Best Compact Elliptical
Looking for Best Compact Elliptical. Check our best picks including Sunny Health & Fitness Series, Sole Fitness, Bowflex Max, and Sole Fitness
Small elliptical trainers come in handy when floor space is limited and there isn’t enough room for anything else. These tiny titans are far from perfect, but they are capable of helping you get a decent workout when options are limited. After all, when it comes to working out, anything is better than nothing.
Investing in a compact elliptical is a smart choice for those who want to stay active without sacrificing too much space. By considering the key features and top models outlined in this guide, you can find the best compact elliptical that fits your lifestyle, space, and fitness needs. Start your journey to better health today with the perfect compact elliptical!
Buyer’s Guide
Finding the Best Compact Elliptical for Your Home
Finding the perfect compact elliptical can be a game-changer for your at-home fitness routine, especially if you're working with limited space. Compact ellipticals are designed to provide the benefits of a full-sized machine without taking up too much room. This guide will help you navigate the options and find the best compact elliptical to meet your fitness goals and fit into your lifestyle.
Why Choose a Compact Elliptical?
- Space-Saving Design: Compact ellipticals are ideal for small apartments, home offices, or any area where space is at a premium.
- Low-Impact Workout: These machines offer a smooth, low-impact cardio workout that's easy on the joints, making them great for all fitness levels.
- Convenience: With a compact elliptical at home, you can fit in a workout anytime, without needing to visit the gym.
Key Features to Consider
When shopping for a compact elliptical, keep these essential features in mind to ensure you get the best value for your money.
1. Size and Portability
- Footprint: Measure the space where you plan to place your elliptical. Look for a machine with a small footprint to ensure it fits comfortably.
- Portability: Some models come with built-in wheels or are lightweight, making them easier to move and store when not in use.
2. Resistance Levels
- Adjustable Resistance: Look for an elliptical with multiple resistance levels to challenge yourself as your fitness improves.
- Magnetic Resistance: Magnetic resistance systems are quiet and smooth, ideal for home use where noise might be a concern.
3. Stride Length
- Comfortable Stride: A stride length between 12 and 18 inches is typical for compact ellipticals. Choose a stride that feels natural for your height and leg length.
4. Built-In Programs and Console Features
- Workout Programs: Some ellipticals come with pre-set workout programs that vary resistance and intensity to keep your workouts interesting.
- Display Console: A clear, easy-to-read console that tracks your workout metrics (time, speed, distance, calories burned) is a must-have.
5. Durability and Build Quality
- Sturdy Construction: Even in compact models, look for solid construction with high-quality materials to ensure durability.
- Weight Capacity: Check the machine’s weight limit to ensure it can safely support all users in your household.
6. Price and Warranty
- Budget: Compact ellipticals come in a range of prices, so determine your budget beforehand. Remember, you often get what you pay for in terms of features and build quality.
- Warranty: A good warranty can provide peace of mind, covering parts and labor for repairs if something goes wrong.
How to Choose the Right Compact Elliptical for You
- Evaluate Your Fitness Goals: Whether you're a beginner looking for light exercise or a fitness enthusiast seeking more challenging workouts, choose a machine that aligns with your goals.
- Consider Your Space: Measure your available space and check the dimensions of the elliptical to ensure it fits.
- Test the Machine: If possible, try out the elliptical before buying to see if the stride length and resistance levels suit your needs.
- Read Reviews: Look for user reviews and expert opinions to gauge the machine's reliability and performance.
Top Picks
Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series
Best All-Around Compact Elliptical
Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Elliptical
Why We Love the Sunny Stepping Elliptical Machine
The Sunny Health & Fitness Legacy Stepping Elliptical Machine is a standout for its compact design and effective workout capabilities. We love it because it combines the benefits of a full-body workout with a space-saving footprint, making it ideal for home use.
The machine's smooth stepping motion and adjustable resistance levels cater to users of all fitness levels, helping you burn calories and tone muscles without putting undue stress on your joints. Its quiet operation ensures you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others, making it a perfect addition to any home gym.
What You Should Know Before Buying
Before purchasing the Sunny Health & Fitness Legacy Stepping Elliptical Machine, it's essential to consider a few factors. While its compact design is great for saving space, it may not provide the same stride length as larger elliptical machines, which could be a drawback for taller users or those seeking a more extensive range of motion.
Additionally, while it's effective for low-impact workouts, it may not offer the intensity some advanced users might be looking for. Finally, assembly is required, so be prepared to spend some time setting it up before you can start using it.
