A slim body and a healthy body is everyone’s dream. This can be achieved through diet, as well as by exercising certain muscle groups. On the other hand you can simply go to the gym but many users simply don’t have the time or money, as the lion’s share of their workouts is spent travelling to and from the gym.
Why not get an exercise machine for your home? While the exercise bike mainly trains your legs and glutes, and the treadmill is a kind of preparation for serious training, the elliptical machine is designed to train your feet, calves, hips, glutes, shoulders and back.
It’s very useful and works a vast number of muscle groups, and it’s easy to work out if you’ve chosen the lowest resistance level. However, if you set a more difficult parameter, the training will not be easy.
On this machine, it feels as if you are running, but at a slower pace, and you are supported by the structure. It is effortless to handle and effective in achieving results.
It is a machine with movable handles and pedals. Different modes allow you to simulate running and walking at different speeds.
Inexpensive elliptical trainer
As we’ve already mentioned, the elliptical trainer can replace the exercise bike, treadmill, and even rowing. It’s called this because the legs move in an ellipsoidal trajectory.
This trainer provides a good workout for the thighs and calf muscles, but not for the knees and hips. This negates the possibility of sprains. It is precise because of the minimal load on the joints that the elliptical trainer can use with joint problems, effectively working them out.
And if you work out by pedalling backwards, the glutes are worked out. This method activates the tendons, which cannot be achieved on other types of machines. This makes the ellipsoid a unique instrument of its kind.
If you work with your hands, you can soon get them trimmed. The ellipsoid helps and improves circulation throughout the body as you stand upright and strive to stay on the pedals, which activates generally not engaged muscles.
Top benefits of an elliptical trainer
- Multifunctionality. With this device, it becomes possible to work many upper and lower body muscles.
- Versatility. Suitable for teenagers, mature and older people. Ideal for athletes and beginners alike.
- Safety for the joints. Stretching is virtually eliminated during workouts on the ellipsoid.
- Just one workout for a few minutes (20-40) can increase blood flow and strengthen the cardiovascular system and muscle tone.
Choosing the right elliptical trainer for your home
When choosing an elliptical trainer, experts recommend the following criteria:
- * load. The weight of the person exercising on the equipment mustn’t exceed the maximum permissible weight specified in the model instructions;
- * the strength of the structure. It is best to get a metal frame that is free from defects and gaps between the parts;
- * Availability of a folding mechanism. This criterion is particularly relevant for small flats. The elliptical trainer at home must always be folded down for space-saving storage;
- * Handwheel weight. The heavier it is, the smoother the pedalling and the higher the possible workload on the elliptical;
- * drive. There are front-drive and rear-drive elliptical trainers. The latter is considered more suitable for people of different sizes and heights, so experts recommend buying the rear-driven models for family ellipticals. Front-wheelers, on the other hand, give more exercise, so for people who are fit and overweight it’s better to take them;
- * pitch size. The most common choice is around 40 cm, but short people and petite physiques should consider elliptical trainers with 30 cm pedal spacing. elliptical trainers with a stride length of 50 cm are considered the most effective, but exercise on them is recommended only for athletic people with good physical fitness;
- * Pedal angle adjustment. This setting is only available on expensive elliptical trainers and allows you to work even more muscles in a cardio workout;
- * manufacturer. Before buying a trainer, read the reviews of the brand and the specific model;
- * price. The cost of the purchase should not exceed the budget allocated to it. Within it, choose the option with the most significant number of functions.
Types of elliptical trainers
Electromagnetic elliptical trainers
The electromagnetic home models are powered by a built-in processor that controls the load level, braking system and reads all exercise criteria.
The advantages of these elliptical trainers are
- * in precise control of the level of difficulty;
- * in programmable training sessions;
- * in a large number of additional features (workout parameter counting, different movement modes).
The main disadvantage of electrically-powered elliptical trainers is their high price. The second disadvantage that users point out is that electricity consumption and the resulting increase in utility costs. These elliptical trainers’ dimensions cannot be described as compact, so they are not the best solution for a small room in the house.
Magnetic elliptical trainers
Elliptical trainers that are braked by magnets cost less than electric versions.
Most of these models also feature several load levels controlled and adjusted by repositioning the magnets. The movement on them is much softer than on mechanical simulators.
