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Ellipticals for small spaces
Did you know that just 30-minutes of exercise on an elliptical machine burns as much as 324-calories in 30-minutes? That’s just if you weigh 155-pounds, you can expect to lose more depending on your current weight.
As a form of cardio, elliptical workouts are not only good at burning calories but are also a great way to strengthen your heart and lung muscles. Improving both your endurance and stamina.
Besides as a low-impact exercise, it significantly reduces damage to your knees, joints, hips, and back that you would have otherwise felt if engaging in cardio exercises outdoor.
Let’s not forget that you’re getting an upper and lower body. This puts the elliptical above other low-impact machines such as recumbent bikes that only strengthen your lower muscles.
But what happens when you’re working with limited space or live in apartments? A full-sized elliptical machine requires a good amount of space. Not everyone has a room they can spare to hold these spacious machines.
The good news is you don’t have to go for a gym-quality full-sized machine to get the befits of elliptical workouts.
In this post, we share with you the best elliptical for small spaces. These machines are compact, well-designed to save you space yet strong and durable enough to use daily.
Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.
If you’re curious or in a hurry:
SCHWINN 411 Compact Elliptical Machine is our top pick!
Best elliptical for small spaces
- SCHWINN 411 Compact Elliptical Machine
- SF-E905 Elliptical Machine
- Under Desk Elliptical Machine
- Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Cross Trainer
- Doufit Elliptical Machine
- FUNMILY Elliptical Machine
- Body Rider Elliptical Trainer
- 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical
SCHWINN 411 Compact Elliptical Machine
- 13 Preset programs.
- 16 resistance levels.
- 18-inch stride.
- 5.5-inch LCD.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
Schwinn 411 Elliptical is the machine for you if you’re looking for an elliptical that’s designed for serious workouts yet come with a small footprint that requires minimal space. At half the size of most ellipticals, this machine is compact and fits perfectly in small spaces,
Can be used even in spaces with low ceilings.
The machine comes well packed with lots of parts and hardware. They are no written instructions just clear illustrations that are easy to follow. Most of the assembly time will be spent trying to unpack.
Avoid getting overwhelmed and start by laying out all your pieces. Use the charts and diagrams provided and you’ll have this elliptical assembled in 2-hours time or less.
The machine is very well-built and sturdy. It feels very stable when in use, with no wobbling whatsoever.
With 16-levels of resistance, expect a great workout every time you use this machine. Many users have noted that the resistance is set very high even in the lowest setting. Exercising for just 10-minutes will have you sweating and panting.
The highest resistance setting will have you feeling like you’re climbing a mountain. This is a great option for HIIT workouts if you’re short on time. Perfect for a short evening workout.
It does produce some noise when in use but nothing too loud, more like a whooshing sound. It’s much quieter than a home treadmill. You can use it with children sleeping in the next room and it won’t wake them, they’ll sleep right through it.
The 18-inch stride is very smooth and just enough for users of different heights. Even those at 6-feet will find that they can comfortably use this machine without feeling limited.
The machines come with both fixed and moving handlebars. While the moving handlebars can cause back strain as you learn to balance your body. You can use the fixed handlebars to maintain a good posture with no strain whatsoever.
LCD keeps track of your time, distance, and calories. However, it doesn’t give the most accurate results. You’re better off using the app to keep track of these stats.
Regular maintenance is needed to keep it in good shape especially if you plan on using it daily. Make sure to use the silicone oil provided to lubricate wheels every week.
Place a yoga or gym mat underneath the machine to avoid staining your floor. Overall this is a very compact machine that will easily fit in an empty corner making it an easy choice for small spaces.
Cons;
- Doesn’t incline
- Resistance is very high even in the lowest setting
- Console stats are inaccurate
SF-E905 Elliptical Machine
- 220 lbs weight capacity.
- 8-levels of magnetic resistance.
- 11-inch stride.
- Digital monitor.
- Transportation wheels.
- Floor stabilizers.
This Sunny & Healthy elliptical machine is a great option for beginners who want a machine they can use at home regularly. Its compact size and weight, make it an ideal choice for those with limited space.
It arrives well-packaged and with lots of different parts. Assembly will take quite some time and patience. Get started the right way by laying out all the parts as you unpack. Some parts go on the left and others to the right. Lay them accordingly and you’ll save yourself some time. If you can get an extra pair of hands to help you, the better.
Make sure that all bolts are tightened and no parts are loosely attached to avoid any squeaking or clicking noise when in use. The machine is very quiet when in use and can comfortably be used on top-floor apartments.
