Rating of the best elliptical trainers for 2020

Elliptical trainer, also called "ellipsoid", "ellipse", "orbitrek", is the safest and at the same time effective cardio equipment. During training on such a simulator, all muscle groups are involved, so one home orbit track can replace most of the gym. Like a treadmill, it is able to get rid of excess body fat. People of any level of physical fitness, regardless of age, can exercise on an ellipsoid. Orbitrek is suitable for home use and equipment for gyms and fitness clubs.

Types of elliptical trainers

Orbitrecks differ in the type of load system and are mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic and aeromagnetic.

1. Mechanical. This is a budget option for simulators that are simple in design and small in size. Due to their dimensions, they are easily accommodated in small apartments. Differs in completely autonomous operation, does not require connection to the mains. However, such devices have an increased noise level. In addition, orbit tracks with a mechanical load system are not very smooth, they do not have a training mode setting, and there are no additional functions. Despite the low cost, this version of the simulator is of low popularity and is almost never used.
2. Magnetic. They are powered by the mains, equipped with a mechanical load level control system, which can be changed manually using a special switch. Devices of this type are equipped with built-in computers, information about the current training mode is shown on the display.
3. Electromagnetic. A popular model of ellipsoids, which are characterized by accuracy and smoothness of adjustment, a wide range of additional functions, built-in training programs. Usually, simulators with an electromagnetic load system have from 16 to 32 training modes. This option is notable for its high cost, but also high efficiency.
4. Aeromagnetic. This device has a built-in powerful generator, the energy of which is distributed to the built-in computer and electromagnets. Aeromagnetic orbitracks are expensive.

In addition, ellipsoids also differ in price, the number of built-in functions, and also in purpose:

1. Homemade. They are often foldable, have small dimensions, making them easy to fit even in tight spaces.Moreover, their design does not differ in high strength, which is required for professional training.
2. Professional. They have an extended set of built-in functions and modes, have an impressive weight, are distinguished by large dimensions and high cost. This type of exercise equipment is designed for installation in gyms. The construction of professional orbit tracks is made of durable, high quality material designed for regular use.
3. Semi-professional. An intermediate option between home and professional ellipsoids: in terms of strength and functionality they are not inferior to the latter, in terms of weight and dimensions they are close to home ones.

Review of the best elliptical trainers with a mechanical load system

Sport Elite SE-8251

Specifications:

• Flywheel - front, weight 2 kg;
• Maximum user weight - 120 kg;
• Functionality - autonomous work, heart rate measurement;
• Step length - 38 cm;
• Mount the cardio sensor - on the steering wheel;
• Floor uneven compensators;
• Transport rollers;
• Hand levers;
• The weight of the structure is 26.5 kg.

A budget model of a mechanical ellipsoid with a front belt drive. It does not require a mains connection, it operates on two batteries (AA batteries). The device can be adjusted to the floor surface - if the floor is uneven, the front stabilizer must be adjusted to prevent the treadmill from swaying during exercise. The stability of the structure is given by a strong frame made of high quality steel. Additionally, the simulator has movable and static handles equipped with a heart rate monitor, which allows you to correctly adjust the load and choose the appropriate training mode.

Sport Elite SE-8251 is suitable for short people, whose weight is not more than 120 kg, as the stride length is only 38 cm.

The average cost is 25,000 rubles.

• inexpensive model;
• good value for money;
• maximum information on the display;
• moderate weight of the device;
• high build quality;
• suitable for beginners.

• lightweight flywheel;
• noisy work;
• no smooth running.

DFC Challenge CH A

Specifications:

• Flywheel - front, weight 6.5 kg;
• Load levels - 8;
• Maximum user weight - 120 kg;
• Functionality - autonomous work; pulse measurement;
• Changing the angle of inclination of the platform;
• Mount the cardio sensor - on the steering wheel;
• Floor uneven compensators:
• Transport rollers;
• Hand levers;
• The mass of the structure is 36.5 kg.

