Last updated on February 26th, 2021
Elliptical trainers are one of the popular cardio machines you will find in every gymnasium, apartment or condo and home based gym. Cross trainers are effective for whole body workout whether you are a beginner or professional. Keeping your health in mind, we have complied a list of the best ellipticals for small spaces.
What to look for in a compact elliptical?
There are many options in the market available for compact and portable ellipticals that would fit your home gym area. Nevertheless, there are numerous factors you have to take into account when selecting the right equipment that fits your home and physical fitness routine.
Here’s a thorough guide for you while looking for the best elliptical:
Durability
While evaluating a compact elliptical for your space, you should consider the weight capacity. If the weight of the machine is heavy, the machine should be more durable. The durability of the machine is important as your equipment will be an investment for years. Spend money once and spend it well. Don’t forget that the weight capacity includes the size of the machine; bigger machines require more space so this is something to keep in mind. You have to find the balance between weight and size. Choose an elliptical that is right for you which suits your budget and home.
Stability
Again it comes to weight capacity, the more the weight a mini elliptical can bear the more it will be stable. If your weight is light then you will require lighter machine but if you are heavy, then you will need a more robust machine that can carry your weight.
Noise
While choosing a compact elliptical, make sure that it has smooth and quiet sound while working out so that your neighbours and the people around you would not get bothered. To check the noise levels of the machine, check the weight of the flywheel. The more the weight of the flywheel, the more smoother it will glide and eventually make lesser noise when used.
Warranty
Another factor to consider is the warranty of the elliptical. You should look for longer warranty time so that you would not panic if your elliptical breaks and you will be carefree to know that its repairing is all covered up in the warranty. So, go for compact elliptical machines that have long warranty for your peace of mind.
Elliptical Computers
The most important factor in our opinion is to look for elliptical machines that come with computers where you can keep track of your workout time, calories, distance and heart rate. If the computers have backlight LED/LCD displays then it’s like cherry on the top and an excellent investment.
Pre-programmed workouts
If the ellipticals are installed with computers then look for pre-programmed workout plans that will help you train and guide you to do workout for better results. You will also receive feedback from the trainers and you can keep live track of your progress on the screens.
Resistance levels
The more the resistance levels the more productive your level of workout intensity will be. If there are only few resistance levels, then you might require more energy to work which your body might not be ready to endure. Look for fan wheel or magnetic resistance; whereas fan wheel resistance gives smooth ride, magnetic resistance is more quiet and consistent. Choose which ever fits your training style.
# | Preview | Product | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Bowflex Results Elliptical Series | Buy on Amazon | |
2 | NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical Training Machine | Buy on Amazon | |
3 | Bowflex Max Trainer Series | Buy on Amazon | |
4 | Marcy 8-Level Magnetic Resistance Elliptical Trainer with Oversized Pedals, 300 Pound User Capacity... | Buy on Amazon | |
5 | Body Rider Body Flex Sports Elliptical Exercise Machine, at-Home Exercise Equipment... | Buy on Amazon | |
6 | Horizon Fitness 7.0 AE Elliptical Cross Trainer | Buy on Amazon | |
7 | Cubii Pro Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine for Home Workout, Pedal Bike Cycle Motion, Bluetooth... | Buy on Amazon | |
8 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3609 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Elliptical Machine | Buy on Amazon | |
9 | Body Champ 3-in-1 Exercise Machine, Trio Trainer, Elliptical and Upright Recumbent Bike | Buy on Amazon | |
10 | ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2021-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 10 Best Ellipticals for Small Spaces
1. Bowflex BXE216 Elliptical
Buy on Amazon
Our first choice is Bowflex BXE216 Elliptical. The best exercise equipment for small apartments has Bluetooth connectivity and captures your entire workout regime and syncs with free result series App or free RunSocial App. It is designed with switch select low impact cushions and three different level of tilt system for extra support. You can push hard the pedal to increase muscle activation which has 22 inch stride length and you can alter between 25 levels of resistance, thus giving you excellent results. Moreover, you can control your pedal incline adjustments by just clicking buttons on the fixed and moving handle bar.
