Best Elliptical Cross-trainers - Buying Guide

Elliptical Workout Muscle groups

What are the benefits of Elliptical machines?

Elliptical Cross-Trainers provide a low-impact cardio based workout. They get you fit by working particular muscle groups, increasing your heart rate and breathing, thereby improving your overall fitness over time.

They provide a low-impact workout as there is no jarring on your bone joints due to the machine carrying your weight at all times. As you stand on the foot-plates, the machine provides a controlled path of motion for both your legs and arms. Your arms move in a controlled back-forward motion and your legs work in an elliptical-circular motion.

What kind of of elliptical cross-trainers are there?

Rear Wheel drive models : Rear Wheel drive ellipticals feature a large flywheel at the back of the machine.
Front Wheel drive models : Front Wheel drive elliptical have the flywheel at the front of the machine.
The beneficial difference between front-wheel and rear-wheel drive units are that they provide a different elliptical motion. This means the bio-mechanics of the machine will vary between types and they will feel different to use. The only way to know how they feel is to try them in a Fitness Market store.
There is no distinct price difference between rear-wheel and front-wheel drive units. Both types of Ellipticals have cheap and expensive models.

How much should I spend?

Ultimately, you should spend the amount of money that is comfortable for you to spend. This being said, the more you spend, the bigger and higher quality the machine is going to be. Here we summarise the amount spent and the type of elliptical you will get:

< $800 : A basic elliptical machine that will be have a short stride-length and a simple console display. Light-duty frame with low weight capacity (even if falsely advertised otherwise).
$800 - $1200 : A good elliptical machine. Short to medium fixed stride length. Good console. Standard-duty frame.
$1200 - $2000 : A popular price, a solid elliptical machine. Adjustable stride-length. Good biomechanics. Good console with some advanced features. Strong-duty frame.
> $2000+ : A premium elliptical machine that will have many features. Adjustable stride length, excellent bio-mechanics, advanced console display, heavy-duty frame. Possible corporate and commercial duty.

What features should I look for?

Bio-mechanics : As mentioned, this is determined by the type of drive system used in the elliptical. You want good bio-mechanics with the handles and foot-plates to be comfortable when in use. They must be easy to reach and you should be able to step on-off easily. When on the machine, the distance between your feet must be narrow (no spreading of your legs).
Stride Length : The taller you are, then the longer your stride (walking distance per step). Stride length should be around 46cm to 60cm (18 inches to 24 inches). Choose a machine with adjustable stride-length and adjustable foot-plates to get the best workout.
User Weight Capacity : The stronger the frame, the higher the weight capacity of the machine. This is a good indication of the quality of the machine. However, there is a lot of false advertising online from non-fitness specific websites in regards to the user weight capacities of their machines. For example, they claim to have machines with a capacity of 200kg, when really they more likely have a capacity of 100kg.
Computer Console : You want the computer console to clearly display all measurements of your workout and have built-in programs. Latest technology allows downloading of programs from online and integration with Google Maps and Facebook for competing with other users.
Fly-wheel Weight : The heavier the fly-wheel, the smoother the machine will feel. Expect at least a 7kg+ fly-wheel for the elliptical to feel smooth.
Warranty : You want a warranty that can support the use the elliptical cross-trainer will be getting. At Fitness Market, we support our Ellipticals with extensive warranties.

What is the best elliptical cross trainer?

The best elliptical is one that meets all your requirements and criteria. However, we have chosen some models that we believe are the best value elliptical cross-trainers: