Elliptical cross trainers are a very popular piece of equipment for both commercial and home gyms.
Not only do ellipticals improve your cardiovascular capacity, but they are also extremely low impact which makes them superb pieces of fitness equipment for those with movement or joint issues.
This article will start by reviewing nine of the best elliptical trainers that money can buy. We then move on to discuss the many benefits of using an elliptical and the different types of machines that exist.
We conclude with a comprehensive elliptical buyer’s guide to help you make the right choice.
Here are our picks for the best elliptical cross trainers in Australia:
Our top pick: Proform HIIT Cross Trainer
While most elliptical cross trainers move you in a horizontal fashion, the Proform HIIT machine moves more vertically.
As a result, this machine is half the size of most other ellipticals and, therefore, takes up significantly less space.
As the name suggests, this machine is perfect for high-intensity training and comes with thirty-two workouts to choose from.
In order to withstand the amount of force generated during high-intensity training, the machine is highly durable which is highlighted by the fact that it has a max user weight capacity of 150kg.
What We Like:
- Space Saving
- Perfect for HIIT Training
- 32 Workouts
- Durable
What We Don’t Like:
- Basic User Interface
Best Value: Lifespan Fitness X Trainer X-22
Another superb, cost-efficient option is the Lifespan Fitness X Trainer X-22. This elliptical cross trainer is compact and makes a great choice for those who are short on space.
Despite the price, the machine is very strong and durable and ensures that the user feels stable while in motion.
The machine uses magnetic resistance and there are sixteen different levels to choose from.
Finally, you can select from thirteen pre-programmed workouts and there is also the opportunity to create your own workouts.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Compact
- 16 Levels of Magnetic Resistance
- Customizable Workouts
What We Don’t Like:
- No Adjustable Incline
NordicTrack C12.9 Elliptical Cross Trainer
Another top-quality elliptical cross trainer is the NordicTrack C12.9. It has adjustable foot pedals along with multiple handles to provide the user with as much support as possible.
The OneTouch controls installed on this machine allow the resistance, stride length, and incline to be adjusted quickly and easily.
It has thirty-five workouts to choose from to cater for all fitness levels and abilities.
In terms of technology, it is equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen, two digitally-amplified speakers, an auxiliary music port, and a tablet holder to keep you entertained as you exercise.
What We Like:
- User-Friendly
- 35 Workouts
- Adjustable Stride Length
- Touchscreen and Speakers
What We Don’t Like:
- Large Machine
Powertrain Elliptical Cross Trainer Exercise Machine
While the Powertrain Elliptical Trainer does not cost much, it is still one of the best machines available.
This machine has an ergonomic design that promotes user safety and comfort. It is also a lot more compact than its competitors which makes it a great choice for a home gym.
It has adjustable handles and large anti-slip pedals to ensure that the machine fits all individuals regardless of their size.
The onboard screen tracks time, calories burned, speed, and total distance.
What We Like:
- Cost-Effective
- Compact
- Ergonomic Design
- Highly Adjustable
What We Don’t Like:
- Dial Resistance
Sole E35 Cross Trainer
If you are looking for a strong and durable machine, the Sole E35 Cross Trainer makes a great choice. Its heavy-duty frame promotes stability throughout exercise and can support up to 170kg.
The machine also has multi-grip position handles and adjustable foot pedals.
In addition, the machine comes with twenty levels of power incline as well as twenty levels of resistance.
Lastly, a chest strap belt comes with each purchase to allow you to best track your heart rate during exercise.
What We Like:
- Well Built
- Multi-Grip Handles and Adjustable Foot Pedals
- Twenty Levels of Incline and Resistance
- Heart Rate Monitoring Strap
What We Don’t Like:
- Long Stride Length May Be Challenging For Shorter Users
Freeform Cardio E2000 Commercial Elliptical Trainer
One of the biggest benefits of the Freeform Cardio E2000 Trainer is the fact that it is cordless and contains a clever self-generating power system.
The machine has a 14kg two-way flywheel which allows revolutions to be performed either forwards or backwards and a stride length of eighteen inches.
It uses electromagnetic resistance to increase the intensity of the workouts and has 24 levels to choose from.
Finally, this elliptical cross trainer is equipped with a dual grip heart rate monitor.
What We Like:
- Cordless
- 14kg Two-Way Flywheel
- 24 Levels of Magnetic Resistance
- Dual Grip Heart Rate Monitor
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
Matrix Comercial E1X Suspension Elliptical Machine
One of the more expensive elliptical cross trainer machines on the market is the Matrix E1X Suspension Machine.
As with the previous machine, this elliptical is self-powered. The quality of the construction and suspension system ensures that the machine delivers a very smooth motion.
As well as having dual action handles, the pedals also automatically position to allow the user to move in the most natural way possible.
Finally, the LED console display is user-friendly and extremely easy to operate.
What We Like:
- Self-Powered
- Quality Construction
- Automatically Positioning Pedals
- User-Friendly Console
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
Bowflex BXE326 Elliptical R5 Cross Trainer
The Bowflex BXE326 Elliptical Cross Trainer is one of the best pieces of cardio equipment on the market. The machine has a 15.5kg flywheel built-in which facilitates smooth motion and control.
The machine is also extremely comfortable and has an adjustable cushioning system. This allows you to adjust the pedal angle to match your preference and provide maximal comfort as you exercise.
Finally, the machine has twenty-five resistance levels to choose from and is Bluetooth compatible.
