The 10 Best Small Ellipticals For Home

The 10 Best Small Ellipticals For Home

The 10 Best Small Ellipticals For Home

The 10 Best Small Ellipticals For Home

While treadmills and exercise bikes are preferred most by my clients, ellipticals are quite an underrated cardio option.

Apart from a great cardio workout, they also target so many muscle groups that I won’t list them all now.

In my opinion, the biggest benefit is that it’s so low impact that it’s not going to put strain on your joints.

Which is why I would recommend these machines to seniors or anyone suffering from an injury.

So here are a my favorite elliptical machines available- that are small enough to be conveniently placed in your home.

Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine

Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine

  • It only takes 53.8x24’’ of floor space.
  • Maximum user weight of 300 pounds.
  • 18 inches of stride with 16 levels of resistance.
  • Display console tracks your calories burned, time, speed, distance, and heart rate.

The compact elliptical series by Schwinn is the perfect place to start if you’re looking for a small elliptical that would fit comfortably in your home.

They have 4 models in the series and two of the models ( the 411 and 470) enable you to sync your progress with several apps plus enrich your experience with its “Explore the World App” via Bluetooth.

Schwinn’s compact elliptical machines have both moving and fixed handlebars to grip and boast 13 preset workout programs to choose from.

What customers are saying

According to customer experiences, the machine is remarkably easy to assemble, sturdy, and quiet.

However, because of its compact size, it might not be the best pick for tall people, and the screen could be difficult to read if you have visual difficulties.

Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Cardio Climber

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Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Cardio Climber

  • Takes only 44x25 inches of floor space.
  • Maximum user weight of 260 pounds.
  • Combines stepping movements with a climbing motion.
  • 8 levels of magnetic resistance enabling a smooth and silent operation.
  • Performance monitor to track your calories, speed, time, RPM, and heart rate.

Sunny Health & Fitness has also released an ultra-compact elliptical machine.

The premium cardio climber is not just compact but also extremely lightweight and easy to transport with a pair of wheels.

Despite being manufactured by a major brand and powered by magnetic resistance, this model is very affordable.

It has a stride length of only 7 inches because it combines the actual stride with a climbing movement that can be felt in both your glutes and legs.

What customers are saying

This particular model is very easy to assemble, and most reviews are good or excellent.

However, if you have knee problems, it might be better to go for a standard elliptical because the short stride length may affect your condition.

Nautilus Elliptical Trainer Series

Nautilus Elliptical Trainer Series

  • Floor platform of 74x26 inches.
  • 20 inches of stride length.
  • 29 workout programs, including a quick start button.
  • Bluetooth connectivity with fitness tracking apps and the RunSocial app.
  • LCD display, a media shelf, and in-built speakers.

The Nautical elliptical trainer series is probably what you’re looking for if you want several features in a small machine.

Although it’s larger than others mentioned on this list, it’s still small enough for a home gym, and has several amazing features to consider.

What customers are saying

This model has a motorized incline with a maximum of 10 degrees, and some customers say it feels a bit inclined even in the no incline setting.

It offers a solid and smooth resistance, and it’s not very difficult to assemble.

A majority of the complaints we’ve seen are based on packaging/delivery problems or minor features such as the position of the drink holder and the potency of the in-built fan.

Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Elliptical Trainer

Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Elliptical Trainer

  • Assembled dimensions of 25x19x57 inches.
  • Maximum weight capacity of 220 inches.
  • Air walking trainer with a stride length of 30 inches.
  • Foldable to 15x19 inches of floor space.
  • Simple LCD monitor to display calories, total distance, and time.

With a stride of 30 inches, there won’t be a problem using this machine even if you’re heavy or have joint problems.

The Sunny Health & Fitness air walk elliptical has a foldable option that makes it easier to store and it won’t be hard on your joints, which is why we recommend it for seniors.

The downside of this machine is that it doesn’t have a resistance level or a pulse monitor.

Nevertheless, it will do the job if you need an elliptical for rehab or the sole purpose of being more active.

Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer & Elliptical

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Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer & Elliptical

  • Assembled dimensions are 54x38x52.5 inches.
  • Ergonomic seat and backrest to reduce stress on the back.
  • Adjustable magnetic resistance with a simple dial.
  • Digital console to track your activity, including a bottle holder and a device stand.

This is the machine I would choose if I had back problems and limited floor space.

Although most recumbent bikes are very large, the Teeter FreeStep is a little more compact than the average.

It is one of those machines that engage your upper and lower extremities at the same time, and it’s designed to be truly comfortable.

This model comes with 3 recline settings, various seat heights, and rotating adjustments of the handles to accommodate all body types.

What customers are saying

Customers love this bike as it is very sturdy, smooth, and well-engineered.

The only complaints reported were about it not having a heart monitor and the resistance knob not having any indication for adjusting the resistance.

Cubii Pro - Seated Under-Desk Elliptical

Cubii Pro - Seated Under-Desk Elliptical

  • An incredibly small device you can place under your desk and workout while sitting.
  • Smooth and silent with 8 levels of resistance.
  • Bluetooth compatibility to track your fitness goals with your mobile.
  • Portable, sturdy, with an ergonomic design.

Whether you want to keep fit at the office or need the smallest elliptical machine to use at home, The Cubii Pro is probably the most compact one you’ll find on the market.

It functions similarly to a recumbent bike, but it’s small enough to fit under your desk and quiet enough to cycle without disturbing anyone.