Mechanical ellipsoid with front belt drive for reliability and durability. Suitable for home use, recovery training, body maintenance in excellent physical shape. The height and tilt of the steel frame can be adjusted to simulate climbing a hill or stairs. Also, on the frame there is a regulator for choosing the load level - there are 8 types in total.

Orbitrack platforms rotate smoothly, they are equipped with anti-slip coating and bumpers to hold the foot. Your current speed, kilometers traveled and calories burned are shown on a small display.

DFC Challenge CH A is recommended for users of average height, it is also suitable for teenagers and seniors. The stride length is 28 cm. In terms of weight restrictions, the orbitrack frame and flywheel weighing 6.5 kg can support up to 120 kg.

The average cost of the model is 14,990 rubles.

• home universal ellipsoid;
• suitable for all ages and all fitness levels;
• equipped with transport rollers;
• attractive cost;
• adjustable frame height;
• reliable and robust platforms;
• the steering wheel and levers are equipped with soft pads.

• one built-in program;
• heavy in weight;
• small stride length.

Best Magnetic Elliptical Trainers

UnixFit SL-350 black

Specifications:

• Flywheel - rear, weight 6 kg (inertial - 15.5 kg);
• Load levels - 8;
• Mount the cardio sensor - on the steering wheel;
• Floor uneven compensators:
• Bookend;
• Glass stand;
• Transport rollers;
• Hand levers;
• The weight of the structure is 29.8 kg.

Home RWD orbitrack for home use. Autonomous power supply, magnetic flywheel weighs up to 6 kg. The ellipsoid has a rich set - a special mat is provided to protect the floor covering from the feet of the device, and a holder for a bottle of water is also available.

UnixFit SL-350 black is suitable for professional users, whose height is from 150 to 170 cm, step length 35 cm. The design is designed for users up to 120 kg. The travel is smoother thanks to the weight of the flywheel (15.5 kg) and the load is evenly distributed. The steering wheel is equipped with high-precision heart rate sensors. The LCD displays information about the current speed, kilometers traveled, and energy consumption. The design is easy to assemble thanks to the included set of keys.

The average cost is 18,490 rubles.

• inexpensive option;
• allows you to get rid of extra pounds;
• suitable for owners of small and medium height;
• stable mat included;
• silent, even at high speed;
• autonomy;
• equipment.

• not suitable for tall people (taller than 170 cm).

Nordic Track E 12.2

Specifications:

• Flywheel - rear, weight 10 kg;
• Load levels - 24;
• Maximum user weight - 150 kg;
• Functionality - measuring the heart rate, changing the angle of inclination of the platforms, changing the stride length;
• Step length - 46-51 cm;
• Fastening of the cardiac sensor - on the steering wheel, on the chest;
• Programs - 30;
• Connectivity - wireless heart rate sensor, smartphone;
• Floor uneven compensators:
• Bookend;
• Glass stand;
• Handle keys;
• Transport rollers;
• Hand levers;
• Construction weight - 96 kg.

Front-wheel drive orbitrack, the flywheel weighs 10 kg, and the design is designed for a maximum load of up to 150 kg. The device is equipped with 30 training modes. The stride length is customizable and can be varied from 46 cm to 51 cm, so the Nordic Track E 12.2 is comfortable for users of all sizes.

The elliptical trainer is equipped with an LCD display, which shows data on kilometers traveled, calories burned, current speed and flywheel speed. The tilt angle of the platform can be adjusted for deep training of the leg muscles. The design of the handles allows for attaching additional devices, such as a heart rate monitor, the console is also equipped with a stand for a tablet or a book. A built-in fan is provided for added comfort. The simulator is equipped with floor uneven compensators, and rollers are installed for transportation.

The average price is 76,500 rubles.

• small distance between the pedals;
• customizable stride length;
• 30 built-in exercise modes;
• fan;
• stand for gadgets.

• large dimensions of the structure;
• heavy;
• high price.