Specifications of the Sunny Stepping Elliptical Machine
- Dimensions: 42.5” L x 19” W x 60” H
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Resistance Levels: Adjustable magnetic resistance
- Stride Length: 11.5 inches
- Display Monitor: Tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse
- Foot Pedals: Non-slip, textured foot pedals for safety
- Additional Features: Built-in pulse sensors, compact and portable design, transportation wheels for easy movement
- Weight: 64 lbs
These details will help you understand why the Sunny Health & Fitness Legacy Stepping Elliptical Machine could be a great addition to your home gym while also providing the key information you need before making a purchase.
Niceday Elliptical Machine
Why We Love the Niceday Elliptical Machine
The Niceday Elliptical Machine is a standout for its smooth, quiet operation and robust build, making it ideal for home workouts. We love that it offers a low-impact, full-body workout that’s gentle on the joints while effectively burning calories and improving cardiovascular health.
Its user-friendly design includes a large LCD display to track your progress and multiple resistance levels to customize your workouts, catering to both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to fit into smaller spaces, making it a perfect addition to any home gym.
What You Should Know Before Buying the Niceday Elliptical Machine
Before purchasing the Niceday Elliptical Machine, consider its assembly process, which can be time-consuming and may require assistance. Although it’s designed to be compact, ensure you have enough space for both the machine and your workout routine, as the stride length might be a bit limiting for taller users.
Additionally, while the elliptical offers multiple resistance levels, it lacks advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity or preset workout programs, which might be a consideration if you're looking for more interactive or varied training options.
Niceday Elliptical Machine Specifications
- Dimensions: 48.4 x 24 x 60 inches
- Weight: 106 lbs
- Resistance Levels: 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- Display: Large LCD monitor with time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate tracking
- Stride Length: 15.5 inches
- Max User Weight: 400 lbs
- Flywheel: 16 lbs for smooth motion
- Additional Features: Transport wheels for easy movement, pulse sensors on handlebars
These features and considerations will help you decide if the Niceday Elliptical Machine is the right fit for your fitness needs and home environment.
Bowflex Max Trainer
Why We Love the BowFlex Max Trainer Series
The BowFlex Max Trainer Series is a standout choice for fitness enthusiasts who crave an intense, low-impact workout. Combining the benefits of a stepper and an elliptical, it offers an efficient, full-body workout that burns calories quickly while being gentle on the joints.
Its sleek design, customizable resistance levels, and engaging workout programs make it ideal for both beginners and seasoned athletes. The Max Trainer Series also integrates with the JRNY app, providing personalized coaching, virtual workouts, and real-time tracking, making each session motivating and enjoyable.
What You Should Know Before Buying the BowFlex Max Trainer Series
Before investing in the BowFlex Max Trainer Series, consider the space and budget. The machine is relatively compact compared to traditional fitness equipment, but it still requires a dedicated workout area.
It's also on the higher end of the price spectrum, reflecting its quality and advanced features. Additionally, while the workouts can be adjusted for beginners, the intensity is generally higher, so it may take some time to build up endurance. Ensure you're ready for a commitment to regular use to make the most of this investment.
BowFlex Max Trainer Series Specifications
- Dimensions: Varies by model (e.g., M6: 49.3” L x 30.8” W x 65.7” H)
- Weight: Ranges from 148 lbs to 148 lbs depending on the model
- Resistance Levels: Up to 20 resistance levels
- Workout Programs: Multiple preset and customizable programs via JRNY app
- Display: Dual-mode LCD/LED screens (varies by model)
- Compatibility: Integrates with the JRNY app for personalized coaching and tracking
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Contact grips and Bluetooth heart rate monitoring
- Connectivity: Bluetooth-enabled, USB charging port
- Weight Capacity: Typically supports users up to 300 lbs
These features make the BowFlex Max Trainer Series a versatile and powerful tool for anyone looking to elevate their fitness routine.
YOSUDA Pro Cardio Elliptical Machine
Why We Love the YOSUDA Pro Cardio Elliptical Machine
The YOSUDA Pro Cardio Elliptical Machine is a standout for its smooth, low-impact workout experience, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts. We love its sturdy build, designed to handle intense workouts while ensuring stability and comfort.
The machine’s advanced digital monitor tracks essential metrics like time, distance, speed, and calories burned, helping you stay on top of your fitness goals. Additionally, the quiet operation allows you to work out anytime without disturbing others, making it a perfect fit for home use.
What You Should Know Before Buying the YOSUDA Pro Cardio Elliptical Machine
Before purchasing the YOSUDA Pro Cardio Elliptical Machine, consider the space you have available; this machine has a solid, robust build, so it requires ample room. Also, while it's user-friendly, assembly can take some time, so be prepared for a bit of a setup process.
