Are you thinking about getting a space saving elliptical machine for your home use? This is an excellent choice because of the complex workout you can obtain. A space saver model makes exercise at home affordable and convenient. The market features a wide range of options.
While this is great for buyers, the diversity can also make the task of buying the best elliptical a difficult one.
What are the main features to look for and how to recognize the machine addressing all of your needs? The following guide will acquaint you with the essentials.
In a hurry? Our top choices are listed below:
Compact ellipticals are perfect for home use because the ones found in gyms are typically large and bulky. They take up a lot of space, are not portable and extremely expensive.
We have reviewed six best selling space saving options that are especially designed and appropriate when you have limited space and are on a budget.
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Elliptical Machine Reviews And Ratings
What Is an Elliptical Machine?
An elliptical machine is a device that stimulates the effect of climbing stairs, walking or running. Because of these characteristics, it is an excellent choice for the cardio portion of your workout.
The elliptical does not put severe pressure on the joints – a primary problem with jogging, for example. Thus, this type of equipment is an excellent choice for people who have knee, ankle or other joint issues. Consequently, it works for those who want to get their cardio without putting too much stress on sensitive parts of the body.
The term "elliptical" is often misleading since it can refer to different types of cardiovascular devices. Typically, there are 3 types:
Elliptical Trainer
An elliptical trainer machine works the lower body only. The pedals move in a circular motion. Some move both forward and backward.
Elliptical Cross Trainer
The elliptical cross trainer works the upper and lower body and is similar in motion to cross country skiing. Both the feet and arms move in opposite directions simultaneously.
Elliptical Glider
Movement in an elliptical glider is similar to a cross trainer. Your feet, however, do not move in a circular motion but glide back and forth.
What Criteria Did We Use For Selecting Space Saver Ellipticals?
Since we are concentrating on home space saver ellipticals, we found the top compact ellipticals on Amazon and compared them based on these categories:
- Under Desk Elliptical Machine
- Stand-Alone Elliptical (Trainer or Cross Trainer) Machine
- Elliptical Glider
The table below gives an overview of key features. You can find buying tips later in this article.
Under Desk Ellipticals: Key Features and Best Products
Imagine watching TV, burning calories and ultimately losing weight? Not too far fetched when you can sit and exercise with a compact elliptical trainer.
As the name suggests, this type of mini elliptical machine is designed for placement underneath your desk. These are lightweight and easily portable to home or office. You can work and exercise at the same time.
The under desk elliptical is an excellent choice for busy professionals. We have reviewed the top 2 below.
Stamina In-Motion Compact Strider is a winner because of the excellent price to quality ratio and the full range of features. It allows for multiple adjustments, making it easy for the exerciser to change the intensity of the workout:
- Readily portable
- Adjustments in tension are easy to make
- Display monitor provides information about crucial workout metrics
- Construction is sturdy and lightweight at the same time
- Can be used while sitting or standing
- Features both forward and reverse motion
- Pedals are textured to prevent slippage
- Available in 3 color choices
Stamina InMotion Elliptical Trainer Pros and Cons
Verdict
Most people who chose this mini elliptical were happy with it. A few minor cons include the absence of a handle for the easy movement and the development of a squeaking noise after some intense, long-term usage.
The product is suitable for those who are on a budget and those who spend a lot of time sitting.
Read Full Review: Stamina In-Motion Can A Compact Trainer Work For You?
If you can afford to spend more on a portable elliptical, buy Cubii Jr. It is designed for comfort, and it features a couple of functionalities missing from more affordable varieties:
- Extremely quiet
- Patented ergonomic angles for more comfort
- Built-in display monitor provides information about calories, rotations per minute, distance and strides
- Assembly requires anywhere between three and five minutes
- Comes with a built-in handle for easy transport
- 8 Resistance levels
Cubii Jr. Pros and Cons
Verdict
The most significant advantage of this small, compact elliptical trainer is its ergonomic design. Created for support and smooth movements, Cubii Jr. is an excellent choice even for people who don’t have any experience with elliptical machines.
The only downside mentioned by reviewers is the weight of the elliptical. Because it’s more sturdy and well-built than other portable varieties, this elliptical weighs more. Still, at 31 pounds, it is quite portable.
