14 best elliptical trainers
An hour lesson on an ellipsoid can burn up to 7.4 kcal per 1 kilogram of weight. Great for weight loss and endurance training at home - it works almost all muscle groups, with emphasis on the back, legs and arms. However, in order for the classes to be comfortable and safe, you should carefully approach the choice of an elliptical trainer. An unsuitable, low-quality simulator can lead to dislocations, sprains and for a long time discourage the desire to build a healthy body. Consider what criteria are important to consider when buying and which models are best to pay attention to.
Types of elliptical trainers
According to the method of adjusting the load, elliptical trainers are divided into:
- mechanical;
- belt;
- magnetic;
- electromagnetic;
- aeromagnetic.
The first two types are found in obsolete variants. These are cheap and simple ellipsoids that work offline. They are distinguished by loud sounds, "ragged" movement and discomfort during classes. In magnetic, the load is determined by the resistance of the magnets. It is convenient for beginners to train on these, but they are not suitable for professionals. V aeromagnetic the loading system is similar to the previous version, but the magnets are cooled here thanks to the fans. Such a simulator is able to work without interruption for a long time and to train endurance. The most advanced are considered electromagnetic ellipsoids, in which the resistance changes depending on the strength of the current. They give a professional load, are often used in medical and fitness centers, but are rarely found in apartments - the models are more expensive than their “competitors”.
The best manufacturers of elliptical trainers
Among the manufacturers of ellipsoids, users note:
- ProForm - offers simple models for home workouts and more advanced models for professional workouts. The price range is 30-110 thousand rubles. Elliptical trainers include different levels of resistance, imitation of landscapes, various pre-installed programs for beginners;
- NordicTrack - the line includes products worth from 30 to 200 thousand rubles. We have compact models for amateur training and powerful elliptical trainers for professionals. Simple ones are designed for different resistance levels and preset programs, expensive ones - they simultaneously replace the orbit track, stepper and treadmill;
- Bronze Gym - sells semi-professional and professional products. The ellipsoids presented in the line cost from 100 to 400 thousand rubles. The models are powerful and functional, the simplest one holds up to 160 kg and allows you to choose from 16 programs;
- DFC - sells inexpensive ellipsoids in the price range of 10-40 thousand rubles. These are exclusively home exercise equipment designed for 5-8 load levels. Withstand athletes weighing up to 130 kg.
However, with a limited budget, it is not necessary to buy products from market leaders. You can choose budget options for less popular brands, just focus on the country of production and the availability of a guarantee. Cheap Chinese models fail quickly.
Best inexpensive ellipsoids
If you are not ready to spend more than 20 thousand rubles on an ellipsoid, be guided by the top cheap simulators. These are still functional and user-tested models, but available to a wide range of buyers.
DFC E3.2H
Suitable for strengthening muscles, increasing endurance and losing weight, this model is an elliptical trainer with a magnetic load system. The 6 kg flywheel allows you to choose from 8 difficulty levels. With the help of sensors, you can track the time spent on training, distance traveled, calories burned and heart rate dynamics. The stride length at the orbitreck is 28 cm.
The machine is designed for users weighing a maximum of 100 kg.It does not require a network connection, it works from autonomous sources. There are floor uneven compensators, a stable and comfortable version.
PROS:
- compact size;
- 8 load levels;
- cardio sensor built into the handle;
- does not depend on the location of the outlets.
MINUSES:
- short stride length, not suitable for a tall person.
Titanium SF 0471
A simple elliptical trainer in which the load changes depending on the resistance of the magnets. The flywheel in the design is relatively light, two-kilogram, located at the back. However, the simulator helps to work out most of the muscle groups - you can adjust 8 levels of load.
The ellipsoid display shows calorie consumption, speed, distance traveled. The heart rate is monitored using a heart rate sensor on the steering wheel.
PROS:
- the presence of a heart rate sensor, the ability to track the pulse;
- small and lightweight;
- works autonomously;
- withstands up to 100 kg of weight;
- offers 8 load levels.
MINUSES:
- the price for this functionality and build quality is overpriced.
