The Ultimate Guide to Ellipticals: Benefits, Usage, and Best Options for Your Home Gym 2024

Ellipticals are one of the most popular and versatile cardio machines found in home gyms today. Known for their smooth, low-impact motion, ellipticals offer an effective way to get a full-body workout without putting stress on the joints. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned athletes, ellipticals complement other cardio equipment by providing unique benefits that enhance cardiovascular health, burn calories, and build endurance. For those looking to build a well-rounded home gym setup, adding an elliptical is essential. To explore the best equipment choices for home fitness, check out The Ultimate Guide To Home Gym Equipment.

What Is an Elliptical?

An elliptical is a stationary exercise machine designed to simulate walking, running, or stair climbing without causing excessive pressure on the joints. Its unique motion and design make it ideal for users of all fitness levels, allowing for effective cardio workouts that are gentle on the body.

Main Components and How They Work Together

How Ellipticals Compare to Other Cardio Machines

Unlike treadmills or stair climbers, ellipticals provide a low-impact workout that minimizes stress on the knees and joints, making them especially popular among those looking for joint-friendly exercise options. The fluid, continuous motion also makes ellipticals suitable for longer, endurance-focused workouts, as well as shorter, high-intensity sessions. If you’re interested in exploring how ellipticals stack up against other cardio machines, check out The Ultimate Guide to Cardio Training for a comprehensive comparison of different cardio options.

What are the Benefits of Using Ellipticals?

Elliptical machines offer a range of advantages, from being easy on the joints to providing a highly customizable workout. Here’s a look at some key benefits that make them an excellent addition to any home gym:

Low-Impact Cardio

One of the standout features of elliptical machines is their low-impact nature. Unlike running on a treadmill or pounding the pavement, ellipticals offer a smooth, gliding motion that significantly reduces stress on the joints. This makes them an ideal choice for individuals with knee or joint concerns, as well as those recovering from injuries or looking for a gentler cardio option.

Full-Body Workout

Ellipticals engage both the upper and lower body simultaneously, providing a comprehensive workout that targets major muscle groups. The foot pedals work the legs and glutes, while the movable handles involve the arms, shoulders, and back. This dual engagement helps tone multiple areas and increase calorie burn, all in one efficient session.

Cardiovascular Health

Using an elliptical regularly can be a highly effective way to boost cardiovascular health. The sustained motion increases heart rate, improves blood circulation, and strengthens the heart over time. For those aiming to enhance heart health, elliptical workouts offer a balanced approach that’s both safe and effective.

Weight Loss and Fat Burning

Ellipticals are also an excellent tool for weight loss. On average, a 150-pound person can burn around 300 calories in a 30-minute workout on an elliptical, depending on the resistance level and intensity. This calorie-burning potential, combined with the full-body engagement, makes elliptical training a powerful method for fat loss and improved fitness.

Customizable Resistance and Speed

Most elliptical machines allow users to adjust the resistance and speed, offering a range of intensity levels suitable for all fitness stages. Whether you’re looking for a light warm-up or a challenging, muscle-toning workout, an elliptical can be adjusted to meet your goals.

Convenience for Home Gyms

Ellipticals are particularly convenient for home use, offering effective cardio training without requiring a large footprint. Many models are designed with compact spaces in mind, including foldable options that make storage easy. This makes them an ideal addition to any home gym, especially for those who want to maximize space while still having a high-quality cardio machine. For more recommendations on compact and foldable cardio equipment, see The Best Cardio Machines for Your Home Gym.

How to Use an Elliptical Correctly

Using an elliptical with the right technique can maximize your workout effectiveness and help prevent injury. Follow these guidelines to ensure you’re using the machine safely and effectively.

Proper Form

• Stand Tall: Step onto the machine and place your feet flat on the pedals. Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
• Hold the Handles Lightly: Grasp the handles with a light, relaxed grip to avoid unnecessary tension. If your elliptical has stationary handles, you can alternate between holding them for balance and letting go to focus on core stability.
• Engage Your Core: Throughout your workout, maintain a tight core. This helps with balance and posture.
• Move Smoothly: Push through your heels as you pedal, allowing the handles to move naturally with your arm movements. Avoid bouncing or shifting your weight too much from side to side.

