How Can I Choose The Best Elliptical Trainer?

Choosing the best elliptical trainer for your specific needs can be a very difficult task. There are so many different options to choose from – it is enough to make your head spin! If you go into the buying process without a plan, there is a very good chance you will make a mistake when choosing which machine to buy.

Generally speaking, there are 8 elliptical trainers on the market today that will suit anyone’s needs. These have been tested time and time again and have been proven to be the best elliptical machines around. There is something in everyone’s price range, so it doesn’t matter what your budget is – you will be able to find the perfect elliptical trainer for your needs! If you are looking for the best elliptical trainer, it is probably a good idea to choose from one of the following…

The following elliptical machines are listed from least expensive to most at the time we did our elliptical reviews. Their ranking is no reflection on their individual merits.

Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer

The Horizon Fitness EX-57 is one of the most cost effective options available. It has 8 different electronic resistance levels, 9 different workout programs to follow, and a small LCD screen to track your results. This is an easy, simple machine use, but it offers intense workouts that will have you sweating in no time! The one issue with the Horizon Fitness EX-57, though, is how loud it is. If you are trying to watch TV while using your machine, you will definitely have some trouble. But, within its price range, the Horizon Fitness EX-57 is one of the best options available!

Click here to visit the Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer site.

Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer

The Schwinn 420, along with its bigger brother the Schwinn 430, are two of the most popular elliptical trainers around. It includes many of the same features as higher priced machines, like a heart rate monitor, multiple resistance levels and a computer to track your parameters. The only real issue that can be brought up with the Schwinn 420 is its build quality – it pales in comparison to some of the other elliptical trainers mentioned here. But, when you consider that it costs about 1/5^th of what they do, you will see you are getting great value for your money!

Click here to visit the Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer site.

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

The Schwinn 430 is almost identical to the Schwinn 420. It has the same heart rate monitor, the same overall design, but fewer levels of resistance and fewer workout programs. As with the Schwinn 420, the Schwinn 430 is not really comparable in terms of reliability to the higher priced machines. This machine will work for a long period of time, but you will have to apply lubricant and do some maintenance on it to keep it in top shape after a few years. For the price it is offered at, though, the Schwinn 400 series of elliptical trainers can’t be beat.

Click here to visit the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer site.

Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer

If you are looking for something a little more compact, the Best Fitness E1 may be just what you need. It has most of the features of a full sized machine, but it takes up much less space. This machine is ideal if you need to workout in a small apartment or just don’t have a lot of space in front of your TV. Setting up and using the Best Fitness E1 is quite simple, but using the built in computer system is not. There is a detailed owners manual included with the machine that teaches you how to use the diverse set of features, but it still takes a little while to get used to. But, for the price, the Best Fitness E1 delivers.

Click here to visit the Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer by Body Solid site.

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer (2011 Model)

Sole is one of the most popular names when it comes to home fitness equipment, and the Sole E35 lives up to that reputation. It operates in a very quiet manner, it is very comfortable to use, and the built in LCD screen and various workout programs make it very easy to get in an intense, gut busting workout. The one issue with the Sole E35, though, is the resistance system. It is sometimes inconsistent and difficult to adjust. But, if you can get over this (most people can), this will make a great buy. It is one of the most popular elliptical machines around – thousands of people can’t be wrong.

Click here to visit the Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer (2011 Model) site.

Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2011 Model)

The Sole E95 is a few steps up from the Sole E35. It has many of the same features, but it offers some worthwhile upgrades in key areas. First, the 9 inch blue LCD screen really makes it easy to monitor your parameters when you are working out. There are also more levels of resistance available over the E35, and there are more adjustments built in so you can get a more comfortable position to workout in. While the Sole E95 has a built in sound system, it isn’t very useful, though. Over the sound of the machine, it is hard to actually hear the music – most people just put on a set of headphones and listen to their iPod. But, this machine gives you options – that’s all you can really ask for.

Click here to visit the Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2011 Model) site.

Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef Elliptical Trainer

The Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef is a very popular elliptical trainer with the home fitness crowd. It offers 20 different levels of resistance, 13 different preset fitness programs (with the ability to customize) and multiple data displays that will track all your key parameters and allow you to get a great workout! Not everything is perfect about the Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef, though. Based on what the Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef offers, it could be priced a little lower or some more features could be added in to increase the value. The Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef is still a great buy, though.

Click here to visit the Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef Elliptical Trainer site.

Life Fitness Club Series Elliptical Cross Trainer

The Life Fitness Club Series Elliptical Cross Trainer is one of the most highly regarded cross trainers on the market today. You may recognize this machine – it is very similar to the ones you see in most high quality health clubs. It is actually made by the same manufacturer – it is just designed for home use. With 18 different workout programs, a very ergonomic design, and a built in heart rate monitor, this machine has everything you could ask for. The only real issue with the Life Fitness Club elliptical trainer is the price. Of the eight trainers mentioned here, it is the most expensive. But, when it comes to high quality exercise equipment, you really get what you pay for. If you have the budget for it, you can’t go wrong with this trainer.

Click here to visit the Life Fitness Club Series Elliptical Cross-Trainer site.

Final Verdict – What Is The Best Elliptical Machine For Me?

The best elliptical trainer is the one that suits your specific needs. As you can see, almost every elliptical trainer on the market today has their pros and cons – there is no such thing as the perfect trainer that is suitable for everyone. You need to determine what the best piece of equipment is that will make you happy, because if you are not happy with the piece of equipment you choose, you won’t use it.  If you are looking for a cost effective elliptical trainer, the Schwinn 420 and 430 are excellent choices. If you need an elliptical trainer that fits in a compact area, the Best Fitness E1 will probably suit your needs. If you want the best of the best and cost is no issue, the Life Fitness Series Elliptical Cross Trainer is perfect for you. Examine your needs, research all of the aforementioned elliptical trainers and make your decision. One thing is for sure, though – you can’t go wrong with any of these elliptical trainers!

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