10 best elliptical trainers for a fit and healthy body

The content of the article

• How to choose an elliptical trainer
• Mechanical
• Body Sculpture BE-5920HX
• DFC 8.2
• Magnetic
• Sport Elite SE-602
• Hasttings FS300 Aero
• Electromagnetic
• Proxima senator
• Spirit SE205
• Aeromagnetic ellipsoids
• Ammity Ocean OE 40
• Bowflex Max Trainer M5
• Folding models
• Horizon Andes 3 New
• Body Sculpture BE-6700H

It is difficult to bring your figure back to normal without regular physical exertion. If you want to achieve results faster, load your legs. An elliptical trainer (orbitreck), which combines a stepper, a bicycle and a treadmill, will help to make a figure slimmer. Such cardio loads strengthen the cardiovascular system, burn extra pounds. Smooth circular movements, similar to climbing stairs, skiing, running, do not injure joints, because there is no shock load.

How to choose an elliptical trainer

All orbitreks are divided into 4 types:

1. Mechanical (belt) – simple, cheap devices. But they are short-lived, lightly loaded and uncomfortable.
2. Magnetic – effective, reliable, quiet, smoothly working.
3. Electromagnetic – Long-life units with heavy flywheels. They are distinguished by quiet running and a large selection of loads.
4. Aeromagnetic – analogues of electromagnetic ellipses, but with flywheel blowing.

The muscles of the legs during exercise on an elliptical trainer are loaded due to the weight of the flywheel, the rotating disk in the orbit track. The load and effectiveness of classes depends on its location. There are 2 types of ellipsoids:

1. Rear-wheel drive (flywheel located at the rear). An approximate Q-factor (distance between pedals) is 20 cm. The legs will be shoulder width apart, which is inconvenient for tall people – the feet diverge apart and the knees bend to each other.
2. Front-wheel drive (located in front). The distance between the pedals is less (on average 5-10 cm), which is more convenient for the legs. These simulators are more expensive than rear-wheel drive.

The quality and convenience of training on an elliptical projectile also depends on other parameters:

• Flywheel weight. Lungs (up to 7 kg) – weakly load the muscles and the least smooth. Medium (8-9 kg) – they work out the muscles well, pedals rotate evenly. Heavy (from 10 kg) – this is an excellent pumping with high smoothness.
• Stride length. Initial (30-40 cm) – suitable only for small users with a height of 160-170 cm. Medium (40-50 cm) – suitable for people with a height of 170-185 cm. Professional (more than 50 cm) – for any height, from 185 cm.
• Load levels. The more of them, the smoother the acceleration / deceleration.
• Console (LCD). Shows class time, cadence, distance traveled, heart rate, calories burned. Advanced models have Bluetooth, headphone jacks, phones, speakers, training programs.
• Polar receiver. Ability to connect a chest heart rate sensor for accurate heart rate measurements. This function will save the losing weight user from excessive loads..
• Fitness test. Determines the physical fitness of the body. This is necessary to set up a personal training mode..
• Payload (maximum permissible weight). Should be 10-15 kg more than the mass of the user – reinsurance against breakdowns.
• Closers-compensators. Required to install the simulator on uneven floors.
• Shipping rollers. Allows you to roll the orbit track around the house, which is especially important for heavy models.

Mechanical

The simulators operate in a belt drive connecting the pulley to the flywheel. The stronger the tension, the greater the load. These elliptical shells work well on the muscles of the legs and buttocks, are cheap, do not need power. It is easy to repair, but they will have to be repaired often – constant friction quickly wears out the belt, in addition it makes a lot of noise.

The load level must be adjusted manually, and the pedals lack smoothness.

Body Sculpture BE-5920HX

Rear-wheel elliptical trainer for the home helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system, muscle corset, lose excess pounds. The orbitrek is designed for people weighing up to 100 kg, height up to 160 cm. The human body on it is slightly inclined forward, which is useful for working out the hips. In general, a lightweight flywheel will not give a high load and a smooth ride.

The black-and-white LCD-display displays the heart rate, training time, distance traveled, current speed, calorie consumption. The compact simulator will stand in the corner of the room or on the balcony, but will stagger on the uneven floor. If necessary, it can be easily transferred to anywhere in the house. Cost – 10 000 r.

Benefits:

• inexpensive;
• takes only 1 m² usable area of ​​the room;
• light weight of 25 kg;
• works autonomously.

Disadvantages:

• flywheel weight – 4 kg;
• stride length – 30 cm;
• noisy belt load system;
• no compensating closers.

DFC 8.2

Rear-wheel orbitrek is useful for maintaining tone, strengthening legs, arms, shoulder girdle. Most of the load is shifted to the hips, but due to the light flywheel, extra pounds are burned slowly. Moreover, the device itself cannot be called quiet, and the pedals do not rotate smoothly enough. The black-and-white display shows all the training information, except for the heart rate (you have to navigate by well-being).

Only people weighing up to 100 kg and a height not exceeding 160 cm can use the DFC elliptical trainer. An uneven floor is not an obstacle for an ellipsoid – closers are provided in the design. The dimensions and weight of the orbitreck are small, so even a fragile woman or girl will carry it. Price – 8 000 r.