Read a full Cubii Jr Review at Cubii Jr Under Desk Elliptical Review – READ If You Sit Too Long!
Upgrade to the Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical if you need smart features and want to watch your progress via Android or Apple Bluetooth connectivity
Choose this under desk elliptical if you plan to use it a lot. An occasional exerciser may find this mini stepper too expensive.
Stand-Alone Ellipticals: Key Features and Best Products
A stand-alone elliptical is a workout machine that is too large to be placed under a desk. This type of machine features handles (unlike under desk models).
We have included 2 of the 3 types in this category: Trainer and Cross Trainer. Standard trainers have stationary handlebars. The handles on cross trainers move to allow for simultaneous upper body and lower body workouts.
Take the Stamina Under Desk In-Motion Elliptical Trainer model and add on a removable handlebar and you will obtain this popular elliptical trainer.
In addition to the handle, the compact strider has a few more upgraded features than its under desk counterpart.
- Detachable handlebars so that you can use sitting or standing
- Non-skid foot platforms for stability
- Built-in handle for portability
- 8 levels of resistance
- Maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds
- Large non-slip foot platforms
- Works lower body and core
Stamina Strider Pros and Cons
Verdict
The Stamina is a nice small machine that you can use both sitting or standing. The cons center around the short stride. This is not an issue if you plan on using the mini Strider primarily sitting.
This compact elliptical trainer (cross trainer) offers magnetic tension. As the name implies, the magnets act as brakes instead of the traditional belt. It has moving handles so that your upper body is engaged giving a complete cardiovascular workout. Quite affordable, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 has a number of features:
- 【LEGACY EQUIPMENT】 - The Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Cross Trainer is a highly acclaimed cardio equipment, renowned for its exceptional quality, backed by 10,000+ 5-star reviews, and trusted by more than a million satisfied customers
- 【ULTRA QUIET MAGNETIC BELT DRIVE】 - Enjoy quiet, smooth elliptical training with our magnetic resistance and belt drive system. Get intense cardio workouts at home without disturbing your family!
- 【EASY SET UP AND ASSYMBLY】 - Say goodbye to complicated assembly! Our convenient elliptical cross trainer is designed for easy setup. With our detailed manual and assembly video, most users take under 30 minutes to set it up.
- 【FULL BODY & LOW IMPACT】 - Experience full-body cardio with low impact using SF-E905 elliptical machine. Get the benefits of running without hurting knees, ideal for injury recovery.
- 【MAGNETIC RESISTANCE】 - With the twist of the precise micro-controller equipped with 8 levels of magnetic resistance, you can easily adjust the intensity of your workout and quickly locate the exact level needed for your routine.
Sunny SF-905 Pros and Cons
Verdict
The Sunny Health and Fitness Strider offers a workout for both the lower and upper body. This cross trainer is affordably priced and so compact that it easily fits in most small spaces.
If you want the of the functions of a full sized elliptical but do not have the room, this space saving elliptical solves the problem.
SCHWINN Fitness 411 Compact Elliptical Machine - Low-impact cardio workouts at a fraction of the size of other ellipticals
- Travel through 200+ stunning virtual courses at your own speed (Explore the World subscription required)
- Space saving design with 18” stride length
- Streamlined console displays time, distance, calories, speed and heart rate
- Integrated Bluetooth connectivity compatible with iOS and Android devices
$599.99 Buy on Amazon
- Low-impact cardio workouts at a fraction of the size of other ellipticals
- Travel through 200+ stunning virtual courses at your own speed (Explore the World subscription required)
- Space saving design with 18” stride length
- Streamlined console displays time, distance, calories, speed and heart rate
- Integrated Bluetooth connectivity compatible with iOS and Android devices
Schwinn 411 Elliptical Machine Elite Pros and Cons
Verdict
This trainer is the most expensive of our compact ellipticals, but we included it because it has the benefits of larger ellipticals at a fraction of the size and cost. It is backed by the Schwinn name and is very sturdy. Although it weighs 100 pounds, the transportation wheels make it somewhat portable. Integrating with RunSocial is a plus.
The Schwinn 411 is an Amazon's Choice product.
One reviewer "Amazing and worth the money!"
