Elliptical machines are an ideal cardio machine that works well, especially if you're looking for a low impact body workout that works on arms and legs, helping you keep fit. While some commercial models are over $5000, you can get a quality and the best elliptical under 1000.
Although their flywheel weights might be slightly low, they can support a healthy and natural sliding for most trainees. Some may have power incline settings of up to 20 percent for people looking to get an extra challenge beyond the magnetic flywheel resistance.
To understand and compare some of the best choices in the market, including their pros and cons, we have a review of the five best elliptical machines. The options below can be used at home, saving you the hassle of going to the gym as well as the gym cost membership.
5 Best Elliptical Trainers Under 1000
1. Bowflex M3 Max Trainer Series
- ELLIPTICAL MEETS STEPPER: Combines the easy low-impact motion of an...
- RESISTANCE: Adjustable dial increases the challenge of your workout...
- DISPLAY: Interactive LCD display with 2 workout programs.
- BURN RATE DISPLAY: Unique burn rate display shows how many calories...
- 14 MINUTE WORKOUT: Challenge yourself with the 14-minute Max Interval,...
The Bowflex M3 Max Trainer is the best elliptical under 1000 and also one of the most affordable elliptical trainers. It is compact, with no effect on your joints, and will help you in calorie burn. It features two workout programs, manual and max interval, which are the most popular programs.
The eight resistance levels allow you to adjust the challenge of the workout. The well-designed display makes it easy to read the indicators showing the calories burned and the burn rate. It comes with a chest strap that allows you to monitor the heart rate. The chest strap is more effective and convenient than using the machine to measure it automatically.
Although this elliptical trainer probably won't give you the same results as strength training your upper body, being able to work out your arms during cardio is always a time saver. It features a one-year warranty which covers the whole machine. The M3 will help you burn calories with no impact on your joints.
2. Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical
- ZERO-IMPACT EXERCISE: Ideal for all fitness levels. The natural...
- PHYSICAL THERAPY TECHNOLOGY: The only home-use stepper with a patented...
- EASIER ON KNEES & BACK: Compared to typical recumbent bikes or cross...
- TOTAL BODY WORKOUT: Dual power motion works your upper and lower body,...
- FREE PERSONAL TRAINING APP: Get results you can see and feel with...
The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical is high-end fitness equipment that boasts a friction-free workout and a sturdy frame. It has an innovative design and is made from high-quality workouts. This elliptical trainer provides a low-impact workout for both the upper and lower body, effective for people of different ages.
With the three-position reclined seat with different heights, this elliptical reduces stress and fatigue on your joints. It also offers a great cardiovascular workout to help burn calories. The teeter-free step recumbent bike has unique strides that run smoothly and quietly to give you an awesome experience.
It comes with a digital LCD display that displays stats like calories, distance, time and speed, to help you track your progress. The seat and the arms are both adjustable to accommodate the size of all riders. With this trainer, you get a combination of an elliptical trainer, a step machine, and a treadmill in one single machine.
3. Sunny Health & Fitness Advanced Programmed Elliptical Machine Trainer
- DEVICE HOLDER: Keep your favorite media devices close to you during...
- RESISTANCE: Challenge yourself with the programmable magnetic...
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: Take advantage of the 330 lb weight capacity and its...
- PERFORMANCE MONITOR: Use the onboard, backlit display to track your...
- POWERFUL WORKOUTS: Take advantage of 24 unique workout modes,...
If you're hoping to get good quality and compact elliptical trainer at a great price range, then you should consider getting the Sunny Health & Fitness Advanced Programmed Elliptical Machine Trainer. It offers quality exercise without having to break the bank. It runs smooth and quietly, so you won't disturb others during your workout.
However, this elliptical trainer is best for people with a short stride because of the 15.5-inch stride length and the motorized magnetic resistance with 16 levels of resistance system. It features an onboard LCD display that helps in tracking the distance, speed, calories, time, among other important metrics.
Furthermore, you will get the option of choosing between the 24 workout modes. Although this elliptical trainer has a display that doesn't work with any coaching system or a streaming workout program, it is easy to mount your phone or tablet above the display. This allows you to watch or view your workouts or videos from the elliptical.
4. SCHWINN 470 Elliptical Machine
- With enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, users can set, track and monitor...
- Travel through 200+ stunning virtual courses at your own speed...
- 10° motorized adjustable ramp enables incline control for fun and...
- 25 levels of resistance for a wide range of workout intensity options
- DualTrack blue backlit LCD system displays 29 workout programs
The SCHWINN 470 is an elliptical trainer designed for low-impact exercise. It features a 20-inch stride length, 26 levels of resistance with digital controls, and also a motorized incline with a maximum setting of 10 degrees. The trainer supports up to four user profiles which means these users can save their elliptical workout routines.
It can also keep the 29 workout programs that include a quick start (manual mode), three fitness tests( beginner, recovery, and advanced), nine heart rate controls, four user-defined programs, and twelve profile programs. It is compatible with the RunSocial app that allows to experience trails filmed in High Definition and also socializes with other real people in the programs.
