16 best elliptical trainers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Elliptical trainers are a complex training device that combines a treadmill, an exercise bike and a stepper, so you can practice several types of workouts: cardio, aerobic exercise for weight loss, strengthening muscles and the body as a whole. Moreover, without leaving home, without interrupting watching your favorite movie, program or audio recordings. One simulator during systemic training can replace a trip to the gym; you can buy a device at the price of a subscription for several months of training with a trainer.

A feature of elliptical trainers is the presence of a monitor with a built-in computer. In real time, you can monitor your heart rate, calories burned, mileage and other training parameters. All models provide for the selection of a program according to the parameters of a person's complexion, health status and the desired result.

The experts were faced with a difficult task: to identify the most popular and effective elliptical trainers in several categories: inexpensive, electromagnetic, magnetic and aeromagnetic devices. The choice was made based on the characteristics, functionality, demand and cost of equipment. We present the ranking of the best elliptical trainers.

Key points for choosing an elliptical trainer

When choosing an ellipsoid, several important device parameters must be considered:

1. The maximum load of the simulator depends on the user's weight and is 120-180 kg. A model with a 15-20 kg weight reserve should be chosen to maintain the effectiveness of training and the integrity of the apparatus.

2. The body and frame material should be made of steel, ideally with a good color finish. The structure must be stable, it depends on the length of the frame: the more, the more comfortable the training, the better the stability of the ellipsoid.

3. A flywheel is a wheel with a specific weight that determines the difficulty of pedaling and training efficiency, respectively. All elliptical trainers have a load regulator, so the heavier the swing arm, the wider the range of loads. You should not choose a flywheel lighter than 5 kg, optimally – from 8 kg.

4. The length of the stride determines the ease of movement and depends on the height of the user: the smaller it is, the shorter the stride should be and vice versa. To treat several people of different heights, it is optimal to purchase a simulator with an adjustable step parameter of 33 … 53 cm.

5. The tilt of the pedals determines the ride comfort and the redistribution of the load on other muscle groups. It is mainly regulated in expensive multifunctional devices.

6. Drive location. The front is considered the most convenient from the point of view of biomechanics, convenient for training in the technique of running with an incline and ski walking, and is most suitable for intense fat burning training. Such pedals are located as close as possible, which is convenient from the point of view of movement anatomy. Rear-wheel drive contributes to high stability of the trainer and is suitable for all types of training.

7. Computer and firmware. The effectiveness of training depends on the correct operation of the sensors and their processing signal, therefore the presence of sensors and a cardio belt is a good addition to the ellipsoid. The polychrome display of more expensive models usually contains more information and firmware to accomplish different tasks.

Rating of the best elliptical trainers

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best inexpensive elliptical trainers – budget up to 20,000 rubles	1	Body Sculpture BE-6600HKG	RUB 19,950
	2	Oxygen Peak E	RUB 15 490
	3	Carbon Fitness E704	RUB 18 490
Best Electromagnetic Elliptical Trainers	1	AMMITY Dream DE 20	RUB 63,740
	2	Proxima Veritas	RUB 47 690
	3	Oxygen EX-55 HRC	RUB 57,690
	4	Horizon Endurance 5 (2013)	RUB 122 490
	5	SVENSSON BODY LABS StrideLine EZA	RUB 41,990
Best magnetic ellipsoids	1	Dender E-2300 Black Hawk	RUB 49,990
	2	Hasttings Cardio Cross	RUB 44 890
	3	Body Sculpture BE-7200GHKG-HB	RUB 28,900
	4	FAMILY VR20	RUB 25,990
	5	Oxygen Cariba II	RUB 35 890
	6	SVENSSON BODY LABS ComfortLine ESM	RUB 25 490
Best aeromagnetic elliptical trainers	1	AMMITY Ocean OE 40	RUB 120,000
	2	Bowflex Max Trainer M5	RUB 128,500

The best inexpensive elliptical trainers – budget up to 20,000 rubles

Elliptical trainers in the budget category are available for purchase to everyone. They are usually small in size and modest in functionality, but have everything you need for a full workout at home.

Body Sculpture BE-6600HKG

Rating: 4.8

The elliptical trainer of the British brand Body Sculpture BE-6600HKG allows you to engage in intensive walking, jogging, cycling or skiing without leaving their home, that is, it combines 4 simulators at once. It can help you lose weight, keep your muscles toned and save space in the room by replacing several devices with one.

