Elliptical trainers are great all-around exercise machines that give you an excellent cardio workout while also working both the upper and lower body. There are a number of independent review sites that select the best elliptical trainers in all price ranges. While you generally get what you pay for, there are good elliptical trainers for less than $1,000 as of February 2011, great elliptical trainers for $1,000 to $2,000 and luxury models for over $2,000.
Low-Cost
The NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro is the 2011 "Best Buy" of Fitness-Equipment-Source and also the top-pick of Consumer Search. The 990 Pro features an power ramp that allows you to adjust the incline like a treadmill in order to target different lower body muscles. It also has 25 workout programs, built-in speakers and an adjustable stride length that is seldom seen on budget models. The Schwinn 430 is the budget choice of All Ellipticals, a website which rates quality elliptical equipment. The 430 has a variety of resistance levels, heart rate monitor and articulating footpads -- rarely seen on budget ellipticals. At around $650 as of February 2011, it is described as "an excellent buy." All Ellipticals also recommends the Sole E25, which sells for around $1,000. It features 16 levels of resistance, 12 workouts and angled foot pedals that reduce strain on your joints.
Mid-Priced
There are a number of standout ellipticals in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. Fitness-Equipment-Source recommends both the Smooth CE 3.6 and the Sole Fitness E35. The Sole Fitness E35, which is also recommended by Consumer Search, is described as solid, stable, quiet and durable. The Smooth CE 3.6, also recommended by All Ellipticals, features pivoting pedals that keep your lower body properly aligned. Priced at about $1,300, it is described as "the best value around. ...providing a superior elliptical trainer without paying the high-end price." Another Smooth model, the Smooth CE 8.0LC, is lauded as the best new elliptical trainer of 2011. It is classified as "light commercial," designed for use in hotel and corporate gyms where it will take a pounding, so you can assume it will be more than sufficient for home use.
High-End
Consumer Search selects the Precor EFX 5.25 as its top luxury model. It has an automated incline, a stride that adjusts from 18.5" to 20" and a particularly smooth motion. Expect to pay around $3,000 as of February 2011. All Ellipticals selects the Life Fitness X8 as its best 2011 club-quality elliptical. It has an 18" to 24" electronically adjustable stride and rates from above average to near-perfect in almost every respect, including noise level, durability, programming, ergonomic stride pattern and design. You get what you pay for with this machine, and you'll pay about $4,300.
Considerations
In addition to its selections of the best ellipticals, All Ellipticals offers a users guide that can be downloaded from its website. The guide gives you an extensive amount of information about ellipticals, including where to buy new or refurbished machines and what questions you should ask in order to find an elliptical that meets your specific needs.
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