UnixFit SL 460

Specifications:

• Flywheel - rear, weight 11 kg (inertial - 25.5 kg);
• Load levels - 8;
• Maximum user weight - 140 kg;
• Functionality - autonomous work; pulse measurement;
• Step length - 47;
• Mount the cardio sensor - on the steering wheel;
• Floor uneven compensators:
• Bookend;
• Glass stand;
• Transport rollers;
• Hand levers;
• The weight of the structure is 49.1 kg.

Orbitrek level "semi-professional". With a magnetic flywheel weight (11 kg) and a stride length of 47 cm, the cardio trainer is suitable for any user's height. The inertial weight of the flywheel is 25.5 kg, so you can accurately select the appropriate load without losing smoothness. Robust construction, steel frame, reinforced pedal assembly are designed for users up to 140 kg. The steering wheel is designed for the installation of additional devices - a smartphone or tablet.The set includes a protective mat that protects the floor surface from damage, and also absorbs the noise of the running simulator.

Information about speed, heart rate, calorie consumption, distance covered and other workout parameters are displayed on the large display. UnixFit SL-460 is a versatile ellipsoid with a comfortable load level, suitable for users of all ages. It successfully combines price, functionality and reliability.

The average cost is 31,890 rubles.

• stable robust construction;
• high quality materials;
• anti-slip coating of platforms;
• ease of use;
• provides the study of all muscle groups;
• compact dimensions;
• equipment.

• no choice of modes;
• monochrome display, no backlight;
• not all models are equipped with protective mats.

Best Electromagnetic Elliptical Trainers

CardioPower E250

Specifications:

• Flywheel - rear, inertial 20 kg;
• Load levels - 24;
• Maximum user weight 130 kg;
• Functional - pulse measurement;
• Step length - 41 cm;
• Mount the cardio sensor - on the steering wheel;
• Workout programs - 20, custom - 4; built-in - "BodyFat";
• Additionally:
• Glass stand;
• Transport rollers;
• Hand levers;
• Color display.

Home ellipsoid with rear-wheel drive, mains powered. The loading system has 24 levels of difficulty, the stride length is 41 cm, which is suitable for owners of average height and weighing up to 130 kg. The device provides the user with a choice of 20 built-in training programs, as well as 3 heart rate-dependent and 4 custom ones.

The ellipsoid is equipped with a large color LED display that shows calorie consumption, current workout time, mileage and other indicators. Has an additional Body Fat function for evaluating adipose tissue. The user's current state is monitored by a high-precision heart rate sensor, which independently selects the appropriate load.

The simulator platform has a comfortable shape, sides, and anti-slip rubberized pads.

The CardioPower E250 is also compact, making it easy to fit in a small room. The device is easy to move from one place to another - the rollers with which the simulator is equipped allow you to simply roll it without damaging the floor covering.

The average cost is 25,110 rubles.

• convenient and simple control;
• smooth running;
• training programs are designed for all muscle groups;
• decent functionality;
• a convenient stand for a water bottle is available.

• there is no possibility of autonomous launch;
• not suitable for those who are tall.

Evo Fitness Ergo EL

Specifications:

• Flywheel - rear, weight 8 kg (inertial - 17.6 kg);
• Load levels - 24;
• Maximum user weight - 120 kg;
• Functional - pulse measurement;
• Step length - 36 cm;
• Mount the cardio sensor - on the steering wheel;
• Programs - 24; pulse-dependent - 4; custom - 4; built-in - "BodyFat", constant effort program;
• Floor uneven compensators:
• Transport rollers;
• Hand levers;
• The weight of the structure is 30.8 kg.

Front-wheel drive orbitrack from a German manufacturer, equipped with a flywheel weighing 8 kg. The load is switched smoothly, protecting the musculoskeletal system from overloads. The device is preinstalled with the Body Fat function and 24 workout programs with different intensities. The sturdy frame features a blue backlit LED display and tablet holder. The pedals are covered with anti-slip material, the grips are padded. This multifunctional device is suitable for weight loss, general muscle strengthening and keeping the body in good physical shape.

The average cost is 19,990 rubles.

• power and reliability;
• smooth running;
• silent work;
• simplicity of the assembly diagram;
• easy control system;
• a wide range of load levels;
• ergonomic steering wheel;
• built-in heart rate sensor;
• the presence of a stand for devices;
• affordable cost.

• there is no holder for a bottle with water;
• maximum user weight - 120 kg;
• the stride length is only 38 cm.

Clear Fit CrossPower CX 400

Specifications:

• Flywheel - front;
• Load levels - 24;
• Maximum user weight - 135 kg;
• Functional - pulse measurement;
• Step length - 51 cm;
• Mount the cardio sensor - on the steering wheel;
• Programs - 40; pulse-dependent - 5; custom - 16; built-in - "CoolDown", "QuickStart", "BodyFat", by time, by distance, constant effort program, fitness assessment;
• Connectivity - wireless heart rate sensor, smartphone;
• Floor uneven compensators:
• Transport rollers;
• Hand levers;
• Bookend;
• Construction weight - 60 kg.

Professional ellipsoid model from a French brand. The stride length is 51 cm, and the reinforced construction with aluminum rails is designed for active use of the simulator by users weighing up to 135 kg. For training, a choice of 40 programs and 24 levels of load is offered. The weight of the flywheel is 22 kg, the stroke is smooth, the change of modes is smooth, smooth.

The large 5.5-inch display, which the simulator is equipped with, is completely Russified. The screen displays information about the setting, data on the calories consumed during exercise, distance covered, current speed. The tilt angle of the display can be changed according to the user's height.

The rugged design is complemented by a stand for books, tablets or smartphones. Training parameters can be configured through the control panel or through a special mobile application.

The average cost is 59,990 rubles.

• wide functionality;
• suitable for professional sports;
• robust and stable construction;
• suitable for high users;
• silent work;
• the ellipsoid is designed to work out all muscle groups;
• it is possible to connect additional sensors.

• large dimensions of the device.

Spirit SE205

Specifications:

• Flywheel - front;
• Load levels - 24;
• Maximum user weight - 120 kg;
• Functional - pulse measurement; overload signal; changing the angle of inclination of the platforms;
• Step length - 41 cm;
• Mount the cardio sensor - on the steering wheel;
• Programs - 23; pulse-dependent - 4; custom - 4; built-in - "BodyFat", by time, by distance, constant pulse program, constant effort program, fitness assessment;
• Connectivity - wireless heart rate sensor;
• Floor uneven compensators:
• Transport rollers;
• Hand levers;
• Bookend;
• The weight of the structure is 47 kg.

Front wheel drive home elliptical trainer with a choice of 24 training programs. Additionally, there are 4 built-in heart rate-dependent ones, as well as 4 user modes, in which the owner of the simulator can prescribe the necessary parameters for training, evaluate their results.

The stride length is 41 cm, the design is designed for a user up to 120 kg. Information on calories burned, kilometers traveled, current frequency and flywheel rotation speed is displayed on a color display.

The construction of the simulator is equipped with transport rollers, compensators for unevenness of the floor surface. The weight of the device is 47 kg, and its dimensions allow you to place an ellipsoid in a small apartment.

The average cost is 38,990 rubles.

• wide platforms;
• clear screen;
• color clear display;
• affordable cost;
• smooth running;
• silent work.

• stride length is not suitable for tall users.

Hasttings Q700

Specifications:

• Flywheel - front, weight 12 kg;
• Load levels - 16;
• Maximum user weight - 120 kg;
• Functional - heart rate measurement, signal of exceeding the load;
• Step length - 51 cm;
• Mount the cardio sensor - on the steering wheel;
• Programs - 24; pulse-dependent - 4; custom - 4; built-in - "BodyFat", by time, by distance, constant pulse program, constant effort program, fitness assessment;
• Floor uneven compensators:
• Transport rollers;
• Hand levers;
• Bookend.