The load on all muscle groups is distributed evenly and smoothly due to the Hi-Tech magnetic system and the seven-kilogram flywheel. The progress of the lesson is monitored by a computer with a monitor, it displays the duration of the workout, the distance covered, the speed of movement and the calories burned. 8 modes allow you to gradually increase the intensity of the load for high-quality workout of all muscles. Wide rubberized pedals secure the foot during movement and prevent slipping.

The elliptical trainer is suitable for training people weighing no more than 120 kg. It is easy to move it without scratching the floor thanks to the castors.

Advantages

• Smooth running;

• The optimal cost is about 20,000 rubles;

• Wheels for moving;

• There are heart rate sensors;

• Comfortable pedals;

• Monitor with training data output;

• 8 load modes;

• Flywheel 7 kg;

disadvantages

• not identified.

Oxygen Peak E

Rating: 4.7

The device for complex muscle training from the German brand Oxygen (company Neotren GmbH) ranks second in the category of budget simulators. The Peak E is equipped with a 6kg flywheel, suitable for moderate loads, beginners and people with a weakened muscular system. The simulator has a black and white display for monitoring training data.

Smooth running is provided by a magnetic drive with an increased number of magnets, a well-assembled motor system and pressed-in bearings. Oxygen Peak E is one of the best elliptical trainers in the price segment for people weighing up to 110 kg.

Advantages

• Flywheel 6 kg;

• Ergonomic design and small dimensions;

• Affordable price from 15 490 rubles;

• Increased number of magnets;

• Reliable construction;

disadvantages

• Some users have noticed creaking or crunching of mechanisms during operation, but this does not affect the quality of movement.

Carbon Fitness E704

Rating: 4.6

The Carbon Fitness E704 Elliptical Trainer is powered by a flywheel with an inertial weight of 13.2 kg (actual 5 kg). 12 levels of muscle loading with a power from 10 to 350 W for people weighing up to 110 kg allow you to select the optimal size of the load and gradually increase it to develop and improve training results. Additionally, the firmware provides 4 pulse-dependent programs for cardio training at 55, 75, 90 or 100% of the actual heart rate. Also, the user can write 4 own programs himself.

The peculiarity of the elliptical trainer is the presence of an ergonomic function that fixes the optimal level of load for the body and subsequently supports it later, regardless of the pedaling speed.

The cost of the simulator is about 18,500 rubles.

Advantages

• Electromagnetic load;

• Ergonometric function;

• Cardio training;

• 16 programs 4 additional;

• Flywheel 5 kg;

disadvantages

• Flywheel 5 kg – the lightest among those presented in the category;

• Short stride length 31 cm.

Best Electromagnetic Elliptical Trainers

The electromagnetic field from the mains acts on the flywheel, setting it in motion. Thus, the load can be adjusted as accurately as possible, the simulator works silently and for a very long time – the mechanism is reliable and well-oiled.

This category presents a rating of the 5 best models of elliptical trainers with different characteristics and prices.

AMMITY Dream DE 20

Rating: 4.9

The AMMITY Dream DE 20 front-wheel drive ergometer is designed with emphasis on correct body mechanics: optimal stride length 510 mm, height 90 mm, small Q-factor contribute to building the correct trajectory of movement with high efficiency from the training process. This is achieved by using Japanese bearings and high-quality components in the assembly – a reliable steel frame, track, PlastPRO ™ drive system, capable of providing a full-fledged training for a person weighing up to 150 kg and 155 … 200 cm in height.

Process control is provided by built-in motion and pulse sensors, which display data on a 5 ”display screen with Russified feed, you can connect the APP application iOS / Android to the device. The software contains 12 training modes, 5 cardio programs. The simulator can be used by 4 people, for each of them there is a separate profile in the computer.

The functionality of the elliptical trainer is fully consistent with its cost – from 63,000 rubles.

Advantages

• Natural anatomical step;

• 5-year warranty from the manufacturer;

• Connection iOS / Android;

• Convenient location of the pedals;

• Reliable construction;

• Interface with 4 personal profiles;

• Takes up little space;

• High stability;

• Flywheel 10 kg;

disadvantages

• Price. But this is a problem with all high-quality and functional elliptical trainers.

Proxima Veritas

Rating: 4.8

The technologically advanced elliptical trainer of the Taiwanese assembly Proxima Veritas with rear-wheel drive and the ECBTM non-contact loading system allows you to train in one of 16 load modes with a fixed resistance level. Smooth running and quiet while driving – the result of the introduction of FLOW STEP ™ technology.

The elongated base allows the user to adjust the stride length from 40 to 51 cm, so several people with different heights and weights can use one simulator. The peculiarity of the device is the QUICK KEY load control technology, pressing the keys on the handles without interrupting the training process. The five-inch display with a clear interface displays all the information: heart rate, intensity, calories.

