Best Elliptical Trainers: Low-Impact, Full-Body Workout

Remember that feeling of getting on a treadmill, running endlessly in place? Or the jarring impact of a jog on concrete, the relentless pounding on your knees, ankles, and hips? It's a common story in the world of home fitness, one I’ve heard countless times over my 30 years in the home gym business. People want to get a great cardio workout, but they are either bored by the repetition of a treadmill or they're concerned about the long-term effects of high-impact exercises on their joints. They’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, wanting the benefits of a full-body workout without the risk of injury or the soul-crushing monotony. It’s a fitness dilemma that many people just accept as an unavoidable part of the process.

But what if you could have a cardio machine that offered the best of both worlds? What if you could get a full-body, calorie-torching workout that was also so gentle on your joints that it felt like you were running on air? What if you could engage your arms, your core, and your legs all at the same time, turning a repetitive cardio session into a dynamic, total-body experience? The problem with most cardio machines is that they are one-dimensional. A treadmill is great for your legs, but it doesn't engage your upper body. A stationary bike is great for your legs, but it doesn't engage your core. You’re only getting a portion of the workout, leaving a massive, untapped reservoir of strength and endurance on the table.

This is where the elliptical trainer enters the conversation, not as a strange, niche machine, but as an essential, foundational piece of equipment for every single person who wants a complete, low-impact, full-body workout. It's a game-changer, a tool that combines the best of a treadmill, a stationary bike, and a stair-climber into one powerful, elegant machine. An elliptical trainer is a simple but powerful way to make every workout more effective, more enjoyable, and more rewarding. It’s the ultimate solution to the low-impact, full-body dilemma, a tool that will not only improve your cardiovascular health but will also help you tone and strengthen your entire body without a single jarring impact. It’s the difference between trying to paddle a canoe with a butter knife and having a high-tech motor with GPS, and it's the key to unlocking a new level of performance in every aspect of your life.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Elliptical Trainers: Low-Impact, Full-Body Workout

At its core, an elliptical trainer is a simple but brilliant piece of engineering. It's a stationary cardio machine that simulates the motion of walking, running, or stair climbing without any of the high-impact stress on your joints. The most common design features two large foot pedals that move in a smooth, elliptical path, and two long handles that move back and forth to engage your arms and upper body. The machine uses a flywheel and a variety of resistance levels to provide a challenging, full-body workout that is gentle on your knees, ankles, and hips.

The versatility of an elliptical trainer is truly remarkable. It's a tool that can be used for a wide variety of workouts, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to a long, slow, endurance-based session. For cardio, it's a perfect way to burn a ton of calories without the high-impact stress of running. The smooth, gliding motion of the pedals and the resistance levels allow you to get a great cardio workout in, no matter your fitness level. For strength, it's a fantastic way to engage your entire body, from your legs and glutes to your arms, shoulders, and back. The moving handles and the variety of resistance levels allow you to tone and strengthen your entire body in a single workout. For rehabilitation, it's a perfect tool for those recovering from an injury or with joint issues, as it provides a fantastic workout without any of the jarring impact of running.

When you're shopping for an elliptical trainer, there are a few key features to look for. The first is the stride length. This is the length of the elliptical path that your feet travel. A good stride length is crucial for a comfortable, natural-feeling workout. The best ellipticals have a stride length of at least 20 inches, which is perfect for most users. The second key feature is the flywheel. A heavier flywheel (typically 20 pounds or more) provides a smoother, more fluid, and more consistent motion. It's the difference between a jerky, uncomfortable workout and a smooth, effortless one. The third, and perhaps most important, is the resistance and incline. The best ellipticals have a wide variety of resistance levels and a motorized incline that can be adjusted with the push of a button. This allows you to fine-tune your workout to your specific needs, from a gentle warm-up to a brutal, hill-climbing session.

A great elliptical trainer is an investment in your consistency, your longevity, and your ability to train without being held back by a lack of motivation. It’s a small, low-cost piece of equipment that can deliver a massive return on your fitness journey.

Product Reviews

After decades in the home gym industry, I’ve had the chance to see what works and what doesn't when it comes to elliptical trainers. The right one can be a game-changer, and the wrong one can be a frustrating, uncomfortable mess. The key is to find a trainer that is comfortable, durable, and provides a wide range of exercise options. Here are seven of my top recommendations, each selected for its unique strengths and ideal use cases.

1. NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical

• Price Range: $1,500 - $1,800

• Review: The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 is a premium, all-in-one machine that is a workhorse of a device. It's known for its powerful 32-pound flywheel, which provides an incredibly smooth, quiet, and fluid motion. The elliptical also features a variety of motorized incline and resistance levels that can be controlled by a trainer on the iFIT platform. The 14-inch HD touchscreen is a game-changer, providing a portal to a world of immersive workouts, from a guided scenic run through the Swiss Alps to a high-energy studio class. It’s a perfect choice for the user who wants a single device that can handle a wide variety of functions, from running to a quick call to a loved one.

2. Sole E95 Elliptical

• Price Range: $1,800 - $2,200

• Review: The Sole E95 is a premium, no-frills, all-business elliptical that is built to last. It's a workhorse of a machine, known for its incredible durability, smooth motion, and a powerful 25-pound flywheel. The E95 is a perfect choice for the serious athlete who wants a premium, durable machine without all the flashy tech. It features a wide variety of resistance levels and a motorized incline that can be controlled with the push of a button. It also features a variety of workout programs and a robust warranty that is a testament to its durability. It's a great choice for the user who wants a high-quality, professional-grade machine that will last a lifetime.

3. Bowflex Max Trainer M9

• Price Range: $1,500 - $1,800

• Review: The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is a unique hybrid machine that is part elliptical, part stair-climber. It's a perfect choice for the user who wants an incredibly effective, low-impact, full-body workout that torches a ton of calories in a short amount of time. It features a powerful, brushless motor and a variety of resistance levels that can be controlled by a trainer on the JRNY platform. The 10-inch HD touchscreen is a game-changer, providing a portal to a world of immersive workouts, from a guided scenic run through the Swiss Alps to a high-energy studio class. It’s a perfect choice for the user who wants a single device that can handle a wide variety of functions, from running to a quick call to a loved one.

4. ProForm Pro HIIT H14 Elliptical

• Price Range: $1,400 - $1,600

• Review: The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 is a fantastic, all-in-one machine that is a great alternative to a Bowflex Max Trainer. It's a unique hybrid machine that is part elliptical, part stair-climber. It's a perfect choice for the user who wants an incredibly effective, low-impact, full-body workout that torches a ton of calories in a short amount of time. It features a powerful, 30-pound flywheel, a variety of motorized incline and resistance levels, and a 14-inch HD touchscreen. It’s a perfect choice for the user who wants a single device that can handle a wide variety of functions, from running to a quick call to a loved one.

5. Schwinn 470 Elliptical

• Price Range: $800 - $1,000

• Review: The Schwinn 470 is a fantastic, budget-friendly option that is perfect for a beginner. It's a simple, no-frills, all-business elliptical that gets the job done. It's known for its incredibly smooth, quiet, and fluid motion, and its wide variety of resistance levels. It also features a variety of workout programs and a robust warranty that is a testament to its durability. While it doesn't have the flashy tech of a premium elliptical, its functionality and affordability are unbeatable. It’s the perfect choice for a beginner who wants to try out an elliptical without a major financial commitment.

6. Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE Elliptical

• Price Range: $900 - $1,200

• Review: The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE Elliptical is a great mid-range option that offers a perfect balance of quality and price. It's a simple, elegant, and powerful device that is packed with a ton of health and fitness features. It's known for its incredibly smooth, quiet, and fluid motion, and its wide variety of resistance levels. It also features a variety of workout programs and a robust warranty that is a testament to its durability. It’s a great choice for the user who wants a single device that can handle a wide variety of functions, from running to a quick call to a loved one.

7. Nautilus E616 Elliptical

• Price Range: $700 - $900

• Review: The Nautilus E616 is a fantastic, budget-friendly option that is perfect for a wide range of users. It's a simple, no-nonsense elliptical that is easy to use and provides a solid workout. It's known for its incredibly smooth, quiet, and fluid motion, and its wide variety of resistance levels. It also features a variety of workout programs and a robust warranty that is a testament to its durability. While it might not have the flashy tech of a premium elliptical, its functionality and affordability are unbeatable. It’s the perfect choice for a beginner who wants to try out an elliptical without a major financial commitment.

The Power of Low-Impact

In the end, choosing the right elliptical trainer is about more than just buying a gadget. It's about making a commitment to your body's well-being. It’s about taking an active, intelligent approach to your health, rather than just hoping for the best. An elliptical is a powerful tool that empowers you to do just that. It gives you the ability to get a full-body, calorie-torching workout without any of the high-impact stress on your joints.

Gone are the days of being limited by a nagging ache or a feeling of fatigue. With an elliptical in your home gym, you have the power to stay in the game, to train consistently, and to push yourself to new heights. It's not just about managing the pain; it's about eliminating the barriers that stand between you and your next great workout. It's a small piece of equipment that can deliver a massive return on your strength, endurance, and confidence.