“Ellipticals are very widely used and sometimes even misused exercise equipment, be it at home or at the gym. The number of calories you burn depends on a number of factors, such as; the stride speed, level of resistance, and height of the ramp. Using this machine, you can burn around 270 calories to 400 calories while working out for about 30 minutes. It’ll also provide a fairly low-impact cardio session, in comparison to treadmills. This is because your feet never truly leave the pedals. If your target is to elevate your heart-rate, shed some extra pounds, and push yourself hard then you’re failing to make proper usage of this machine.” – according to a certified personal trainer, Evan Johnson, who resides in Storrs, Connecticut.
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We along with some of the renowned fitness experts went through the rigorous process of analyzing and testing out a few of the best performing elliptical machines. After a unanimous decision, we chose the Precor EFX 833 as our Editor’s Overall Best Choice. This exercise machine works very efficiently in building strength and enhancing muscle endurance, specifically in your calves, quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Not only does it work on your lower body. It works quite effectively on your back, arms, and chest while you use the handles. Since it works on more muscles, so you’ll be burning more calories in the process. We shall be reviewing some of the best ellipticals along the course of this article, so stick around, you won’t be disappointed.
Comes w/ Adjustable CrossRamp Technology, Adjustable Path Height, EFX motion has low-impact, Offers Sleek & Innate Performance, Has Telemetry Heart-rate Tracking Mechanism, Implanted Handles work Efficiently on Lower Body | Editor’s Overall Best Choice
Precor EFX 833 is a premium quality elliptical cross-trainer. The manufacturers have equipped the EFX 883 with award-winning biomechanics. It has been designed with a wide range of training programs. This will help you to reach your intended fitness goals. You will be able to adjust its CrossRamp, both forwards and backward, at an angle between 13° to 40°. This elliptical trainer is compatible with wireless heart-rate transmitters. EFX 833 offers you a low-impact trainer. It targets your lower body, such as your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves to give you a toned physique. Some of the features that make it stand-out from other ellipticals include; 12 different workout programs, its patented elliptical motion, reverse pedaling motion, 20 magnetic resistance levels, and a multilingual LCD screen.
- Configuration: Rear Drive
- Upper Handlebars: Fixed Contact-grip w/ Heart-rate Sensors
- Foot Pedals: Large & Polypropylene-made
- Ramp: Adjustable CrossRamp, 13° to 40° (Forward & Backwards)
- Ramp Material: Anodized Aluminum
- Covers: Ramp & Rear-drive Housing
- Equipment Dimension: 85” x 32” x 44”
- Minimum/ Maximum Stride Length: 21” / 25”
- Step-up Height: 8”(lowest)/ 21.5” (highest)
- Weight: 338 lbs
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Console: Streamlined Big LCD Monitor
- Pre-set Programs: (1) Interval (2) Weight Loss (3) Variety (4) Gluteal Workouts
(5) Heart-rate (6) Basic HRC (7) Performance (8) Fitness Test (9) Cross-Training - Biomechanics: Low-impact Sleek & Innate EFX motion
- Resistance System: 3-phase Eddy Current Mechanism; 20 levels
- Transport Wheels: Wide Wheels
- Folding: No
- Accessory Holder(s): Water-bottle & Smartphone storage
- Technology: CrossRamp Technology. QuickStart feature, MuscleMonitor
