The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity. If you don't have access to a gym, purchasing an elliptical trainer for home use can help you meet the exercise recommendations. In an exercise equipment market flooded with elliptical trainer manufacturers, a few models stand out as the best inexpensive buys.
Fuel FE44
Although the manufacturer lists the FE44 with an MSRP of $999.99 as of 2010, it regularly sells for a penny under $600. This kind of steep, constant markdown is common practice in the fitness industry. You should always be wary of budget-priced exercise equipment because the manufacturer had to cut corners somewhere to keep the price down -- usually on parts or electronics. But the FE44 stands out in the entry-level field; the Exercise Equipment Expert review journal calls it "the best elliptical machine on the market for under $600."
NordicTrack A.C.T.
Elliptical Trainer Review singles out the NordicTrack A.C.T. as the best elliptical trainer under $1,000. Another case of steep, constant markdown, this center-drive elliptical trainer has an MSRP of $1,999 but regularly retails for $999 as of 2010. The center-drive design, with a small flywheel on each side of the pedals instead of a single large flywheel in front or back, places the pedals closer together for a more comfortable stride. The center-drive design also creates an unusually compact 47-inch footprint, almost half the length of some full-size elliptical trainers. Treadmill Doctor names the Pro version of the A.C.T., which retails for about $1,299, as the best small-footprint elliptical trainer under $2,000 for the 2011 model year.
Smooth 3.6
You usually get what you pay for with exercise equipment. So even though the Smooth Fitness 3.6 elliptical trainer's $1,299 selling price as of 2010 might not seem cheap, it's cheaper than purchasing a budget-priced machine that can't stand up to frequent use or requires frequent repairs. The Smooth 3.6 garnered best-buy mentions from both Treadmill Doctor -- second runner up in the $1,000 to $1,299 price category for 2011 -- and All Ellipticals, who declared it the best value in elliptical trainers for 2010.
Sole E35
The Sole E35 barely edged out the Smooth 3.6 for first runner-up in Treadmill Doctor's $1,000 to $1,299 best buy category. Fitness Equipment Reviews also singles out the front-drive E35 as one of the most durable elliptical trainers in its price range, with "a solid and stable feel." Durability is key for exercise equipment in this price range, and a smooth, stable ride makes you more likely to use the machine than a cheaper, less comfortable ride. As of 2010 the Sole E35 retails for $1,299.99 direct from the manufacturer.
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