Carbon Fitness E100
The work of the simulator is provided by an 8 kg flywheel. The model can be used for building muscle mass, losing weight, training endurance and rehabilitation under the supervision of a specialist. The eight-stage magnetic loading system will allow you to customize the elliptical trainer for yourself, and the display will track the main indicators. Distance length, workout time and current speed, revolutions per minute, heart rate and burned calories are displayed on the screen.
The maximum permissible weight of an athlete, according to the manufacturer's Carbon Fitness E100, is 100 kg. The stride length of 31 cm is suitable for people of average height. The pedals of the model have an anti-slip coating, the legs are equipped with floor uneven compensators - the simulator is stable and safe.
PROS:
- inexpensive, but functional and easy to use;
- 8 load levels;
- large and noticeable numbers on the display;
- floor uneven compensators;
- height-adjustable handles.
MINUSES:
- short stride length;
- the maximum possible weight of the user, by sensations, is overstated - the simulator does not look very reliable.
Best Magnetic Elliptical Trainers
Magnetic loading options are ideal for home workouts. Due to this type of resistance, novice athletes have a feeling of weightlessness during exercise, which contributes to the concentration and development of most muscle groups. According to user reviews, the best models in the category are DFC, Bronze Gym, Oxygen.
Bronze Gym Pro Glider
The semi-professional magnetic type system is equipped with a belt drive with a pretensioner, which allows you to achieve a smooth ride and an even distribution of the load on the muscles. A flywheel with a clever design and a weight of 22 kg helps in this.
Workout metrics are shown on a 14-inch display. The elliptical trainer allows you to monitor the distance, exercise time, speed, calorie consumption, customize programs, use a fat analyzer and a fitness test. Preset training plans provide access to the development of movement speed, endurance, strengthening the cardiovascular system, weight loss. You can select simulation of movement over hills, plains, mountains, interval or heart rate-dependent programs.
PROS:
- high-quality assembly;
- smooth running and even distribution of loads;
- step length 48 cm;
- 16 load levels;
- 15 preinstalled programs, including pulse-dependent;
- the maximum user weight is 135 kg.
MINUSES:
- price;
- bulky.
Oxygen Tornado II EL
A well-thought-out magnetic loading system eliminates the "dropping" effect and allows you to evenly distribute the load, reducing the risk of developing problems with joints and ligaments. With a stride length of 34 cm, the trainer is well suited for most people up to 190 cm tall. Designed for athletes of beginner and intermediate levels.
The 15.4 kg inertial flywheel offers a choice of 8 load levels. There are no preset programs, but you can monitor your workout with indicators like speed, cadence, duration, distance, calorie consumption, and heart rate. At the end of the session, the elliptical trainer will help you assess your cardiovascular recovery capabilities using the Recovery feature.
PROS:
- good build quality;
- good ratio of functionality and price;
- comfortable stride length;
- quiet work;
- smooth pedal travel;
- correct operation of sensors;
- the maximum possible load is 120 kg.
MINUSES:
- lightweight, unstable during intense training;
- small display.
DFC E601ET
An elliptical trainer designed for home use. The flywheel weighing 5 kg in the model is located in the front, which made it possible to reduce the distance between the pedals. This design improves the ride and reduces stress on the joints for the safety of beginner athletes.
The load system in the ellipsoid trainer is magnetic, with mechanical adjustment. You can choose from 8 levels. To track the state of the body during exercise, the display shows the pulse and the number of calories burned, to determine the parameters of the workout - time, speed and distance. The maximum permissible weight of an athlete for training on an ellipsoid is 110 kg.
PROS:
- heart rate sensors built into the handrails;
- autonomous, powered by 2 AAA batteries;
- grooved pedals and floor uneven compensators for increased stability;
- the presence of a holder for a smartphone or tablet;
- step length - 40 cm.
MINUSES:
- high price;
- built-in sensors determine the readings with an error.
Best Electromagnetic Ellipsoids
Unlike orbit tracks with a magnetic system, electromagnetic simulators are used not only in apartments, but also in fitness clubs. Models are classified as more advanced due to the accuracy in load regulation. The mechanism allows you to customize the elliptical trainer to the needs of the athlete and make the training most effective.