Plus, although this is a low impact machine, it’s highly recommended for increasing your physical activity or for home rehab.

What customers are saying

The vast majority of customer reviews are excellent, and there are many people satisfied with the functionality of this desk elliptical.

However, it can be very heavy if you’re moving it around, and the footprint size can be a little small for some users.

Bowflex Max Trainer Series

This is a beautiful high-tech elliptical that is extremely compact and easy to store.

When assembled, this machine takes only 46.5×22.5 inches of floor space, and it offers 2 workout programs with 8 resistance levels.

It includes a chest strap to track your heart rate and a digital console to display your heart rate along with calories burned and other stats.

What customers are saying

There is an impressive number of 5-star reviews on this machine, and unhappy users are usually those who got a defective machine.

However, besides the excellent warranty offered by Amazon, Bowflex also offers a 3-year part and 90-day labor warranty.

Doufit Elliptical Machine For Home Use

The Doufit elliptical machine takes only 50×20.5 inches of floor space and offers a silent and smooth experience with its magnetic resistance of up to 8 levels.

The machine is simple and does not include very fancy features, but it works perfectly and is a great pick if you’re on a budget.

The digital monitor is highly intuitive with big buttons and displays your calories, time, mileage, heart rate, and speed.

This model comes with a bottle holder and very large, textured pedals.

What customers are saying

Most customers have left excellent reviews stating this machine provides great value for the money, but the resistance may feel limited to more experienced people.

ProForm Hybrid Trainer

This is another option if you’d like to invest in a recumbent bike and elliptical trainer at the same time.

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer has a whopping 350-pound maximum user weight and a 5-year frame warranty that makes you feel assured that it won’t break apart.

You can use this model as a recumbent bike or move the seat farther back to use it as a standard elliptical.

On the console, you get a water bottle holder, an in-built sound system, and a media shelf where you can place your mobile or tablet.

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer is also compatible with the iFit coaching system and you get a 1-year free iFit membership included in your purchase.

Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio Elliptical Trainer

The Body Champ 3-in-1 is another hybrid trainer, however this one has 3 functions to choose from. You can use it as an upright bike, a recumbent bike, or an elliptical trainer.

It comes with 21 workout programs and a programmable console that allows you to track your workouts.

This one doesn’t have a fancy screen, but it does have a media shelf that enables you to stream videos from almost any device.

What customers are saying

Most reviews on this machine are very good, but the machine seems to be a little difficult to assemble.

Still, it works as you would expect it to work and comes with a 6-month warranty.

Compact ellipticals have many things in their favor, all of them are remarkably lightweight and most have transportation wheels that make them very easy to move.

Many of them are also foldable, but even if they aren’t, they take less floor space than the average elliptical, and they are usually more affordable compared to bigger models.

However, like anything else, there are a few cons to consider.

For example, small ellipticals usually have fewer features than standard ellipticals, some aren’t heavy-duty or manufactured with highly resistant materials, and very advanced users may feel limited on it.

There are different types of ellipticals available on the market and one way to classify them is by the location of the drive or flywheel.

Rear-drive

In these models, the flywheel is located at the back.

They are generally extremely smooth and well-balanced, allowing for a longer stride because you have nothing in front of you.

However, rear-drive ellipticals are usually larger compared to the other types.

Front-drive

These ellipticals have the flywheel at the front.

In most cases, the stride is shorter than rear-drive ellipticals and slightly vertical. Some of them may even feel similar to a stair climber.

However, front-drive ellipticals are usually more compact than rear-drive ellipticals.

Center-drive

Center-drive models have the flywheel placed on either side of the pedals.

The stride is very similar to that of the front-drive elliptical, but they encourage users to stay upright the whole time.

These models are also more compact compared to the rest.

To make a wise decision, it is important to consider all the features available and choose the ones that are most important for you.

That way, you will find one that not only looks nice but also gives you what you really need.

Size

If you’re running short of floor space, size is definitely an important feature.

Some of them are compact and can be folded to save more floor space when they are not in use.

Weight

This feature is especially important if you’re considering moving the machine around often.

Some ellipticals can be quite heavy, but fortunately, most compact elliptical machines are lightweight and easy to carry around.

If you plan to move it around daily, choosing an elliptical with a pair of transportation wheels will make it much easier for you.

Stride length

This feature is very important, especially if you have joint problems.

In most cases, an 18 to 20-inch stride is enough, but you can have a shorter stride that feels like a stair master.

These will be perfect for you if you want to tone your glutes, but they are not a good idea if you suffer from knee pain.

Step-up height

Your height and the elevation you get from stepping up on the elliptical should match your ceiling level.

If you don’t consider the step-up height, you may end up buying a machine that takes less floor space but hits the ceiling or makes you feel uncomfortably close to it.

Resistance

This feature is incredibly important, especially if you’re somewhat experienced.

Resistance makes your workouts more challenging and they come in two types: magnetic resistance and friction resistance.

The former is quieter and more durable. The latter can be a tad louder, but it is much more affordable.

Incline

Incline settings are great enhancements that can make your exercise more challenging.

However, the incline level adds to the step-up height, and it might not be suitable for you if you have a low ceiling.

Controls

You get several types of panels and controls.

Some of them have only a few buttons while others look like a spaceship control room.

Pick the one that matches your personal taste so you know that you’ll feel more comfortable with it.