Ellipsoid with front drive and flywheel weighing 12 kg. The stride length is universal, 51 cm, suitable for users of different heights. The distance between the pedals is 10 cm for a comfortable workout. The simulator is designed for a maximum weight of the owner up to 120 kg. There are 24 preset modes of training, 4 pulse-dependent ones, independently adjusting the training parameters according to the pulse. Custom programs are also available that track workout results. The built-in heart rate monitor regulates the load, in case of an excess of which it gives a signal.

The average cost is 46,990 rubles.

• universally comfortable stride length;
• small distance between platforms;
• a wide choice of programs;
• exercises are effective for weight loss;
• attractive design.

• not found.

Best aeromagnetic elliptical trainers

Bowflex Max Trainer M3

Specifications:

• Flywheel - front;
• Load levels - 8;
• Maximum user weight - 136 kg;
• Functional - pulse measurement;
• Training programs - 2;
• Connectivity - wireless heart rate sensor, smartphone;
• Floor uneven compensators;
• Bookend;
• Glass stand;
• Transport rollers;
• Hand levers;
• Construction weight - 65 kg.

The premium orbit track model replaces the full gym workout. Suitable for both beginners and those who are professionally involved in sports. The robust and stable construction can handle heavy weight without any problems. It has 8 load levels, has the ability to additionally connect a wireless heart rate sensor. There are programs aimed at getting rid of extra pounds.

The built-in computer, taking into account the user's pulse, adjusts the intensity of the training and selects the appropriate type of training, no worse than a practicing trainer. The results are displayed on a large display, in addition, it is possible to display data on the smartphone screen through a special application. The simulator is equipped with a convenient shelf for your phone or tablet, so you can combine training with watching a movie, reading or just listening to music.

The average cost is 99,900 rubles.

• reliable orbit track;
• high build quality and construction materials;
• variety of functions;
• the ability to connect additional devices;
• smooth movement of platforms;
• stylish performance;
• suitable for those who are tall;
• silent work.

• there is no possibility of adjusting the stride length;
• high price.

What to look for when choosing an elliptical trainer

Before purchasing an ellipsoid, it is recommended to consider the following criteria and parameters:

1. Flywheel location. These are orbitracks with front and rear wheel drive. The front wheel drive ellipsoids are suitable for users of any height and have longer strides than rear wheel drive trainers. Rear-wheel drive trolleys are compact and suitable for home use. The distance between the platforms in such a device is 20 cm, which is not suitable for owners of small stature.
2. Flywheel inertia. Tall people, as well as users with a large weight, are recommended to purchase exercise equipment with a flywheel from 20 kg. A heavy flywheel provides an intense workout, and therefore a greater training efficiency. Flywheels of 8-10 kg are suitable for beginners, as well as those of small stature and weight.
3. Step length. A step of 50 cm is considered optimal, suitable for any height. For owners of small and medium stature, a stride length of 30 to 40 cm is recommended.
4. Distance between pedals (Q-factor). The short distance guarantees a comfortable workout. For ellipsoids with front-wheel drive, the Q-factor is up to 10 cm.For rear-wheel drive orbitracks - at least 20 cm, but this distance will not be suitable for users with small stature.
5. Maximum user weight. When choosing a home orbit track, you need to know the mass of each family member and focus on the largest parameter, adding 20 kg. That is, when the user weighs 110 kg, the device must be rated for 130 kg.
6. Changing the angle of inclination of the platform. This function allows you to simulate uphill climbing, which is suitable for athletes and those who wish to work deeply on specific muscle groups. This function is not recommended for those with joint problems.
7. Display functionality. Through the on-board computer, you can set up an orbit track, set a training program, track the results of classes. Expensive models are equipped with additional audio and video systems, as well as the ability to connect to the Internet.
8. Cost. Elliptical trainers cost 35,000 rubles. are considered inexpensive, usually devices with a magnetic or electromagnetic system. It is desirable that an inexpensive orbitrek has an average number of programs, a display, pulse-dependent programs and a choice of mode intensity.

Manufacturers offer a large selection of orbit tracks, among which it is difficult to single out a universal one. It is recommended to select an elliptical trainer individually, taking into account the characteristics of your body, level of physical fitness, preferences and purposes of using the trainer.