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Best cheap ellipticals
Thanks to the best inexpensive elliptical you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good cardio workout at home. Unlike high-end ellipticals, budget ellipticals at this price point come with no fancy bells and whistles. They’re simple well-constructed machines that will have you sweating and out of breath in no time. These ellipticals are a great addition to any home gym as they’re compact and don’t take up a lot of space when in use. Besides, they’re great for users of all fitness levels. Use these machines when you don’t have the time to go to the gym or don’t want to exercise outdoor. To come up with this list of the best inexpensive ellipticals, we considered factors such as resistance levels, ease of use and assembly, cost, customer reviews, and ratings.
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If you’re curious or in a hurry:
Best Inexpensive elliptical
- SF-E905 Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer
- Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical
- Cubii Pro Seated Under Desk Elliptical
- SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine
- Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Elliptical
- Gazelle Edge Glider Machine
- Body Rider Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike
1. SF-E905 Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer
Promising review: “I get a decent cardio workout on this when I’m home and don’t feel like getting dressed to go to the gym.”
- 220 lbs max weight capacity
- 8-resistance levels.
- 11-inch stride length.
Reasons to buy;
- Compact
- Reasonably priced.
- Easy to assemble.
- Decent workout.
Reasons to avoid;
- Arm and leg strides are short.
Sunny Magnetic Elliptical Trainer provides a low-impact cardio machine to use for a decent workout in the comfort of your own home. This elliptical is surprisingly well-made despite its inexpensive price tag. The Assembly process is straightforward and shouldn’t take more than 45-minutes. Once assembled, it’s compact and small enough to leave in a corner or room without taking up too much space. Also light enough to move around. Besides, with its low profile, use it in the basement without fear of hitting your head.
The resistance ranges from 1 – 8, and the levels aren’t too hard or too easy, just enough to get your heart rate up. It’s an ideal choice for beginners or intermediate users looking to get back in shape. The motion on this elliptical machine is very smooth and whisper-quiet. Taller users might find it hard to use it as it comes with a short stride length. The display monitor keeps track of your time, calories, and distance as you work out. Overall, this is a simple cardio machine with no fancy bells and whistles that will have you breaking a sweat at home.
2. Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical
Promising review; “I like this little elliptical a lot so far – brought it to the office, and we’ve been passing it around. .”
Specifications;
- For home and office use.
- Adjustable tension.
- Forward/reverse motion.
What we love;
- Solid and sturdy.
- Small footprint.
- Affordable price
- Can be used sitting/standing.
What we didn’t like;
- No handles.
- Heavy to carry around.
Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical is not only convenient but versatile. Carry it with you to work or use it at home as you unwind. Use it while standing or sitting. It’s an ideal choice for anyone with a sedentary lifestyle looking to stay active throughout the day. Setup is easy and shouldn’t take more than 15-minutes to have it ready for use as the step-by-step directions are clear. Fully assembled, this mini elliptical comes with a small footprint. It barely takes up any space and can easily fit into a corner, closet, or cabinet. Despite its compact size, it’s very sturdy and stable in use. Expect no shaking or wobbling.
Its adjustable resistance provides a good cardio workout. Consider medium resistance when using it at the office. At this level, you stay active for longer without the need to take a break to avoid breaking into a sweat. If you’re watching TV at home, consider higher resistance as you don’t need to focus. Use this mini elliptical while standing for a challenging workout. The Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical is incredibly quiet when in use. Those in top-floor apartments can use this machine freely without fear of causing a disturbance. Consider this machine if you’re working with a small space.
3. Cubii Pro Seated Under Desk Elliptical
Promising review; “I’m VERY pleased and highly recommend Cubii for anyone who has a sedentary job.”
Specifications
- 350 lbs max user weight capacity.
- Adjustable 8-level resistance
- Under-desk elliptical.
What we love;
- Bluetooth-enabled.
- Easy to assemble and use.
- Small footprint.
What we didn’t like;
- Fitbit connection could be better.
With Cubii Pro Seated Under Desk Elliptical, you get a cardio machine that allows you to exercise as you work, watch Tv or play video games. It makes exercising a fun experience to look forward to, not something you dread doing. Besides, why stay sedentary the whole day when you can use this mini elliptical to get your 10,000 steps done before the end of the day? Despite its compact size, it’s very sturdy and well-constructed. While it does require a brief adjustment period, once you get hung of it, the movement feels very natural. Peddle as you work at the office. It’s whisper-quiet, your co-workers won’t even notice that you’re exercising.