The workout modes built into the computer are varied: weight loss, Cardio, RPM, and Watt programs – you can select as needed or record your own. There is a connector for connecting and charging USB devices, a bottle holder, a floor unevenness compensator for ideal installation in a working position.

Advantages

• Various training programs;

• Convenient switching during training on the handles;

• Intuitive interface;

• Smooth running and good loads;

• Reliable build;

• Adjustable stride length;

disadvantages

• Sometimes tightening of the fastening screws is required;

• High price from 53,000 rubles.

• Some users report an incorrect heart rate monitor;

Oxygen EX-55 HRC

Rating: 4.7

The third in the ranking trainer with an electromagnetic course of the German assembly Oxygen EX-55 HRC, which belongs to the premium class. The location of the 12-kg flywheel in the design is forward, which contributes to the most correct biomechanics when training on an elliptical device and a smooth ride with an optimal trajectory of movement and uniform load on muscles and joints.

The simulator can be used for people up to 150 kg: the developed power up to 350 W is gradually increased, a convenient average step for any body size and height is 503 mm. At the same time, the device has a folding function, there is a reversible stroke, a heart rate sensor with a cardio belt.

A computer on a simulator with a color display, the software contains 12 programs for developing speed, endurance, weight loss and strengthening the cardiovascular system. In addition to the preset programs, there is a mode of self-adjustment of parameters, as well as pulse-dependent algorithms.

A distinctive feature is the Recovery function, which evaluates the state and ability of the cardiovascular system to recover, and the fat analyzer will determine a more accurate state of the body and the effectiveness of training.

Advantages

• Nice move;

• Fat analyzer;

• Lots of programs;

• Clear color display;

• Sophisticated biomechanics;

• Folding the simulator;

• Smooth operation of the mechanism;

disadvantages

• Swings during work (depends on the weight of the trainee);

• English-language interface;

• Inconvenient folding;

Horizon Endurance 5 (2013)

Rating: 4.7

The American front-wheel drive elliptical trainer Horizon Endurance 5 (2013) is assembled using the SixStar Certified ™ technological frame of the concern's own design, which provides a verified biomechanical stroke. ZEROgap ™ technology eliminates pedal spacing, taking into account the intersecting trajectory, Q-Factor (distance between the feet) is the most comfortable – 43 mm. The position of the body during training is vertical, imitating the natural state during running, this contributes to the correct distribution of the load on the muscles and joints without overloading them throughout the training process. The length of the step is 508 mm, 14 programs provided with a variable incline angle contribute to a comfortable workout.

SixStar Certified ™ frame levers are suitable for people of different sizes and sizes. The low start of 24.5 cm is convenient for short and elderly people, eliminates the risk of injury, and also contributes to maximum stability of the simulator on the floor.

The Goal Center ™ collects training data and evaluates it in terms of performance. The design provides for music speakers with high-quality sound, as well as a built-in fan.

Advantages

• Wide functionality;
• Many training modes;
• Perfect biomechanics;
• Reliable build;
• Low starting position.

disadvantages

• Very high price from 122,000 rubles;

• Weak monochrome display for a simulator of this level.

SVENSSON BODY LABS StrideLine EZA

Rating: 4.6

The complex elliptical trainer SVENSSON BODY LABS StrideLine EZA is the development of the Swedish company JÖrgen Svensson LLC. Its design features are a system of dynamic measurements of special orthopedic springs orto-SpringТМ and anatomical position of fly-StrideТМ pedals at any point of travel. The rear wheel drive elliptical trainer is capable of training a person weighing up to 150 kg in 19 program modes of varying complexity and intensity. Its step is similar to professional exercise equipment, it is adjustable within 41 … 55 cm. The loads on muscles and joints are evenly distributed, shock-absorbing springs and a smooth ride also contribute to this.

Heart rate sensors, telemetry receiver, color touch-display allow you to control the training process.

The simulator ranks fifth in the category of electromagnetic devices due to shortcomings: users observe a creak in the mechanism, in the plastic parts of the case, and an incompletely thought out tilt system. It is also difficult to install it in an ideal working position. These shortcomings can be referred to a factory defect, which is eliminated under warranty.

Advantages

• 19 programs;

• The ability to adjust the parameters of the mode;

• Color touch display;

• Smooth running;

• Anatomical arrangement of parts;

• Adjustable step;

• Maximum user weight 150 kg;

disadvantages

• Stability is broken;

• The high price for a unit with such disadvantages is about 42,000 rubles.

