With so many new elliptical trainers being rushed onto the market, many buyers are left wondering: "Which is the best elliptical trainer?"
After extensively reviewing elliptical trainers by price, options, user opinion and expert opinion, we've listed our top 3 elliptical trainer buysbelow.
These are ellipticals from companies that have extensive experience manufacturing ellipticals and who will be around for a long time, should you ever need to service your model.
For your convenience we've included links to our best elliptical trainers at the stated price (prices are online only & subject to change).
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Quick Target Toning™ System - This system helps you target trouble spots like glutes, quads, hamstrings, upper-body and more.
You press the muscle group you want to focus on and the elliptical automatically controls the resistance and the incline for you.
Solid, Stable Feel - The 350 lb user weight capacity is much higher than most ellipticals at this price point. (Most ellipticals under $800 give you about a 250 lb weight capacity) This helps give you a much more solid, stable feel than most other economy machines.
Bottom Line:
The Proform Epic 1200 elliptical packs a lot of value into a small price. The incline helps you work different sets of muscles and burn maximum calories. The Quick Target Toning system gets you working on specific trouble spots.
Then there's the little extras like 18 personal trainer programs, workout fan, heart rate monitor and easy-to-read, backlit console.
Although it can't compete with higher priced ellipticals in terms of commercial quality, the Epic 1200 is still one of the best elliptical trainer values out there if you're on a budget.
Incline (Motorized Power Ramp) - Incline allows you to automatically increase your workout slope and work different leg muscle groups.
This helps burn the maximum amount of calories and get a more effective workout.
Incline is a feature that isn't found on most elliptical trainers (unless you want to spend $2800+ on a Precor) so it's an amazing feature on the Nordic Track 990.
Intermix Acoustics™ Sound Systemwith Music Port - Plug your iPod / MP3 player into the built-in audio jack and listen to your favorite music or audiobooks while you workout. This is another popular feature that can make your workouts much more fun.
Folding For Easy Storage - While most ellipticals do not fold, the Nordic Track 990 does come with folding capability up for easy storage. The folded footprint is 48L x 26W x 77L.
18" Stride Length - Many cheaper ellipticals offer stride lengths of only 14 or 16 inches. The larger stride length ensures you work the full range of leg muscles and burn maximum calories. While taller users may want to go up to a 20" stride length of the Sole E95 (see below), this is still good for most people.
Bottom Line:
The Nordic Track Audiostrider 990 elliptical combines the core basics of a good elliptical with some bonus features you won't find on other machines. You get a decent 18" stride length, higher 325 lb weight capacity, lots of workout programs and an easy-to-read console. Plus it folds up for easy storage and gives you a music port with sound system.
We also really like the incline capability which helps you target different muscle systems and gives you a more efficient workout overall. This isn't a commercial machine - but for the money, an excellent value buy.
Proper Alignment Of Footpads - When you use an elliptical the natural alignment of your body is thrown off no matter how close the footpads are.
The Sole E95 footpads have a slight inward angle of two degrees. This angle actually helps to puts your body back into a neutral alignment throughout the elliptical motion and protects your back, knees, ankles and hips.
20" Stride Length - Many cheaper ellipticals offer stride lengths of 14 - 16 inches. The larger stride length ensures you work the full range of leg muscles and burn maximum calories.
Taller users will especially feel the difference as it results in a smoother, more comfortable ride.
Excellent Warranty - One of the best in the business, the Sole E95 offers a 5 years on parts and electronics, lifetime on the frame and 2 years on service. This also tells you about the quality of the parts used in manufacturing.
Built To Withstand Heavy / Aggressive Use - If you really want to pick up your pace, the E95 can definitely handle it. It offers an incredible 400 pound user weight capacity and a heavy 30 lb. flywheel. Also, there are 4 rear wheels that ride on heavy duty rails, all encased in a plastic shroud which will give you extra stability.
Bottom Line:
The Sole E95 is a monster machine that caters to the elite exerciser. While it may not be for everyone, we love the smooth and stable feel of this elliptical.
And with the health club console, 20 resistance levels and 10 workout programs with heart rate monitor, you'll constantly be challenged to go to the next level.
Bottom Line? Watch out Precor - Gym quality without the price.
