Elliptical machines, which became popular in the 1990s, are modified treadmills that can work both the upper and lower body and offer a low-impact cardiovascular workout. The Elliptical Trainer Buyer's Guide at EllipticalTrainers.com notes that the best elliptical machine can be different for everyone. Considerations include finding the right size, feel and quality.
Precor EFX 5.33
AllEllipticals.com, a Canadian elliptical review website, gives the Precor EFX 5.33 the top prize for 2010 as the best elliptical machine on the market. The strong, durable trainer is engineered to move in tandem with the body, offering a gliding sensation to the workout. With 14 programs, an upper-body workout and 20 resistance levels, the EFX 5.33, made by the original inventor of the elliptical machine, provides a gym-quality experience for about $4,000 in 2010.
Life Fitness X7
EllipticalTrainers.com rates the Life Fitness X7 as one of the top performers on the market as of 2010. Life Fitness supplies elliptical trainers to gyms and health clubs, and its products are built to last. The X7 has an electronically adjustable stride and maintenance-free rear drive. As of 2010, the X7 was priced between $3,899 and $4,199.
Precor EFX 5.71i
The Precor EFX 5.71i stands out when compared to other elliptical trainers. The superior quality, adjustable incline angle of the pedals and the high-end LED display make this machine a top choice for 2010. Priced at around $2,000, it feels comparable to more expensive models.
Smooth Fitness Agile DMT
One of the first fitness companies to sell equipment online, Smooth Fitness has perfected the ability to adjust the motion of the elliptical while in mid-stride with the Agile DMT. Another impressive feature allows the user to adjust the motion or resistance with a touch of the thumb, providing added stability to the workout. The DMT averaged around $2500 in 2010.
Smooth CE 3.6
This elliptical by Smooth Fitness earns a Best Buy rating from both EllipticalTrainers.com and AllEllipticals.com for its $1,399 price tag as well as its stability, design, and warranty. The LCD display, iPod dock and pivoting foot pedals make this trainer a great choice.
Smooth Fitness 7.4
The Smooth Fitness 7.4 offers eight preset workouts with 16 levels of resistance. With its upper body workout option, handle bar mounted pulse grip monitors and wireless heart rate control, this elliptical trainer provides a smooth workout for about $2,500 as of 2010.
Schwinn 430
Priced under $1,000, the Schwinn 430 is considered one of the best elliptical trainers in the budget category. This inexpensive model comes with articulating footpads, providing a gym-quality feel.
Sole E25
Another Best Buy at AllEllipticals.com, the Sole E25 features 16 levels of resistance and 12 workout choices. Angled foot pedals reduce strain on the joints and the LCD display keeps track of time, distance and calories burned. As of 2010, the Sole E25 sold for about $1,000.
Fuel Fitness FE44
For about the price of an average yearly gym membership, the Fuel Fitness FE44 offers an 18-inch stride length and articulating footpads. Sold at Dick's Sporting Goods stores nationwide, the FE44 listed in 2010 for about $600.
Vision Fitness X6200
The Vision Fitness X6200 offers nine programs and a programmable motor that operates the resistance levels. The HRT model has both handgrip heart rate and wireless heart rate monitoring. A solid machine, it sold online in 2010 for about $1,800 to $2,000.
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