This Schwinn model has moving handlebars that are slightly curved for flexibility and upper body exercise. This model machine has a sound system, USB port, and a mobile device shelf to support multimedia during exercise. It features a water bottle holder and a three-speed fan. For this trainer to work, it needs to be plugged in because it can't run off batteries.
5. SOLE, E25 Elliptical, Home Workout, Quiet, Smooth Flywheel
- SPACE-SAVING SIZE: With assembled dimensions of 70"L x 24"W x 70"H...
- INNOVATIVE PEDALS: Made with a leading physical therapist and sports...
- SOLE+ APP INTEGRATION: Our new 2023 E25 Elliptical Machine Fitness...
- STABLE AND ADJUSTABLE: The E25 has four rear wheels on sturdy rails...
- IMPORTANT DELIVERY DETAILS - Please make sure to update your contact...
Sole E25, one of the best ellipticals, boasts its affordability. This entry-level elliptical trainer provides a budget-friendly price and a great way to keep fit without straining the joints. It features moving handlebars, a well-designed and natural feeling elliptical footpath. It offers 20 incline levels to allow you to target the muscle groups.
With ten workout programs, this elliptical trainer is designed to support different training goals and also allows you to save two routines. Two of these programs are controlled by the heart rate such that they adjust the machine's incline and resistance to allow you to exercise in your preferred heart rate zone.
Five programs are classics that include Fat Burn, cardio, strength, interval, and hill, two custom user-designed routines, and a manual mode. The trainer can show the elliptical data on the LCD display screen or the Sole Fitness app on your mobile device. With the secure tablet holder, your phone is always within your arm's reach.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Elliptical Under 1000
1. Weight Limit
Always check the weight limit of the elliptical machine before buying one. Most machines on our list above have a weight limit that ranges between 250 to 375 lbs. Often, the higher weight limit means higher quality. However, if you don't need a high weight limit, then this should not be a problem.
2. Stride Length
This is a critical feature, especially for users with longer limbs. The stride length of an elliptical machine is defined as the maximum length that one can stride. It is usually measured between the toe of one foot and the heel on the other foot. Ideally, the stride length is usually about 20 inches.
Elliptical trainers with shorter stride lengths will make the stride more vertical and may turn to a step-like motion. Although this is not a really bad thing, the step-like motion can be a little harder for the knees. This is why you should always be aware of the stride length, especially if you suffer from mobility issues.
3. Resistance and Incline of the Elliptical Trainer
If you're hoping to add a challenge to your workout or make the stride harder so that you can burn more fat while building muscle, then you always check the resistance and incline of the elliptical machine. You might find that some machines over $500 will have some resistance called magnetic resistance that is provided by the flywheel and the strong magnets.
Elliptical trainers without resistance are not recommended except in special cases, for example, where someone is using the elliptical trainer for physical therapy. With the incline feature, it is not easy to find it in cheaper elliptical trainers. Some affordable trainers might have a manually adjustable incline which can be a challenge because you have to get off the machine in order to adjust the incline.
4. Height and Space Limitations
If your home has low ceilings and small spaces, keep in mind these two important factors when buying an elliptical trainer. Some modes have a more elliptical path and will sit lower on the ground, making them great for houses with low ceilings. There are other compact elliptical trainers that will save space.
5. Versatility of Ellipticals
The versatility of an elliptical is important in your fitness journey because it improves the user experience. Depending on your workout intensity, it is easy for the human body to easily get used to fitness routines.
This is why you want to choose ellipticals that progress by offering you more challenging routines. The best elliptical under 1000 should have at least eight resistance settings. Ideally, the elliptical trainer should also have a few workout programs.
6. Durability
Getting the best elliptical under 1000 is a great investment that should last you for at least five years. To determine the durability of the elliptical trainer, check the warranty to be sure about how long it is and what it covers. The best models should have a warranty of at least five years on frames, parts, and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Elliptical Trainers
1. Do ellipticals help lose belly fat?
Ellipticals not only help in losing belly fat but also full body fat. This is due to the high number of calories burned. Moreover, if you focus on the interval program, you can also tone your muscles in a short amount of time. To maximize the fat burning process, focus on improving the intensity of your workouts.
2. Are 30 minutes on elliptical enough?
A 30 minutes exercise on an elliptical is enough to help you prevent weight gain and also reduce health risks. For better results, you need to exercise for thirty minutes per day, five days a week.
3. Are ellipticals bad for knees?
Using an elliptical trainer is considered a low-impact activity, and when used correctly, it shouldn't cause any knee pain. They are considered a great alternative for jogging or running, especially for someone who experiences joint pain due to arthritis.
4. Which is better elliptical or treadmill?
Both the elliptical and treadmill are effective trainer that helps you get your cardiovascular workout done. For someone who is prone to injuries or has a musculoskeletal condition, it is recommended to use the elliptical because it has low impact. However, if you're looking to burn more calories and build up strength faster, then a treadmill may be a better choice for you.
