Elliptical machines provide a low-impact workout you can do in the comfort of your home. When you are selecting an elliptical machine, you will need to consider the amount of open floor space you have available. The dimensions of an elliptical vary by make, model and design.
Front or Rear Drive
The first elliptical machines on the market had a rear-drive design -- with the flywheel on the back of the machine. Front-drive machines, with the flywheel at the front of the elliptical machine, came next. Although each design has distinct advantages compared to the other design, they have similar dimensions. Front- or rear-drive elliptical machines are long but not wide. They range from 70 to 85 inches long and from 27 to 32 inches wide.
Center Drive
Center-drive elliptical machines are the newest design, with the flywheel mechanism on either side -- or both sides -- of the machine with the user in the middle. The pedals sit between the compartments that hold the drive mechanism. This significantly shortens the footprint of the machine but makes it wider. A typical elliptical machine with a center-drive design is between 42 and 53 inches long and between 31 and 36 inches wide.
Compact Elliptical Machines
Compact elliptical machines can have either a front- or rear-drive design. The pedals slide along the sides of the flywheel instead of in front of or behind it. This shortens the overall footprint of the machine. A compact elliptical machine is typically between 60 and 70 inches long. The width of a compact elliptical ranges from 26 to 32 inches, similar to the width of a standard elliptical with a front- or rear-drive design.
Considerations
You will need plenty of open space around your elliptical machine to safely walk. Icon Health and Fitness, which makes several popular brands including ProForm and NordicTrack, recommends having at least 3 feet of clearance in front and behind your elliptical and at least 2 feet of clearance on each side. If you purchase a front-drive elliptical machine that is 75 inches long and 30 inches wide, for example, you need an open space at least 12 feet long and 6 feet wide.
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