• Creak;

• There is a factory defect;

• Large overall dimensions;

Best magnetic ellipsoids

Magnetic ellipsoidal simulators work without an electrical network according to the laws of physics: the magnet moves near the flywheel, when they converge, an intense resistance arises, which decreases with distance.

An interesting feature of the devices is that during training, a practicing person has a feeling of weightlessness, in which all muscle groups are maximally activated in full, which leads to the best result.

Dender E-2300 Black Hawk

Rating: 4.9

The Dender E-2300 Black Hawk elliptical trainer with magnetic drive creates conditions for deep workout of muscles – this is facilitated by a heavy flywheel weighing 38 kg. The frame is made of high-strength steel, rubberized pedals with their convenient location and a step of 560 mm, heart rate measurement, display – the simulator has everything you need for a full-fledged training of a person weighing 180 kg in 5 modes. The Taiwanese assembly under the control of German developers is mostly solid and does not raise questions. An excellent elliptical trainer of high accuracy for the best price – from 50,000 rubles.

Advantages

• Stability;

• Suitable for people with large weight and height;

• There are transport wheels;

• Smooth ride with comfortable pedal position;

• Large display with a clear interface;

–

• Accurate reading of heart rate indicators;

disadvantages

• Not identified.

Hasttings Cardio Cross

Rating: 4.8

The experts awarded the second place to the British-assembled training ellipsoid Hasttings Cardio Cross, intended for home use. Smooth stroke, Q-factor is very low for devices of this class, close to ideal biomechanics with loading of the muscular corset, not the joints. The built-in computer contains 24 training programs, one pulse-dependent and four can be adjusted individually for each user.

The stride length is slightly reduced – 41 cm, but the stroke is smooth and comfortable. The device is designed for loads up to 150 kg.

The Hasttings Cardio Cross elliptical trainer accurately determines the heart rate by means of sensors on the handles, displays it on the monitor, as well as the calorie, mileage. The price of the device is optimal – about 45,000 rubles.

Advantages

• Many training programs;

• Stable construction;

• Soft ride with comfortable pedals;

• High-quality assembly without any comments from users;

• Accurate cardiac sensor;

disadvantages

• Poor-quality paint or its application – inscriptions and coating are erased from scratching.

Body Sculpture BE-7200GHKG-HB

Rating: 4.7

The ellipsoid Body Sculpture BE-7200GHKG-HB is suitable for use by people weighing up to 130 kg – it is assembled on a solid steel frame with reliable and smooth pedals, ergonomic, but not for all comfortable handles, for which the device receives only the third place in the rating in categories of magnetic simulators.

An ellipsoid can be bought for an average of 35,000 rubles, for this money the user gets a silent training apparatus with a smooth comfortable ride, 12 ready-made programs and 16 power modes embedded in the firmware, a high-precision BodyFat fat analyzer, and heart rate sensors on the handles. A standard model of a simulator with good performance indicators.

Advantages

• Body Sculpture BE-7200GHKG-HB is suitable for professional use;

• Assembly without quality claims;

• Quiet and smooth running;

• There is a custom program for the required parameters of the trainee;

disadvantages

• Non-anatomical design for some users (you need to try on convenience);

• Sometimes individual pieces of mechanical equipment fail.

FAMILY VR20

Rating: 4.6

Experts gave the FAMILY VR20 elliptical trainer the fourth place for the optimal ratio of quality and price for the category. You can buy it for an average of 26,000 rubles – not bad for a complex training device. At the same time, there are no complaints about the quality – the assembly is accurate, high-quality components for the mechanisms are used.

Ellipsoid drive type – rear magnetic with 18 kg flywheel. Despite the rear location of the main mechanism, the design of the simulator is convenient: the pedals are anatomically arranged, the stroke is comfortable, but not for a tall person – the step is only 36 cm.But the pedals take 3 positions, you can adjust the load on the desired muscles with the choice of one of 6 ready-made programs and 8 load modes. Heart rate monitors are gray sensors on fixed handrails. The balanced flywheel movement system provides anatomically correct biomechanics with the elimination of 'dead' (uncomfortable and anatomically irregular) zones.

The unique Body Fat analyzer determines not only the amount of fat in the body, but also the effectiveness of training for their timely correction.

Advantages

• High-quality assembly;

• Low price for the category;

• Graphic display;

• Accurate heart rate monitor;

• Sophisticated biomechanics;

• Large flywheel 18 kg for deep muscle work;

disadvantages

• Small step;

• There could be more modes;

• Manual load adjustment;

Oxygen Cariba II

Rating: 4.5

This elliptical trainer is rated for up to 135kg for home use. The ellipsoid with eight levels of load provides only 4 training programs, but well thought out and effective for strengthening muscles and losing weight. The maximum load is quite significant, so it is recommended to install programs from simple to complex.

