellent way to warm up before strength training.
Top wellness mentors describe the elliptical machine as a “powerhouse amongst cardio machinery”.
2. Low-Impact Equipment
While using an elliptical machine, heels are on the pedals the whole time, providing a low cardio impact point. This helps prevent injuries related to wrong footing or jolting and jarring that occurs with the likes of a treadmill.
Ellipticals do not put any additional strain on the knees and joints like running and cycling.
It provides a more secure option for elderly and individuals with injuries or joint problems.
3. Total Body Workout
With advancements in elliptical models (such as hand lever movements), the equipment ensures a total body workout.
The push and pull movement of hands makes the upper bodywork just the same as the lower body which does the peddling.
When compared to treadmills which give a good workout for only the lower body, ellipticals provide a great total body workout.
4. Ease of Use
An individual of any age can confidently use ellipticals without having to worry about technique or training.
There’s no risk of a fall with over speed and grip loss. Ellipticals are simple and designed based on natural movements, making them ultra-secure for anyone to use.
5. Weight Loss
Just like cycling and running, ellipticals provides an excellent cardio workout. With an overall body workout, there is no doubt that one can lose weight.
6. Customizing Workouts
Ellipticals offer different cardio modes to keep the workout interesting and result bearing.
It’s possible to adjust the speed, stride length and resistance while working out. By this, you will be able to experience the same results as if you were real-time cycling in different terrains outdoors
Now that you have a good understanding of the benefits of elliptical machines, let’s jump into my top 5 elliptical machines review.
Elliptical Machines Review
| Product | Rating |
|---|---|
| Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine | 4 |
| Precor EFX 222 | 4.5 |
| EFITMENT Compact Magnetic Elliptical Machine | 4 |
| ProForm Endurance 920 E | 4 |
| Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer | 4.5 |
Top 5 Elliptical Machines Review
1. Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
With the Schwinn 470 Elliptical, you’ll have the option to mix and match your workouts with 25 variation levels.
This model provides 29 distinct inbuilt programs and four diverse client settings for every individual at home.
Additionally it has a USB port allowing you to charge your device while you sweat, speakers to play your most loved tunes, and a fan to enable you to chill during a intense workout.
The best part is that it is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to sync your activities through various health tracking apps.
Along with the above, the equipment comes with 9 heart rate control, 12 profiles, and 2 fitness tests options making it one of the top picks in my elliptical machines review.
2. Precor EFX 222
Precor EFX 222 Energy Series Elliptical Crosstrainer
If you’re looking for an elliptical machine like the ones you see in a gym, the Precor EFX 222 is the one for you.
With this buy, you’ll get a great full body cardio machine that will set you well on your way towards achieving your fitness goals.
The Precor EFX222 has three workout levels to enable you to work all parts of your body.
The moving handlebars give you a great full-body exercise. The digital display with controls, enable you to navigate resistance levels and built-in programs to keep you challenged.
3. EFITMENT Compact Magnetic Elliptical Machine
EFITMENT Compact Magnetic Elliptical Machine Trainer with LCD Monitor and Pulse Rate Grips – E005
If you’re looking for a space-saving machine, EFITMENT has come up with a model to save space in your home.
This model easily fits in tight spaces and is convenient to move around your home. EFITMENT makes it more convenient to schedule your workout during your day, even to move it in front of your favorite TV show!
In addition to its smaller size and portability, the ellipitical machine has eight levels. It also has a heartbeat monitor screen which shows how hard you’re working.
The display unit measures everything including time, speed and distance covered.
Be aware that this model has a shorter stride due to its more compact size. So it can take some time to adjust and might not be the best option for tall people.
4. ProForm Endurance 920 E
ProForm Endurance 920 E
If you are looking for a top of the line, highly efficient Elliptical trainer, then this one’s for you.
This machine has all of the modcons and tech!
- iPod support
- large 7-inch display
- 32 workout apps to sync to and track your activities and results
- 24 different resistance levels to train harder
- 5-inch stepping path (so not ideal for very short people)
It comes loaded with features for the money you spend. It also sports a multifunction handlebar and a cooling air fan to keep you cool during a workout.
This model also has a lifetime warranty on the body frame and 3 years warranty on parts. Overall in this machine, you will not miss a thing as it is fully loaded.
5. Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer
Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider
Very different to look at compared to normal ellipticals but it performs just like others and is custom-made for those with restricted movements.
This model is ideal for those who would like to exercise in their office! You can exercise on this machine either sitting or standing, and it takes up very little space.
The Stamina inMotion E100 provides an ultra low impact exercise; incredible fit for anybody with back or knee injuries. Suitable for those who cannot do regular workouts or for those wanting a cheap cardio machine when building a home gym on a budget.
Priced at less than $90 and being a space-saving machine, this machine ticks many boxes.
People who have used this have mentioned that it’s perfect for working out in the office, and older individuals have discovered they have really shed pounds while sitting and using this machine.
Conclusion for the Best Elliptical Machines Review
With various options available for different price ranges, the one that gives everything at a good price is the Schwinn 470 Elliptical.
From my vast research and having gone through all the pros and cons like space-saving, joint safety, etc., I love the Schwinn 470 Elliptical. With all the desired features and a sturdy build for the price offered, this ellipitcal machine is a good buy and tops my elliptical machines review.
Product Images Sourced From Amazon.com
About the Author: Jane Hart
Working crazy hours in a high-stress work environment resulted in my body one day telling me, “Enough is enough!”
Navigating this serious health journey was both mentally and physically exhausting. But through some serious mindset work and instilling healthy habits, I was able to rebuild my life one day at a time and come out stronger on the other side!
Now my mission is to empower women like me to prioritize their fitness and well-being in a healthy, sustainable way and build a community of strong, happy and healthy women!
