So, why are there rear and front styles of ellipticals? It’s simple enough. When Precor first came out with the elliptical, they controlled the patent on the rear drive design. So, in order to compete companies only had a few options:
Note: In our experience, if you’re considering a Rear Drive Elliptical then you should check out what NordicTrack has to offer. For Front Drive Ellipticals Sole Fitness is your best bet for a reasonably price high quality machine.
Rear Drive Ellipticals Stride:
The elliptical stride on a rear drive machine has a feeling like you are jogging or walking. When you’re working out you also tend to be better centered on rear wheel drive ellipticals compared to a front drive machine.
Front Drive Ellipticals Stride:
A front drive may seem more like working out on a stair climber. It’s also been noted that you tend to lean forward when working out on front drive elliptical compared to a rear drive. It’s also important to note that front drive ellipticals are easier to get on and off of because you don’t have to step over as much machine and you’re often lower to the ground.
Which Provides a Better Workout?
Some people suggest that you get a better workout front rear drive machines, but we haven’t found that to be the case at all. When you crank up the resistance of a front drive machine you can get you heart pounding the same as a rear drive elliptical.
Click Here for the Best Pricing on the Sole Elliptical E35
Front Drive Elliptical
One of the advantages of rear drive ellipticals is you have less moving parts. Consequently, you have less parts that may require service.
For example, most front drive ellipticals have foot pedals that run on rails in the rear, particularly with cheaper machines, the rollers may wear out with constant use. This is especially the case with front drive machines with single wheel rollers. You often find that the single rollers are less stable. However, front drive ellipticals like Sole, come with dual wheel rollers. They provide a more solid and stable feel.
There are a number of newer elliptical types coming out that can be considered hybrids between ellipticals, stair steppers, and treadmills. For instance, the NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer allows you to effortlessly adjusted your stride motion to target different lower body muscles. The main advantage for this type of model is that they have a smaller footprint and can sometimes work better for smaller spaces.
Both rear and front drive ellipticals have their advantages. The most important this to do is avoid cheap ellipticals because they will not stand up to your expectations. Here are some suggestions when purchasing an elliptical trainer…
Stride Length — Depending on your height you want an elliptical that has a minimum 18″ stride length. For taller users you want a 20″ stride. Several machines have adjustable stride lengths that can accommodate users of different heights. You’ll find that cheap ellipticals tend to have more of a oval stride, rather than an elliptical stride.
Smooth Motion — Cheaper machines have light flywheels, which result in a choppy motion. Opt for elliptical trainers that have around a 20 lb. flywheel or better. They’ll have a more natural feel to the motion and a better workout.
Stability — Cheaper machines are lighter, which results in a lack of stability. There is nothing like having a machine rocking under you while you work out to make you never want to get back on it! The more you weigh the more important it is to get a solid heavy machine so it won’t move under you. There are two features that affect an elliptical’s stability. The design of the base and the weight of the machine.
Overall Quality — Check out our Best Buys for top recommendations so you can get the best quality elliptical in your price range. When you do your research on a companies reputation be sure to look at both quality control and customer service.
In conclusion, find a machine that feels best for you.
Next: Programs and Consoles – What Tech Features Do You Really Need?
There are four choices as to where to purchase your elliptical trainer. Each offers advantages and disadvantages in regards to selection; pricing, service and product knowledge.
1. Mass Merchant
2. Sporting Good Store
3. Fitness Specialty Store
4. Online
Many times when we’ve visited these types of stores, the machines are broken or not plugged in for safety reasons. It can be difficult to 1) get on a working machine and 2) experience what the machine is supposed to feel like without damaged parts or excessive wear. (Children in large mass merchant stores tend to treat fitness equipment like a jungle gym and it shows.) You can find some good deals at Costco, but it is difficult to test the product since they are on shelves.
These are stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sports Authority. They tend to carry both budget and mid-range elliptical trainers. In addition to Icon products, like NordicTrack, you will also find brands like Sole and AFG. Dick’s has even started to sell some entry level Precor ellipticals and treadmills at certain locations.
These stores have their various inventory on the floor, so you can test the machines. The one problem you may encounter is that many of their floor samples are usually (again) beat-up, and are not in the best condition. It makes it hard to tell if the machine is built poorly or has been subjected to unreasonable abuse.