Its Bluetooth-enabled, connect to the Cubii pro app to track your workout programs. The app is easy to use, enjoyable and informative. In addition, it allows you to be part of groups and challenges with like-minded people looking to stay active. While this elliptical machine does require charging, it’s not too often as it lasts for a good. For the ultimate workout experience, sync your data with other third-party apps such as AppleHealth and FitBit.
4. SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine
Promising review; “Want an elliptical without spending a fortune? This is worth considering.”
Specifications
- 330 lbs max user weight capacity.
- 16-resistance levels.
- 15.5-inch stride length.
- 24 preset workout programs.
What we love;
- Value for your money.
- Whisper-quiet.
- Smooth strides
- Very sturdy.
What we didn’t like;
- The display could be better.
- The heart rate monitor keeps restarting.
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer ensures that you get a gym-quality workout at home without spending a fortune. It’s surprisingly sturdy and well-made to serve you well for many years. Assembly instructions are accurate and very clear. Expect to have it put together in 2-hours or less. In use, the machine is almost silent. Use it at home with roommates or in top-floor apartments without fear of causing a disturbance. The resistance on this rear-drive elliptical ranges from 1 – 16 ranging and is adjustable for an easy or tough workout.
In addition, it comes with a good variety of pre-programmed workouts. Beginners and seasoned users can use it to make the most out of each session with low or high-intensity workouts. The LCD monitor is super simple, but it does a good job tracking your workout metrics. Besides, it’s bright, easy to use, and read. However, keep in mind that the display needs to be connected to a power source to access the preset training programs. Move this elliptical machine around before or after each workout easily with the front wheels.
5. Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Elliptical
Promising review; ” I am SO glad I decided to take a chance on this machine. It’s everything I wanted and has exceeded my expectations.”
Specifications;
- 220 lbs max user weight capacity.
- 30-inch stride.
- Forward/reverse motion.
- For home and office use.
What we love;
- Affordable
- Compact.
- Easy to set up and use.
What we didn’t like;
- Needs maintenance.
Exercising on the Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Elliptical feels more like taking a brisk walk. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a low-impact cardio workout that requires minimal effort. Assembly is a breeze as it comes preassembled with only 4-parts left to attach. Expect to have it put together in 30-minutes or less. All you need to do is attach the arms, computer, and tighten some screws. Despite its lightweight design, it is sturdy and very stable in use. The stride length is very flexible and feels more like a free-swinging pendulum. While this budget machine has no resistance, it gives a pretty good workout.
The speed is up to you as it can swing as fast as you wish or slow down. It feels a bit awkward when getting started. However, once you get used to it, it’s easier to build and maintain your momentum. It will have you breathing hard, sweating, and out of pace in 30-minutes or less. It’s a great addition to any home use as it’s very easy on joints and doesn’t take up space. Carry it to move it to a different location. Be warned, this Air Walk Elliptical does need regular maintenance every few months. Have a can of WD40 on hand for lubrication.
6. Gazelle Edge Glider Machine
Promising review; “I swear by this thing. It’s the only piece of exercise equipment that’s worked for me. .”
Specifications;
- 250 lbs max user weight capacity.
- Workout monitor
- Extra-wide foot platforms.
What we love;
- Affordable
- Foldable design.
- Aerobic workout.
What we didn’t like;
- Needs periodic maintenance.
Consider the Gazelle Edge Glider Machine if you need something you can easily take for a low-impact effective workout and also put away without worrying about space. With this glider, you can burn calories, improve your cardio endurance, tone, and tighten your muscles at home. It’s easy to assemble with clear step-by-step directions that guide you through the process. Despite its lightweight design, it’s very sturdy. Expect no tipping or wobbling in use. Working out on this glider elliptical feels like you’re moving your body through space. It doesn’t feel like much at the moment, but it will get your heart rate up. You will feel the burn n your arms and legs as you move them back and forth as you exercise. It’s easy on knees and joints as your feet stay on the pedal at all times.
Beginners looking to get in shape will enjoy working out on this elliptical glider as you can go as hard or as light as you wish. While it doesn’t come with any preset workout programs, it does include DVD workouts. Use it to get tips and tricks to make your workouts better. It folds up for easy storage against a wall or in a corner after each workout. The display computer tracks your time, calories burned, and distance as you work out. Be prepared to lubricate moving parts from time to time to avoid squeaking noises and also inspect for loose screws.