Adjusting Resistance and Speed

To get the most out of your elliptical workout, adjust the resistance and speed to fit your fitness goals:

• Weight Loss: Use moderate resistance and maintain a steady pace for a sustained calorie burn. Aim for 30–45 minutes at a pace that keeps your heart rate elevated but comfortable.
• Endurance Building: Lower resistance and focus on maintaining a steady speed for a longer duration. This improves cardiovascular stamina.
• Interval Training: Alternate between high and low resistance at regular intervals, such as 1 minute high, 2 minutes low. This boosts both cardiovascular fitness and calorie burn in a shorter time.

Sample Workout Routines

• Beginner: Warm up at a low resistance for 5 minutes. Then, increase resistance slightly and maintain a steady pace for 15–20 minutes, finishing with a 5-minute cool down.
• Intermediate: Start with a 5-minute warm-up, then alternate between moderate and high resistance every 3 minutes for 20 minutes. Finish with a 5-minute cool down.
• Advanced: Begin with a 5-minute warm-up. Alternate between low and high resistance every minute for 25–30 minutes, focusing on intense bursts. Cool down for 5 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the most of your time on the elliptical, steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Slouching: Maintain an upright posture, as leaning forward or slumping can lead to back or neck discomfort.
• Over-Gripping the Handles: A tight grip on the handles can lead to wrist or arm fatigue. Keep your grip light to allow natural arm movement.
• Ignoring Resistance: Not adjusting resistance can lead to a monotonous workout and limit progress. Use the resistance settings to challenge different muscle groups and prevent plateauing.

Varying Your Workouts

Varying your workouts is a very important thing so your working all muscles groups and to also spice your workouts up a little. Check out the guides below to help you get into other cardio machines:

• Skipping rope
• Stairmaster
• Treadmill
• Assault bike
• Battle ropes

Different Types of Ellipticals

When choosing an elliptical for your home gym, understanding the different types can help you select the one that best suits your space, budget, and workout goals. Each type offers unique features that cater to various user preferences and setups.

Front Drive Ellipticals

Front drive ellipticals have a flywheel positioned at the front, creating a more forward-leaning motion. This design tends to mimic a stair-climbing feel, which is great for those looking to target their quads and calves more intensely. Front drive ellipticals are often more affordable and compact, making them an excellent option for users on a budget or those with limited space.

Best for

Budget-conscious users or small spaces where compact design is essential.

Rear Drive Ellipticals

In rear drive ellipticals, the flywheel is located at the back, which allows for a smoother, more natural stride. This design provides a flatter, gliding motion that closely resembles walking or jogging. Rear drive ellipticals are often slightly larger, but they offer excellent stability and are generally quieter than other models, making them popular among serious home gym users.

Best for

Those looking for a more natural stride experience and who have extra room to accommodate a larger machine.

Centre Drive Ellipticals

Centre drive ellipticals have a flywheel on either side of the pedals, placing the user’s weight closer to the centre. This design offers improved balance and creates a more upright posture, which can be easier on the lower back and provide a lower-impact workout. Centre drive models are often compact, allowing users to enjoy a stable, comfortable experience without sacrificing space.

Best for

Users focused on balance and stability, and those who want a low-impact workout in a relatively compact machine.

Foldable Ellipticals for Small Spaces

Foldable ellipticals are specifically designed for users with limited space. These machines can often be folded up after use, allowing for easy storage. While they may not offer the same stability as non-folding models, they still provide a solid cardio workout for those with restricted workout areas.

Best for

Small spaces or multipurpose rooms where the machine needs to be stored after each use.

Top Elliptical Machines for Home Use in 2024

When it comes to choosing an elliptical for your home gym, finding a model that meets your needs and budget is key. Below are some of the best elliptical machines of 2024, offering a variety of features, from compact designs to advanced resistance settings and app connectivity. For those interested in more space-saving, multi-functional equipment options, check out The Best Cardio Machines for Your Home Gym.

1.Schwinn 470 Elliptical

• Features: With 25 levels of resistance and 29 built-in workout programs, the Schwinn 470 is ideal for users seeking a wide range of exercise intensities. The machine is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing users to sync with fitness apps for tracking progress.
• Best For: Those wanting robust features without a premium price tag.
• Price Range: Mid-range

2. ProForm Carbon E7

• Features: This model includes a 20-degree incline adjustment and 24 resistance levels, giving users flexibility for low- or high-intensity workouts. Equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, it offers iFit app compatibility, allowing users to access on-demand workouts.
• Best For: Users who want built-in workout guidance and a full range of resistance options.
• Price Range: Upper mid-range

3. NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i

• Features: The SE9i is foldable, making it ideal for smaller spaces. It includes a 14-inch HD touchscreen, 24 levels of digital resistance, and one-touch controls. The machine is iFit-enabled, providing access to live and on-demand workouts for an interactive experience.
• Best For: Small spaces, especially if foldability is a priority.
• Price Range: High-end

4. Horizon EX-59

• Features: Known for its budget-friendly price, the EX-59 offers 10 levels of resistance and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can sync your workouts with fitness apps. This model has a simple, user-friendly design without sacrificing workout effectiveness.
• Best For: Budget-conscious users or beginners who want essential features without extra frills.
• Price Range: Budget-friendly

5. Sole E95 Elliptical

• Features: The Sole E95 is a high-performance machine, offering a 20 to 22-inch adjustable stride length, 20 levels of resistance, and a 10.1-inch LCD display. Its heavy flywheel provides a smooth and quiet ride, making it suitable for advanced users who want a gym-quality experience at home.
• Best For: Experienced users seeking a high-performance elliptical.
• Price Range: Premium

Ellipticals vs Other Cardio Machines

Choosing the right cardio machine for your home gym can be challenging, as each option offers unique benefits suited to different fitness goals and preferences. Here’s a comparison of ellipticals with other popular cardio machines to help you decide if an elliptical is the best choice for you. For a more in-depth look at these machines:

Ellipticals vs Treadmills

• Impact Level: Treadmills simulate running or walking, which can be harder on the joints, especially at higher speeds. In contrast, ellipticals provide a smooth, low-impact motion that reduces strain on knees and ankles, making them ideal for users with joint concerns.
• Muscle Engagement: While treadmills focus primarily on the lower body, ellipticals engage both upper and lower body muscles, offering a full-body workout.
• Workout Variety: Treadmills are often favored for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and incline walking, while ellipticals allow for varied resistance and incline adjustments for a steady, full-body cardio experience.

Ellipticals vs Rowing Machines

• Intensity: Rowing machines provide a high-intensity, full-body workout that focuses heavily on the upper body, back, and core muscles. Ellipticals offer a more balanced approach, engaging both upper and lower body without the added resistance of rowing.
• Impact and Posture: Rowing machines require a seated position with repetitive pulling, which might strain the lower back if form isn’t precise. Ellipticals, with an upright stance, may be better for those wanting a low-impact workout with an emphasis on lower body endurance.
• Space Consideration: Rowing machines can be compact and foldable, but elliptical designs, especially foldable models, can offer a similar space-saving advantage. For more compact cardio options, see The Best Cardio Machines for Your Home Gym.

Ellipticals vs Stairmasters

• Movement Style: Stairmasters simulate stair climbing, putting more emphasis on lower body muscle groups like glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Ellipticals offer a more fluid motion, reducing the strain of continuous stepping while still working similar muscle groups.
• Impact Level: Both machines are low-impact, but ellipticals tend to be easier on the knees due to their continuous, circular motion, making them a suitable choice for longer sessions.
• Cardio Intensity: Stairmasters generally provide a more intense lower body workout. Ellipticals, however, allow for increased cardio intensity without the isolated lower body focus, giving users a full-body workout. For a closer look at Stairmasters, refer to The Ultimate Guide to Stairmasters.

Ellipticals vs Skipping Ropes

• Convenience: Skipping ropes are affordable and require minimal space, making them ideal for quick, high-intensity cardio sessions. Ellipticals, on the other hand, offer a more controlled, low-impact workout and are better suited for longer, steady-state cardio.
• Muscle Engagement: Skipping ropes engage the legs and core, while ellipticals engage the entire body, offering a more comprehensive workout for users who prefer hands-free or total-body cardio. For tips on skipping rope workouts, check out Everything You Need to Know About Skipping Ropes.

Conclusion

Adding an elliptical to your home gym offers a range of benefits, from low-impact cardio that’s easy on the joints to a full-body workout that strengthens both upper and lower muscle groups. Ellipticals provide versatility, allowing for varied intensity levels to suit all fitness stages, whether you’re focusing on endurance, weight loss, or overall cardiovascular health.

With options available for all budgets and space considerations, an elliptical is a practical and effective choice for anyone looking to enhance their home workout experience. Explore the models and features highlighted in this guide to find the best fit for your goals. For more details on essential home gym equipment, be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Home Gym Equipment and start building a comprehensive setup that supports your fitness journey.