Round Out Your Home Gym With These 5 Great Elliptical Machines

Elliptical machines are one of the best pieces of equipment for low-impact cardio workouts, whether you use it at the gym or at home. However, finding the right one for you and your home gym isn’t always easy. To make things easier, we’ve brought you the 5 best elliptical machines for your home gym.

The best models will help burn calories, boost mobility, increase stamina, lung capacity, and so much more. If you’re recovering from an injury or surgery and your physician has ordered you to stay mobile, then this is a great solution that you can use for many years after you’ve recovered.

If it’s for your home gym, you’re likely to use it regularly. You need durability, functionality and smooth operation at the very least. This guide will present some of the most popular ellipticals on the market today.

Best Ellipticals for Home Use At a Glance

The 5 Best Elliptical Machines for Your Home Gym

1. Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine

If it’s coming from Schwinn, you can be sure of a high level of quality. It’s not the cheapest, nor the most expensive. It is a great mid-range model that offers many features typically found on the more expensive models.

The 430 Elliptical Machine features a sleek, streamlined console. The high-speed, high-inertia front drive system makes it easy to get going, with smooth and quiet momentum that will offer more efficient sessions. The 20” stride with Precision Path foot motion technology and moving handlebars are designed to offer a more natural motion that works out the entire body.

22 preset workout programs and 20 levels of resistance offer a large variety of intensity options, so you’ll never get bored. Track all of your stats with the DualTrack 2 LCD screen which is nice and easy to read at a glance. It even comes with an MP3 output so you can listen to your favorite tunes on the console’s built-in speakers.

While the 6 different incline options were very much appreciated, the fact that you have to get off of the machine and manually adjust it is a bit of a hassle.

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2. Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical

Right away, it’s evident that the Teeter FreeStep is quite a bit different from other elliptical machines. It’s somewhere between an exercise bike and an elliptical, placing you in a reclined seated position instead of standing up.

This serves to save space, but also helps to eliminate stress on the joints and back while reducing fatigue. The FreeStep’s patented technology comes from products used by physical therapists, making this perfect for those recovering from injuries or just getting back into an exercise program. Despite this, it is still a great option if you’re looking to burn calories.

Work out your upper body by grabbing the unique handles which gives you the choice to isolate your biceps/back or triceps/chest simply by repositioning your hands!

3 recline settings allow you to sit in a way that feels comfortable to you, giving you easy access to the magnetic resistance dial to adjust the intensity. The digital display is small, but it does track all of your main specs. In addition, you’ll find a Smart Device Stand for you to listen to music, listen to audiobooks, follow workout videos, and more.

Finally, with their friction-free magnetic linkage system, this model is easily the best elliptical machine in terms of smoothness, minimal noise, and versatility.

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3. ProForm 150I Elliptical

Budget shopping doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sacrifice features. This is evident with the ProForm 150I Elliptical. It may be the best elliptical trainer for those looking to save some cash. It also comes with everything you need to start burning away those calories.

With 12 resistance levels, it’s not quite as versatile as some of the more expensive models. However, there is still plenty of variability in the training modules. These can include options for climbing hills, interval training and more. However, with iFit features (membership required) you can jump into interactive sessions, “running” on Google Street View anywhere in the world you’d like, or race against friends and family members virtually.

Track your progress on the large LCD display, where you can even track your heart rate thanks to the included EKG monitor. The hand grips are well-padded and offer a full-body workout if you want to maximize your calorie burn and mobility. Oversized pedals are much more comfortable to use and also ensure that your feet won’t slip all over the place. Movement is generally very smooth with the inertia-enhanced flywheel as well.

The only real complaint was that assembly was pretty challenging. Though, once done, was well worth the effort.

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4. Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical

The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical is another one of those “best bang for your buck” machines. It has a low noise level and heavy-duty frame to last you through countless workouts. It is easy to put together, so you can spend more time exercising.

While it may not look flashy, the EX-59 is actually one of the best ellipticals for home use in terms of features. For example, the pedals are placed with zero distance between to help relieve stress on the hips and back. They’re also placed low to the ground to make them easier and safer to get on/off.

The 18-inch stride isn’t adjustable. However, this distance works to replicate natural jogging or running so you’re not forcing your body into positions that could increase your risk of injury. Shifting speed and incline is also a breeze due to the one-touch keys!