The best part is that it has 11 simplified workout programs which you can gauge on your personal comfort level which you can create and save on 9 inch full colour LCD screen. You can entertain yourself by connecting to the Bluetooth, listen music on MP3 player on full volume with in console speakers or watch your favourite seasons and documentaries by inserting the USB and workout with the saved programs for better healthy body. Interestingly, it has heart rate sensors which you can use when you grip the fixed handles with chest strap.
- 400-pound user weight capacity
- Provides money guarantee
- 11 built-in preset workout programs
- Large data screen with per-minute calorie burn feedback
- Supports up to four user profiles
- Heavyweight machine
2. NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical Training Machine
Buy on Amazon
This is the best elliptical for small space on the market which is powered by iFit. NordicTrack Elliptical Training Machine provides the best high tech private training experience you could ever get from any other machine and it is our personal favourite choice too. Anywhere, anyplace you are working out you can search and know Google maps routes. The features of this amazing elliptical trainer include 10 inches HD SMART touch screen with which you can set programs; keep an eye on your calories burnt, time usage and many other options displayed on the screen. Additionally, it has soft touch sensors for upper body grips that show your heart rate and 19 inches adjustable strides so you can control your length of the stride. Also it adjusts the incitement of the machine according to the trainer’s recommendation.
Feel free! Have a go at buying this high rated home elliptical. You will receive workout programs planned just for you designed by experienced personal trainers. Plus you can record you work out progress.
- Provide workout programs from experienced trainers
- Auto breeze workout fan
- One year iFit membership subscription
- Water bottle holder
- 26 digital resistance levels
- Not suitable for advanced trainees
3. Bowflex Max Trainer M7
Buy on Amazon
This Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is the type of elliptical that will give you relaxed and contented feeling while working out. As this trainer has Add Time feature, you can extend your workout time plus it can be connected to your Android devices and Apple iOS to entertain yourself with music and video. It also allows you to sync with free Max trainer so that you can set monitor your goals with the help of the professional trainer’s advice to keep you motivated.
The benefits that it provides to trainees like us are huge backlit LCD/LED display installed with 11 preset workout programs that save your set targets and every user’s fitness level performance. Also, for your smooth push while training it has stainless steel racing pedals.
A Cardio breakthrough! A Calorie Scorching Stepper! What else name would you suggest to such compact cardio equipment for home?
- Compact size with small footprints
- Maximum user weight 300 lbs
- Can be connected to android devices and apple iOS and 4 users profiles can be saved
- Integrated contact grips
- To move from one place to another it has transport wheels
- Small footprint can be an issue for large foot trainees
4. Marcy 8 level Magnetic Resistance Elliptical Trainer
Buy on Amazon
The magnificent Marcy 8 level Elliptical trainer is the one for your home personal gym and reaps the benefits of whole body workout. The large flywheel of the machines gives smooth and quiet operation so that you can enjoy your high intensity workout in the comfort zone of your home.
This elliptical displays an ergonomic construction, facilitating 8 levels of resistance and tension control knob that you can set according to your fitness preference. Just by turning the knob you change the modes to walk, running, stair climb or brisk walk. The large pedals allow the trainee with different foot sizes to burn calories. For secure and comfortable grip, the manufacturer has made foam handle so that its easy to grip while doing fast arm exercises. To take your training to the next level you can monitor the time, calories burned, speed, distance and save the progress when working out. Thanks to its compact size, it is storage friendly.
- Compact size
- It has magnetic resistance level
- Two year warranty
- Battery powered LCD display
- Expensive
- Assembly required
5. Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer
Buy on Amazon
If you are looking for upper and lower body workout with low impact, then this Body Rider peculiar elliptical is definitely worth looking at. It is the best compact elliptical which can be easily stored in your condo or apartment and easily be used while watching TV. The big fan wheel runs quietly and smoothly so that it doesn’t create noise at home and your neighbors won’t get disturbed.
For your ease, you can adjust the workout resistance according to your desire by controlling the friction belt knob. If you are a beginner, this elliptical also includes workout video to guide your training. While working out you can track the time, distance, speed and calories burned per session. You can easily move your Elliptical machine around the house as it has transportation wheels.
