Looking for the highest quality elliptical for your money? This year's "Best Buys" offer you high elliptical value that outshine other ellipticals at similar price points.
Our picks were based on:
Quality of Construction
Stability & Feel
Stride Length
Range of Workout Options
Expert Ratings
Consumer Reviews
Overall Value For Your Dollar
We've listed the 3 top elliptical trainers in 3 different categories, along with reviews and links to where you can find out more about each machine.
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1) Center Drive Elliptical - The A.C.T. elliptical offers a completely new elliptical design that's been creeping into commercial ellipticals over the past year.
The 2 side flywheel design (also called center drive) has 2 smaller flywheels on either side of the elliptical foot pedals instead of one large flywheel in front or in back.
The advantage to this is that you get a more upright elliptical workout position - which feels much more comfortable for many people.
Plus, the footpedals are spaced closer together than other elliptical designs which can also feel more natural.
2) 3 Position Adjustable Stride - Choose From 18, 20 and 22" - Adjusting the stride length of your elliptical allows you to work different muscles, which can help you see results faster. Strides can be adjusted between 18", 20" or 22".
The 22" is the one of the longest strides you can find on an elliptical trainer and is great for taller users to get an optimal workout. Plus having the different stride lengths to choose from makes this a great elliptical for families or multiple users as everyone can choose the stride that suits them best.
3) Compact To Save Space - Because of the two side flywheel design the Nordic Track A.C.T. elliptical is more compact than the standard single flywheel ellipticals.
Measuring only 47" long (standard design ellipticals can be up to 78" long), it's great if you want a higher end elliptical that doesn't take up much space.
Conclusion: Recommended
The Nordic Track A.C.T. elliptical offers a dual side flywheel design for added comfort during your workout. Plus you get 3 different stride lengths to optimize your workout and train different muscle groups.
The icing on the cake is all the fun stuff that can make your workouts even more enjoyable: iPod dock with console speakers, 20 built-in personal trainer workouts and iFit card reader to add even more workouts to your elliptical.
Buying Tip: You can get the A.C.T. elliptical direct the Manufacturer. Plus they're also throwing in Free Shipping which will save you about $150
1) Properly Aligned Design - When you use an elliptical the natural alignment of your body is thrown off.
The Sole E95 footpads have a slight inward angle of two degrees. This angle helps to puts your body back into a neutral alignment throughout the elliptical motion and protects your back, knees, ankles and hips.
2) 20" Stride Length - Many cheaper ellipticals offer stride lengths of 14 - 16 inches. The larger 20" stride length gives you a better leg workout and helps you burn more calories.
It also feels much more comfortable for taller users or those who really like to pick up their pace.
3) 40 Degree Power Incline - Incline changes the slope of your elliptical workout and helps you to crosstrain different groups of muscles.
This gives you a better, more effective workout and helps to avoid overtraining one set of muscles.
4) Built To Withstand Heavy / Aggressive Use - If you really want to pick up your pace, the E95 is built to take it.
It offers an incredible 400 pound user weight capacity and a heavy 29 lb. flywheel - one of the heaviest in the market. Also, there are 4 rear wheels that ride on heavy duty rails, all encased in a plastic shroud which will give you extra stability.
5) Best Elliptical Trainer Warranty - This is one of the best elliptical trainer warranties in the business: 5 years on parts and electronics, lifetime on the frame and 2 years on service.
Note the 2 years on service - which is incredible as most ellipticals only give you 1 year.
Conclusion: Highly Recommended
The Sole E95 is a monster machine built for the serious exerciser. It feels solid and substantial, even when you really work it.
And with the health club style console, iPod hookup with speakers, power incline and 10 workout programs, your workouts are much more enjoyable.
Bottom Line? Watch out Precor - Gym quality without the price.
Buying Tip: You can get the E95 elliptical direct from the Manufacturer. They also offer Free Shipping and $0 sales tax (in most States) which will save you about $150+.
1) Dynamic Motion Training - The Agile Trainer uses a design usually found in commercial health club machines - 12 biomechanically correct motion levels (dynamic motions) and 16 intensity levels.
You can go from a standard elliptical arc all the way to a more intense extended range of motion.
By changing up your workout and continually challenging your muscles, you burn more calories in less time.
2) Change Dynamic Motion or Resistance Automatically from the Handlebars - With the infrared sensor controls on the handlebars you can change your resistance or the elliptical motion without interrupting your workouts or getting off the machine.
3) Pivoting Specially Designed Foot Pedals Reduce Ankle & Toe Stress - One of the problems with cheaper ellipticals is that the foot pedals don't move with your ankle.
This creates a lot of pressure and stress on you ankles and toes (and helps contribute to the toe numbness you get if you workout on a regular basis).
The Smooth Agile DMT comes with ergonomic, pivoting foot pedals which move with the natural motion of your feet and ankles. This takes excess pressure off the ball of the foot and reduces ankle and toe stress.
Conclusion: Highly Recommended
The Smooth Agile DMT is similar to the Cybex Arc Trainer - at thousands less. If you're looking to burn major calories and get fast results, you'll love this machine. The 12 different elliptical motions recruit more muscle groups and continually challenge your body.
The commercial grade design and feel of the machine makes you feel like you're working out at the gym.
Buying Tip: You can get the Smooth Agile DMT direct from the Manufacturer. They're currently offering Free Shipping which will save you about $150. Plus for a short time, our visitors can save 5% Off (about $130) the DMT - use coupon code smooth5 at checkout.