The salespeople are better informed than at mass merchant stores, but they are generally limited in their knowledge. Be wary of what they may sell you. Getting service can sometimes be frustrating. We gave up at a Dick’s after waiting 20 minutes for a salesperson. The hold the keys to the fitness equipment very tightly so it can be hard to gain “permission” to try a machine.
With both the big retailers and the sporting goods stores you may want to consider buying their products online and getting them shipped to your home. This saves you the trouble of transporting it home yourself. Some of these retailers occasionally offer free shipping when you buy online. Also be weary of their attempts to sell you extended warranties. Often it duplicates the warranties that already come with the equipment.
These smaller boutique shops tend to carry mid to high-end equipment. This is where you will find ellipticals like Precor, Octane, and Life Fitness. The salespeople are very informed and can provide some good insight. They can assist you in finding the right machine for your fitness goals. The one drawback buying from fitness specialty stores is the fact you will pay a premium, but in some cases personal care makes it worth the extra cost.
Buying fitness equipment online has become very popular. It is primarily because of the convenience and the potential savings. The Internet is an excellent place to research and compare models. You can view details and specifications of the different models. You can often find customer testimonials and company reviews.
The purchasing process is painless in comparison to going to a store, finding a salesperson, checking out and getting the elliptical home. Instead, you view models online, make your decision, submit your payment info, and wait for the machine to arrive at your doorstep.
In the case of the mass merchants and the large sporting goods stores, the prices online are generally the same as in the store. You may get some better deals when you purchase directly from the manufacturers web site. For example, NordicTrack regularly runs sales and discounts their machines. Others may offer incentives like free in-room delivery or extended warranties.
Find the latest prices, deals, and coupons on Fitness-Equipment-Source.com.
Shipping Options – Know What You’re Getting in Advance!
Whether you buy from a local retailer or online, you need to be aware of your shipping options. In most cases, shipping is to your curb. That means a semi-truck arrives with this 200 lb. machine in a huge box and drops it off at your curb. It becomes your challenge to get the heavy box into your house, up stairs, and into the room you’d like it to remain.
Other options include shipping to your door or first enclosure. Usually for an additional charge you can get inside shipping, but that doesn’t necessarily mean upstairs. In fact, some freight companies have union rules that forbid them from moving the machine up more than 5-6 steps.
The other option is inside delivery and set-up. The benefit to this type of delivery is they bring it in the house and set-up the machine (Although ellipticals are not that hard to set-up.) They will also remove and discard the shipping box and pallet, and if there is a problem with the machine they often take it back. This delivery option may require a few more days to arrange the set-up crew.
Read the fine print on the shipping details and determine if it is worth upgrading to an enhanced service.
Check out our Best Buys page to find our top rated Elliptical Trainers!
Typically, ellipticals display important stats like speed, time, calories, resistance level and time. With the budget models the information is displayed in a very simple and basic fashion. With more expensive models you will get more sophisticated information, providing a variety of feedback, monitoring and guidance.
With a console, look for controls and buttons that are easy to reach. You want a display that is easy to read and interpret. The displays are generally LCD or LED. Some LCD displays found on cheaper models are not back-lit and can be difficult to see, especially in poor lighting.
Higher end machines might include a web-enabled touchscreen that shows virtual running courses or allows you to surf the web while you exercise. Many machines also now incorporate an integrated tablet holder where you can place your connected smart device to play Netflix or view websites. Who doesn’t want to enjoy their favorite TV shows and blogs while they’re working out? This can be a great feature for motivation and entertainment.
A consideration when purchasing an elliptical is the console amenities, like speakers, MP3 input, fan, water bottle holder and reading rack. Having easy accessibility to your water and being able to read can be very desirable. A built-in fan offers relief directed at your core. Speakers and an MP3 input provides you with music, which can be an excellent motivator. (Note: The quality of sound systems on ellipticals vary drastically.)
Examples of elliptical trainer programs are target time, target distance, target calories, fat burn, hill climbing, interval and endurance. If the machine is equipped with heart rate control, you will have one or two programs that set the level of your exertion based on your heart rate. Some consoles have the option to save multiple user profiles. This can be handy if you are sharing a machine with multiple members of the household.
