Elliptical trainer

Elliptical Trainers Buying Guide

Ellipticals are odd-looking contraptions, a fusion of stair climber and cross-country ski machine that you stand on and pedal. Your feet move in an elliptical pattern, and a flywheel with resistance you can vary controls the difficulty of the workout.

Types

We have divided the types of ellipticals available according to price. For the most part, you get what you pay for.

Budget-priced ellipticals

Budget elliptical trainer
Budget-priced ellipticals
These tend to be markedly flimsier than the commercial models found in gyms.

Pros:You might find a satisfactory elliptical trainer for $1,000 or less if you shop carefully.
Cons:Budget-priced models might be less stable than the more expensive ones, and they generally come with a shorter warranty.

 

Expensive ellipticals

Expensive elliptical trainer
Expensive ellipticals
Paying more usually buys you sturdy construction close to that of a commercial gym machine.

Pros:The more expensive machines tend to feel more solid, operate more smoothly, and have more features than the under-$1,000 models. You might also get superior ergonomics, a wide range of features, and a more generous warranty.
Cons:Models that did best in our tests cost well over $2,000. And high price is no guarantee of quality. One $2,700 model had a design defect serious enough for us to rate it Not Recommended.

 
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