Elliptical trainers first appeared on the market in the 1990s. The idea behind an elliptical workout machine was to minimize damage to the joints by providing an ergonomic motion and reducing impact. Modern elliptical machines come with a variety of options including the ability to program resistance and time for different workout options, heart rate monitors and adjustable stride length. Things to keep in mind when shopping for an elliptical include the warranty, available features, reliability and the ergonomics, or how smoothly the machine can be made to fit your body.
True Fitness ESX
The Fitness ESX by True comes with ten workout programs and 25 resistance levels accessible through a dual window custom LCD screen. Adjustable stride length and handrail placement are standard options as well as a built-in heart rate monitor. True offers a warranty that covers one year of labor and ten years on parts. This elliptical retails for $4,599.
Star Trac E-TBTe
Star Trac's E-TBTe has the best ergonomics of any elliptical available, highly customizable to your body type. Star Trac also has a comprehensive warranty system. This machine comes with an 15" HD touch screen, 12 levels of resistance settings, 16 workout programs and an iPod interface. It also comes with built-in personal fans to keep you cool. The E-TBTe comes with a $7,749 price tag.
Landice E8 Elliptimill Pro Trainer
The E8 Elliptimill Pro Trainer by Landice is a great buy at $2,999. This elliptical machine comes with a comprehensive warranty, 20 resistance levels, five preset workouts and five programmable workout routine slots. It offers two standard heart rate monitors and four user programmed heart-rate monitor systems. Rounding out the options is adjustable stride length.
Star Trac E-TBTi
The E-TBTi by Star Trac is the little sister of the E-TBTe. With a slightly lower price of $7249, this machine comes with the standard Star Trac warranty and quality of construction. The E-TBTi comes with a 15" LCD screen instead of the HD touch screen. This machine comes with 20 resistance levels and eight workout programs.
LifeFitness Club
The LifeFitness Club elliptical is a replica machine of the ellipticals found in clubs of gym franchise LifeFitness. This machine comes with wireless and Lifepulse heart-rate monitors, built-in reading rack and total-body and lower-body workout modes. The Club retails at $3,999.
LifeFitness X8
The X8 by LifeFitness comes with the ability to adjust stride length, and with five different workout options including lower and total-body workouts and LegSculptor mode. The X8 is not as reliable as the Club, but is still very ergonomic and looks much sleeker. The X8 is available at $3,999.
Star Trac P-TBTx
The Star Trac P-TBTx is a total body trainer, with settings to work out your upper body or your lower body, and even both. This machine comes with 20 resistance levels and eight workout programs. Cooling fans, a dedicated heart rate monitor and the standard Star Trac warranty are some of the many features. The P-TBTx can be purchased for $5,549.
True Fitness ESXt
The ESXt by True Fitness is a high quality elliptical. A comprehensive warranty will cover most repairs and the machine comes with a variety of options including a touch-screen interface, adjustable workouts, stride length and a built-in heart-rate monitor. It carries a retail price tag of $4,999.
Octane Q47ce
Octane's Q47ce comes with customizible difficulty settings, a three-speed control fan and adjustable stride length. It offers three custom workout modes plus MOM Mode, which locks the machine down for family safety. The Q47ce has an MSRP of $4,199.
Smooth Agile DMT
The Smooth Agile DMT comes with 12 motion levels, 20 intensity levels, and adjustable stride length. This elliptical machine offers nine preset workout routines and Lite Touch Thumb Control. The retail price on an Agile DMT is $2,999.
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