What We Like:
- Smooth Revolutions
- Adjustable Cushioning System
- 25 Resistance Levels
- Bluetooth Compatibility
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
Exerpeutic 900E Under Desk Mini Elliptical Trainer
Sitting at a desk all day and being sedentary can wreak havoc on our health, movement, and fitness.
The Exerpeutic 900E Mini Ellipitcal is designed to fit under your desk and allows you to work on your fitness and keep active while working.
The cleverly designed machine contains a chair hook to allow you to anchor the machine in place and prevent it from moving.
It has fourteen levels of adjustable resistance to cater for all abilities. Finally, the machine is very quiet and will not disturb colleagues or interrupt important business.
What We Like:
- Portable and Functional
- Promotes Activity At Work
- 14 Levels Of Resistance
- Quiet
What We Don’t Like:
- App Needed To Monitor Exercise Data
The Benefits Of Using Elliptical Trainers
This section will highlight an array of benefits associated with exercising on elliptical cross trainers.
Full Body Workout
Performing a workout on an elliptical machine will engage an array of muscle groups throughout the body.
The glutes, hamstring, and quads contract to drive the pedals, the pectorals and deltoids engage to pull on the handles and provide assistance and the core muscles activate to maintain stability throughout.
This gives it an advantage over other types of cardio such as running and cycling where muscle groups of the upper body do not contribute as much.
Burns Many Calories
As a consequence of being a full-body exercise, a session on the elliptical has the potential to burn a vast number of calories.
Being able to add resistance at the touch of the button is particularly beneficial as increasing the intensity of the exercise will lead to a greater calorie burn.
This is particularly significant for those who are looking to lose weight.
Burning a high number of calories each day can lead to the creation of a calorie deficit which is required to bring about fat burning and weight loss.
Therefore, it can be concluded that elliptical machines are an excellent piece of equipment for facilitating weight loss.
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Improving Aerobic Fitness
All forms of cardiovascular activity place a demand on the heart and lungs.
The heart must consistently circulate blood to the working muscles in order to deliver nutrients (such as oxygen) and remove waste products (such as carbon dioxide).
The lung’s function is to uptake oxygen and allow it to enter red blood cells. The lungs must also remove carbon dioxide from the blood and expel it.
With regular aerobic activity, the heart and lungs will experience an adaptation. This causes the heart to beat more efficiently to circulate the blood while also increasing the amount of oxygen that the lungs can consume.
Not only is improving your aerobic capacity good for your physical fitness, it is also linked with reducing the risk of developing a chronic disease such as coronary heart disease and diabetes.
Low Impact Exercise
As touched on earlier, elliptical cross trainers are very low impact and do not put the same amount of strain on the joints as a number of other aerobic-based activities.
For example, the foot strike in running places a high amount of stress on the ankle and knee joint.
However, because the feet and hands stay in contact with the machine at all times, the joints are not exposed to great stress.
As a result, the elliptical machines are specifically recommended for those who struggle with joint issues – specifically around the hips, knees, and ankles.
Maintaining Fitness While Injured
In addition to those who have joint issues, those who have sustained an injury may be able to use the elliptical machine to maintain their fitness levels as they rehabilitate.
Evidently, this depends entirely on the site and severity of the injury.
However, for those who can, the elliptical is one of the best choices for rehabilitation mainly because it is low impact, does not require a large range of motion, and doesn’t place much stress on the joints or muscles.
Additionally, it is also very stable, easily adjustable, and user-friendly, all of which are incredibly important for those who are recovering from an injury.
Elliptical Trainer Buyers’ Guide
This final section will highlight a number of key considerations that must be made when buying the best elliptical trainer.
Size and Portability
For those who are restricted for space, it is important that you check the dimensions of the elliptical cross trainer to ensure it will fit.
Be aware that there are some very large elliptical machines that consume a great amount of space.
If you are tight on space, there are smaller, more compact machines that will provide an equally effective workout while maximizing space.
In a similar way, it’s also important to note that some ellipticals have wheels that to allow you maneuver the machine with ease while others are fixed.
Resistance
Most machines use magnets to apply resistance.
Evidently, the more resistance levels that a machine has, the more you can vary the intensity of your training.
The best elliptical cross trainers will have a number of resistance levels to choose from.
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Flywheel Weight, Position and Function
An important factor that must be considered is the flywheel. When you press on the pedals and pull the handles, a flywheel spins.
Typically, the heavier the flywheel is, the smoother the motion will feel. While it has little impact on the performance of the elliptical, the machine will be either front-drive or rear-drive.
This simply refers to the position of the flywheel.
Finally, the best ellipticals have a two-way flywheel that allows for reverse revolutions as well as forward revolutions, however, not all do.
Foot Pedals and Handles
The best ellipticals allow you to adjustable the foot pedals and stride length while also providing multiple handles.
These features allow you to adjust the machine and your body position in order to maximize comfort.
It is important to check whether the stride length is fixed or adjustable. The best machines will have an adjustable stride length.
Furthermore, many ellipticals have a heart rate monitor built-in to the handles. This is a very useful feature and can help you monitor intensity and optimize your fitness training progress.
User Interface and Workout Programs
Finally, it’s important to consider how user-friendly the elliptical trainer is. The majority of machines come with some type of display that will provide workout data such as time, distance, speed, and calories burned.
It is also worthwhile to assess the controls to ensure that the machine can be operated quickly and safely.
In order to make the best progress possible with your fitness, many elliptical cross trainers come with a range of workouts, therefore, check to see how many workouts it provides.
