10 Best Elliptical Machines

The BowFlex Max Trainer M3 offers a unique workout combining stepping and elliptical arm movements, designed to engage your whole body, including your core. The stepping motion features a shorter, compact stride typical of steppers, which suits smaller spaces and users who prefer low-impact joint-friendly exercise. It includes 8 resistance levels using electromagnetic and air resistance, providing a solid range to challenge beginners and intermediate users, although advanced exercisers might find it less varied than machines with more resistance settings.

There is no incline adjustment, which limits workout variety compared to ellipticals that allow changes in incline to target different muscles. The machine’s feel is influenced by its resistance system rather than a heavy flywheel, keeping it lighter but potentially impacting smoothness for some users. The console is basic with a 4-inch display showing calories burned and speed, and it includes a heart rate chest strap, which is helpful for tracking effort.

The compact design and built-in transport wheels make it easy to move and fit into smaller rooms, appealing to those with limited space. The machine supports users up to 136 kg (about 300 lbs). Due to the forward lean and resistance style, the machine can provide a high-intensity workout suitable for quick, efficient interval training.

The Cubii GO Under Desk Elliptical is designed for people who want to stay active while sitting at their desk, especially useful for home workers or those with limited space. It’s very portable, weighing less than 9 kg with built-in wheels and a retractable handle, making it easy to move and store. This makes it a great choice if you need a compact machine that fits under most desks.

The elliptical offers adjustable resistance levels, allowing you to increase workout intensity as you get fitter. However, it doesn’t have incline settings or a large flywheel, so it won’t replicate the full motion or challenge of a regular elliptical trainer with longer stride lengths. The LCD screen displays basic information like calories burned and distance, which is helpful for tracking progress but lacks advanced features some larger machines provide. Its ergonomic design helps protect your knees and joints, providing a smooth, low-impact workout that’s gentle and suitable for all ages.

While it doesn’t replace a full gym elliptical for intense cardio or running simulation, it’s a solid option for light cardio and leg strengthening during work or leisure time. If portability, ease of use, and low-impact exercise are your priorities, the Cubii GO is a convenient and practical choice.

The Orbitrek MX Motorised Bike Pedal Exerciser is a compact elliptical machine that suits individuals looking for low-impact exercise equipment for home use, particularly the elderly or those needing a simple under desk exerciser. Its design focuses on providing a natural elliptical motion without the stress on joints typical of high-impact exercises like running. This makes it an excellent choice for users with joint issues or those seeking gentle cardiovascular workouts.

The super low-impact exercise and whisper-quiet operation are standout features, making it convenient for use in shared spaces without causing disturbances. Portability is another strong point, with its lightweight design (8.01 kg) and compact dimensions (50 x 44 x 30 cm) making it easy to move and store when not in use.

However, the Orbitrek MX lacks certain advanced features commonly found in full-sized elliptical machines, such as adjustable stride length, multiple resistance levels, and incline settings, which might limit its appeal to more serious fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, the absence of console features like tracking progress or pre-set workout programs could be a drawback for those looking for more interactive or guided workouts. In summary, this product is best suited for those seeking a basic, low-impact exercise solution that is easy to use and store, particularly beneficial for elderly users or those wanting an under desk exerciser.