The Best Elliptical For Runners In 2024

Jonathan Wilson By, Jonathan Wilson
Updated
Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Smart Elliptical Trainer
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Smart Elliptical Trainer

"The Essential Interactive Series Elliptical Trainer is the ultimate machine to help you achieve your fitness goals. With our innovative design, built-in digital monitor, and 8 levels of magnetic resistance, it is designed to help you stay motivated. The bidirectional 11-inch stride length provides this machine with an optimal and efficient striding motion for a smooth workout every time." Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider

"With the Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider, you can get your cardio workout in while at home or at work. It's compact and lightweight, quiet, and perfect for use in small spaces. The minimal space required is 24.5 x 17 inches, so it's easy to store wherever you need it most. With the adjustable tension dial and display monitor, you can adjust the intensity of your workout to suit your needs and abilities." Read Review

3. Best Quality: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine

"This machine offers a comfortable workout for home or business use. A built-in device holder keeps your favorite media devices close to you during your workout sessions, while the 330 lb capacity allows you to enjoy a smooth stride. You can also challenge yourself with the programmable magnetic resistance or take advantage of the weight capacity and its floor stabilizers for steady workouts." Read Review

4. Budget pick: Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical

"The Schwinn 470 Elliptical is packed with features that make it perfect for home use. From the Bluetooth connectivity to the global routes that auto-adjust in real time, this machine provides you with an intense workout that can be customized to your needs. The Schwinn 470 Elliptical also has an incline ramp that allows you to control the level of challenge and provides some fun workouts!" Read Review

5. Best Reliable: Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer Exercise Machine

"The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer is the most-awarded treadmill with simple, reliable controls and durable components. Get started with an exercise routine or train for your next event in the comfort of your home. Includes a built-in device holder so your screen can stay on while you work out. Includes a rapid-charge USB port to keep you powered on the go." Read Review

If you’re looking for the best elliptical for runners, look no further. With good reason too — running can take a toll on your body. It can create wear and tear that you simply can’t repair or heal from in short order. That is unless you have an elliptical at home, which gives you a new way to get your cardio and muscle-building fix. Using an elliptical as part of your home weight training routine is a great way to improve your strength and endurance while simultaneously avoiding injury in the process.

The best home ellipticals on the market are built with these factors in mind. They come with durable components, resistance levels that will challenge even the most experienced runner, and excellent incline options so that even you as an elite athlete won’t get bored doing the same movements day after day. If you’re looking for more than that, then we have something special in store for you….

After 18 hours of product research and analysis, We are able to identify the best elliptical for runners is Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Smart Elliptical Trainer. The performance of this product is of an excellent standard, and it offers a complete set of features that can satisfy your requirements.