- Heart-rate Monitoring: Sensors on Handles, Wireless Telemetry feature
- Entertainment Options: Reading Rack & Personal Viewing Screen
- Network Capabilities: CSAFE ready & FitLinxx Compatibility
- Power Requirements: Self-powered
- Regulatory: FCC, ETL, CE & EN957
- Color: Pacific Blue, Silver Gray
A quick view of our selected best elliptical machines in the market for weight loss:
| Elliptical Bike | Weight Capacity (lbs.) | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Precor EFX 833 Commercial Series Elliptical | 350 | 98 |
| Bowflex M3 Max Trainer | 300 | 94 |
| Cubii JR1 Under Desk Elliptical | 250 | 92 |
| Teeter FreeStep LT1 Cross Trainer and Elliptical | 300 | 92 |
| HCI Fitness Physio Step HXT | 330 | 86 |
| Ancheer Elliptical | 265 | 85 |
| Body Champ 3-in-1 Trainer | 250 | 84 |
| Schwinn 470 Compact Elliptical | 300 | 80 |
| Efitment E005 | 220 | 78 |
| Nautilus E614 | 300 | 78 |
| ProForm Hybrid Trainer | 350 | 78 |
| Exerpeutic 1000XL | 300 | 76 |
12 best elliptical machines to have an efficient workout program for weight loss
| Elliptical Model | Preview | Configuration | Dimension | Stride Length | Weight | Weight Capacity | Console | Resistance System | Transport Wheels | Product Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precor EFX 833 | Rear Drive | 85” x 32” x 44” | 21” / 25” | 338 lbs | 350 lbs | Big LCD | Eddy-Current; 20 levels | Wide Wheels | 98 | |
| Bowflex Max M3 | Front Drive | 49"x 26" x 64.7" | N/A | 143 lbs | 300 lbs | LED & Backlit LCD | Air & Eddy;. Manual Resistance; 8 Levels | Front Base Wheels | 94 | |
| Cubii JR1 | Mini Under-desk Elliptical | 23.15” x 17.54” x 10” | 6.125" | 25 lbs | 250 lbs | Small LCD | Adjustable, 8 levels | None | 92 | |
| Teeter FreeStep LT1 | Recumbent & Semi-Elliptical Hybrid | 54" x 38" x 52.5" | N/A | 110 lbs | 300 lbs | Digital Monitor | Electromagnetic, 16 levels | Rear End Wheels | 92 | |
| HCI Fitness Physio Step HXT | Recumbent & Semi-Elliptical Hybrid | 52" x 25" x 51" | Semi-elliptical Motion | 165 lbs | 330 lbs | Backlit LCD monitor | Eddy-current, 20 levels | None | 86 | |
| Ancheer Cross Trainer | Rear Drive | 40.9" x 18.9" x 63" | 13” | 79 lbs | 265 lbs | Large LCD Screen | Magnetic, 8 Levels | Front Base Wheels | 85 | |
| Body Champ 3-in-1 Trainer | Rear Drive/ 3-in-1 Elliptical, Upright & Recumbent | 60" x 28" x 64" | 12” | 110 lbs | 250 lbs | Programmable | Magnetic & Adjustable | Front Base Wheels | 84 | |
| Schwinn 470 | Front Drive | 70.1" x 28.2" x 63.2" | 20” | 187lbs | 300 lbs | 2 DualTrack backlit LCD | Electronically Adjustable , 25 Levels | Front Base Wheels | 80 | |
| Efitment E005 | Rear Drive | 34.5″ x 24.5″ x 61″ | 11″ | 63 lbs | 220 lbs | LCD Monitor | Manual Magnetic , 8 Levels | Front Base Wheels | 78 | |
| Nautilus E614 | Front Drive | 71.5" x 26.7" x 63.2" | 20” | 165 lbs | 300 lbs | 2 DualTrack backlit LCD | Eddy-Current Mechanism; 20 Levels | None | 78 | |
| ProForm Hybrid Trainer | Rear Drive/ Elliptical & Recumbent Bike Hybrid | 70.5" x 24.5" x 60.5" | 15” | 135 lbs | 350 lbs | Big LCD | 16 Levels of Magnetic Resistance | Front Base Wheels | 78 | |
| Exerpeutic 1000XL | Rear Drive | 54” x 23” x 63” | 13” | 76 lbs | 300 lbs | Simple Monitor | Magnetic Tension , 8 Levels | Front Base Wheels | 76 |
1. Precor EFX 833: Comes w/ Adjustable CrossRamp Technology, Adjustable Path Height, EFX motion has low-impact, Offers Sleek & Innate Performance, Has Telemetry Heart-rate Tracking Mechanism, Implanted Handles work Efficiently on Lower Body | Editor’s Overall Best Choice
- Configuration: Rear Drive
- Upper Handlebars: Fixed Contact-grip w/ Heart-rate Sensors
