Elliptical trainers have become a staple in modern fitness regimes due to their ability to provide a low-impact, full-body workout. These machines are ideal for people looking to enhance cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and burn calories without the jarring impact of running or high-impact exercises. With a plethora of options on the market, choosing the right elliptical can be daunting. This guide aims to ease that process by examining the top five ellipticals available today, considering factors such as build quality, features, usability, and value for money.
1. NordicTrack Commercial 14.9
Overview
The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 stands out for its impressive build quality, extensive features, and robust performance. This elliptical is designed for both beginners and advanced users, offering a wide range of resistance levels and incline settings.
Key Features
Interactive Personal Training: The 14.9 comes with a one-year iFit membership, providing access to interactive personal training sessions and a vast library of on-demand workouts.
High Definition Touchscreen: A 14-inch HD touchscreen display offers an immersive workout experience, allowing users to follow along with trainers and track their progress in real-time.
Power Adjustable Incline: The adjustable incline (up to 20 degrees) helps target different muscle groups and adds variety to workouts.
Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR): This feature ensures smooth and quiet operation, making it suitable for home environments.
Ergonomic Design: The oversized cushioned pedals and adjustable stride length (up to 20 inches) enhance comfort and accommodate users of various heights.
Performance
The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 is equipped with a heavy 32-pound flywheel, providing a stable and consistent workout experience. The machine’s 26 digital resistance levels allow for gradual progression, making it suitable for users at different fitness levels. The iFit integration adds significant value by offering personalized workout programs and automatic adjustments based on user performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros: High-quality construction, extensive workout programs, interactive training, adjustable incline and stride length, quiet operation.
Cons: Premium price point, large footprint requires significant space.
2. Sole E95
Overview
The Sole E95 is renowned for its durability, smooth performance, and user-friendly design. It is often recommended for those seeking a high-quality elliptical without the need for extensive subscription-based features.
Key Features
Heavy Flywheel: The 27-pound flywheel ensures a smooth and stable motion, mimicking the natural stride.
Power Incline: The incline can be adjusted up to 20 degrees, allowing users to target different muscle groups.
Advanced Display: A 10.1-inch TFT LCD display provides clear visibility of workout stats, including heart rate, calories burned, and distance.
Customizable Features: The adjustable stride length (20 to 22 inches) and articulating foot pedals enhance user comfort and reduce strain.
Whisper Quiet Drive System: This feature ensures minimal noise during workouts, ideal for shared living spaces.
Performance
The Sole E95’s combination of a robust frame and high gear ratio delivers a challenging workout that remains smooth and fluid. Its oversized pedals are designed to reduce knee and ankle stress, making it suitable for prolonged use. The machine’s handlebar controls and Bluetooth connectivity add to the convenience, allowing users to adjust settings easily and sync with fitness apps.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Durable construction, smooth operation, adjustable stride and incline, quiet, comfortable design.
Cons: Limited interactive features, basic console compared to higher-end models.
3. Bowflex Max Trainer M9
Overview
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is a unique hybrid machine that combines the benefits of an elliptical and a stepper. It is designed for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and is perfect for users looking to maximize calorie burn in shorter workout sessions.
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Key Features
HIIT Focused Workouts: The M9 is specifically designed for HIIT, providing intense workouts that burn maximum calories in minimal time.
Compact Design: Its smaller footprint makes it suitable for home use, even in limited spaces.
16 Resistance Levels: The adjustable resistance levels allow users to customize the intensity of their workouts.
Interactive Training: The machine comes with a one-year JRNY membership, offering personalized workouts and virtual coaching.
High-Definition Display: A 10-inch HD touchscreen enhances the user experience by providing access to streaming services and real-time workout feedback.
Performance
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 excels in delivering high-intensity workouts that effectively combine cardiovascular and strength training. Its unique design engages both the upper and lower body, ensuring a comprehensive workout. The JRNY app adds a layer of motivation with adaptive workouts and virtual environments, making each session engaging.
Pros and Cons
Pros: High-intensity workouts, compact size, interactive training, efficient calorie burn.
Cons: Limited stride length, may not be suitable for longer, steady-state cardio sessions.
4. ProForm Pro HIIT H14
Overview
The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 is another hybrid elliptical-stepper designed for high-intensity training. It offers a unique vertical and horizontal stride motion, providing a comprehensive full-body workout.
Key Features
iFit Compatibility: Comes with a one-year iFit membership, granting access to a vast library of workouts and virtual coaching.
Vertical Climbing Path: The unique motion path mimics climbing, targeting different muscle groups compared to traditional ellipticals.
14-inch HD Touchscreen: The large display provides an immersive experience with access to interactive workouts and real-time stats.
24 Resistance Levels: A wide range of resistance settings accommodate users of various fitness levels.
Compact Footprint: Its vertical design takes up less floor space, making it ideal for home gyms.
Performance
The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 is designed to deliver intense, efficient workouts. Its unique stride path engages more muscle groups, particularly in the lower body and core. The iFit integration enhances the workout experience by offering guided sessions and global workouts, which are particularly motivating.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Intense full-body workouts, compact design, interactive training, variety of resistance levels.
Cons: May be too intense for beginners, higher learning curve due to unique motion.
5. Schwinn 470
Overview
The Schwinn 470 is a solid, budget-friendly elliptical that doesn’t compromise on quality. It offers a range of features that cater to both novice and experienced users.
Key Features
DualTrack LCD Screens: The dual display allows users to track multiple workout metrics simultaneously.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Enables syncing with fitness apps and tracking progress over time.
25 Resistance Levels: A broad range of resistance settings for varied workout intensity.
20-inch Stride Length: Suitable for most users, providing a comfortable and natural motion.
Workout Programs: Comes with 29 pre-set workout programs catering to different fitness goals.
Performance
The Schwinn 470 combines affordability with reliable performance. Its smooth and quiet operation, along with a variety of workout programs, makes it a great choice for home use. The dual LCD screens provide comprehensive workout data, while the Bluetooth connectivity enhances the user experience by allowing easy progress tracking.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Affordable, comprehensive workout programs, Bluetooth connectivity, quiet operation.
Cons: Basic display compared to high-end models, fewer advanced features.
Conclusion
Choosing the right elliptical depends on individual fitness goals, budget, and space constraints. The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 offers a premium, feature-rich experience suitable for users seeking extensive training options and interactivity. The Sole E95 provides a durable and smooth operation, perfect for those looking for reliability and comfort without subscription-based services. The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 and ProForm Pro HIIT H14 cater to users looking for intense, efficient workouts with a compact design. Finally, the Schwinn 470 stands out as a budget-friendly option, offering solid performance and essential features.