These days, almost all of our recommended machines include some sort of programming to track your fitness and measure your results. Sole Fitness has a less fancy LED display on a very well-built and durable machine. In addition, they have Bluetooth technology built into their machines, so you can link your machine to an online account, track your workouts, and watch your progress towards set goals. You can download a free Sole Fitness app that links to your machine and many popular apps you may already be using (like MyFitnessPal and AppleHealth).
Horizon Fitness offers a program called ViaFit that takes things one step farther. If your machine is ‘PassPort Ready,’ you can show a virtual exercise course on a linked TV screen. Set your goals, track your workouts, and see your progress using your online ViaFit account. This entire program is free with each Horizon elliptical as compared to iFit Live from NordicTrack (more on that below.)
Many of the programs on modern ellipticals vary the intensity of the workout by changing the level of resistance and thus your heart rate. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has proven to optimize your workout by getting more results in less time. Some brands, like Matrix Fitness, incorporate HIIT training programs right on their consoles. The program from Matrix is called Sprint 8 and now comes pre-programmed on some Matrix models.
Two Icon Fitness companies, NordicTrack and ProForm, offer perhaps the best twist on exercise programs — iFit.
You can also take advantage of the coaching feature by accessing one of the 1,200+ interactive videos in the iFit library. Each video is led by a world-renowned trainer who will adjust the incline and resistance of your machine to ensure you’re getting the best workout possible.
Like on Horizon’s ViaFit, your workout data and stats are fed back to iFit, where you can track your progress, and individuals who monitor their progress are more likely to reach their goals.
One thing that makes iFit stand out is this next feature. iFit also includes Google Maps, where you can define a route virtually any where in the world and simulate running the terrain with your elliptical. By using a tablet or smart phone, or HD Touchscreen on your machine, you can get either get a map, satellite, earth or street view of your route as your progress.
NordicTrack and ProForm can be a little confusing in how they designated the level of iFit programming on their machines.
Essentially, it’s determined by whether you need a smart device of your own, or if your machine has an HD Touchscreen display. You get a 1-year iFit membership with your purchase, but only on machines that come equipped with an HD Touchscreen. Models without that feature give you the option of purchasing a membership and require you to provide your own smart device.
Plus, some iFit machines require an additional wifi module purchase to connect the machine to the online account. We broke down the different types of iFit machines in this article.
It should be noted that iFit requires an ongoing paid subscription to use. If you purchase an iFit machine and choose not to activate your iFit, then you can’t take advantage of these features. That can be a good or a bad thing. NordicTrack and ProForm tend to offer more ‘bang for the buck’ in terms of features. If you choose not to pay for the iFit, you are still paying less money overall for a pretty snazzy machine.
Or, if free workout tracking, better durability, but perhaps lower specs for the money sound good to you, then you should consider an elliptical from a brand like Sole, Horizon, or Bowflex.
If you have more questions, check out our Elliptical Buyer’s Guide. Plus, check out our top recommendations on our Best Buy Ellipticals page.
Elliptical trainers offer stride lengths that vary from 14″-22″. Machines with 14″-16″ stride length can seem very awkward and uncomfortable, particularly to taller individuals or runners who are use to longer strides. Ellipticals with stride lengths of 16″ or less tend to feel more like a stepper and have a very choppy motion.
Some high-end models offer self-adjusting stride lengths, allowing you to adjust to a comfortable distance. You want a machine that has a stride that feels natural and fluid, without any restraint. For example, team member Fred Waters is 5’8″ and found the 20″ stride on the Sole E55 elliptical to be very natural in comparison to the 16″ stride on another machine.
The proper stride length is relative to your height. For example, smaller individuals may prefer a 16″-18″ stride, while taller users may want to consider a 20″+ stride. Be aware that not all designated stride lengths feel the same. We have been on some budget ellipticals that claim to have 18″ strides, yet the motion feels constraint and circular, rather than fluid and elliptical. Ideally you want a stride length where you hips to stay level, rather than shifting from side to side.
Sole E55 Elliptical Pedals
When exercising on an elliptical trainer, the foot will have some element of flux. It is the same motion you would experience when you walk. The flexing is important since it helps to keep the blood circulating and prevents numbness. The foot pedals on an elliptical trainer should be large enough to allow for some forward and backward movement. You also want them larger so your foot placement is in the most comfortable position within the framework of the elliptical motion.