ProForm Hybrid Trainer (PFEL03815)
A hybrid version that serves as an ellipsoid and an exercise bike. The electromagnetic system allows you to choose from 16 load levels. Step length - 38, flywheel weight - 6 kg. The maximum possible user weight is 115 kg. The model works silently.
16 preset training programs are available for beginners and advanced athletes. You can monitor and adjust parameters on the display and in the app. It is possible to choose from the classes of famous trainers or build a route through Google Maps. The trainer is equipped with two speakers, a connector for a player, holders for a tablet and a bottle.
PROS:
- multifunctional;
- can be controlled via the app, connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth;
- 16 load levels and the same number of preset programs;
- there is an opportunity to listen to music;
- good value for money.
MINUSES:
- small flywheel weight;
- batteries, power adapter are not included in the kit, you need to purchase it separately.
NordicTrack E500 (NTIVEL57016)
The home-use version offers 20 resistance levels. The 14 kg flywheel helps to distribute the load evenly and safely work most of the muscle groups. The built-in display and the ability to connect to a smartphone allow you to track speed, time, distance, calories, cadence, heart rate and energy consumption in watts. And if there is no desire to independently observe the indicators, you can choose from 20 pre-installed programs and plans of famous trainers in the application.
The maximum possible user weight is 125 kg. The trainer is equipped with speakers, a player connector and is compatible with iPod. The holders provided by the design allow you to install a tablet or a bottle.
PROS:
- good stability;
- impressive stride length and comfortable wide pedals;
- there is a stand for the tablet;
- relatively quiet;
- many load levels and pre-installed programs, it is possible to build a route on Google Maps;
- stride length 46 cm.
MINUSES:
- mains supply.
DFC E8712HP1
Quiet version of an ellipsoid with an electromagnetic load system. The 7 kg flywheel is located at the rear. The model allows you to choose from 16 levels of load, which are suitable for working out muscles, endurance training, weight loss. Withstands athletes weighing up to 120 kg.
The color display of the ellipsoid shows distance, time, speed, pulse and heart rate recovery, the amount of energy expended. It is possible to use a fat analyzer without interrupting your workout.
PROS:
- smooth running;
- comfortable, wide, grooved pedals;
- 21 preset programs - valley, cyclic, periods, fat burning, cardio, rally, endurance and others;
- holder for a tablet;
- good ratio of functionality and price.
MINUSES:
- short stride length;
- there is no way to listen to music.
Best Shoe Elliptical Trainers
Shoe ellipsoids that are inferior to their “competitors” in terms of load, functionality and quality of training win in price. These are budget and simple options for those who are not chasing a lot of load levels, pre-installed programs and accurate tracking of indicators.
Bronze Gym Pro Glider 2
The elliptical trainer with a stride length of 52 cm and a flywheel with a physical weight of 22 kg is intended for home and limited commercial use. Not suitable for full-fledged fitness clubs, but suitable for installation in companies for employee training, sanatoriums, hotels. Withstands athletes weighing up to 135 kg. Doesn't require a network connection. During workouts, it displays time, speed, distance, revolutions per minute and burned calories.
PROS:
- stride length;
- anti-slip pedals;
- withstands athletes weighing up to 135 kg.
MINUSES:
- there are no load steps;
- pulse cannot be tracked.
DFC Challenge E8018
The ellipsoid is designed for 8 load steps. You can choose the right one using the mechanical adjuster on the stand. The shoe system and 7 kg flywheel make the model suitable for working out muscles and losing weight. The console displays speed, distance, time, and burned calories to track your progress. Withstands a person weighing up to 130 kg.
PROS:
- wide, grooved pedals;
- simulates climbing a mountain;
- comfortable handrails with soft pads;
- 8 load levels.
MINUSES:
- functionality modest for the price.
Best foldable elliptical trainers
If there is no room in the apartment for a heavy and bulky orbit track, take a look at the folding options. The models are no less functional and reliable than other simulators, just as effective in working out muscles and burning fat.
NordicTrack Space Saver SE7i (NTEVEL90917)
The model of an ellipsoid with an electromagnetic system allows you to choose from 22 load steps. The flywheel is located at the back and weighs 8 kg. For beginners and advanced users, 24 preset programs are available: by distance, by time and manually configured. It is possible to change the angle of inclination of the platform up to 10%.