Advantages:

• cheap;
• takes only 1 m²;
• weight – 21 kg;
• no electrical connection required.

Disadvantages:

• the flywheel weighs only 4 kg;
• short stride length – 29 cm;
• belt load system;
• no heart rate sensors.

Magnetic

These ellipsoidal simulators are quiet, smooth, do not require a network connection. They have a built-in magnet that resistes the flywheel. The smaller the distance between them, the greater the load on the training person.

This system works out the muscles of the legs, burns extra calories well.

The load level (distance between the magnet and the flywheel) is set by a manual switch. These orbitreks are more expensive than mechanical models.

Sport Elite SE-602

An elliptical trainer will replace morning runs, increase endurance, and help lose weight without diets. The weighty flywheel located in the back of the ellipse pumps the muscles of the legs and buttocks well. The pedals are quiet, spin smoothly without jerking. The console will show data on the training, well-being of the user and help determine the state of the body in order to prevent overloads.

The steel frame will support a mass of up to 100 kg, but people with height above 160 cm will “mince” the pedals due to the small stride length – this is inconvenient and ineffective. The orbiter itself is stable, small. Thanks to closers, it will stay on any surface. Price – 17 500 r.

Benefits:

• a flywheel weighing 7 kg gives a good load;
• fitness test;
• works without connecting to an outlet;
• takes 1.2 m².

Disadvantages:

• stride length – 31 cm;
• heavy – 41 kg.

Hasttings FS300 Aero

The rear-wheel ellipse trainer is designed for home use. It works quietly and smoothly, well loads the legs. The pedals are tilted inward by 2 ° for greater comfort of the feet. The console will show the distance traveled, time, heart rate, speed and calories burned. In addition, you can check your level of fitness to avoid excessive loads.

The frame from thick-walled steel profiles can withstand weight up to 125 kg. The step length of the elliptical trainer is enough for low or medium-sized people up to 170 cm. The trainer itself is small and stable due to its weight. It can even be placed on an uneven floor, rolled to any place in the house. You can buy an ellipsoid for 26 000 r.

Benefits:

• a weighty flywheel of 7.5 kg;
• pedal pitch – 39 cm;
• fitness test;
• a headphone jack is provided;
• increased carrying capacity;
• takes only 1.3 m²;
• works without connecting to the mains.

Disadvantages:

• heavy (45 kg).

Electromagnetic

In heavy orbitrecks, resistance is created by magnets, which are controlled by an electric drive. Thanks to a wide selection of loads with a smooth transition, the whole body is perfectly pumped.

These orbitreks are almost silent, but require recharging or connecting to a network..

Proxima senator

Semi-professional sports ellipsoid trainer with front-wheel drive is designed for growth from 185 cm and weight up to 180 kg. Classes are like a long climb uphill – a thorough study of muscles and endurance. Feet are conveniently located close to each other. The pedals are quiet and smooth, as is the change of speeds. The simulator itself is heavy, overall.

The display is tri-color, with support for a chest cardiac sensor (you need to purchase separately). There are training programs for various parameters – height, weight and age. You can even create your own individual mode. The socket does not need an orbiter – it works on the built-in generator. Closers will help to install the simulator on bumps. In online stores, such an ellipse can be ordered for 97 000-100 000 rubles with delivery.

Benefits:

• flywheel weight – 8.5 kg;
• stride length – 58 cm;
• small Q-factor – 8 cm;
• load system of 16 levels;
• 19 various programs are provided for warm-up, cardio, exhausting crosses;
• stand for a glass or water bottle, 2 USB sockets, 2 speakers on the display;
• high carrying capacity;
• autonomy;
• there are shipping wheels.

Disadvantages:

• monotonous hum during training from a running generator;
• the huge weight of the device is 101.5 kg;
• required area – 2 m²;
• high cost.

Spirit SE205

The compact elliptical trainer for home with front-wheel drive will help you lose weight and tighten your shape. Classes with a weighty flywheel will pump your arms, legs and abs in full. The step is smooth, silent, the speed changes imperceptibly. The pedals are close to each other and tilted a couple of degrees inward – the feet are so comfortable.

An intuitive menu on the color display will show time, distance, heart rate, calorie expenditure. The heart rate can also be measured by the chest cardiography, if you buy it separately. The ellipsoid is suitable for people weighing up to 120 kg and a height of 170-175 cm. Roughness compensators and transport rollers are provided, so that the orbiter is stable and mobile. It costs between 39 000–46 000 r.

Benefits:

• the flywheel weighs 9 kg;
• stride length – 41 cm;
• distance between pedals – 10 cm;
• 24 levels of loading are provided;
• 23 training programs are sewn;
• there is a headphone jack, stand for MP3 / iPod;
• increased carrying capacity;
• takes only 1.4 m² of space.

Disadvantages:

• Heavy – 47 kg.
• It is powered by 220 V.
• Sometimes an error E1 appears on the display. Corrected by replacing the standard power supply with a more powerful (12 V).
• Reviews show that after some time some models may creak. This is corrected by manual lubrication of the Litol-24 bearings. Roller rails need to be treated with complete silicone fluid.

