Our culture often demands that we put in long hours at the office. This means, as humans, we aren’t getting the activity we need to maintain healthy bodies. Gym culture has offered one solution, but for those who don’t want to sign up for an expensive gym membership, other options exist. Purchasing an elliptical machine for home use is an ideal solution for many. Its design offers a wide range of people with varying needs an opportunity to fulfill cardio and calorie-burning exercise needs. But how do you know which machine will be best for you? In order to help you narrow your search, the list below includes ten of the best machines available for public purchase.
1. Stamina In-Motion
For individuals seeking a compact, easy to use elliptical machine, the In-Motion trainer from Stamina is ideal. Rather than the full-sized and bulky design, this model offers a foot-pedal only chassis. You can tuck it out of sight with ease when you’re not burning calories, while it offers the same wonderful low-impact exercise to protect vulnerable joints—knees, ankles, hips, and back. Track strides, time, and calories with the electronic monitor on this sturdy, compact elliptical.
2. Exerpeutic Aero
If you’re in the market for a full elliptical machine for your home gym, the Aero model from Exerpeutic offers all the great features of the large machines at your neighborhood gym, but is more compact. It offers the low-impact, vigorous workout of a standard elliptical, but is smaller and more streamlined. The tension strap is easily adjustable to provide a range of challenges, and the LCD display helps you track distance, calories burned, time, and speed.
3. The FitDesk
The long hours of many office-based professions require innovation in the fitness department. The FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical brings the workout to you. Constructed of sturdy plastic, it offers 8 different magnetic resistance levels with smooth and quiet pedal motion. Plus, it fits easily under desks as low as 25 inches and comes with a desk stand to access the six-function display. This machine is simple to use and allow the under-exercised office worker to complete a beneficial, hands-free workout.
4. 430 from Schwinn
This full-sized elliptical machine comes with all the bells and whistles you know and love about the machines at your gym, and then some. A dual-display LCD screen system permits as many as 13 display feedbacks, and you can easily download your progress into your fitness database with the USB port. The 22 programs and 20 levels of resistance are perfect for the fitness warrior in all of us. You can even track two different sets of goals, achievements, and challenges with the Schwinn Connect goal tracking data export function.
5. The Gazelle Edge
For those who want a lightweight, durable elliptical, the Gazelle Edge offers a range of benefits. This model comes without the weighted flywheel that typically drives an elliptical machine’s motion. While it does have a computer that will assist you in tracking your goals, achievements, and vitals, it relies largely on the energy you invest—it can transition from a slow warm-up walk to a sprint without missing a beat. Extra-wide, skid resistant foot platforms and a strong frame of rolled steel make this an ideal model for almost any individual.
6. The Body Rider
When you can’t decide whether you want to buy a stationary bike or an elliptical, the answer should be “both.” With the Body Rider, you don’t have to choose. This steel construction dual machine offers settings for both the elliptical trainer and the stationary bike, allowing you to move freely between styles of exercise and take advantage of a varied activity schedule. The tension adjusts simply with a turn of a knob and provides the low-impact workout many people have come to appreciate. Plus, you can cool down with the gentle breeze created by your own effort. Track your time with the console monitor that provides a readout for time, distance, speed, and calories burned.
7. A40 from Schwinn
Another fantastic option from Schwinn is the A40 model. It offers many of the same features as other elliptical trainers, helping you to track your progress, heart rate, calories burned, and much more with the highly visible LCD screen. Train through seven programs with eight different levels of resistance while you listen to your favorite music. The handle grip heart monitor also ensures that you won’t overdo it with your cardio routine.
8. InMotion Compact Strider
For those who require an elliptical machine as modular and compact as their furnishings, the InMotion model provides a fantastic, low-impact workout. Then, you can simply tuck it away until you’re ready to sweat again. It comes with adjustable tension and large, slip-resistant pedals that suit almost anyone. The handheld fitness monitor allows you to keep an eye on your journey of 1000 steps.
9. E 7.0 Z Elliptical
Nordic Track offers one of the best workouts you’ll ever have. 20 of them, in fact. The E 7.0 Z comes with 20 customizable workout programs designed by a certified personal trainer to help you attain your fitness goals. They are automatically tailored to your own needs, simply by entering your desired specifications. With 20 digital resistance levels and an incredibly versatile 5-position incline ramp, you can target gluts, quads, or calves with the touch of a button.
10. C 7.5 Elliptical
The ultimate home workout has arrived. Reap the benefits of a low-impact, joint-friendly workout with 26 different programs. Each automatically modifies itself to meet your defined needs when you enter them into the computer. You can choose from 22 digital resistance levels with quick, responsive controls that will adjust your incline and resistance at need. This model brings the power and benefit of traditional gym equipment while maintaining a small footprint that’s ideal for the home.
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