The heart rate monitor is accurate, but works with some delay, this must be taken into account. The sensors are located on the handles, conveniently located. It is noteworthy that the device in its price (35,000 rubles) and quality category is well assembled – it is suitable for almost any body size and weight within acceptable limits. The picture is somewhat overshadowed by a short step – only 33 cm.

Advantages

• Three-position pedals;

• Ergonomic design

• High-strength frame made of steel, coated in 2 non-abrasive layers;

• Good build for China;

• 4 training programs;

• The computer is designed for 4 profiles (user);

disadvantages

• Screen layout is not for everyone;

• Untimely transmission of heart rate data;

• Computer batteries run out quickly;

• Short step;

• Low quality plastic bottle manufacturing;

SVENSSON BODY LABS ComfortLine ESM

Rating: 4.5

The ellipsoid device SVENSSON BODY LABS ComfortLine ESM (Jörgen Svensson, Sweden, assembly – China) closes the rating in the category of magnetic trainers. No, it is not bad in terms of assembly or functionality, but in terms of the set of modes it is inferior to the leaders mentioned above in the number of programs (6) and load modes (8). The inertial weight of the flywheel of 20 kg contributes to an intense muscle load, the design of the simulator minimizes the load on the joints. Pedal pitch is average – 42 cm, Q-factor – 19 cm (optimal), the system is balanced for comfortable use by a person of any body size.

The screen is black and white, but crisp. Unfortunately, some users note either its inconvenient location or incorrect display of data.

Advantages

• Compact dimensions;

• The optimal price is about 25,000 rubles;

• Cardiac sensor;

• Wheels for movement and floor uneven compensators;

• Estimated weight 130 kg;

• Ergonomic biomechanics;

disadvantages

• Compactness is inconvenient for tall people – knees touch the handles;

• Incorrect operation of computer programs.

Best aeromagnetic elliptical trainers

This type of simulators is similar in design to electromagnetic ones with one difference: they do not need power from the electric network in a constant mode – it is enough to periodically charge the battery, it will supply the working mechanism with an electromagnetic field for a certain time. This indicator is different for each ellipsoid model.

AMMITY Ocean OE 40

Rating: 4.9

This machine is suitable for both the gym and the home and is an advanced sports equipment. The design provides 24 load levels with precise electronic regulation, and 76 ready-made programs: for any body size, level of training, assigned tasks. Among them, 5 programs are pulse-dependent, 16 users can adjust for themselves. This versatility makes a heavy 11.7 kg flywheel possible.

Pulse control is carried out by sensor sensors on the handles, you can purchase an additional wireless heart rate belt for more accurate data reading. Comfort during training is achieved by three fans built into the machine frame, which can support a person's weight up to 180 kg.

Features: the design provides for a stand for books, bottles, built-in speakers. You can connect additional equipment to the computer, there is a bluetooth module. By the way, the computer works exactly with fast data transfer. Experts and users do not have any design or functionality, except that the price of 110,000 thousand is not available to everyone, but it fully justifies the capabilities and build quality of the device.

Advantages

• Very great software;

• Smooth stroke;

• Durable build materials;

• Sophisticated design with correct biomechanics;

• Fans;

• Bluetooth connection;

• Increased power up to 400 W;

• The accuracy of the sensors;

disadvantages

• High price.

Bowflex Max Trainer M5

Rating: 4.8

The 'space' simulator for home and commercial use looks unusual for its kind, it is impossible not to recognize it in the hall or at the store stand due to the vertical installation of the main working building.

The device provides 16 load levels and 8 built-in programs, but I would like more for that kind of money – about 128,000 rubles. The robust frame is designed for a user with a body weight of up to 136 kg. The advantage is that the design provides for sensors on the handles, and the cardio belt is provided with a complete set.

Studies have proven that users use the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 to burn up to 2.5 times more calories per unit time compared to similar ellipsoids and treadmills. For this reason, the training sessions recorded in the software are shortened in duration while maintaining efficiency, which is convenient for people with limited time. It should be noted that training is 'smart', not hard, it accelerates the metabolism and the body continues to burn fat even after a 14-minute workout.

The control over the training process is provided by the computer. Max Trainer App (Android / iOS) syncs with Apple Health.

Advantages

• 'Smart' workouts with fitness assessment;

• Transport wheels and stabilizing compensators;

• Smartphone connection;

• Cardio belt included;

• Reliable construction;

• Requires little space;

• Ergonomic design

• Effective fat burning;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Few programs (on the other hand, they are effective).

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.