Best Elliptical Machine Under $1000 – Introduction
What is the best elliptical on a budget for your home gym in 2023?
Strength training is arguably the best type of exercise for everybody’s body.
Lifting weights can help you achieve any fitness goal faster and more efficiently.
If you want to:
- lose fat
- build muscle
- get stronger
- improve joint health
- improve your health
- Increase joint mobility
- Build stronger bones
- Live longer
Strength training is the workout for you!
However, while lifting weights is “big medicine,” it’s not a one-stop cure-all, and there are some things that strength training is not so good for.
In particular, your cardiovascular fitness.
Cardiovascular fitness is the ability of your body to take in, transport, and utilize oxygen.
The term cardiovascular refers to your heart, lungs, and circulatory system.
Regular cardio workouts will strengthen your heart and lungs, improve the condition of your blood and blood vessels, and build muscular endurance.
While strength training DOES affect these bodily components, the impact is relatively small.
So, even if you lift weights regularly, you also need to do cardio.
The combination of cardio and strength training will improve all aspects of your fitness and enhance your health.
There are many cardio options to choose from, including running, cycling, and rowing.
But, in terms of training efficiency and joint-friendliness, ellipticals are hard to beat.
This article explains the benefits of owning an elliptical and reveals the best budget machines on the market today.
What Is an Elliptical Machine, Anyway?
Elliptical machines are so-called because the pedals follow an elliptical, oval, or egg-shaped movement.
Feeling like a cross between an exercise bike and a stepper, ellipticals are used while standing.
Most machines have a coordinated upper arm action, delivering a full-body, low-impact workout.
Using an elliptical is very straightforward; it’s a natural movement that’s not dissimilar to walking.
As such, unlike rowing, there are no tricky techniques to master.
Ellipticals are an excellent no-brainer exercise, so you can hop on, tune out, and enjoy a stress-free cardio workout.
Unlike treadmills, elliptical machines are low-impact, making them very easy on your joints.
Also, because you use your arms and legs simultaneously, ellipticals are excellent calorie burners and can be helpful for fat and weight loss.
Elliptical machines are adjustable, so you can alter the resistance to suit your current fitness level.
As such, they’re suitable for beginner, intermediate, and even advanced exercisers.
They’re generally relatively quiet, so ellipticals are ideal for home gyms where you don’t want to aggravate your family or neighbors.
A downside to owning an elliptical is that many expensive models are pretty big and bulky, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough space to use one.
However, budget, home-use ellipticals are much more compact than most commercial models, so you don’t need a vast training space to house one.
So, in summary, ellipticals:
- Are easy to use
- Deliver a full-body workout
- Are low-impact and easy on your joints
- Good for weight loss and fat burning
- Suitable for all levels of fitness
- It can be pretty big and bulky
What to Look for in a Budget Elliptical
Elliptical trainers are incredibly popular, with hundreds if not thousands of different models for you to choose from.
Use this information to help you narrow down your choices!
Price
Needless to say, when looking for a budget elliptical, price is a significant consideration.
Commercial ellipticals can cost as much as $10,000, but there is no need to pay anywhere near that price tag if you don’t want to.
So, choose your budget and then stick to it.
You can get a budget elliptical from less than $200 to about $1000, so there are models to suit all pockets.
Front or rear-drive
The drive is the part of the elliptical that provides the resistance.
Depending on the design, drives are mounted in front or behind the user.
Rear drives mean you won’t sweat all over the main moving parts, which may be beneficial.
However, front-drive machines tend to be smaller and easier to move as most of the weight is at the front of the elliptical.
Resistance
There are three main types of resistance on budget elliptical machines.
Some models use electromagnet resistance, while others rely on flywheels and mechanical friction.
The last type of resistance is air fans.
Electromagnetic resistance provides the quietest, smoothest form of resistance but is also usually the most expensive.
Plus, your machine will probably need to be connected to an electrical outlet to work.
Flywheel and friction resistance systems are cheap and relatively quiet but more prone to wear and tear.
However, these flywheel and friction resistance systems work without electricity.
Air fans are noisy but hardwearing, and you change resistance simply by speeding up or slowing down.
Air resistance ellipticals also produce a cooling breeze as you exercise.
All three types of resistance have pros and cons, so it’s up to you to pick the best one for your needs.
Weight capacity
The amount of weight an elliptical can safely support is called the weight capacity, which can range from 200 lbs to 350 lbs or more.
Ensure your body weight is well within the elliptical machine’s weight capacity; otherwise, your machine could break.
Performance monitor
Most ellipticals have a small onboard computer called a performance monitor.
Budget machines have basic performance monitors and only rudimentary display information, such as workout duration and steps per minute.
Others are more high-tech and display a broader range of metrics, including heart rate, calories, distance, elevation, watts, and METs.
Some ellipticals offer built-in workout programs to follow, while others do not.
As a rule, the more expensive the machine, the more expansive the performance monitor will be.
Size
Some budget ellipticals are compact and are not much bigger than an exercise bike.
Others are much longer and broader and are comparable in size to a rowing machine.
In general, bigger ellipticals are more stable than smaller models, and the larger the user, the larger the elliptical needs to be – both for comfort and safety.
Think about where you want to use your elliptical, and then check that the machine you’re thinking of buying will fit into that space.
Also, unlike some rowers and treadmills, ellipticals don’t usually fold away for easy storage.