This is for those wanting an intense workout with a little more room and budget.
Elliptical Glider: Key Features and Best Product
An elliptical glider is a type of Cross Trainer. However, the pedal movement is different. Instead of moving in a circular pattern, your feet slide forward and backward. This type of machine does provide a full body workout and is popular due to its simplicity.
#1. Gazelle Freestyle: Best Elliptical Glider
***Update - Due to its popularity and recent events, the Freestyle may not be available. The Edge is a cheaper alternative. Or you can upgrade to the Supreme. Will update post when Freestyle is available ***
The Gazelle Freestyle is a high-performance exercise glider that maximizes your range of motion and increases calorie burning during a single workout session.
The glider machine is endorsed by fitness guru Tony Little and has been around for over 15 years. With 10 types of exercises available, it can tighten and tone your whole body.
Some of the key features that make this trainer worth purchasing include the following:
- Folds up for easier storage
- Display distance, speed, time, and calories burned workout metrics
- Built-in hear-rate monitor
- Non-skid foot platforms for stability
- Padded handlebars
- Water bottle holder
- Maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds
Freestyle Pros and Cons
Verdict
According to exercisers, this machine makes it easy to obtain a whole-body workout even if you’re not in top shape. The elliptical comes with simple assembly, and its price to quality ratio is also high.
The biggest downside is the lack of tension or resistance. The legs swing freely on a hinge that ensures the motion. To obtain an intense workout, you have to move your arms and feet faster.
Choose Gazelle Freestyle if you’re a relative newbie to the exercise scene and you don’t want an overly complicate item.
What Are the Benefits of Elliptical Training?
As already mentioned, elliptical training is a low impact activity. Weight loss and body toning are achieved without risk of trauma or injuries.
The elliptical machine ensures a natural path for foot and leg motion. Foot pedals are also available to conform to the exerciser’s stride. The movement isn’t straining, and just about everyone can get used to elliptical training.
A few other noteworthy advantages include the following:
Elliptical Machine Buying Guide Tips
With so many choices available, you can determine the right elliptical that meets your needs. There are, however, several key essentials that you should consider before buying.
WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?
Start by determining your budget. The price range is variable. By setting a financial limit, you can reduce the amount of research you’ll have to do on such trainers.
HOW MUCH SPACE IS AVAILABLE?
Space considerations are also important. If you’re planning to buy a stand-alone elliptical, you should measure its dimensions. If possible, look for a foldable elliptical trainer that can be stored away when it’s not being used.
WHAT IS THE WARRANTY?
The warranty and customer service are also crucial. It’s possible to run into problems or to get a defective machine. If this is the case, you should be entitled to a replacement or a repair that will occur quickly and efficiently.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES?
Every elliptical has different features. and you should focus on one that will offer you the best benefits. Here is an overview of common benefits and the importance of each one to the overall user experience.
Key Features When Buying An Elliptical Machine |
|---|
Portability |
For our space-saving ellipticals, portability is not a real issue. The smaller the unit, the lighter it weighs. Some come with built-in handles to make carrying easier. Some have transportation wheels. |
Console |
If keeping track of your metrics is essential, be sure your elliptical has a decent display unit that shows key workout metrics. Speed, distance, calories burned and heart rate are the primary statistics. If you want bells and whistles, opt for one that integrates with running Apps and has Bluetooth connectivity. |
Weight Capacity |
There are weight limits associated with any elliptical when you are standing. For under desk ellipticals, weight is not an issue. |
Movement |
Some elliptical machines provide the ability to move your arms while exercising. This provides an additional calorie burning workout. Look for both forward and reverse motion for a greater exercise range, because moving in reverse targets different muscles. You have the choice of sitting or standing. More coordination is needed to move both your arms and feet at the same time, and this should be a consideration. |
Tension Levels |
With adjustable tension levels, you control the intensity of your workout. For many, more levels mean more challenging exercises. There usually is a cost associated with more. If you are not planning on the highest intensity, this should not be an issue for you. |
Final Verdict - Should You Buy An Elliptical Machine?
If you need a low-impact machine, an elliptical is a solution. You have a variety of choices in both type and price. This means you can easily find the one that is right for you.