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Home » Fitness & Sports » Ellipticals » Cheap Elliptical Machines Stride Length

Cheap Elliptical Machines Stride Length, Resistance

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Elliptical Machines Stride Length.

Stride length is the most important feature to check when shopping for an elliptical machine. Your leg movement should feel elliptical (i.e., like a stretched-out oval) and not circular or bouncy, which happens when the stride length is too short. Experts at All Ellipticals recommend that users taller than 5'7" choose a model with a minimum 20-inch stride length, but our research found that this standard would eliminate cheap elliptical machines with shorter strides that are otherwise worthy buys. Longer strides make for more challenging workouts but users with shorter legs or those who may be out of shape or constrained by a physical ailment may prefer a shorter stride. Some pricier elliptical machines accommodate improving fitness levels with a stride length that can be adjusted -- up to 32 inches on the Yowza Captiva (starting at $1,999, Amazon), for example -- but fixed stride length is the norm among cheap elliptical machines.

We found cheap elliptical machines with stride lengths in the 12- to 20-inch range. The Horizon EX69 (starting at $799, Amazon) boasts a 20-inch stride, while the Schwinn 420 (starting at $500, Amazon), ProForm 590E (starting at $582, Amazon), and Nautilus E514 (starting at $537, Amazon) each feature an 18-inch stride. Two cheap elliptical machines with particularly short stride lengths are Gold's Gym StrideTrainer 380 (starting at $277) with a14-inch stride and the Weslo Momentum 630 (starting at $229, Amazon) with a 12-inch stride. Two models that break the cheap mold are the NordicTrack Pathfinder (starting at $700), whose 18-inch stride automatically extends to 20 inches when the adjustable incline is set at the two steepest angles, and the ProForm ZE5 (starting at $599, Amazon), whose stride length can be adjusted to 13, 15, and 18 inches.

Elliptical Machines Resistance.

Resistance -- the tension you feel while pedaling -- is caused by braking on the flywheel. The tighter the brake's grip, the greater the resistance and the tougher the workout. Cheap ellipticals generally come with pre-set resistance levels; the more, the better. The Schwinn 420, Horizon EX69, ProForm 590E, and Nautilus E514 each feature16 resistance levels, and users report that even the lowest level on some of these models is a challenge. By contrast, the Weslo Momentum 630 features 10 resistance levels and Gold's Gym StrideTrainer 380 specs only indicate the resistance can be changed digitally.

Elliptical Machines Workout Programs.

Cheap ellipticals also feature preset workout programs oriented around fitness goals, such as fat burning or cardio; targets, such as distance or speed; or performance, such as interval training or hills. The most generous of the elliptical machines on our list is the ProForm 590E with 20 programs and the most limited is the Weslo Momentum 630 with two preset workouts. The Nautilis E514 lets you customize workouts for two users and the Schwinn 420 gives you that option for one user.

Elliptical Trainers Incline.

Ellipticals with an adjustable incline (i.e., ramp) keep your workout varied and challenging. A steeper incline increases the intensity of the workout and isolates different muscle groups (glutes, quads, calves) from those used on flatter angles. One of the premier features of the NordicTrack Pathfinder is its motorized power ramp, which has five incline settings that go from 15 to 35 degrees. Manual adjustments can be made on the Horizon EX69 (five positions) and ProForm 590E (four positions).

Elliptical Trainers Pedals.

The pedals on an elliptical trainer should be larger than your foot so your toes don't jam up against the front. Most pedals on cheap elliptical machines offer some sort of traction so your foot doesn't slide off. Articulating foot pedals, featured on the Schwinn 420, align with the elliptical motion of the machine to keep your foot flat on the pedal throughout the workout. Pedals on a good elliptical trainer should also be close together; if too far apart, the action stresss your back, hips, and knees. The Horizon EX69 is the only model on our list that boasts "zero gap" pedals; that is, there's no space between them so they overlap as they move.

Elliptical Trainers Footprint.

Any good cheap elliptical needs a large enough base for stability but not so large that it consumes half the room it's in. Our top picks measure at least 62 inches long by 22 inches across; the pricey Sole E95 (starting at $1,700, Amazon) is 82" long and 27 inches wide. The Weslo Momentum 630 is diminutive by these standards; its 44"x21" footprint is well suited to small spaces, and one review notes that it easily fits on board a boat, which lets its owners stay in shape while cruising from port to port.

Most cheap elliptical machines have wheels so you can move them around. The base and pedals on the Nautilus E514, NordicTrack Pathfinder, and ProForm ZE5 fold, which preserves valuable floor space when sitting idle.

Elliptical Trainers Extras.

Niceties such as an MP3 port, fan, and water bottle holder aren't necessary but can add fun and comfort to your workout. The Horizon EX69 features an MP3 port and speakers, as does the ProForm 590E; the latter is also compatible with iFit Live technology, which offers access (for a price) to a different set of workouts. A fan is built into both these models, as well as in the Nautilus E514; one 5'3" user of the Horizon EX69 sadly notes the fan blows onto her forehead. Three of our top picks and the Gold's Gym StrideTrainer 380 provide space for a water bottle. The Schwinn 420 comes with the screws to attach a bottle holder but users' reviews express puzzlement about why the holder itself isn't included.

All the low-cost elliptical trainers we researched have sensors in the hand grips that ostensibly measure your heart rate while exercising. The catch is, you must keep your arms steady. Users often question the accuracy of these readings and some say you get a truer read by checking your pulse with fingers and a clock. The Nautilus E514 also comes with a wireless chest strap for heart rate monitoring, a feature more commonly found at the higher end of the market.

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Nordic Track Pathfinder
Weslo Momentum 630
Gold's Gym StrideTrainer 380
Nautilus E514
ProForm 590E
Schwinn 420
Horizon EX69

Weslo Momentum 610
ProForm Razor 400 ES

 

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