How Heavy Are Elliptical Machines?

An elliptical machine has a number of features and specifications, including the footprint dimensions, console features and stride length. The weight specification may get lost in the long list of information, but weight is an important specification that may determine where you can place the elliptical.

Significance

The weight of an elliptical is one factor that determines where you can put the machine. Heavier elliptical machines are difficult to get into an upstairs area and may be too heavy for some floors to support. If you live in an apartment or loft, you may not be able to have a full elliptical. Lighter ellipticals are more portable and often have transport wheels that allow you to move the machine for storage.

Full Ellipticals

Full elliptical machines have a front or rear drive design. The pedals sit in front or behind the flywheel mechanism. This makes the elliptical footprint larger, usually between 60 and 80 inches long. The weight of a standard elliptical machine varies among brands and models. Depending on the weight of the flywheel and the material the machine is made of, a standard elliptical typically weighs between 175 and 350 lbs.

Compact Ellipticals

Compact elliptical machines have small footprints and are lighter than a full elliptical machine. They typically weigh 100 lbs. or less, depending on the brand and model. Wheels on the front of the machine and the light weight allow you to lift the back end and roll the machine to a different room or storage area. The pedals on a compact elliptical slide to the sides of the flywheel instead of in front or behind the flywheel. This shortens and lightens the machine.

Folding Ellipticals

Folding ellipticals, although compact, aren't necessarily lighter than a standard elliptical machine. The pedals and flywheel mechanism fold up thus saving you space when you're not using the machine. Although some folding elliptical machines weight between 100 and 150 lbs., other models weigh between 200 and 300 lbs. Although they save you floor space, they are not light machines. Always check the weight specification for the specific model you are researching.