Elliptical machines are growing in popularity and come in many different styles and names such as elliptical trainers or cross trainers which can be confusing to shoppers. We are going to break down everything you should consider before buying a new elliptical.

Before we start you should consider why you want to purchase this piece of fitness equipment, how many people and how often do you plan on using it, how much you can afford to spend, and how much space do you have.

Types of Machines

Unlike a treadmill which has a motor to spin the running surface, most ellipticals rely on user-generated motion to turn a flywheel which provides resistance. The heavier the flywheel the more fluid the motion is. However some models do need to be plugged in to power their electronic consoles, adjustment of motion, and resistance systems.

There are three main types of designs all based on the type of drive system and where the flywheel is located. They are rear drive, front drive, and the newest form is the center drive.

  • Rear Drive systems provide the smoothest ride by placing the flywheel in the rear of the machine behind the user. They also have less moving parts than front drive models which makes them more reliable. They usually are the most expensive cross trainer with prices for gym-quality machines costing over $3000, but there are models available in the $1000 to $2000 range.
  • Front Drive systems are cheaper and often less reliable with the flywheel at the front of the machine which makes the ride less smooth and at times herky-jerky. The motion of these types tend to mimic a stair climber more so than a running motion which means you should look for articulating pedals if you buy a front drive system to provide a more comfortable ride.
  • Center Drive systems are the newest design and they place the flywheel in the center of the machine, perhaps slightly in front of or behind the user, with the pedals to the side. This provides a solid base and puts your body in a natural position. It also means that the footprint it takes up is the smallest area so it is a great option for those of you with limited space. Prices vary greatly from around $150 to $2000.

Stride Length & Incline

The stride length is the overall distance the pedals travel during the elliptical motion. Some models will offer a fixed length that will vary from about 12 inches to 20 inches, while many newer models do offer adjustable stride length. To maximize the benefits of an elliptical trainer you want the longest stride length that is comfortable for you and one that is adjustable which can work a larger variety of muscles. Proper length does depend on the size of the user – it should match the stride length of your normal walking or jogging pace.

Many newer models also offer adjustable incline which we recommend because it lets you increase the intensity of your workout and vary the focus onto different muscle groups.

Resistance

There are three main types of systems to provide resistance for ellipticals. They are manual magnetic brake, electromagnetic brake, and eddy-current.

  • The manual magnetic brake resistance uses manual controls and magnets to provide more resistance. They are the cheapest type.
  • Electromagnetic brake, or sometimes called a particle brake system, is a better system which is controlled electronically and can adjust on the fly to support preset workout programs.
  • The best resistance type is the eddy-current brake system, or ECB. This option is silent, responsive, extremely reliable, but is the most expensive.

Construction

Frames made from higher quality materials and steel will be sturdier, more durable, and better able to support heavier and/or multiple users. Lighter weight frames made from aluminum are lighter to move around, but may not withstand constant use.

You should also look for models that use ball-bearings instead of bushings at the pivot points. They require no maintenance and extend the life of the machine.

Many components are hard to judge how good of quality they are such as the drive system parts like axle and drive belt. Generally speaking the more expensive the elliptical machine, the higher quality of the components and construction.

Console and Programs

Cheaper models under $500 generally do not even have a console for displaying information or any preset programs. Above that price point you will find a wide variety of consoles, the information that they display, and the preset workout programs you can employ.

The basics you should want include elapsed time, speed, distance, resistance setting, and stride and incline settings. You may also want a calories burned tracker, but those are notoriously inaccurate. Some other features you might want include:

  • Heart Rate Control which measures your heart rate either through a chest strap or monitors in the hand grips then adjusts the resistance of the machine to keep you in your desired training zone.
  • Preset Workout Programs which provides different workouts – ideally at least a weight loss setting and interval training program. These can break up your routine, provide an ever increasing challenge, and keep you motivated.

Warranty

You should not overlook the warranty. Pay attention to how long and what specific parts a warranty will cover.