Elliptical machines, also known as X-trainers are one of the most commonly bought pieces of fitness equipment in gyms or for the home.
This is because they are effective, don’t take up too much space, and are seen as a safer option to the treadmill, with no impact on joints and no way to fall off them! In this article we will be taking a look at some of the best elliptical machines that are currently available to buy.
There is a huge range in prices and quality when it comes to elliptical machines, you can get ones for less than $200 all the way up to $3k machines. In this article we are going to attempt to review some diverse machines, which can fit any budget.
We are going to assume that you are looking for high quality elliptical machines for your home, rather than for a commercial gym or studio. But a good quality elliptical machine will work well in any environment.
Our main interests therefore are based more on how well they will fit into a home gym or house, rather than whether the machine can withstand 100 people using it each day! We will assess how durable the machine is, how well the programming works, and whether the machine takes up a lot of space or not. We will also indicate what budget each elliptical machine suits best.
Elliptical Machine #1: Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine (2016)
Schwinn are a well-known fitness equipment company, popular with customers due to the high quality of their products. The first thing that you notice about this elliptical machine is how incredibly well designed it is.
The machine is incredibly stable, with two well-cushioned foot plates to keep you comfortable throughout.
The machine contains 22 training programs (including two fitness tests) and also provides 20 levels of resistance – to ensure that all fitness abilities can get a good workout.
This elliptical machine is gorgeous looking, powerful, well designed, and also can handle any fitness level.
The durability of the Schwinn 430 elliptical machine is also very impressive. High quality, heavy duty, but still aesthetically pleasing, an excellent addition to any home gym. The price is mid-range for elliptical machines, and in terms of value for money this machine is well worth it.
Elliptical Machine #2: Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer
Nautilus are one of the biggest, and most popular fitness equipment manufacturers in the world, their products are synonymous with bodybuilding and commercial gyms. The Nautilus E616 elliptical trainer helps to continue this fine tradition of excellent machines.
Every little detail is well thought out, perfect handles with very comfortable foot pads, all attached to an excellent gliding rail, which will help create the perfect stride.
There are 29 programs available, and 25 resistance levels, you can sync your elliptical machine to the Run Social app (it’s free) and travel through a virtual world while on your workout! There’s a perfect shelf for placing your iPad on, and it’s possible to plug your mp3 player into the machine and listen to your music through in-console speakers.
The cost is similar to the Schwinn 430, it’s surprisingly cost effective for a Nautilus! It will also last you decades, so well worth investing in.
Elliptical Machine #3: Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer
The Stamina In-Motion Elliptical trainer is without a doubt the most reasonably priced model in this article, it is definitely within even the smallest of (realistic) budgets.
It’s also perfect for anyone who is looking to increase their step count daily. This elliptical machine is absolutely tiny, and only has the pedals. No huge arms, no control panel, it can be used while sitting down, and fits easily under a desk.
This is the elliptical trainer for people with absolutely no room for an elliptical trainer!
You can use this standing up or sitting down, it works well with standing desks, and can be used in the office or at home. Obviously, at this low price this particular elliptical trainer is not going to be as heavy duty nor as durable as the more expensive models on this list.
But it is perfect for people who are just trying to slowly increase their calories burned each day by moving more. It’s also ideal for someone in a one-bedroom apartment, or small house who wants some home exercise equipment.
Elliptical Machine #4: Kettler ELYX Elliptical Cross Trainer
From one extreme to the other, after looking at the perfect budget elliptical trainer, we are now turning our attention to one of the more luxurious models available.
Kettler have created a stunningly beautiful elliptical trainer with a really stable design and a very powerful flywheel. The handles have proper heart rate monitors built in, the control panel offers 16 intensity levels, and there is a 2 year warranty.
The Kettler ELYX elliptical cross trainer offers one of the smoothest motions there is, and the cross trainer looks so aesthetically pleasing that you’ll have no need to hide it away when guests come over. While this product is definitely on the higher end of the market, the price is fully justified. A marvellous elliptical machine that will last for decades.
Elliptical Machine #5: Bowflex BXE216 Elliptical
We’ve definitely saved the best till last here, the Bowflex BXE216 is without a doubt the most expensive elliptical machine on this list. But it is also the most powerful, the best-looking, and the most durable of all the machines here.
You may have heard of Bowflex before, they are famous for making the best adjustable dumbbell sets on the market.
They specialise in high quality, long-lasting home gym equipment.
The Bowflex BXE216 is a huge piece of equipment which can hold up to 400lbs in weight. There are 11 simple programs to choose from and there are even incline controls. The footpads are incredibly well cushioned, and also tilt to suit your needs. You can control the intensity using the handlebars, meaning that you don’t need to try and work the control panel during an intense workout session. There are 25 levels of resistance to choose from too.
This elliptical trainer is a work of art, with amazing technology, excellent stability and durability, and a really pleasing aesthetic design. It may take up quite a bit of space, and it certainly isn’t cheap, but this elliptical trainer is without a doubt the best available right now.