Elliptical trainers

Tests of 18 machines include 2 CR Best Buys and 2 with safety risks

Thinking about canceling that gym membership and working out at home? You're not alone. Sales of home exercise equipment have continued to expand in recent years, and elliptical exercisers have grown the fastest.

Our testers pedaled on 18 machines, evaluating exercise range, ergonomics, construction, safety, and more. Prices ranged from about $300 to $3,700. The pricier machines generally have sturdier designs and more features, but there are bargains that can offer a good workout too, such as the $900 NordicTrack AudioStrider 990, a CR Best Buy.

Elliptical exercisers simulate the motion of running, the gold standard for cardiorespiratory fitness, while eliminating the impact—making them a good choice for those with joint problems or extra weight. They also might help strengthen your legs, hips, and glutes more than running because you can ramp up the resistance to work your muscles harder. A workout on an elliptical exerciser can also help you improve balance. And ellipticals have an advantage that most treadmills don't: the ability to work in reverse, which stimulates the muscles differently, says Christina A. Geithner, a professor of exercise science at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.