Elliptical trainers for home and commercial use

What is an elliptical trainer?

An elliptical trainer, also called a cross trainer, combines an elliptical leg movement with moving handles. Your legs and glutes do most of the work, while your arms, shoulders and core support the movement. Because your feet stay on the pedals throughout the workout, there is less impact than when running.

Why train on an elliptical trainer?

An elliptical trainer helps you improve your fitness and endurance while burning calories. By adjusting your pace and the resistance, you can use it for gentle warm-ups, longer endurance sessions and intensive interval training. Using the moving handles also brings your upper body into the workout.

Front-drive or rear-drive elliptical trainer?

On a rear-drive elliptical trainer, the flywheel is at the back. These models are often more compact and generally have a slightly rounder movement. A front-drive model has the flywheel at the front and usually offers a flatter, longer movement reminiscent of cross-country skiing. Which design feels most comfortable depends on your height, training style and personal preference.

What stride length do you need?

The stride length determines how much room you have to move during your workout. Taller users generally find a longer stride more natural and comfortable, particularly during intensive training. Also consider the distance between the pedals, known as the Q-factor. A narrower pedal spacing generally allows a more natural alignment of your hips, knees and feet.

What should you look for when buying an elliptical trainer?

When comparing elliptical trainers, consider the stride length, stability, maximum user weight and overall dimensions. Also take your height, planned training frequency and available space into account. For frequent or intensive workouts, a heavier frame with a generous stride length is generally a better choice than a lightweight, compact entry-level model.

Other useful features include the number of resistance levels, workout programmes, heart rate monitoring and support for training apps. If you want to use apps, check whether the trainer connects to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and supports your chosen app.

Which resistance system should you choose?

Elliptical trainers are available with different resistance systems. On basic magnetic models, you adjust the resistance manually or electronically. Electromagnetic models can adjust resistance more precisely and automatically during a workout programme. Self-generating commercial models produce their own electricity as you train, so they do not need a power socket for normal operation.

Elliptical trainers for home and commercial use

A home elliptical trainer should suit your available space and intended workout intensity. A solid home model may be sufficient for a few sessions a week. For daily or intensive use, a heavier trainer with a stable frame and higher maximum user weight is a more suitable choice. Commercial models are designed for frequent use in gyms, personal training studios, workplace fitness rooms and professional practices.

How do you compare movement and comfort?

Stride length, pedal spacing and the shape of the movement can vary considerably between elliptical trainers. Compare these features alongside your height, training goals and expected intensity of use. Also consider the position of the handles and how easily you can reach the controls. Specifications help you narrow down your choice, although they cannot fully describe how comfortable a model will feel for you.

This category is part of our complete range of cardio fitness equipment, which also includes treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines and indoor cycling bikes for home and commercial use.