- Great for all levels beginners to advance
- Chain-driven fan wheel
- Storage friendly, lightweight
- Affordable
- Friction resistance
6. Horizon Fitness7.0 AE Elliptical Cross trainer
Buy on Amazon
If you like to move and sweat on music or movies then Horizon Fitness Elliptical cross trainer has got you covered by providing advanced Bluetooth Connection, Rapid charge USB port and helps you stay connected to Free fitness Apps.
Additionally, you can quickly swift from 1 to 20 resistance levels to monitor your level of speed and incline with one touch keys and handle bar controls. It has heavy flywheel for smooth motion so that it doesn’t make noise and you can work out without pushing extra pressure on the pedal.
Give Horizon Fitness7.0 AE Elliptical Cross trainer a try and consider this small exercise equipment for your apartment. Make your workouts easier by staying connected to your jam that moves you and keep track of your progress and goals.
- 3 Years parts, 1 Year Labor, Lifetime Frame
- Low ceiling friendly
- 20 resistance levels
- Stay connected to music, can control workout and capture progress data
7. Cubii Pro – seated Under Desk Elliptical
Buy on Amazon
Now you can get yourself fit while you sit! A very easy approach to get you fit by just sitting and do simple leg workout. If you are short on time and want to exercise but also have work to do then Cubii pro space saver elliptical has been designed to improve your physical state just by operating under desk. Cubii Pro – seated Under Desk Elliptical is the only elliptical in the market that has Bluetooth. Interestingly, you can connect to Cubii iOS and Android Apps to keep track of your calories, miles, strides, minutes and RPM. The amazing part is that you can sync with FitBit and Apple Health kit to complete your 10,000 walking step goals.
This workout equipment for small spaces not only improves your posture but also it is effective for hamstrings, glutes, quads, hip flexors, ab/core muscles and calves with 8 resistance levels. It is an alternative to the gym and you can enjoy easy effortless workout devoid of sacrificing work time.
Now you can burn calories by sitting in one place; it can be used under desk, at the dining table or couch, thus keeping your home clutter free! The best opportunity for office workers to lay their hands on the best elliptical for small spaces, who are short on time and cannot hit gym regularly but also want to get physically fit.
- Seated elliptical machine
- Low impact machine
- It has whisper quiet sound while using
- Bluetooth tracking options
- One year warranty
- Batteries required
8. Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
Buy on Amazon
Feel prodigious and get in shape with Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer which is one of the best warranty and compact elliptical machine for home use available in the market. This high quality easy to use elliptical for small spaces can surprisingly fit everywhere in your home because of its lightweight and compact design. To increase or decrease the workout intensity, it can be adjusted to 8 magnetic resistance levels that aim to tone your whole body. You can enjoy your workout while listening to music or watching TV.
This elliptical is specially designed with huge anti slip foot pads for your safety while working out and burn excess calories. Its remarkable features include a digital monitor so that you can track your calories, time consumed, control the speed and distance laps covered. By gripping the handles, the hand pulse sensors activates and you will be able to know your current heart rate so that you can monitor the intensity of workout.
- The machine has Tablet holder
- Built in transport wheels
- 8 resistance levels
- 3-year warranty on frame and a 90 day warranty on moving parts
- 11 inch stride length
- Maximum weight capacity 265lbs
9. Body Champ Trio Elliptical Trainer
Buy on Amazon
This eccentric original 3 in 1 design is the highest rated home elliptical machine. It can actually transform into Elliptical trainer, upright stationery cycle and recumbent bike, all in one machine to enjoy endless hours of workout, giving no time to hop on to any other cardio machines.
This wonderful machine features includes two way adjustable seat, up-front computer with mobile and tablets holder. You can also move around and store thanks to its transport wheels. It has three integrated handles from which you can select according to your choice. The first one is U shaped that is fixed in the front, the second handle is Dual action that is in moving motion and third one is Wraparound that is seated reclined.
The trio trainer will maximize your space, time and value and comes with hassle free transitions from one machine mode to another without making adjustments to the pedals.
