Rating of TOP 15 elliptical trainers: review of the best reviewed models for home

A fit and slender body is not just a desire to look attractive, but a desire to maintain and preserve one’s own health. Various physical activities allow you to achieve your goal, but training on exercise machines is the most popular.

This sports equipment comes in various types. Along with the classic ones, completely new varieties are appearing, among which elliptical ones have gained well-deserved popularity.

Effective and easy to learn, it will be a good choice for those who want to exercise on exercise equipment at home rather than in a fitness center. To decide on a specific model, you need to carefully study the characteristics of the device and the criteria that are of paramount importance.

Elliptical trainer

In the basic configuration, it is a device with movable and fixed handles and a pair of pedals for the feet. Some models include a seat. It combines several modes - running and walking at different speeds, arm training using special handles.

The ellipse can replace a treadmill, rowing and skiing machines, and a bicycle. It differs from other devices in that the legs move along an ellipsoidal trajectory.

What muscle groups are being worked?

The ellipse shape created by the pedals helps train the thighs and calf muscles. The knees experience virtually no stress. This reduces the risk of sprains and injuries to a minimum, which is an undeniable advantage when comparing the elliptical with a treadmill and exercise bike. Thanks to the minimal load, even people with joint problems can exercise on it.

Performing a reverse step allows you to work your gluteal muscles. The reverse stroke involves the tendons working, which is almost impossible to achieve when training on other simulators. This is what makes the elliptical trainer the best among similar devices for independent exercise.

Special handles allow you to pump up your arms. By working with both legs and arms at the same time, in a short period of time you can train almost all muscle groups, including passive ones, since they hold the body on the pedals and tense. The speed of blood flow increases sharply.

Advantages and disadvantages

The elliptical trainer, like any other exercise equipment, has both positive and negative aspects. Individual models have their own advantages, but if we summarize, the advantages come down to the following points:

1. Multifunctionality . During training, a large number of muscle groups are worked out.
2. No restrictions on level of training . Both beginners and those who are in good physical shape can start training on the ellipse.
3. Versatility . You can exercise on the simulator at any age without any restrictions.
4. Safety. Minimal stress on the joints reduces the risk of various injuries.
5. Minimal time investment. A half-hour workout allows you to perfectly tone your body and strengthen the heart muscle and vascular system.
6. Several modes. Thanks to the ability to run, walk, imitate rowing and skiing in the gym, the ellipse will be an excellent addition to your workout, and at home it will allow you to work out almost all muscles.

The disadvantage of the ellipse, regardless of the model of the simulator, is the overall high load on the body and muscles. And in order not to harm yourself, given your health condition, you should consult with your doctor. This applies to absolutely any type of physical activity, not just the elliptical trainer.

Harm

You can harm your body while training on the simulator:

1. Setting an unbearable load level. You need to move towards high results gradually. Beginners should not train in higher difficulty modes.
2. Exercising despite contraindications.
3. Using it incorrectly - placing your foot during a step not on the full foot or in the wrong position, not holding onto the handrails during intense exercise, etc.

Important ! Unlike many other exercise machines, the elliptical is as safe as possible. Due to the smooth movement of the flywheel, joints and ligaments are protected from damage.

The effectiveness of the elliptical trainer for weight loss

Cardio training promotes rapid burning of fat deposits, and, consequently, loss of extra pounds. They can be performed either without the use of any devices or using sports equipment such as an ellipsoid. This simulator, judging by the reviews, is designed specifically for cardio, and is great for helping you lose weight. However, regardless of the training program or equipment involved, weight loss is possible if the following rules are followed:

• The number of calories consumed should be less than those burned. Without normalization of nutrition, when food is consumed uncontrollably, weight remains unchanged or decreases minimally, even if you exercise on an ellipsoid every day.
• Get joy from training. Jogging outdoors is certainly good, but it’s not always fun due to weather conditions or not wanting to look wet and sweaty in front of others. The ellipsoid allows you to run in a comfortable environment, close to the shower, without causing any inconvenience.
• Train at least 4 times a week. A person who wants to get a beautiful and toned figure needs to find time in his schedule for classes. If training is not carried out regularly, even the best exercise machine will not help you get slim.
• Do your best in class. The calorie content shown by the counter on the display may differ from real values ​​by 50%. Electronics cannot accurately reflect how much body fat is reduced, since this indicator does not depend on the time of training, but on how much effort a person puts in. Active exercise for 30-40 minutes is much more effective than an hour of training at a sluggish pace.
• It's good to sweat. If sweat does not appear and a person does not feel tired, then there is no result.

By strictly following the five rules presented, achieving a slim and toned figure will not be difficult.

How to Choose an Elliptical Trainer - A Detailed Guide

Semi-professional

These are more stable models, designed for long hours of daily use. Many of them offer a set of advanced training programs and are equipped with additional options that increase the comfort of training and the functionality of the cardio machine.

The devices are well suited for those who seek to improve their athletic performance while exercising with maximum comfort.

Types of Elliptical Trainers

People who do not want to visit a fitness center have enormous opportunities in choosing equipment for home workouts. However, considering how many types of exercise equipment are on sale, it is quite difficult to give your preference to any one. To avoid making mistakes, it is better to first visit the gym and try to work out on one or another device. And if, after training on an ellipsoid, there is no doubt that it is ideal, you can start choosing a specific model.

There are several types of elliptical trainer, each of which has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, which must be taken into account before making a purchase:

• Mechanical. Not requiring electricity to operate, it has the lowest cost, but is not very popular and is extremely rare. The device is powered by human power, which makes movements on it too abrupt and the operation noisy.
• Magnetic-mechanical. Has eight different operating levels with the ability to manually change the load. The device has a step length of 40 centimeters. An ellipsoid of this type is small in size and low in cost, ideal for beginners with a minimum level of physical fitness.
• Magnetic. Mode switching is carried out through electronic rather than mechanical control. This model is recommended for people who have average physical fitness.
• Electromagnetic. The most silent ellipsoid in operation, characterized by smooth movements. The stride length on it ranges from 40 centimeters or more. On the electronic scoreboard you can see the distance, heart rate, duration of the session, and the number of calories burned. The load changes every 5 watts. The disadvantage is the rather high cost.
• Aeromagnetic. It is similar to an electromagnetic ellipsoid, but can operate not only from the mains, but also stationary, that is, from a generator.

When choosing a specific model, you should think in advance about the installation location, the absence/presence of the possibility of connecting the simulator to the network. Mechanical exercise machines do not require electricity. Electromagnetic, magnetic and magnetic-mechanical models cannot operate without power. Both modes are implemented in an aeromagnetic ellipsoid, which, when recharged from the mains, can operate on a battery.

Contraindications

Training on elliptical apparatus is contraindicated if:

• serious pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
• acute renal or liver failure;
• incompletely healed injuries;
• severe diabetes mellitus;
• late stages of pregnancy;
• swelling;
• oncological diseases;
• hypertensive crises;
• asthma attacks.

Being overweight is not a reason to give up the ellipse. However, if you are diagnosed with obesity, you should first consult a specialist.

What nuances should be taken into account when choosing?

Having decided on a specific type of ellipsoid, it is necessary to take into account some design features, knowledge of which allows you to choose a truly high-quality and comfortable model.

The maximum load that most ellipsoids can withstand is 120 kg. The optimal figure is considered to be 10-15 kg more than the own weight of the person who is going to exercise on the simulator.

Frame and body. A good device must have a strong frame, and each part fits tightly to the other. There should be no defects or gaps. As the length of the frame increases, the degree of comfort and the length of the stride increase. Stationary ones are stronger than folding ones, but the advantage of the latter is that they are easy to store and do not take up much space during training.

Flywheel. It is a wheel that moves the pedal. The heavier it is, the better. Heavy flywheels ensure smooth movements and good load. People weighing 95 or 100 kg should give preference to flywheels of 15 kg, and more fragile ones - 8 kg.

Rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. The first ones differ in that the flywheel is located at the back of the ellipsoid, that is, right between the trainee’s legs. This makes them as comfortable as possible for running with your torso bent forward and practicing skiing techniques. Rear-wheel drive ellipsoids can be used by people of completely different heights, making it an ideal choice for the whole family. They are stable and small in size. Front-wheel drive models are more expensive than rear-wheel drive ones, but, according to some, they are much more effective in the fight against excess weight, since the distance between the pedals is minimal.

Step length. Directly depends on physical fitness and individual characteristics. Beginners and short people should purchase a model with a step length of 30 cm. In the middle price category, ellipses with a step length of 40 cm are the most common. The best machines for cardio training are considered to be machines where this parameter starts from 50 cm, but they are suitable only for well-trained users.

Pedal angle. Changing this parameter is implemented exclusively in expensive models. It is necessary for advanced users. It is recommended to change the angle of inclination only when all load modes in the standard position have been fully mastered. By changing the parameter, the group of muscles being worked also changes.

In expensive models of elliptical trainers, much more information is displayed on the electronic display than those presented in the average price range, and it is also possible to change the load, heart rate-dependent programs are built-in. The latter work using pulse sensors connected to a person and included in the simulator kit.

Popular brands

Below we present the most

Popular brands of elliptical trainers that are best to buy from our store:

1. The most purchased brand of elliptical trainers in our store is Proxima . Ellipses of this brand are distinguished by high-quality and thoughtful assembly, high reliability and safety, stylish design and functionality. They fit perfectly into the design of the apartment and allow you to bring your body back to normal without leaving home.
2. Svensson Body Labs belongs to the class of inexpensive exercise machines. It is compact in size, reliable and has good functionality. It is an excellent running simulator, allows you to quickly lose weight and improve the functioning of your cardiovascular system.
3. An equally popular brand of elliptical trainers for home use is Oxygen Fitness . The company focuses on effective training programs - using ellipsoids of this brand, you can achieve good results in a short time. They are distinguished by thoughtfulness of every detail, attention to detail and affordable cost.

The most purchased elliptical trainers over the past 3 months in our store:

Attention:

When selecting, you should not focus solely on the manufacturer - choose a simulator based on parameters and functionality. The quality of different companies is approximately the same, and all devices have an official guarantee.

How much does an elliptical trainer cost?

The price is determined by functionality, maximum load, case type and number of load change modes. This is reflected in the wide range of costs within even one type of simulator.

A mechanical ellipsoid can be purchased in the range from 157 to 2,585, a magnetic one - 165-3,577 dollars, but, for example, the E3 model, which can withstand a maximum weight of 182 kg, equipped with 101 load levels, in which the Cybex 772 at/e3 monitor is installed, costs about $23,400. The electromagnetic trainer can be purchased in the price range from 273 to 9,000 dollars.

Additional design features

Many models of modern orbitreks (even entry-level ones) are equipped with additional functions and devices. They can significantly diversify your workout and increase the comfort of using the device. Such small but important details include, for example, the covering of pedals; polyurethane is considered the best option. It provides reliable grip of the feet on the surface and prevents slipping.

Also important is the presence of various sensors, which are usually included in the interactive console.