For the average joe, the elliptical machine is the go-to machine for exercising, being an easy way to lose weight with a cardio-focused workout. They also don't strain your joints so much, making things less painful; and provide a full-body workout.
Though these types of machines are probably available at your local gym, they're also probably in high demand whenever you go. And besides, I know I wouldn't want body-builders' prying eyes on me when I'm working out, so it makes sense for a lot of people to do this from home.
However, if you are the aforementioned average joe, the chances are you're also on an average joe's budget, and not bothered with fancy expensive ellipticals. For this reason, this list details some of the best elliptical machines under $500, allowing you to exercise from your home for a reasonable price.
Top Rated Ellipticals Under $500
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If you're technologically minded, Gold's Gym Stride Trainer 350i may pique your interest. It's fully iFit enabled, making it easy to reap the benefits of the app's workout routines et al while using your elliptical trainer.
In addition, its tablet or smartphone holder lets you have easy access to your device while you exercise, and it also boasts 8 workout programs and an LCD window.
While all this technology is certainly a plus, it also boasts some impressive standard specs, with a comfortable stride length of 14 inches; 12 resistance levels, allowing for a varied workout; and wheels, making it easily moveable.
Schwinn's A40 shares many of its features with some of the best mid-priced elliptical machines on this list. Among these are workout programs (the A40 has 7), resistance levels (8) and a heart rate monitor.
However, the A40 has the edge in that it seems custom built for comfort, with its linkages designed especially for your feet to move naturally, and its ergonomic handles letting you exercise in whatever position suits you best. The flywheel is weighted as well, ensuring it runs smoothly.
Like the Gold Gym Stride, it also has wheels allowing it to be easily moved. It might not have a lot of fancy features but it's generally a good all-rounder.
When searching for the best elliptical under $500, it's important to consider different functionalities.
So if you're interested in these machines doing multiple things, you'll be interested that the ProForm Hybrid Trainer doubles as a recumbent exercise bike, in addition being one of the best mid-priced elliptical machines.
It's a heavy duty machine that also boasts 16 resistance levels, the most on this list, as well as being able to support 350 lbs of weight.
Like the Gold's machine, it's also iFit enabled, as well as being compatible with MP3 players and has a built-in sound system, if you like to listen to music while you exercise.
Doing one better than the Hybrid Trainer in terms of multiple functions, the Body Rider can be used as an elliptical, a recumbent bike, and an upright bike.
It's also tied for first place with the previous product for the number of resistance levels available (16), and boasts the most training programs on this list (21).
It may lack some of the technological advantages of the Hybrid Trainer or the Gold's Gym Machine, but it's still one of the best elliptical machines under $500, and does a lot to boot. It's also fairly compact given its numerous functions, at 52”x25”x63”.
If you're looking for a small, portable exercise machine, the SF-E3626 may be the best elliptical under $500 for you.
Although it may not be as technological or heavy duty as some of the other machines on this list, it's easy to fit in a small space, at only 20”x15”x10.5” and designed to go under a desk.
It's also designed so it can be moved around easily, weighing only 16.5lb, and has a built in handle to make this easy.
In addition to this, it has three resistance levels, and a handy timer feature that shuts the machine down after 30 minutes of inactivity to save battery.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of options available for people who want to be able to get a great workout from the comfort of their own home.
There's also lots of variability depending on what suits your own individual desires, whether you need multiple functionalities, variable resistance levels, up-to-date fitness technology, or just something that'll fit in the space you have.
And all of this is available for someone on a budget, without having to splash out too much on high-end exercise machines.
Whatever your preferences, this list should help you on your way to finding the best elliptical machine for under $500, specific to your needs.
