The elliptical trainer has become one of the most popular cardio machines in gyms, and for good reason--it provides all the calorie-burning power of a treadmill but without all the impact. An elliptical trainer has two pedals that rotate around an elliptical track. You place your feet in the pedals and then guide them around the track with your leg strength. Most elliptical trainers allow you to adjust the incline and resistance, and many are also highly programmable. If you're in the market for one, you should know that not all ellipticals are created alike. Some, like the ones found in fitness clubs, can be really pricey, while home models are much more affordable.
Best Commercial Grade
Fitness-equipment-source.com gave five stars to the following elliptical trainers at the commercial-grade level: Precor EFX 5.25, Precor EFX 5.33, Life Fitness X5, Octane Q47 and True TSXa. These ellipticals are listed as the best commercial-grade ellipticals for the home, so they are likely the same models that you would find at a high-end gym. Fitness-equipment-source.com rates the top ellipticals on stability, durability, warranty, features, programming and company reputation, and with each of the models receiving five stars you can expect near perfection in every category. Fitness-equipment-source.com says each Precor machine is "built like a tank"; the Octane Q47's "variety of innovative programs really takes cross training exercise to a new level"; and the Life Fitness X-5 comes with "all the bells and whistles." In reality that might be more than the average home user needs, but if you're looking for the best of the best, go for one of these models. Expect to spend $3,400 to $4,200.
Best Midrange
The top five rated ellipticals in the midrange category get 4.5 stars from Fitness-equipment-source.com based on stability, durability, warranty, features, programming and company reputation. These include Sole E55, Yowza Fitness Captiva, Smooth CD, Diamondback 1260Ef and NordicTrack Elite Commercial. The Sole E55 is rated the "best buy" in its category and comes with a five-year parts and two-year labor warranty. The Yowza gets the award for Best New Elliptical of 2010 with its two unique features, variable motion and cardio core training, "both of which can provide one of the best cross training workouts in the industry." The Smooth CE features Dynamic Motion Technology, which offers variable stride lengths, and is "a very durable and solid machine with a good service record." The Diamondback is a "good value," with "quality construction," and has "numerous features." The NordicTrack is not only "a solid and sturdy machine with a smooth and quiet stride" but is also "equipped with some impressive features." Expect to spend $1,500 to $2,000 for one of these machines.
Best Budget Ellipticals
There weren't a whole lot of choices above four stars in the budget range, but that's to be expected. Standouts are the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990, ProForm CrossWalk 8.0 and Sole E25. The NordicTrack 990 is a big seller for the company and has appealing features like power incline and adjustable stride. Fitness-equipment-source.com rated it the best value in its category. The ProForm 8.0 is "one of the better values in the budget price range," and its center elliptical mechanism, adjustable stride and compact design "make this model a winner." Lastly the Sole E25 "performs better than many comparable ellipticals" and has articulating foot pedals, which angle with each stride to lessen stress to the feet and ankles. These budget models run $600 to $1,000.
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