- Foot Pedals: Large & Polypropylene-made
- Ramp: Adjustable CrossRamp, 13° to 40° (Forward & Backwards)
- Ramp Material: Anodized Aluminum
- Covers: Ramp & Rear-drive Housing
- Equipment Dimension: 85” x 32” x 44”
- Minimum/ Maximum Stride Length: 21” / 25”
- Step-up Height: 8”(lowest)/ 21.5” (highest)
- Weight: 338 lbs
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Console: Streamlined Big LCD Monitor
- Pre-set Programs: (1) Interval (2) Weight Loss (3) Variety (4) Gluteal Workouts (5) Heart-rate (6) Basic HRC (7) Performance (8) Fitness Test (9) Cross-Training
- Biomechanics: Low-impact Sleek & Innate EFX motion
- Resistance System: 3-phase Eddy Current Mechanism; 20 levels
- Transport Wheels: Wide Wheels
- Folding: No
- Accessory Holder(s): Water-bottle & Smartphone storage
- Technology: CrossRamp Technology. QuickStart feature, MuscleMonitor
- Heart-rate Monitoring: Sensors on Handles, Wireless Telemetry feature
- Entertainment Options: Reading Rack & Personal Viewing Screen
- Network Capabilities: CSAFE ready & FitLinxx Compatibility
- Power Requirements: Self-powered
- Regulatory: FCC, ETL, CE & EN957
- Color: Pacific Blue, Silver Gray
- CrossRamp Technology: This is Precor’s patented technology. You can make adjustments to the height of its path. This is known as Variable-stride Geometry. It specifically focuses on selected muscle groups, a majority of them in your lower-body. This will help in toning your lower body.
- Biomechanics: It is Precor’s award-winning and patented lesser-impact EFX motion. This will offer you a smooth and natural performance. Your perceived exertion will be at a lower rate for a cardio session. So, this will make your workout sessions more pleasurable. It will enable your heels to be secured in position on the foot pedals. Thus, too much stress won’t be accumulated on your muscles and tendons.
- Pre-set Integrated Programs: You can choose between a range of workout programs, this includes; an Interval weight loss program, Gluteal programs, Monitoring Heart-rate, Basic HRC, Monitoring Performance Levels, Fitness Tests, and Cross-training Programs.
- Low-body Fixed Handles: The handlebars on this trainer are fixed in position. It has specifically been designed to focus on working on your lower body.
- Adjustable Ramp: The ramp is made from anodized aluminum. You will be able to make adjustments to the ramp angle between 13° to 40°. This adjustment can be done automatically by taking the help of the pre-set programs.
- Offers Reverse Pedaling Motion: The EFX 833 will help you to pedal in reverse motion. The pedaling motion will be smooth in both the forward and reverse directions.
- Built-in Transport Wheels: This trainer comes with a wide set of wheels for easy transportation.
- 3-phase Eddy Current Resistance Mechanism: You will be able to switch easily between an impressive 20 levels of eddy-current resistance. Depending on the intensity of your sessions. This resistance ranges from Level-1 at 20 SPM, 18 watts to Level-20 at 100 SPM, 720 watts.
- Stride Length: Stride length at the lowest incline is 21”. Whereas, at the highest incline, it is 25”.
- Q-factor: The minimum spacing in-between the pedals on this trainer is 2.4” for a natural stride.
- Braking System: The EFX 833 consists of a 6-phase generator. It also includes frictionless parts. So, this will serve you with a smooth performance.
- P30 console: It is fitted with a P30 big screen. This also has motion controls that are quite easy to use.
- Additional accessories: The trainer has a reading rack and holder for accommodating your water bottle.
- No Significant weaknesses.