Another advantage of this type of elliptical is its quietness. You can practise at home without disturbing anyone around you. You can choose those that count all workout parameters and have heart rate sensors among the magnetic designs.
Magnetic elliptical trainers are considered more suitable for home use due to their low price, folding system and compact storage.
Rating of top elliptical trainers for home gym
Now we are gonna take a look at top 10 elliptical trainers that users choose for affordability. We will be looking at:
1. Torneo Festa C-320
2. DFC E40H
3. Evo Fitness Elion
4. DFC 8.2
5. UnixFit SL-350 black
6. Brumer Unit M420
7. ATEMI AE 405
8. DFC Challenge Pro E8019B/E8019R
9. DFC TF-3.2H
10. DFC Challenge Climber 1.0
Torneo Festa C-320
The elliptical trainer with its magnetic system is the right companion for keeping your body in shape. The flywheel is located at the rear and weighs 12 kg. It comes with 10 different resistance levels, so you can choose the one best suited to your activity level: a third entry-level is enough for some, while an eighth is enough for others.
The weight of the user that this unit can support must not exceed 115 kg. The stride length is 39 centimetres, an average value as a small stride cannot work the thigh muscles properly and a too-long stride can’t work the calf muscles properly. The ellipsoid has a large screen that displays information on distance travelled, calories burned and running speed.
Average rating – 4.6
Average price – 20,000 roubles
Pros
* Good screen.
* Optimal step length.
* A renowned manufacturer.
* A unique sensor measures the heart rate.
* Floor unevenness compensators.
* There is a place to put a book for reading.
Minuses
* May creak.
* For tall people, not the best option.
2nd place. DFC E40H
The DFC E40H is a compact stationary bike for home use that uses a magnetic loading system and heart rate sensors on the handlebars for even greater convenience and precision.
It is essential to know that such devices can be a little skewed, so it is best to use a separate heart rate monitor to monitor your body condition. The screen is battery-powered and displays the distance run and calories burned. The flywheel is not large and is located at the rear, weighing up to 5 kg. Its stride length is 31 cm, and it has 8 loading levels, which is perfect for different users of all weights.
Average rating – 5.0
Average price – 13500 roubles
Pros
* Very compact.
* Does not take up much space.
* Capable of supporting 100 kg.
* Able to measure the pulse.
* Easy-to-read display.
* 8 load levels.
* There is a bookend.
* Transport wheels.
Minuses
* Not identified.
3rd place. Evo Fitness Elion
The Evo Fitness Elion is a magnetic ellipsoid that will keep your body toned and your muscles in shape. This machine eliminates stress on the joints while focusing on the hips and buttocks. It’s great for people of all heights and sizes, as long as you don’t weigh more than 120kg.
The very sturdy construction with anti-slip pedals and height-optimised grips allows you to distribute the load during exercise. The flywheel is at the rear and weighs 8 kg. The equipment features 8 loading levels for each user.
Average rating – 4.7
Average price – 21,000 roubles
Pros
* A renowned manufacturer.
* Optimal combination of price and quality.
* 8 degrees of loading.
* Capable of supporting 120 kg.
* The heart monitor on the handlebar.
* Large, comfortable screen.
Minuses
* Difficult to assemble and set up the simulator.
4th place. DFC 8.2
The DFC 8.2 is a low-cost training machine with a magnetic loading system that fits in even a small room with ease. It is intended exclusively for home use. Equipped with comfortable, wide pedals that are rubber-coated to prevent your foot from shifting while you’re on the move.
The on-board console is powered by two batteries and displays distance information travelled, calories consumed and exercise time. This design assumes a front-mounted flywheel. The unit is capable of supporting 100 kg of user weight.
Average rating – 4.6
The average price is 8,900 roubles.
Pros
* A renowned manufacturer.
* Capable of supporting 100 kg.
* Very compact compared to other models.
* Large on-board computer.
* Lightness.
Minuses
* Short stride length (29 cm).
* Flimsy assembly.
5th place. UnixFit SL-350 black
UnixFit SL-350 is a very stylish black device that will complement your interior and help to keep your body toned. The ellipsoid is a safe workout, avoiding stretching or awkward movements that could cause injury.