The Five Best Ellipticals on a Budget
Elliptical trainers are ideal for home gyms, and you can use one to help you get fitter and lose weight.
But which one should you buy?
Here are five of our favorite budget ellipticals, all tried and tested just for you!
#1. Body Champ 3-in-1 Exercise Machine
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL DESIGN: With a patented 3-in-1 design, this Trio Trainer can...
- HASSLE-FREE TRANSITIONS: The innovative design of this Trio Trainer allows for...
- FLUIDITY FLYWHEEL SYSTEM: The smooth magnetic-encased flywheel system is powered...
- OTHER FEATURES: This unique and compact fitness glider comes with 3 different...
- PERFECT FOR HOME GYM: Because it provides so many workout possibilities, it is...
Most ellipticals are one-trick ponies and only offer one type of workout.
This model from Body Champ is three exercise machines in one!
As well as being a fully-functioning elliptical, the Body Champ 3-in-1 is a versatile machine that you can also use as a recumbent bike or an upright bike.
This budget elliptical has several valuable features, including a built-in heart rate monitor hand grips, eight levels of adjustable resistance, and a small but functional performance monitor.
The Body Champ 3-in-1 Exercise Machine is rated for users up to 250 lb.
#2. ProForm Hybrid Trainer Recumbent Bike and Rear Drive Elliptical
- Start Your Complimentary 30-Day iFIT Membership; Stream live and on-demand...
- LCD Window Display; Track distance, cadence, and estimated calorie burn;...
- 2 Machines in 1; The Hybrid Trainer offers the same benefit as an elliptical and...
- 16 Digital Resistance Levels; With iFIT, your trainer will auto-adjust your...
- 350-pound user capacity; Protected with a 5-year frame warranty and 90-day parts...
This ProForm Hybrid Elliptical Trainer offers many important features usually only found on commercial-grade machines.
Its large electromagnetic flywheel provides 15 different resistance levels, and the angle of the pedals is fully adjustable for comfort.
With its weight capacity of 350 lb, this machine is solid, robust, and covered by a five-year limited warranty.
Bets of all, this hybrid elliptical converts quickly and easily into a recumbent bike, so it’s two low-impact workouts for the price of one!
#3. Gazelle GEDGECAT Edge Glider
- Tighten and tone every major muscle group in your body with this fitness machine...
- Includes 6 exercises in this calorie-burning piece of equipment with wide foot...
- Patented, dual-action split suspension provides a complete range of motion to...
- Equipped with an easy-to-use workout computer display that keeps track of speed,...
- Foldable design allows for a simple, out-of-the-way storage solution when it's...
Some ellipticals are very high-tech.
While technology can enhance your elliptical workout experience, it also means there is more to go wrong!
The Gazelle Edge Glider is very low-tech and has very few electrical components.
It’s also straightforward to use and should be exceptionally reliable and hardwearing.
Despite its weight capacity of 250 lb, this robust Elliptical Machine from Gazelle is also foldable for easy storage.
#4. Body Rider Elliptical Machine and Stationary Bike
- 2-In-1 Trainer: Unlike Ordinary Exercise Bikes, Ours Has Dual Exercise Modes,...
- Hassle-Free Transitions: Easily Stand, Sit And Adjust Resistance To Customize...
- Adjustable Home Workout Equipment: The Seat Adjusts Both Vertically And...
- Safety Features: Includes An Adjustable Cushion, 4 Integrated Handlebars And...
This Two-in-One Elliptical Machine uses a fan for resistance.
You can use it seated like an air-bike or standing like an elliptical.
Resistance is adjusted using an easy-turn knob and changes as you speed up or slow down.
The harder you work, the more resistance there is to overcome.
On the downside, this machine can be rather noisy during use, and the performance monitor is very basic.
However, for the price point, this Elliptical from Body Rider is tough to beat.
#5. Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer
- SMART FITNESS: Stride along with Sunny Health & Fitness expert trainers on the...
- SUNNYFIT APP: The all-new SunnyFit APP takes your Sunny workouts to the next...
- DIGITAL MONITOR: Keeping track of your fitness results is essential for any...
- MAGNETIC RESISTANCE: Chose between 8 levels of magnetic resistance using the...
- BIDIRECTIONAL STRIDING: Bidirectional 11-inch stride length provides the...
Sunny Health & Fitness make good quality, budget-friendly exercise equipment, and their latest elliptical is no exception.
This rear-drive machine uses a large electromagnet for resistance and has a smooth, quiet action.
With built-in heart rate sensors on the handle grips and a multi-functional performance monitor, this well-priced Elliptical Cross Trainer Machine is compatible with the FREE Sunny Fit app, which offers over 100 on-demand workouts to follow.
Best Elliptical Machine on a Budget – Wrapping Up
Elliptical machines are ideal for most home gyms.
They’re low-impact, don’t take up too much space, are relatively quiet to use, are suitable for all fitness levels, and are great calorie-burners.
And contrary to what a lot of people think, buying an elliptical doesn’t have to break the bank!
While budget-friendly ellipticals may not have all the bells and whistles you’ll find on a commercial machine; they often cost around a tenth as much!
Get fit, lose weight, and transform your body in the comfort of your home with an affordable elliptical machine.
Any of the best budget ellipticals reviewed above will be a great addition to your home or garage gym!
Rich is a NASM-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer),