8 best elliptical trainers

Criteria for choosing a good elliptical trainer

Elliptical trainers (ellipsoids, orbitrek) attract more and more attention of professionals and lovers of a healthy lifestyle, because they allow you to combine several types of physical activity and are perfect for home use, replacing the stepper, bicycle and treadmill. How to choose the best and high-quality elliptical trainer?

Dimensions and weight

Experts say that a good orbiter should be big and heavy. The same can be said about the weight of the flywheel - the bigger it is, the softer the pedal travel and the more varied the load, and the unit itself is more stable.

Ellipsoid view

The simplest and most popular classification of elliptical trainers is based on how to adjust the load. There are five main types of ellipsoids:

• Belts and mechanical (shoe). The cheapest, lightest and compact simulators. Do not require an electrical outlet. However, mechanical models already go down in history. The reason for this is a low level of comfort, "torn" move and noise (due to friction). In our rating we will tell you about the following types of simulators.
• Magnetic. Adjustment of the load level is due to the magnets (approximation-removal). In modern models, the resistance is configured by buttons on the panel. Comfortable elliptical trainer with many functions. Suitable for home use. But high load (professional level) on it is not achieved.
• Aeromagnetic. The principle of operation is the same, but in the process of training the magnets are cooled (the fan blows air), therefore such simulators are suitable for long endurance training.
• Electromagnetic. The most modern and comfortable devices. The load level is switched with the help of electromagnets (current strength changes - resistance changes). They have a built-in processor, which controls all the work, and allows you to very accurately calculate the load. These are usually found in fitness clubs or used for medical purposes. Minus - the high price and the need to connect to the network.

Step length

It depends on the effectiveness and safety of the workout. It can be fixed (for cheaper models) or variable.

Weight limit

For home trainers, this value for different models varies from 100 to 180 kg. Choose one that is designed for 15-20 kg more than your real weight, otherwise there is a risk to quickly disable the frame.

Programs, sensors, modes

Their set depends on the purpose of training (strengthening muscles, losing weight, medical or professional training). For a simple simulator, 4-6 load levels and 5 counters are enough: counting time, distance, speed, calories and target heart rate. The possibility of individual programming of the training is welcomed, especially if the orbitrek is bought for several people.

Which ellipsoid manufacturers are better?

All manufacturers of elliptical trainers can be divided into two groups:

• serious world-famous companies that produce both expensive professional units and simplified, but not the cheapest "home" versions. These are brands Kettler, Hasttings, Spirit, Oxigen, Life Fitness, ClearFit, AeroFit and others. The minimum cost of their products - 20000 p.
• companies that specialize in home gym equipment: HouseFit, Atemi, Torneo, Body Sculpture and others. Their price starts from 8-10 thousand rubles.

The quality of the products in both groups is directly proportional to their price, because a good simulator really cannot be cheap. It should be noted that even world-class companies place part of their capacities in China.According to customer reviews, Chinese original elliptical trainers (not to mention fakes) are more likely to get damaged, there are squeaks, plastic defects and a sudden unexplained “death” of a computer. Therefore, when purchasing it is especially useful to clarify the country of origin of your orbitrek.

Top elliptical trainer ranking - TOP-8

Price Expert chose the best and high-quality elliptical trainers models that are popular in 2017 and early 2018:

So which ellipsoid is better to choose?

In addition, when choosing the best elliptical trainer, consider the following points:

• pay attention to Q-factor - the distance between the pedals. The smaller it is, the easier and more natural the turn;
• opportunity reverse makes training more diverse;
• opportunity folding - theoretically, the idea is good, but makes no sense if the simulator is heavy and you plan to train daily;
• but shipping wheels very useful to move the simulator around the house;
• people with more weight and height will have to “fork out” for a more expensive model.

Also, ellipsoids can be:

• front wheel drive: the flywheel is located in front of the pedals, which is convenient for tall people and makes the design more compact;
• rear wheel drive: flywheel for pedals, a more common and affordable solution.

So, "Price Expert" offered several options for a good elliptical trainer in different price categories. But there is no universal recipe for choosing an ellipsoid: it is chosen strictly individually, depending on the height, weight of the user and the purpose of the device itself.

Good choice and successful workouts!