The Bluetooth technology enables you to watch movies, on-demand classes, or listen to your favorite tunes. If you don’t like headphones or would simply like more immersive sound, the model’s integrated speakers will stream it all clearly. To ensure it never runs out of battery, it even comes with a rapid-charge USB port and a built-in device holder.

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5. MaxKare Elliptical Machine

Finally, we bring you the MaxKare Elliptical Machine Trainer which is one of the smoothest and stable in this category. This is particularly surprising considering its compact size. The sleek black body with blue accents will look great in any home gym. Plus, it is made of solid steel capable of supporting up to 330 pounds.

With 8 resistance settings, it offers a reasonable amount of variety (although other models offer more). The dual-track pedals are oversized to accommodate any size of foot, with a non-slip surface to keep you safe even during rigorous workouts.

For a full-body workout, take advantage of the dual-action handlebars. The exterior bars are moveable, so you get the push-pull motions to engage your chest and back. The inner handles come with heart rate monitors which will transmit your information to the large LCD monitor in the center console.

You’ll also find a convenient smart device holder, so you always have your entertainment nearby. If you would like to move your elliptical for whatever reason when you’re finished, simply use the transportation wheels to roll it wherever you need to stow it away.

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Should You Get an Elliptical Machine for Home?

Do you want to get in a great low-impact cardio workout that can help burn body fat and tone your muscles? If so, then the answer is a resounding “yes!”. Any good home gym should be versatile. You’ll probably have a dedicated resistance section with free weights or machines for particular muscle groups, but cardio plays a huge role in how we look and feel. Elliptical machines vary so much that no matter what your available space is, there is at least one model out there to suit you.

If you don’t have room in your home gym for a regular-sized elliptical machine, the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Elliptical is the perfect solution. If you do have extra space, then you’ll be able to choose any on this guide realistically.

Ellipticals are great for at-home use because they’re durable, quiet, and smooth. This means you can exercise at quite a high intensity without disturbing anyone else in your household or your neighbors. As they’re so flexible in functionality, you can go from a simple “stroll” to a full-on grueling pace uphill. Ellipticals are excellent machines for users of all ages and physical fitness levels. On top of that, they usually come with quite generous warranties. That way you can be confident that your money is well-spent.

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Choosing the Right Elliptical for Your Home Gym

Let’s take a look at the key considerations when it comes to the best elliptical machine for your home gym.

Size

Even if you have the best elliptical machine ever built, it won’t help you much if you can’t fit in into your home gym. I highly recommend going out with a tape measure and measuring the space in question, so you don’t accidentally choose a model that’s too big. If you have ample space, also consider if you’d like to add anything else to your home gym in the future and how this size could impact that.

Versatility

No matter what fitness level you’re currently sitting at, versatility is huge. Our bodies can adapt surprisingly quickly to just about anything we throw at them. Versatility and variability in an elliptical machine allow you to adjust your exercise routines and intensity so you can keep progressing. Look for at least 8-10 resistance settings and ideally a few built-in workouts (hills, laps, etc.).

Adjustability

The more adjustable your elliptical machine is, the better your results will be. This is because each of our bodies is so different. What may work for one person may feel incredibly uncomfortable and put the next user at risk. Look for adjustable foot pads, incline level, and even handlebars.

Durability

It’s important to take into consideration how sturdy the machine is that you have your eye on, as you’re going to want to use it for years to come. Also look over the warranty – how long it is and what exactly it covers. If one model is a bit more expensive than the next but the warranty is twice as long, you might end up saving money in the end.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Home Elliptical Machines

Which is the best elliptical for home use?

Each of the machines on our guide are excellent choices and some of the best on the market for integrating into home gyms. However, if we had to choose just one it would be the Schwinn 430, which is reliable, durable, comfortable, technologically advanced, and very versatile.

Are ellipticals good for losing belly fat?

Yes, they are – that is if your diet is also on point. When it comes to losing fat, it’s very much about eating less and moving more. Generally speaking, if you reduce your caloric intaker and increase the amount of exercise you do, then you’re going to lose weight. Calories in will obviously be influenced by the specific foods you eat, but the more you move the better.

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Well, there you have it: The 5 Best Elliptical Machines for Your Home Gym.

We’ve researched in-depth to bring you the top performing machines for in-home usage, no matter your budget or physical activity level. These are the highest quality out there and are sure to provide you with many years of high-quality exercise sessions. However, what’s most important is that you select the elliptical best suited to you. We hope this guide has helped you to do just that. Get ready to start gliding into the best shape of your life!