While trying hard to stick to our busy schedule, we often forget or ignore to spare some time to keep our body healthy. Our body does not demand any strict regime or constant care once you start your day with a bit of exercise which helps you keep your body active and healthy.
Welcoming your day with at least 40 minutes of exercise turns your lousy, tired day to the other way around! If not in the morning, try to cope and adjust in the intraday and definitely you can notice the difference.
Well, it is not that easy to keep your body active as you grow old. Thus, one can go with the elliptical trainer which makes the workout session fun-filled and entertaining!
By offering a low-impact workout, the elliptical trainer lets an energized total body workout (upper and lower). Especially for the “young at heart” generation, this machine is bound to provide the perfect aerobic feel and thus letting you burn the calories to lose weight.
With so many overwhelming features and prices, it becomes nearly impossible to find the right elliptical. This buying guide helps you in categorizing and prioritizing your needs and requirements to bring home the perfect piece of happiness!:
Buying Guide:
Being able to protect your joints, nonetheless, these hybrid ellipticals create wonders for the ones with hips, knees, and, lower body injuries during their workout session. Here is the list of the best hybrid ellipticals which makes the buying process easier:
Budget
Be it a piece of equipment or any piece of decor, for most of us, money is the biggest concern when it comes to buying them. Thus, trace your limits and prepare a budget before you track for the perfect elliptical.
Most of the times, the inexpensive machines you get n discount are not sturdy enough, and thus they do not last long. Keep in mind that you should not compromise on the quality while trying to match your budget.
Space
Just so you know, the elliptical machines occupy quite a bit of space of your home. Thus, before buying, make sure your gym room is spacious enough to hold a machine of about 4 to 7 feet in length.
Also, you need to have room for the pedals which can occupy 20 inches of space on either side.
Style of your choice
3 basic designs:
- Front-Drive:
The machine possesses a large wheel at its front. Even though it is quite vibrating and noisy, these happen to be the most affordable as it is basic and simple.
- Center-Drive:
With the pedals being at the track, these are similar to the treadmill. With a compact design, they offer a soft workout.
- Rear-Drive:
As the wheels are placed at the back of the machine, this causes the elliptical look lengthy. The pedals are on the track-and-roller to provide a proper incline.
Mandatory features
- Comfort and quiet
- Smooth motion
- Stride length
- Proper incline
- Better resistance
Safety concerns
To make your workout safe yet effective, choose an elliptical that provides warm-up and cool-down features.
The maintenance-free and a good warranty elliptical gets you the extra “Brownie points.” Also, as a measure of while your home is filled with naughty kids, you can lock the pedals by using the pin lock feature.
Well, there’s no meaning in buying the machine without trying it at least once. So, try before you buy.
Here are some of the best elliptical trainers which are worth your hard earned money:
1. ProForm Hybrid Trainer
This hybrid elliptical trainer is one of the best budgeted elliptical bike combos in the market. Being a hybrid exercise bike, it possesses some brilliant features:
Transformation:
The 2-in-1 design lets you transform the elliptical into a brand new bike in seconds!
Boost up your resistance:
Check out this amazing elliptical bike combo having 16 different levels of resistance. You can tone and match your resistance and thus improve eventually.
Silent magnetic technology:
What’s annoying during the workout session is the creepy noise of the machine! Worry no more! Enjoy working out regardless of the time without getting disturbed via silent magnetic technology.
Inbuilt workout sessions:
As it is a bike and elliptical combo, it certainly has to be extra special! It possesses 16 inbuilt workout sessions which help you accomplish your goals!
So, the sole idea is to boost up the zeal in you so that you can jump out of your bed with the sheer excitement of being able to work out in different settings.
Watts power meter:
You can see the exact count of the calories you burn throughout your workout in terms of watts of power.
Comfy foot pedals:
The preliminary concern during the workout is to make sure that the foot is placed right in the pedal. In order to avoid this distraction, the elliptical stationary bike combo has got something special for you.
The superior cushioning on the pedals shaves off the unnecessary concern of the foot is placed right.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Convenient table holder
- Comprises of iFit (Bluetooth enabled)
- Strong steel frame construction
Cons:
- It cannot be folded and thus ends up taking up space
- Comes with a limited warranty
2. ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Trainer
For those of you who are still guessing what a HIIT would be, here’s the clarity:
HIIT or High-Intensity Interval Training is an energized training wherein you are made to put your 100% effort throughout a set amount of duration. Don’t worry! There will be short recovery intervals too!
The agenda is to keep your heart rate high throughout the session so that you burn more calories and thus build more stamina.
If you are a gym freak, then, you will definitely love the concept of a Full-body HIIT workout. The blending of a 10-inch vertical trainer with the complete upper body movements for the stimulation of stepping while boxing makes you sweat more and burn calories even more!
Strengthening muscles:
Who does not like the combination of stair climbing and boxing? This elliptical stepper machine stimulates and activates the hamstrings, calves, biceps, glutes, and triceps with a single action!
10-inch vertical climbing path:
This elliptical stepper is designed to make your feet travel 10 inches vertically and 5 inches horizontally. The sole idea of this concept is to burn more calories and thus build more strength.
Silent Magnetic Resistance:
SMR is here to help you focus on your workout without being disturbed by any annoying noise. Thus, enjoy a smooth, clear, and quiet workout session!