The heavyweightflywheel’s will help you select the exact degree of loading based on your physical attributes while still keeping the pedals gentle. The easy-to-read display shows calorie consumption, heart rate and distance run. A tablet or book holder comes in handy in various situations: you can now chat to friends or watch videos online while you’re actively exercising on the simulator.
Average rating – 4.7
The average price is 19,000 roubles.
Pros
* A combination of price and quality.
* Robust assembly.
* An excellent big flywheel.
* Smooth pedal movement.
* An exercise mat is included to protect the floor covering.
* A bottle of healthy sport shakes is included.
Minuses
* Inaccuracies in heart rate measurements.
6th place. Brumer Unit M420
The Brumer Unit M420 is an elliptical trainer with a magnetic loading system and a compact flywheel weight of 4 kilograms. 8 loading levels are available, allowing you to choose a value to suit your physique.
The stride length is short, at 32 centimetres. The unit can support 110 kg of user weight, making it a sturdy and safe exercise device. The easy-to-read display shows the distance travelled and calorie burned. Weighing 25kg, it’s not too big and will fit nicely into a medium-sized room.
Average rating – 4.7
The average price is 11700 roubles.
Pros
* Low price to buy.
* 8 loading levels.
* Large, easy-to-read screen.
Minuses
* Short stride length.
* A small handwheel.
7th place. ATEMI AE 405
The ATEMI AE 405 is an elliptical trainer with a magnetic loading system. The flywheel weighs 5 kg and is designed to support up to 100 kg of body weight, making it suitable even for hard-core athletes. The machine features 8 loading levels, with which each user can select a value to suit their physical capabilities.
The stride length is short, only 28 centimetres, more suitable for shorter people. The heart rate monitor on the handlebar, but you should bear in mind that such devices do not accurately measure the heart rate, so a separate heart rate monitor is better. At a low price of 3,000 roubles, it’s the perfect compact companion for your health.
Average rating – 4.5
The average price is 3,200 roubles.
Pros
* Low cost.
* The display shows the distance travelled, calories burned and current speed.
* The heart rate monitor on the handlebar.
* Floor unevenness compensators.
* Transport wheels.
Minuses
* Flimsy construction.
* Squeaking.
* Short stride length.
8th place. DFC Challenge Pro E8019B/E8019R
The DFC Challenge Pro E8019B/E8019R is an exercise machine with a multi-gym system. Will help you build muscle and support your body in a short time. It has a stylish design and sturdy build, which is why consumers choose it.
A very powerful machine that can hold 130 kilograms, making it one of the most popular training machines under the price tag. The display shows the information on heart rate, distance travelled, and calories burned.
Average rating – 4.5
Average price – 19500 roubles
Pros
* A very sturdy and robust trainer.
* A renowned manufacturer.
* Excellent build quality.
* An in-demand model.
* 8 loading levels.
* Capable of supporting 130 kilograms.
* Floor unevenness compensators.
* There is a cupholder.
Minuses
* Cost.
9th place. DFC TF-3.2H
This machine is a classic elliptical trainer with 8 loading levels, with which you can select your level according to your physical capabilities. The flywheel is large, located at the rear, weighing 5 kg.
The machine has a stride length of 31 centimetres, which is optimal for quality calf training for users of all heights. Capable of supporting 100 kg.
Average rating – 3.8
The average price is 15,000 roubles.
Pros
* A renowned manufacturer.
* Robust assembly.
* Optimal price.
* 8 loading levels.
* There are casters for transport.
Minuses
* May creak.
10th place. DFC Challenge Climber 1.0
A relatively large unit for home use will require a certain amount of space for its construction. It definitely won’t fit in a small room. Weighing 34 kg, it is quite a large machine, the flywheel weighs 5 kg.
The training machine with a multi-gym is capable of supporting as much as 120 kg of body weight. The on-board computer displays the distance covered, calories burned and speed. A bright and sturdy machine will be a faithful companion in pursuing a healthy body and strong muscles.
Average rating – 4.0
The average price is 15,000 roubles.
Pros
* A combination of price and quality.
* Inexpensive.
* 8 load levels.
* Floor unevenness compensators.
* Transport wheels.
* Robust body.
Minuses
* Heavy, bulky.
We’ve looked at ten great machines for pumping up your muscles and getting fit. Happy shopping!