Stride length is an important factor when choosing an elliptical machine. Allellipticals.com considers stride length the most important consideration. Having an elliptical machine with the proper stride length makes your workout more comfortable and more efficient. The proper stride length is based on your height.
The Height Factor
Elliptical machines are available in stride lengths between 16 inches and 26 inches, with 18 to 22 inches the most common. Allellipticals.com recommends a 20-inch or 21-inch stride length if you're between 5 feet 7 inches tall and 6 feet 7 inches, and a 16- to 18-inch stride length if 5 feet 3 inches or shorter. Use a medium, 18- to 20-inch stride length if you are between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 7 inches.
Comfort
In general, the taller you are, the longer your stride. For this reason, the proper stride length on an elliptical is directly related to your height. Short stride lengths feel choppy and uncomfortable to taller users. The motion doesn't feel natural and smooth, which directly affects the quality, and possibly, the quantity, of your workouts. If you don't feel comfortable on a machine, you won't use it very much.
Rear-Drive vs. Front-Drive Elliptical Machines
Rear-drive ellipticals have the flywheel mechanism on the back of the machine. Front-drive elliptical machines have it on the front. This results in a different pedal motion. The pedal motion on a front-drive elliptical is flatter than a rear drive. On a rear-drive elliptical, your heel naturally lifts, resulting in a taller, more natural movement. The flat motion of the front drive means you need a 20-inch stride length to equal an 18-inch stride length on a rear-drive machine.
Considerations
If you are de-conditioned and have been sedentary for a long time, a shorter stride length may be a good choice. A longer stride provides a more intense workout, so you could start with a shorter stride and work your way up. In this case, an elliptical machine with an adjustable stride length may work best. These machines are also good options if people of different heights use the elliptical regularly.
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