Many elliptical trainers are now equipped with articulating foot pedals. These are ergonomic, pivoting foot pedals that rise with your feet to mimic the elliptical motion. They are designed to further reduce foot strain and potential numbness by keeping your ankles, knees and hips in proper alignment. You will also find some models that will allow you to adjust the angle of the pedal.
The foot pedals should be within a comfortable distance from each other, and should not be further than your hips. If they are, they can put constant strain on the hips, lower back, knees and glutes. This is particularly problematic for women who generally have narrower hips. Make sure the distance between the pedals are comfortable when working out.
One last note about foot pedals is the composition. Some are hard plastic, while others have a degree of cushioning. You will find with many of the budget models the pedals tend to be a hard plastic, to compensate it helps to have good shoes that offer reasonable cushioning.
Regarding alignment, another important concern is how your overall body positions in relation to the foot pedals and the handle bar. You want your body to be in a position where you feel like you are walking or running naturally. You don’t want to feel like you are being forced to lean forward or backward in order to maintain your balance.
The position of your body will change a bit depending on the particular machine that you are on. Some brands specifically incorporate features to try to make the user as comfortable as possible. Another thing that will affect your body alignment is the type of drive system. Some people feel that front drive machines tend to make the user lean forward a bit when they are exercising. It is ultimately up to your personal preference. There are pros and cons to each of the drive system types.
In conclusion, when purchasing an elliptical trainer it is important to find a machine that is designed for your physique. You ultimately want a cross-trainer that feels like your are walking or jogging on air. This low impact workout is one of the top benefits of using an elliptical trainer.
Check out more information on our Elliptical Buyer’s Guide. Also, find your next machine on our Best Buy Ellipticals page.
On most elliptical trainers you will find a heart rate monitor that is located on stationary handlebars in front of the console. The purpose is to monitor your heart, thereby allowing you to determine you heart rate. The alternative is heart rate control (HRC), which allows you to control the intensity of your workout by defining the heart rate level you wish to maintain.
By exercising in different zones (Intensity Levels) you can achieve different results. For example, if you are exercising and your heart rate is too low, you are not getting the full benefits from your workout. In contrast, if it is too high your activity can become counter productive. The hottest trend in exercise is high intensity interval training (HIIT), where you alternate your workout at different zone, going from high exertion to cool down periods. This is proven to get the best results for weight loss in the least amount of time.
Whether you are trying to lose a few pounds or training for a marathon exercising in the proper heart rate zone can be very advantageous. Below is an example of the various heart rate zones and how they rate to walking or running:
The Healthy Heart Zone:
50% – 60% of your individual maximum heart rate. This is a safe, comfortable zone reached by briskly walking.
The Temperate Zone:
60% – 70% of your individual maximum heart rate. Achieved through a slow jog.
The Aerobic Zone:
70% – 80% of your individual maximum heart rate. Achieved through a moderate run.
The Anaerobic Threshold Zone:
80% – 90% of your individual maximum heart rate. Achieved through a “burning” run.
The Redline Zone:
90% – 100% of your individual maximum heart rate. This zone is the equivalent of running full out, and is often used in “High Intensity Interval” training. This zone should be approached with caution and can lead to injuries when sustained for a long period.
Some models have an interval HRC program, which changes the resistance level so that you can train in different zones. It is similar to the hill training programs found on treadmills.
First, it is beneficial to at least have the heart rate monitor, and as mentioned almost all ellipticals come standard with that feature. As far as wireless heart rate control, that is an individual choice.
Team member Fred Waters personally likes to control his workouts manually and instinctively know the level where he feels comfortable. When he am moderately breathing he knows to kick it up. When he can’t maintain the pace any further he knows to slow it down.
If you are just starting to get back into exercising you may want to consider a machine with HRC. Consult with your doctor and/or a personal trainer and let them help you to determine the ideal level of exercise as defined by your heart rate. They can help you to establish goals and criteria for increasing your level of exertion.
If you are a professional athlete, then HRC can be beneficial for reaching your personal best, especially if you are interval training.
It should be noted that some machines offer heart rate control through stationary hand grips or a wireless chest strap. HRC through hand grips defeats the purpose of getting a upper body workout, since you are can’t use the moveable handlebars.
