Your chances of getting fit quickly and keeping your weight in check increase dramatically if you have exercise equipment at home. An elliptical machine is the perfect way to keep your upper and lower body toned and trim. If you're ready to make a dramatic change, purchasing a quality elliptical machine is one of the best places to start.
Why? What's an elliptical? How does it help with weight loss? Which machines are best? Learn the answers to all of these questions and more in this informative article.
An elliptical is a piece of exercise equipment similar to a treadmill, but vastly different in that it will save your joints a lot of pain (Read Elliptical vs. Treadmill). The machine has two platforms, one for each foot, and too handles for your hands. All of these pieces move independently. Most elliptical also offer some automatic workout options.
The design of an elliptical is such that it allows the user to move in a walking or running motion without ever lifting their feet from the machine. This means that there's minimal impact on the joints.
What about other benefits?
In addition to giving you a cardio workout, the elliptical adds challenge to your core by forcing you to constantly balance yourself on the machine. In addition, you use your upper body by pushing and pulling the handles back and forth.
If you don't want to waste time heading to the gym everyday, you'll have to purchase your own elliptical machine for regular use. This will help you achieve your exercise and fitness goals. But, with all of the options out there, which one should you purchase?
Here are our reviews of the top 7 best elliptical machines for home use, updated for 2020:
Looking for an elliptical that will help you take maximum advantage of your workouts? HIIT style workouts are one of the most effective forms of exercise, since you can exercise for less time but still enjoy the maximum benefits of exercising. ProForm's Elliptical Trainer helps you get there with its quality equipment and workout plans.
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This full-sized elliptical offers you adjustability for maximum comfort, even if people of different heights will be using the machine. In addition, you can make use of pre-programmed workouts that will run automatically, allowing you to enjoy a great workout.
Keep track of your progress using the screen that also monitors your heart rate. With Sole Fitness's E35, you'll get a professional experience similar to elliptical machines at the gym! Here's what you can expect if you purchase this product:
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Made by the trusted name, Schwinn, this elliptical machine packs in the value with a large number of workout programs so you can find one that meets you right at your level.
In addition, the Schwinn allows you to climb through your workout with it's incline function. Overall, you'll get a great range of features without blowing your budget.
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The Nautilus Elliptical Trainer is an excellent elliptical machine thanks to its wide range of workout programs included with the machine. There are many positive aspects about this machine, such as the heart rate monitors and wide resistance range, especially considering the reasonable price.
However, it's not as easy to adjust as some of the other models since you'll have to crouch down to change the incline settings, which are manually operated.
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NordicTrack offers a sturdy, high functioning elliptical machine for a reasonable cost. At a hefty 200 plus pounds, this machine is solid and built to handle heavy-duty working out. Here's what we love, and what could be better, about this machine:
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This incredibly economical elliptical machine is popular with good reason. It's tiny, it's cheap and you can use it sitting or standing. While it's not full of bells and whistles, this elliptical includes enough basic functions and resistance options for you to get a solid workout. If you're looking for an elliptical you can shove in your closet when it's not in use, the Stamina In-Motion is an excellent choice.
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A more robust type of elliptical trainer that will give you more of a gym-like experience, the Bowflex offers a solid machine. This machine offers Bluetooth connectivity so that you can use the machine alongside various apps such as RunSocial that will make your workouts more exciting and interactive.
In addition, the Bowflex offers an impressive 25 different resistance levels. You don't even have to move your hands to adjust the difficulty level, as you can use the buttons on the handlebars to do so. If you're ready for a professional experience, the Bowflex is a great choice.
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Now you've ready our take on these popular top elliptical machines in 2020, how can you decide which one is right for you? Here are some considerations you should keep in mind:
Still have questions? We have answers.
As long as you choose an appropriate workout for your fitness needs, the elliptical can provide a great workout! Primarily a cardio workout, you can adjust the way you workout to meet your needs.
Add incline to mimic climbing hills and adjust your resistance and speed throughout your workout for a perfect experience.
Sure! But you have to follow the right workout protocols. Research shows that HIIT style workouts are best. What does that mean? Try to go at your maximum pace and effort for a minute, then slow down for 2 minutes.
Then, go full-on for a minute again, before taking it easy for another 2 minutes. Repeat, repeat and repeat until you've completed 20 minutes total. But, for best results, make sure you accompany your efforts on the elliptical with a healthy diet.
If your elliptical machine has moving handlebars, then you can get an upper body and lower body workout. Make sure you think about using your arms intentionally for best results.
In addition, your core muscles get a workout as you need to stabilize your body while moving both your arms and legs.
The best elliptical machine for one person may not be the best for another person. It all depends on the space, budget and needs you have. We hope that this list of the top elliptical machines in 2020 will help you as you search for your new piece of workout equipment.
With a quality machine at home, you'll work quickly to achieve your fitness goals. Whether you want to lose weight, get toned or boost your endurance, an elliptical is a practical, low-impact, and effective way to bring your fitness goals to life!
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