It’s important to note that although this elliptical is excellent for low-impact cardio, it might not provide the same intensity level as some high-end gym models. Lastly, make sure the stride length fits your height to ensure comfort during workouts.
Specifications of the YOSUDA Pro Cardio Elliptical Machine
- Dimensions: 55" L x 24" W x 64" H
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Flywheel: 16 lbs with magnetic resistance
- Resistance Levels: 16 levels of adjustable resistance
- Display: Digital monitor with time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse tracking
- Stride Length: 15.5 inches
- Additional Features: Non-slip foot pedals, transportation wheels, and tablet holder for multimedia entertainment during workouts.
Best Compact Elliptical FAQs
With so many famous brands and so many models available on the market decide which is best for you.
Our comprehensive buyer's guide with frequently asked questions helps you choose the best elliptical that is compact, affordable, and fulfill your need. This guide will help you understand what to look for when choosing the best ones.
Here are some of the common frequently asked questions about elliptical.
Q: Are compact ellipticals any good?
Answer: Yes, compact ellipticals are an excellent way to get a low-impact, full-body workout in, regardless of your fitness level. An elliptical can be an excellent piece of exercise equipment for home use because it gives the user a total body workout without leaving their home.
Q: Are mini ellipticals worth it?
Answer: An under-desk elliptical can be a great way to get some extra movement during your day, especially if you typically spend hours working at a desk. However, because you use the machine while seated, you will not get the same benefits you would by using a traditional standing elliptical with upper-body handles.
Q: Are seated ellipticals effective?
Answer: There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people find that seated ellipticals are effective for them, while others find that they are not as effective as using an elliptical machine standing up.
The main benefit of using a seated elliptical is that it is easier on the joints than an elliptical machine that you stand on. This can be especially helpful for people who have joint pain or other health issues that make it difficult to stand on an elliptical machine.
However, some people find that they don't get as good a workout when they use a seated elliptical, because they don't move as much as they do when they are standing up. So it depends on what works best for you.
Q: Can you stand on a mini elliptical?
Answer: Sure! A mini elliptical is a great way to get a cardio workout without putting a lot of stress on your body. It's also a perfect way to add some variety to your routine.
When you're first starting, I recommend standing on the machine for about five minutes at a time. As you get more comfortable with it, you can gradually increase the amount of time you spend standing on the machine. Just be sure to listen to your body and stop if you start feeling tired or uncomfortable.
Q: Is the elliptical as good as a treadmill?
Answer: An elliptical is a great machine for people who are new to exercise or who have joint problems. Because the elliptical puts less stress on the joints than a treadmill, it's a good choice for people with knee problems or other joint issues. However, if you're looking to burn the most calories, the treadmill is a better choice than the elliptical.
Q: Are elliptical machines good for seniors?
Answer: An elliptical machine is an ideal way for a low-stress and effective workout. It is ideal for seniors who need mobility and desire to stay fit. The best elliptical machine for seniors allows them to run, walk, and climb with minimal injury risk. With this machine, you can slowly gain back your healthy being.
Q: How much room do you need for an elliptical?
Answer: Most ellipticals require about 2 feet of space on either side and at the rear for proper use. Some elliptical trainers, such as ones with a stride length over 20", may require more space. If you're wondering if an elliptical will fit in your room, measure the dimensions of the room and compare them to the machine's specs.
Q: What's the difference between a cross trainer and an elliptical?
Answer: Regular elliptical machines have static bars that you can hold while you work your legs. But the cross trainer has moving bars that involve your arms in the workout. The moving bars of a cross trainer provides pushing and pulling action that gives your arms resistance training.
Q: Do ellipticals fold up for storage?
Answer: Center-drive elliptical machines have the smallest dimensions and are non-folding. Front- and rear-drive ellipticals have longer frames but may be foldable for storage. Check out our top picks for compact elliptical machines below, and read on for an in-depth buying guide for this low-impact fitness equipment solution.
Q: What is a good brand of elliptical machine?
Answer: There are a lot of good brands of elliptical machines, but my personal favorite is the Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series. It's extremely durable and built to last, and it has a comfortable stride length. Plus, the price is right for what you get.
Key Takeaways
So, if you’re in the market for a compact elliptical and want to buy the best compact elliptical with all the essential and advanced features and new technology our top pick is the Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Elliptical, which has all of the features you need to get started on your fitness journey.
If you already have Sunny Health & Fitness or are looking for something with more bells and whistles, check out our other top picks. Sole and Bowflex can also help you fulfill your needs and help you make a progressive day.
Happy Shopping!