Customize the 8-levels of resistance to meet your desired intensity level for the ultimate workout session. Expect to be sweating and out of breath even in level 2. The machine comes with an 11-inch stride that’s much shorter than a standard elliptical.
However, this short stride is what makes the workouts much harder especially for taller users as the range of motion is lacking. Expect to feel some burn on your thighs as you get started. The pedals are also a bit short and not suitable for those with longer shoe sizes.
The display is a very simple monitor that keeps track of your distance, time, and calories. Use the transportation wheels whenever you wish to move the machine around.
Cons;
- Short stride
- Not suitable for taller users
Under Desk Elliptical Machine
- 250 lbs weight capacity.
- 8-levels of magnetic resistance.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Whisper-quiet.
- Portable elliptical.
Do you find yourself sitting all day, struggling with a sedentary lifestyle or desk job with limited movement? If that’s you, this compact Cubii Under Desk Elliptical Machine is what you need. Let your legs stay active as you play or work.
Assembly is super easy, all you have to do is attach the right/left pedals. Charge it and connect it to the app via the Bluetooth feature. It should be ready for use in 20-minutes or less. The frame is quite bulky but not too heavy that you can’t move it around.
Designed for under desk use, this machine is a great way to exercise your leg muscles as you work, watch your favorite shows and play video games.
To get started, first connect the machine to the Cubii app to track your distance, calories, steps, and time. The app is one of the best features of this elliptical. It’s very enjoyable, with an easy-to-use dashboard.
Join different challenge groups on the app to keep yourself motivated. You can also sync it to your Fitbit to keep count of your steps. You just might find yourself getting your 10,0000 steps done before you leave work.
This elliptical requires no arm movement, you can use it as your work without any distraction. It’s also completely silent when in use. It’s so quiet your coworkers and any visitors coming into your office will never notice that you’re using an exerciser.
With 8-levels of magnetic resistance, make it as easy or as difficult as you wish. It might not feel like you’re putting in any effort but you’ll feel the effects on your leg muscles when you stand up or walk.
The pedals are wide and long enough to accommodate all shoe sizes and types. Even those with shoe size 15 can comfortably use this exerciser. You don’t have to change into exercise shoes either, use it with whatever you have on, your office shoes, heels, or flats.
Cons;
- Slides on hardwood floors.
- Limited resistance.
Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer
- 220 lbs weight resistance.
- 9-inch stride length.
- Vertical and horizontal strides.
- 8-levels of magnetic resistance.
- Transporttaion wheels.
With the SF-E3911 machine, what you get is an elliptical trainer and climber combined into one great piece of equipment. It’s a great exercise you can use at home for an intense workout session even with limited space.
Assemble is a breeze as it only involves six steps. The instructions booklet is very clear as it directs you through all the steps. Most of the work involves attaching the handles, pedals, monitor, front and rear stabilizers. Expect to spend most of the assembly time trying to get all the parts out of the vacuum-sealed packaging.
The machine comes with 8-levels of resistance. Adjust the resistance with a simple turn of the tension knob. When exercising, start with a light warm-up at level-2 and then proceed to a heart-pumping session at level 5 with a cool down at the lowest setting.
Even though this machine looks basic, it delivers a brutal workout with its vertical and horizontal strides. 10-minutes of exercising at a moderate level is enough to feel the burn on your legs and hips.
The motion is very smooth and quiet. You can comfortably watch TV as you exercise. It also comes with a basic display monitor to keep track of your time, speed, distance, and calories.
Accessories include a multi-use holder that that’s well-positioned above the LCD to hold your iPad or tablet. A water bottle holder is also included. Check and tighten loose bolts often to avoid any squeaking noise and keep the machine in top shape.
Cons;
- Short 9-inch stride.
- Resistance is limited to only 8-levels.
Doufit Elliptical Machine
- 250 lbs weight capacity
- Dual-action arms
- 8-level adjustable resistance
- Extra-large pedals
The Doufit Elliptical Exerciser is a compact and perfectly sized machine to use for your daily workouts at home. Its small and modest form makes it an ideal choice for those who want to save on space.
The assembly process is very easy as the instruction manual is well-written. If you find the instructions confusing, check the video link instead for directions on how to assembly the machine. The unboxing process takes time as it comes with many parts. It’s much easier to do this with a friend or partner rather than try it alone.
Its heavy-duty steel frame is very sturdy and durable enough to withstand years of use.
Once in use, the motion is very smooth and quiet. You can use this machine early in the morning or late in the evening and your roommates will sleep right through it.