Precor 833 EFX elliptical cross-trainer is a self-powering machine. It focuses on working your lower body. Choosing the ‘green option’ module will help you in saving electricity bills. Adjusting the incline angle or using the pre-set programs will cause more work to be done on your glutes. The EFX 833 will serve you with smooth and comfortable long-duration workout sessions. The footprint is quite significant in size, measuring at 80” x 32”. So, you need to allocate sufficient amounts of space in your apartment or personal gym to accommodate this machine. 833 EFX will serve you with a total of 12 workout programs and a superb heart-rate monitoring system. Its durability is what makes it stand out from the rest. But, it won’t come cheap, rather it falls within the higher-end spectrum of the price range. But if you want a good lower-body cardiovascular session, it offers everything you ask for. Paying a premium will help in getting yourself a machine that offers excellent build quality and good performance.
Diagram: Precor EFX 833 trainer & A P30 console
Precor EFX 833
2. Bowflex M3 Max: Elliptical & Stepper Hybrid, Offers Combination of Magnetic & Air Resistance, Has 2 Workout & 2 User Profiles, Consists of Moveable Handles, Equipped w/ Heart-rate Straps, Bottle & Device Holders
- Configuration: Front Drive
- Upper Handlebars: Ergonomic Stationary, Moveable
- Foot Pedals: Durable & Big w/ Rubber Cushions
- Covers: ABS
- Equipment Dimension: 49″x 26″ x 64.7″
- Vertical & Horizontal Path: 10” / 4”
- Q-Factor: 1.5”
- Maximum User Height: 6’8”
- Weight: 143 lbs
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Console: LED & Backlit LCD
- Pre-set Programs: 2 Workout Programs
- Resistance System: Manual, 8 Levels
- Drive Mechanism: Dual-belt Drive
- Flywheel: Big Flywheel fan & Metallic Fan
- Transport Wheels: Front Base Wheels
- Folding: No
- Design: Aesthetic
- Accessory Holder(s): Device & Bottle Holder
- Technology: 2-User Profiles, 2 Pre-set Programs
- Heart-rate Monitoring: HR chest-straps
- Power Requirements: External Power Source Required
- Color: Black
- Steel Construction: The frame is manufactured from durable and heavy-duty steel. It also has a layer of the double-coated anti-corrosion paint finish. The majority of the exterior is shielded with an ABS covering for enhanced protection.
- Small Footprint: Measuring at 49″x 26″, this trainer has a rather smaller footprint. But you are advised to have at least 2 feet of free space around this machine for uninterrupted access.
- 2 sets of handles: This machine has been manufactured with two different sets of handlebars, one is stationary the other is movable. The stationary set of handles features pulse sensors. Whereas the moveable handles have two long grips, this will enable you to work out in a different posture. Both these sets of handlebars rubberized-grips for enhanced comfort.
- Big and Grippy Trays: Trays for accommodating your feet are big enough. These trays are ribbed with rubber, this will ensure that your feet remain secured in position during your workouts. It will adapt to the movement of your feet as you pedal.
- Maximum Weight Capacity: The durable design and pedals will help in supporting users weighing as much as 300 lbs.
- Q-factor: It has a narrow Q-factor of 1.5”. So, your feet will remain in a natural position within the trays.
- Maximum User Height: The M3 almost vertical path enables it to accommodate users having a maximum height of 6’8”.
- Maximum Height of Pedals: Maximum height of the pedals is approximately 15”. So, the ceiling must be more than 15” higher than the user who intends on using this exercise machine.
- Dual-pulley & V-belt drive mechanism: It has movable arms attached to a pulley system. This pulley is then connected to the v-belt. This drive system allows you to have a smooth riding session.
- Air-resistance: The tension system used along with the magnetic mechanism is air resistance. A big flywheel dan is positioned on the bottom left hand side of this machine.
- 8 levels of tension: There is a balanced flywheel and magnetic brake mechanism. You will be able to adjust between 8 levels of tension, based on your requirement.
- Console: The console on this trainer is a simple LED screen on the top that shows burn rate, calories burned, and total targeted burn rate. Whereas, the bottom LCD screen displays resistance levels, elapsed time, user profile, RPM, and active interval workouts.
