Elliptical training machines have been one of the hottest and fastest growing products in the fitness market in recent years. These machines have quickly joined the ranks with treadmills and bicycles as the “go to” Cardiovascular exercise machines in many gyms across the country. The “elliptical machine” gets its name from the elliptical pattern of movement that a user’s legs make when operating the machine. This unique stride gives the user all the cardiovascular benefits of long term, high intensity exercise without the pain and wear on joints that are often a byproduct of running. Considering Amazon, Sears, and a few other fitness equipment portal customer elliptical reviews in conjunction with price and functionality the following list has been constructed.
Waiting for a vacant machine at your local gym can be tiresome, and the purchase of a personal elliptical machine can be the answer to all your problems. If the thought of spending a couple thousand dollars on a piece of exercise equipment is not appealing to you, don’t worry. Many high quality elliptical machines are available for under $600, and the following six are sure to please any consumer looking to exercise in the comfort of their own home at a reasonable price.
Six best elliptical trainers for under $600.
1. Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer
Topping our list of the best six elliptical machines for under $600 is the “Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer.” With four out of five stars from over 850 customer reviews, this is by far and away the favorite among Amazon.com consumer elliptical reviews. Being the smallest and easily transportable elliptical has owners ranting and raving over this high performance and inexpensive machine. Originally listed at $220.00 dollars, this great machine is the most inexpensive on our list as you can grab it on Amazon.com for only 119.99. J.D. describes the small yet powerful machine, “I like the elliptical movement because I have bad ankles, and treadmills and steppers hurt me after a short time working out. I don't have room for a full-size elliptical machine in my house, and this turned out to be the perfect size. Plus, it's small size made it easy to move around the house to be where I wanted to use it. I like to work out while watching TV to keep my mind elsewhere and work out longer, and I can pull this machine (about 25lbs) in front of the TV in the living room to watch TV with family.”
2. Exerpeutic 1000Xl Heavy Duty Magnetic Ellipticals with Pulse
The “Exerpeutic 1000Xl” is our second best overall value and performance machine receiving four out five stars consumer elliptical reviews and costs only $194.00. Boasting a sleek, silver and black design, this machine will not be needed to be stored in the garage as it will nicely compliment any room in your house. A key feature of this machine includes an easy to read large window LCD display that indicates distance, calories burned, time, speed, and heart rate monitoring. Another feature that consumers seem to rave about is the quietness of this machine, its precision balanced flywheel and V- belt drive provides a smooth and quiet operation, which is optimal for use while watching TV or listening to music. J.A describes the machine as, “The machine is expertly packed and it got here in two days...it looks sharp and expensive, which is odd considering it costs less than machines sold at wal-mart. If you have read any of the reviews of other "cheap" model ellipticals, you will know that most, if not all, do more harm than good. They often-times injure folks with back or joint problems, as they do not produce a low-impact workout. Some fall apart after a few sessions and some never worked properly in the first place. None of this is true with the Exerpeutic 1000Xl.”
3. Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer
Previously listed at $799.00, the “Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer” now just barely makes our list as it is priced at $599.99. This award-winning elliptical trainer offers a smooth upper body workout in addition to the lower body workout that most elliptical machines offer. The ergonomic handles offer multiple workout positions as well as a heart rate monitor by reading the pulses in your hands. The “Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer” can handle up to a 300-pound user weight and offers a five-year warranty on the frame that many consumers enjoy. Boasting sixteen different resistance levels, this machine received four out of five stars in Amazon.com customer elliptical reviews. This elliptical is biomechanically designed to offer a comfortable and natural 18-inch stride path while simultaneously allowing a user to pedal forward or backward depending on the type of workout they desire.
4. ProForm 10.0 CE
ProForm is one of the most trusted brands in exercise equipment, and of the various elliptical trainers they offer, the “ProForm 10.0 CE” is one of the best for the price. Originally offered at $799.00, this high performance machine can now be purchased on Amazon.com at $599.99. Receiving three and a half out of five stars on Amazon.com elliptical reviews, this nice piece of equipment includes eighteen workout apps to keep things interesting during your daily workouts. One of the few machines offering variable stride lengths the ProForm 10.0 CE is a great buy at a great price for anyone looking for a good home workout.
5. Best Fitness Elliptical Cross-Trainer
Yet another great elliptical trainer for under $600, the “Best Fitness Elliptical Crosstrainer” is one of the more compact and mobile elliptical trainers on this list. Outfitted with wheels this great workout machine can be easily moved in and out from a storage area to the living room without breaking a sweat. Offering eight levels of magnetic resistance and a five-year warranty on the motor, this model has received great ratings on Amazon.com’s user elliptical reviews. P.B. describes her time with the machine, “It is built really well and is pretty quiet. I am 5'4" and the stride is comfortable and not awkward like some other small ellipticals can be. Good luck, I don't think you will be disappointed with it.”
6. ProForm 510 E Elliptical
Receiving three out of five stars and originally priced at $799.00, this is about as high quality a machine you can get for under $600.00. With an adjustable stride length and twenty workout apps, this machine offers great quality and functionality making it such a popular choice amongst Amazon.com users. The compatible iPod port and digital inclines are added features that consumers really seem to like. C.G. tells of his time with the machine, “I love this and it has worked wonders. Putting it together was an "ok" process. Definitely took time but wasn't too much of a headache. I have had surgery on both of my knees so having this to alternate from the treadmill is cool.”
All six of the elliptical trainers above are great buys at a great bargain for any user, regardless of height or weight. These high quality machines are built to last and offer long term solutions to your exercise needs. This list was compiled using the most updated customer elliptical reviews and data from Amazon.com, Sears.com and other fitness sites as of May 2, 2013.