Aeromagnetic ellipsoids

These are improved analogues of electromagnetic simulators. The magnets inside them are blown by a fan, which increases the service life of the orbitrek. So the load level does not decrease over time, and the flywheel with pedals rotates more smoothly. These orbitreks work from the built-in generator or 220 V network.

The remaining pros and cons are the same as that of electromagnetic ellipses, only the price is even higher.

Ammity Ocean OE 40

Domestic front-wheel ellipsoid with a convenient pedal design is designed for active interval training and cross-fit. The body on it will be slightly inclined, as if during a sprint on skis, so measured walking is uncomfortable here. It pumps the muscles of the legs, buttocks, shoulders, abdomen and back at the level of professional simulators. It starts without jerking, the pedals go smoothly.

Information on exercise and well-being is displayed on a blue display. You can check your preparedness for loads, connect a Polar cardiosensor (not included). The orbitrek can withstand up to 180 kg of weight, and even suitable for two-meter men and women. It is installed on any irregularities, and if necessary, it can be completely rolled to another place. Price in the range of 112 500–125 000 r.

Benefits:

• flywheel weight – 11.7 kg;
• small Q-factor – 9 cm;
• stride length – 51 cm;
• load system of 24 levels;
• fitness assessment of the body, a huge library of programs from 76 training modes;
• sound dynamics built into the console, 2 USB ports, a compartment for a bottle or glass of water, a grill-blinds in the flywheel housing for air blowing of the body from a spinning disk;
• high payload.

Disadvantages:

• distinct monotonous hum with increasing load;
• only works on 220V;
• heavy – 85 kg;
• takes 1.7 m².

Bowflex Max Trainer M5

Elliptical stepper from the USA with front-wheel drive, simulating the climb of stairs. The simulator itself is small, but stable due to its weight. The flywheel disk is plastic, so it does not thoroughly load. It is good for cardio training (strengthening the lungs with the heart), fat burning and healing after injuries, if there are no contraindications from the doctor. Suitable even for classes during pregnancy and old age. It works smoothly, almost silently.

The display shows speed, distance traveled, calorie consumption. Moreover, the pulse of a walking user is determined as accurately as possible. All uneven floors are solved by closers, and shipping wheels will help move the unit. It is designed for obese users weighing up to 136 kg, height from 170 cm. The manufacturer estimates his simulator at 128 500 r.

Advantages:

• stride length – 45 cm;
• 16 stages of loading are provided;
• There are 8 training programs;
• complete cardiopelt, ports for connecting a smartphone, holder for a container of water;
• increased carrying capacity;
• takes 1.2 m².

Disadvantages:

• weight – 65 kg.
• workmanship does not match the price.
• powered by 220 V.
• plastic in the construction is cheap, the seams are poorly processed, the painting is clinging.

Folding models

Stationary simulators take 2-3 m² usable area, which is especially critical for small housing.

If there is not enough space in the house, it is better to choose folding orbitreks.

They are small-sized and easy to carry, but at the same time they serve less.

Horizon Andes 3 New

The electromagnetic ellipsoidal trainer with front-wheel construction is convenient for any growth, and the reinforced frame can withstand up to 136 kg. Thanks to the small Q-factor, the legs are in a natural position. The device works well on the muscles of the hips and buttocks, but for intensive pumping, the flywheel still lacks mass.

The transition between load levels is smooth and stepless, squeaks are excluded. The black and white console is concise, clear and comfortable. You can connect a wireless heart rate sensor, but it is bought separately. Moving the simulator is not easy, therefore, there are transport rollers in the design. If the floor is uneven, then closer-compensators will help in the installation. The price of this ellipse is 96 300 r.

Benefits:

• the flywheel weighs 7.5 kg;
• stride length – 51 cm;
• Q-factor – 6 cm;
• load system of 16 levels;
• 10 training programs are sewn;
• headphone jack, built-in speaker in the console;
• increased carrying capacity;
• takes 1 m² folded (1.75 m² disassembled).

Disadvantages:

• heavy – 77 kg.
• 220 V network connection required.

Body Sculpture BE-6700H

The rear-wheel magnetic elliptical trainer is independent of the mains. A mid-weight flywheel with 8 levels of loads is enough for weight loss, development of endurance and cardio training. In general, the ellipsoid is quiet, but the higher the speed, the clearer the “ticking” sound in front of the drive.

The console without training programs, shows only basic information (time, distance traveled, speed, calories burned). A fitness test is provided, but no Polar receiver is connected. Relatively compact ellipsoid takes 1.5 m², withstand the user up to 120 kg. The step length is enough for a person of average height. Compensators for uneven floors and transport rollers make the simulator stable and mobile.

Benefits:

• flywheel weight – 9 kg;
• adjustable stride length – 34-40 cm;
• water bottle holder;
• increased carrying capacity;
• takes only 1.5 m²;
• autonomy (works from the built-in generator).

Disadvantages:

• noise when the load level increases;
• weighty – 49 kg;
• the bolt at the folding place is constantly loosening – it needs to be tightened independently;
• squeaks in moving parts – manually corrected with silicone grease, lithol or household oil.