All elliptical machines have a stride length, or the longest distance the pedals achieve during the elliptical motion. Stride length is an important factor for an effective and comfortable workout. Short stride lengths can feel choppy and jerky, especially if you are a taller user with a long stride. You want the stride to feel natural and not cramped. If you do not know the stride length of an elliptical machine, you can measure it yourself.
Step 1
Use your hands to extend the pedals to their longest distance from one another.
Step 2
Hold the tape measure from the toe of the front pedal to the heel of the back pedal.
Step 3
Measure the distance. This is the elliptical machine's stride length.
Tips and Warnings
- Some elliptical machines have adjustable stride lengths. For example, you can adjust the pedals between 18 and 22 inches. A front-drive elliptical machine, which has the flywheel in front of the pedals, has a flatter motion than a rear-drive elliptical machine, which has the flywheel behind the pedals. To have a comfortable workout, you need a 2-inch longer stride length on a front-drive elliptical machine. For example, an 20-inch stride length on a front-drive elliptical machine equals the feel of an 18-inch stride length on a rear-drive elliptical machine.
- Be careful to not pinch your fingers in the pedal arms. Do not attempt to measure an elliptical machine in use.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
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