- 2 workout and 2 user profiles: This console consists of 2 workout programs, the manual and maximum intervals. There are no preset workout programs or targeted settings. The resistance cannot be adjusted automatically either. Using the two user profiles, two different users can input their height, age, gender, and weight so that the total calories burned value is more accurate. You can also save and create your own interval programs.
- Additional feature: This exercise machine has a water bottle holder and a reading rack. The rack can accommodate tablet computers as well.
- No significant weaknesses.
The Bowflex Max M3 has integrated a stepper and an elliptical that will serve you with a complete vertical motion. It will offer you both magnetic and air resistance mechanisms. You will be able to adjust between 8 levels of tension. A dual belt-drive mechanism has been used, this will offer you greater stability during your workouts. The console of this machine has dual displays, you can choose between 2 workout-programs and 2 user profiles. The M3 is capable of providing you intense cardio sessions, effective weight loss programs, muscle toning, endurance development, and interval training workouts. This isn’t the most economic choice of trainers, but it will undoubtedly provide you very good value for your money.
Diagram: M3 Max trainer
Bowflex M3 Max
3. Cubii JR1: Ergonomic & Compact Design, Offers Noiseless Performance, Fast & Easy Assembly, Sit & Workout Multi-task Option, Provides Sleek & Noiseless performance, Integrated Display, 8 Levels of Resistance Mechanism, Ideal for Home and Office Usage
- Configuration: Mini Under-desk Elliptical
- Upper Handlebars: None
- Foot Pedals: Comfortable & Grippy
- Equipment Dimension: 23.15” x 17.54” x 10”
- Stride Length: 6.125″
- Weight: 25 lbs
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Console: Integrated Small LCD monitor
- Pre-set Programs: None
- Resistance System: Adjustable, 8 levels
- Power Requirements: Self-Powered
- Color: Turquoise & Purple
- Ergonomic Design: This trainer measures at a mere 23.15” x 17.54” and weighs only 25 pounds. So, its compact design and lightweightedness make it very convenient for usage in your office or home. The simple yet effective gliding movements will help you to workout without hardly breaking any sweat.
- Compact & Space-saving design: Its compact design will help you to slide it away once you’re done working out.
- Integrated Carry Handles: The built-in carry handles in between the pedals on the front-end will help you to store it quite easily.
- Easy Assembly: You won’t be needing more than 2 to 3 minutes for fitting four screws. This exerciser otherwise comes completely assembled.
- Noiseless Operation: Cubii JR1 is designed to serve you with pin-drop performance. Its performance is totally noiseless even as you workout in high intensities.
- Multitask Option: This will serve you with a noiseless performance, so you can use it to multitask while you work at the office.
- Offers Low-impact Workouts: This is a low-impact exerciser. It has patented angles. Therefore, your pedaling motions will be smooth, your ankles, hips or knees won’t be put through too much stress. It will be ideal for rehabilitating at your home. This is the perfect exerciser machine for users who suffer from joint pain or arthritis.
- 8 levels of Magnetic Tension: You will be able to adjust between 8 levels of tension. This allows you to manage the intensity of your workouts using the built-in tension regulating knob.
- Integrated LCD Monitor: There is a small built-in LCD monitor. This will help you to track metrics such as the number of strides, calories burned, distance, time, and RPM.
- Doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity.
- You cannot use this under-desk trainer while standing up.
Cubii JR1 is renowned for having a very compact and easily transportable design. This is a seated elliptical that will help you to burn some calories as you’re in a sitting position, be it in your home or office space. It is the ideal workout equipment for beginners who want to shed some extra calories during work. You won’t have to worry about sitting idle while you’re working, this under-the-table exerciser will aid you to keep your legs moving all the time. Your feet will be positioned on the ribbed trays, keeping them secure. To conclude, you can keep yourself fit while you sit. This is also the perfect choice of compact exerciser if you’re recuperating from any form of injury.
Diagram: Cubii JR1