Its 13.5-inch stride though short compared to that of a full-sized elliptical at the gym keeps your workout challenging. Adjustable 8-levels of magnetic resistance is easy to control and provides a good full-body workout. Major muscles such as the back, arms, legs, hips all get a good workout on this machine.
It comes with 2-handles. One that shifts as you exercise and one that’s fixed. You can safely alternate between both these handles during your workouts. Extra-large pedals provide enough space for all users to exercise comfortably.
The simple LCD monitor is battery-operated requiring 2-AAA batteries. It keeps track of your speed, time, distance, and calories during your workout sessions.
Some users reported a creaking noise when using the machine. This is easily corrected by adding some lube and tightening any loose bolts. Also, have the machine on a carpet or mat to reduce any noise.
Cons;
- Resistance is limited to 8-levels.
- Stride is short.
FUNMILY Elliptical Machine
- 260 lbs weight capacity.
- 13-inch stride.
- 8-levels of magnetic resistance.
- Silent flywheel.
- Heart rate sensor.
- Transporttaion wheels.
With the FUNMILY Elliptical trainer, you get a great cardio machine at an affordable price to use at home. Its lightweight design makes it a great choice for those with small spaces.
With 8-levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, you can easily turn your workout into a fat-burning session. Its limited resistance makes this a great entry-level machine for beginners.
The motion of the flywheel is very smooth. The belt drive is much quieter than that of a spin bike or a home-use treadmill. Workout anytime without having to worry about disturbing those around you.
The LCD unit helps keep track of your time, distance, and calories. Make use of the heart rate sensors on the handles to stay in your peak fat-burning zone as you exercise.
Pedals are made extra-large and texturized to prevent any slips up even at the highest resistance setting. Its portable design makes it easy to move the machine around with the front wheels.
Exercise in front of your TV or as you listen to music and turn exercising into a fun activity worth looking forward to and not a chore you dread doing.
Cons;
- Only great for beginners
- Resistance is limited.
Body Rider Elliptical Trainer
- 250 lbs weight capacity
- 2-in-1 trainer
- Adjustable stationary seat
- Adjustable resistance
- Transportation wheels
The Body Rider machine is a 2-in-1 elliptical trainer and exercise bike that’s an ideal choice for those looking for a powerful machine with a small footprint. It’s well-built to withstand the most aggressive workouts without taking up space.
While the overall design is quite intimidating, the assembly process is quite easy. Directions are very clear and easy to follow with a video link also included. Most of the time will be spent unpackaging the different parts. Take your time and spread all parts out for an easy assembly process.
This machine is designed to be used both as an exercise bike and as an elliptical trainer. Use it standing upright or seated.
The adjustable resistance provides enough difficulty that even avid cyclists who require intense exercise can comfortably use this machine. The seats can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically to accommodate users of all heights and sizes.
There is some slight noise produced as you exercise, however, it’s not loud or distracting. You can still comfortably listen to music as you exercise.
The LCD screen is battery-operated and keeps track of your speed, calories, distance, and time. Caster wheels attached to the back make it easy to move the unit around. Exercise in your bedroom, living room, or outside on your deck when the weather allows.
Regular maintenance, adjustment of knobs and bolts is required as per the user manual to keep the machine in good shape.
Cons;
- Slides on hardwood floors.
- Regular maintenance is required.
55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical
- Adjustable tension.
- Forward/reverse motion.
- Textured pedals.
- Compact design.
- For home and office use.
The 55-1602 Inmotion elliptical is the machine for you if you find yourself sitting behind a desk all day with little to no movement. It’s a small under-desk elliptical that you can use in your office or home.
It’s a great way to add some activity to an otherwise sedentary life. This is not the machine for you if you need to burn some serious calories. It will not give you an effective workout as a full-sized elliptical would.
Working out on this elliptical feels more like taking a leisurely bike ride or a brisk walk. The motion of the elliptical is very quiet almost silent. Use it in the office and no one will notice that you’re using an exerciser.
To avoid hitting your knees, aim for at least 28-inches of clearance under the desk. If you have longer legs aim for at least 33-inches with a higher desk. However, many users have successfully used it with narrow and shorter desks.
This elliptical can also be used at home even when seated on the couch. Use it as you watch your favorite shows. Increase the resistance level with the tension knob and watch the time go by.
It comes with a basic monitor you can use to keep track of your total strides, strides per minute, calories, and time. The textured pedals keep your feet secure, allowing you to ride both forward and backward.
This machine gives a surprisingly good workout and is a great way to burn calories when seated whether you’re working or playing. Its compact design means you don’t have to worry about space.
Cons;
- Has no handles to use when moving it.
- The calorie count is inaccurate
