Best Elliptical Trainer - Top 3 Elliptical Machines
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 added links to where you can find out more information on each elliptical.
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This 10.0E elliptical is six star certified. This basically means that it's built to specific standards that are more ergonomically correct and make your elliptical workout more comfortable.
For example closer foot pedals feel more natural to your body and can reduce the strain on your hips. A more upright design also feels more natural and comfortable as you're not leaning on the handrails as much as with cheaper ellipticals.
The Surestep easy access design gives you a low step-on height, which for many people feels more comfortable.
2) 20" Stride Length - Stride is the furthest distance between the pedals. A longer stride helps you more fully work your leg muscles, burning maximum calories per workout.
While many cheaper ellipticals come with a 14 - 16" stride, the Livestrong 10.0 steps up to a long, extra-comfortable 20" stride.
3) Online-Workout Tracking and New Workout Downloads
You can download new Lance-Armstrong-endorsed training programs and track your workouts online using the included USB device. You plug it into your console and it records your workout information. Then you plug it into your computer and all your information uploads. So you can track your workout progress over time - a great way to meet new fitness goals.
Conclusion: Recommended
The Livestrong 10.0E elliptical offers some impressive features in a machine under $1000 including an extra long 20" stride and power incline (so you don't have to get off the machine to change the incline).
The six-star certified ergonomic design will give you a more comfortable ride. And the fitness tracking journal will help you see how far you've come over time.
Buying Tip: You can get the Livestrong 10.0 elliptical direct the Manufacturer. Plus they're also throwing in Free Shipping which will save you about $150
1) Incline and Decline - 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.
Plus the Elite 12.0 also comes with a negative incline or -10% decline to help you give you even better crosstraining options.
2) iFit LIVE - iFit connects your elliptical to the Internet and you can then download new workouts to your machine, map out new trails using Googlemaps, track your fitness progress over time and more.
What's really cool is that when you map out a route using Googlemaps, the elliptical matches the terrain by adjusting your ellipticals incline or decline to fit the actual terrain.
With the DMT X2 you can choose from 12 different elliptical motions and strides - from your standard elliptical arc to a more intense extended agile range of motion.
Varying your stride and elliptical motion uses more leg and core muscles with greater range of motion. This gives you a overall more effective workout, tones lower body muscles faster and burns more calories than a standard elliptical workout.
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) iPod Docking Station with Speakers
You can plug in your Mp3 Player or iPod and listen to your favorite workout tunes through the built in speakers. A great way to make your workouts more enjoyable.
4) Pivoting 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 X2 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 X2 is the most affordable variale motion trainer currently on the market - similar to the Cybex Arc Trainer - at thousands of dollars 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. Plus the pivoting foot pedals and stable feel give you a more comfortable workout.
Buying Tip: You can get the Smooth Agile DMT X2 direct from the Manufacturer and get Free Shipping to your home.
3) 20 - 22" Stride - A longer stride helps you fully work your leg muscles and get a better workout. With the Elite 12.0 you can get from a 20 to 22" stride which means everyone can choose a stride that feels right for them.
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 Elite 12.0 knocks it out of the park with both a comfortable design (variable incline, foot pedals spaced closer together) and so many entertainment options, you'll never get bored.
In addition to the fun stuff, there's also a very rugged build to this machine - with a stable 375 pound user weight capacity, heavy 25 lb flywheel and extra long warranty. So it's going to last you a lot longer than your standard home elliptical and take more of a beating.
Buying Tip: You can get the Elite 12.0 elliptical direct from the Manufacturer. They're also currently offering Free Shipping which will save you about $150+.