Heart rate sensors are built into the steering wheel of the simulator, but for accurate reading of the heart rate, it is better to buy additional devices. In addition to heart rate, the display shows energy consumption, distance, speed, cadence, tilt angle. For convenience, the design provides stands for books and glasses.
PROS:
- comfortable, smooth step;
- automatic tilt angle adjustment;
- the presence of a fan;
- many preset training programs, it is possible to build a route through Google Street View;
- the ability to control classes from a smartphone;
- changes in the angle of inclination of the platform up to 10%;
- maximum user weight up to 135 kg.
MINUSES:
- errors in monitoring heart rate.
ProForm Smart Strider 695 CSE (PFEVEL80717)
The home-use version of the elliptical trainer is well suited for tall people - the stride length of the model is 46 cm. The flywheel is located at the back, weighs 8 kg. Together with an electromagnetic drive, it gives users access to 20 load steps. If you cannot make a choice, use one of the 24 built-in programs. If you get tired of monotonous activities, connect the orbitrack to your smartphone and build a route on Google Maps.
The ellipsoid allows you to change the angle of inclination up to 10%, fix the platform in one of five positions. The display shows speed, distance, resistance, calories and other indicators. The design includes a fan, a connector for a player, speakers, holders for a tablet and a bottle. Withstands a human model with a body weight of up to 125 kg.
PROS:
- good build quality;
- silent;
- 20 load levels and 24 preset programs;
- step length 46 cm;
- foldable design to save space;
- the presence of a fan.
MINUSES:
- high price.
Indigo Ireb 1015M1
A small elliptical trainer with a magnetic type of load. Allows you to choose from 8 difficulty levels. The flywheel is located at the back and weighs 5 kg. The ellipsoid works autonomously. With the help of heart rate sensors on the steering wheel and display, it allows you to track speed, distance traveled and calorie consumption.
The model is well suited for people who are comfortable with a stride length of no more than 28 cm. The maximum load on the simulator is 100 kg.
PROS:
- compact;
- 8 load levels;
- cardiosensor;
- easy to set up and use.
MINUSES:
- build quality;
- squeaks during work;
- short stride length.
What to look for when choosing an elliptical trainer for the home
If you are making a conscious choice of an elliptical trainer for the first time, look at 4 criteria:
The number of preset lesson plans. The set of programs you need depends on the purpose of your training. Elliptical trainers allow you to work on muscle development, endurance, weight loss, do it professionally or as part of rehabilitation after an injury. For a change, the ellipsoid should include an average of 8 load steps. It's great if you can customize programs individually. With this function, you can work out with friends and other family members without selecting the load before each workout.
Possible load on the structure. The options on the market are designed for athletes weighing up to 100-180 kg. In order for the ellipsoid to serve for a long time and not fail before the stated time, it is necessary to focus on the maximum permissible indicator with a margin of 15-20 kg.
Step length. The choice is influenced by the height of the people who have access to the simulator. The higher the athlete, the higher the indicator should be. For a family of several people of different heights, it is better to take a model with an adjustable length of 33-55 cm.
Dimensions of the simulator. The size of a suitable ellipsoid depends on the availability of free space in the apartment. If the fixture has a constant "angle", measure the area of the space. If there is not enough room in the house, focus on folding elliptical trainers. The only thing that matters is the weight of the product. The more mass, the better, the higher the stability of the simulator. At least pay attention to the weight of the flywheel - the figure should not be less than 5-8 kg.
When choosing a case material, it is better to focus on steel. The type of drive positioning usually depends on the training goals. For fat burning, it is better to take the front one, for other workouts - the back one. As additional options, you can spend money on sensors and a cardio belt - an accurate calculation of heart rate, calories burned, distance covered, time spent and movement speed will help track progress and build activities with increasing load.
Which elliptical trainer is better to choose
Before buying an ellipsoid, decide what goals you plan to achieve with your homework. The pursuit of weight loss, muscle gain, endurance training, or injury rehabilitation will define a set of exercise levels and preset programs. Cheap and simple models are suitable for people without any special pretensions, but for the sake of extended functionality you will have to spend money.