There is only one type of HRC that makes sense, and that is through a wireless chest strap. Although several brands offer heart rate monitors and control through the grips on the movable handlebars. Finally, brands like NordicTrack and ProForm that offer iFit Live sometimes offer a free wearable device (similar to a FitBit) that can help track your activity.
You will find that a number of fitness equipment manufacturers will have two similar elliptical models – the only difference being with or without wireless heart rate control. The variation is cost is usually $200-$300 more. Also, some models are equipped with wireless HRC telemetry, but charge additionally for the strap.
Check out more information on our Elliptical Buyer’s Guide or our Best Buy Ellipticals page.
The resistance mechanism and settings of an elliptical trainer is very important in achieving your fitness goals. Treadmills use speed and incline to control the intensity of your workout. Elliptical trainers utilize resistance and the force required to move the foot pedals and the upper handle bars. This resistance is applied against certain muscle groups in both your upper and lower body. It causes you body to expend energy which results in burning calories and to some extend, building muscle mass.
You want an elliptical whose settings vary enough that it can handle a range of exercises from very easy to strenuous. This is particularly important if there are multiple users at different levels of fitness. You also want a machine that offers a range of resistance in small increments, so when you go from one level to the other there is not a very noticeable difference.
Elliptical trainer have many of the same types of programs that are utilized in treadmills, like hill training, cardio workout, fat burn, etc. For example, with a hill training program the level or resistance will vary from easy to hard, as if you were walking or running up and down hills. With heart rate control the resistance is determine by keeping your heart rate at a targeted zone.
All elliptical trainers use some form of magnetic resistance, where a spinning flywheel spins within a magnetic field. The stronger the magnetic field the more resistance to the foot pedals and handlebars. (Check out this guide to elliptical parts if you need clarification.)
Budget and mid-range machines utilize a manual or motorized brake system. There is a magnet caliper or fork with magnets attached. Resistance is generated by adjusting the distance of the magnets to the flywheel. The closer the magnets to the flywheel the greater the resistance to the flywheel and the cranks. The distance is either controlled by a motor or by hand.
More expensive units are built with eddy current brake systems. Resistance is controlled by the current fed to the electromagnet from the console. The stronger the current, the greater the resistance to the flywheel and cranks. The benefit of this type of brake system is there are no moving parts, which means there are no parts that can wear out. This resistance system is low maintenance with a low probability of any malfunction. It is also extremely accurate and very quiet. Motorized and manual systems are less durable and tend to be noisier. You will find the eddy current system on most commercial grade ellipticals.
NordicTrack ACT Commercial – Center drive machine with more compact design.
Some ellipticals are very compact and some are space hogs, comparable in size to a treadmill. Obviously, it is important to purchase an elliptical that will fit in your house, but you also want a machine that has a natural elliptical motion and is stable.
We recommend you avoid the cheap, sub $500 elliptical trainers that you find at mass retailers. Yes, these machines are very compact, but they generally have a short, choppy and unnatural elliptical motion. Since they have such a small footprint and are not very heavy, they can be rather unstable. The instability is most apparent when subjected to a strenuous workout. These machines also have smaller stride lengths, making your elliptical exercise feel constraint.
Does that mean you should avoid compact elliptical trainers? Not necessarily. Depending on your available room and budget, a compact elliptical may make sense. And there are several manufacturers that sell ellipticals that are relatively compact, and yet are heavy and stable. They are equipped with rear drives that provide a smooth, natural elliptical motion. ONE recommendation is the Yowza Largo, which is reasonably priced.
NordicTrack SE7i – This rear drive model folds down for storage.
If you have the budget and the room then consider a regular size elliptical trainer (5’6″-7’6″). It will generally have a “flatter” feel to the elliptical motion. It is more like walking and running, and there is less upswing and kick.
It also makes sense that the larger and longer machines will have more stability, and since they are generally priced higher, they tend to be of better quality and more durable.
Center drive machines are another option. The can offer the advantage of being fairly compact, while still being extremely stable. They also offer the benefits of close pedal distance and easy step-up mounting. NordicTrack offers moderate price models.
Find more options in each category of elliptical with the Elliptical Best Buys page. Also, learn more about buying an elliptical with our Elliptical Buyer’s Guide.