Pros:
- Takes up less space
- Choice of 24 resistance settings
- It is compatible with iFit
- Improves endurance, metabolism, and bone density
Cons:
- HIIT is not suitable for everyone
- It can cause some serious health damage such as stroke
3. BowFlex Max Trainer Series
By bagging several extraordinary features, this elliptical stair stepper is bound to burn your calories and build stamina as promised:
Designed programs:
Are you a pro gym expert or a rookie when it comes to workout, this elliptical climber has got something for everyone.
You can choose your desired intensity level of the workout from the 11 designed programs. It is a great start for beginners as it eases the workout for the start-up members. Also, if you are a workout lover, then, you can try different levels from these interesting programs.
Handlebars:
Well, if you focus on the features, you will find something special in everything! For example, the commercial-grade handlebars of this elliptical trainer can track the pulse rate while you exercise!
Max Trainer App:
If you are frustrated with the foul assurance of your workout, then, you must definitely try this promising elliptical trainer. Yes, this elliptical makes your every move work via the Max Trainer App which is available in Apple and Android versions.
Time saver:
It has been proven that you can burn the same amount of calories by exercising in this machine for just 7 minutes as you do on a treadmill or a bike for 15 minutes! It is a must-buy if it fits your budget.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Inclusive of 8-week daily subscription
- Choice of 20 resistance levels
- 4 different user profiles
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Longer assembly time
4. Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner
Aluminum legs:
The combination of lightweight pedals and aircraft-grade aluminum provides a natural and smooth running resulting in enhanced efficiency and better performance.
Performance grips:
The presence of the performance grips helps you replicate the natural movement of your arms just the way you use them outside.
Also, get ready to reap the benefits from the balanced workout and additional core.
Activating glutes:
Well, if you are striving hard to replicate and match your “Gym idol,” then, here’s good news! The basic process of toning your body is by activating your muscles.
Focus on engaging your hamstrings and glutes which assures a wonderful performance of the overall body. You can now match the body of your idol you were craving for!
SmartLink App:
Based on your set goals, the SmartLink App is here to help you by developing some customized workout regimes.
Be it toning the muscles, endurance, building stamina, or speedy and active recovery of the parts, the SmartLink App helps you witness your progress by tracking your workout.
Being self-powered:
Just so you know, the zero runner does not demand to be plugged in. Thus, enjoy the total privilege of placing it anywhere and everywhere in your place without having to pay for the electric bill!
Well, this contributes to the power saving mechanism which in turn shaves off the burden of your electric bills shooting through the roof!
Stride tracing:
You can monitor your stride with the help of the stride tracing technology wherein you can easily know the pace of your workout level. This lets you focus and adjust your form so that you succeed in having the same energy as in the beginning!
Pros:
- Eliminates creepy noise
- Cross circuit for better results
- Walk, run, and jog with a zero impact on the body
- Self-powered
Cons:
- The console does not feature audio
- LCD dimensions are disappointing
Comparison Table:
Well, there are so many features and requirements that often tend to put you in a dilemma about which one to buy? To ease this pain, here’s the comparison table which has handpicked features and thus lets you compare with the other products:
| Feature/Product | ProForm Hybrid Trainer | ProForm Cardio HIIT Elliptical Trainer | Bowflex Max Trainer M7 Cardio Machine | Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner, Silver |
| Foldable | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| No. of programs | 16 | 32 | 11 | 35 |
| Stride length | 15 inches | N/A | N/A | 58 inches |
| Overall rating | 4-stars | 4-stars | 5-stars | 5-stars |
While looking for an elliptical machine, most of us do not have the clarity of the features which are necessary. At times, the overwhelming options available make us forget the thin line between the needs and luxuries.
To overcome this dilemma, first, make a clear decision of the purpose of the purchase. This will help and act as a filter when it comes to deciding on the features that are suitable for the purpose.
Thus, invest your hard earned money on the elliptical machine which fulfills your purpose and fits in your budget.
If the features are remarkable, don’t put your step back on extending your budget. Also, never compromise on the quality and features just because the elliptical machine is on a discount!
Conclusion:
Many of us feel annoyed and tend to make irrelevant excuses just to avoid the workout. Why? We somehow get a feeling that Workout time = Boring time! Well, to spice up your workout session, these amazing elliptical machines are here with a bunch of workout levels.
Choose the level of the workout intensity and eventually mark your achievement by accomplishing your goals! A rookie or a veteran. Doesn’t really matter because the only thing you need to focus on is to learn and improve with the exciting levels of resistance offered!
As these best hybrid ellipticals are well-known for their forgiving feel on the joints while exercising, even the person with injuries can challenge himself/herself and start or resume his/her practice of workout without causing any trouble.
As we grow old, it is quite obvious that the strength in our body decreases (even if we are young at heart!). Thus, most of our granny and grandpa miss their workout as they cannot stretch and bend as they used to do.
These amazing hybrid ellipticals can be the best companion to gift for those “forever child” people so that they never feel left out and thus can lead a healthy, happy life!
So, walk, run, jog, or jump to reach your goals. Just make sure you never quit. Smash your goals and create a newer one! So, what was your “workout excuse”? How has your elliptical machine helped you overcome the excuse?