- 3 in 1 elliptical machine
- Weight limit 250 pounds
- Built in heart rate monitor
- Foam padded seat
- Rather lengthy process for assembly
10. ProForm Cardio Hiit Elliptical Trainer
Buy on Amazon
Lastly we have picked ProForm Cardio Hiit Elliptical; For your high intensity training workout, there are 24 progressive resistance levels if you are on advanced level. The SMR (silent magnetic resistance) system in this machine creates quiet, durable and smooth so that you can put your full energy into the workout for best results.
Its new technology offers the opportunity to workout anywhere with the help of Google maps. You just have to draw out the route from Google maps and it will show you the street view scenes. Plus you can access the unlimited workout library for your fresh daily workout routines. The expert iFit trainers will help the trainees to do workout according to their preference and to guide you in controlling your speed and incline via Bluetooth.
- 1 month iFit membership
- 10inch vertical climbing path
- Power Requirements – 9 Volt, 2 Amp
- iFit Technology for better results
- Expensive
Which elliptical machine is the best for small space?
If we talk about the type of elliptical machines then out of rear, center and front driver trainers, we recommend the front driver designed elliptical machines. The reason we chose front driver designed elliptical machines for home use is because they require less maintenance, usually have low price and you can easily transport them from one place to another. Additionally, this type of elliptical machines are the most popular and much lighter so they are easy to use at home, apartments or condo.
Bowflex max trainer vs Nordictrack
For your ease, we have compared the best compact ellipticals for your space so that you have a better understanding while purchasing an elliptical machine. Right now, Bowflex ma trainer and Norditrack are the most popular and best sellers on Amazon, so we have compared these two brands for your stress-free decision.
Bowflex Max trainer | Norditrack |
---|---|
Bowflex max trainers are specially designed for whole body workouts and upper body power measurements | Norditrack space saver series are special and most popular elliptical trainers for home use focusing on whole body workout. |
It is 2 in 1 that transforms into stepper and elliptical | The trainers come with built in vertical space saver design which enables them to fold for storage anywhere at home. |
It comes with custom guided workouts which help you reach milestones you have aimed. | It has compact design which is ideal for small living spaces |
The trainer provides you with friendly coaching that lead you on every step when working out. | The elliptical trainers have light flywheels |
You can save time with quick workouts ranging from 4 to 30 minutes | They have up to 325 weight capacity so you would not have to face stability and durability issues. |
It has compact design and its low impact that suits your home | The features include display screens, integrated web browsers and 3 inch iPOD compatible speakers. |
It has Bluetooth enabled for smart devices and heart rate sensors and built in touch screens | It has IFit coach connectivity for unlimited workout downloads, data logging and other benefits |
The trainer has 20 resistance levels | Norditrack have above average warranty packages. |
FAQs
Do ellipticals help lose belly fat?
Ellipticals work both upper and lower body which means more fat burning. Although they do not directly target the muscles around your belly, if you stick to your exercise routine and eat healthy, you should see your belly fat melting away. Remember that when you exercise, you burn fat through your entire body so you need to give it some time to see the result.
Tip: If you are looking for maximum belly fat burning, then focus on the intensity of your elliptical workout, ideally by following the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) pattern.
How much space is needed for an elliptical?
The ellipticals that you see in the gym have average dimensions of 80L x 39W x 37H inches. If you select a compact elliptical for home use, you should expect dimensions of 49L x 24W x 64.2H inches, even less if it is a foldable one. The smallest solution that you can get is the Cubii Pro with dimensions 23.15L in x 17.56W in x 9.77H inches.
Are compact ellipticals effective?
Compact ellipticals can be equally effective as the full size ellipticals provided that you are not very tall (which would affect the stride length) and that you select a model which offers various resistance levels.
Conclusion
We hope these reviews have given you an idea of which is the best elliptical for small spaces that would be the ideal fit for your home. You now know what to look for when researching elliptical machines in the market. It is time to ENJOY YOUR TRAINING AND CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE!
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Eva is Cartbig’s editor in chief and she has worked on everything Cartbig covers, from beyblades to lawn mowers. In her previous life, she held editorial positions in iEssent and BHP.
She loves reading, she has a daughter and a poorly behaved havanese dog.
She resides in Utah and she works remotely from a desk piled with post-it notes, science fiction books and all kinds of cameras. Even broken ones.