Compare

TOP Choice #1 Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Smart Elliptical Trainer
Our Score:
9.8
Sunny Health & Fitness
  • DEVICE HOLDER: Ride along with our Sunny Health & Fitness trainers using your phone, tablet, or any other mobile device of your choice!
  • SMART FITNESS: Stride along with Sunny Health & Fitness expert trainers on the Sunny Health & Fitness SunnyFit APP. Connect your preferred mobile device through Bluetooth and view your performance metrics in real-time.
  • DIGITAL MONITOR: Keeping track of your fitness results is essential for any exercise routine. The standalone digital monitor displays: Calories, Distance, Odometer, Pulse, Speed, Time, Scan.
  • BIDIRECTIONAL STRIDING: Bidirectional 11-inch stride length provides the Essential Interactive Series Elliptical machine with an optimal and efficient striding motion.
  • SUNNYFIT APP: The all-new SunnyFit APP takes your Sunny workouts to the next level! View your live metrics displayed in real-time as you tour the world with real location maps. Get the results you want with customized workout plans. Explore 100+ workout videos that fit your schedule and goals. Compare your results on the elliptical leaderboard, share your fitness experiences, get workout tips, and much more!
  • HEART RATE MONITOR: Monitor your cardiovascular performance with the built-in pulse-sensing grips so you can actively check your workout progress, displayed on the digital monitor or the SunnyFit APP.
  • MAGNETIC RESISTANCE: Chose between 8 levels of magnetic resistance using the tension knob to provide multi-variable levels of resistance to your workout or fitness lessons.
  • TRANSPORTATION WHEELS: In tight spaces, you can tilt and roll away for easy storage with convenient transport wheels allowing easy movement of equipment.
TOP Choice #2 Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider
Our Score:
9.6
Stamina
  • GREAT FOR GAMERS: Get an effective workout while gaming; passive, low-attention exercise promotes leg movement and improved circulation in a non-distracting way while playing video games
  • USE SITTING OR STANDING: Depending on your needs and abilities, the Compact Strider can be used sitting or standing; Pedal forward or reverse to target different muscles.
  • PORTABLE, QUIET AND EFFICIENT CARDIO: This mini strider is compact and lightweight, making it easy to use and transport to any home or office space. It’s quiet and unintrusive, too. The minimal space required is 24.5 x 17 inches
  • ADJUSTABLE TENSION WITH MONITOR: Vary the intensity of your workout by turning the adjustable dial while you stride. See your stats while exercising with the display monitor.
  • SMART FITNESS APP INCLUDED: Fully supported by muuv, the workout app that offers personalized training, a follow-along assembly video and custom workouts tailored to your fitness goals using the equipment you own. No subscription required.
TOP Choice #3 Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine
Our Score:
9.4
Sunny Health & Fitness
  • POWERFUL WORKOUTS: Take advantage of 24 unique workout modes, including manual, pre-program, watt, body fat, heart rate, and user programs
  • WEIGHT CAPACITY: Take advantage of the 330 lb weight capacity and its floor stabilizers, which will keep the elliptical steady
  • PERFORMANCE MONITOR: Use the onboard, backlit display to track your speed, time, distance, calories burned, RPM, watt generations, and magnetic resistance level
  • RESISTANCE: Challenge yourself with the programmable magnetic resistance when you power on this elliptical. Complete smooth strides as you engage the internal flywheel and the belt-drive mechanism
  • Material Type: Steel
  • DEVICE HOLDER: Keep your favorite media devices close to you during your workout sessions when you place them on the built-in device holder
4 Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical
Our Score:
9.3
Schwinn Fitness
  • DualTrack blue backlit LCD system displays 29 workout programs
  • With enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, users can set, track and monitor progress with popular app-based tracking tools
  • Explore the world and discover 50 plus global routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed (Explore the World subscription required)
  • 20" Precision Path Stride
  • 25 levels of resistance for a wide range of workout intensity options
  • 10° motorized adjustable ramp enables incline control for fun and challenging workouts
  • PROGRAM CHOICES: Intuitive controls let you choose your program from Calorie, Distance, Intervals, Manual, and Weight Loss. Quickly change speed and incline with one-touch keys.
  • IDEAL FOR HOME WORKOUTS: Max user weight is 300 pounds. Compact, portable, and ideal for low ceilings, apartments, and small spaces. Assembled dimensions of 74" x 25" x 64.5".
  • QUICK, EASY SETUP: Assemble in 30 minutes or less. Includes built-in speakers, tablet rack, USB charging (1A/5V), and water bottle holder. Workout feedback includes calories, distance, heart rate, program level, speed, time, and watts
  • DURABLE, ERGONOMIC FRAME: Lifetime frame warranty on the Six Star non-folding frame. 18" stride length with a tighter Q factor (distance between pedals) helps reduce stress on your hips and back for a more comfortable workout.
  • BEST-SELLING & MOST-RELIABLE: Horizon's most-awarded treadmill with simple, reliable controls and durable components. Get started with an exercise routine or train for your next event in the comfort of your home.
  • SMOOTH STRIDE: Magnetic resistance from the 14.3-pound flywheel and advanced pulley system deliver smooth, consistent motion. 10 levels of resistance allow you to customize your workout every day.
  • BLUETOOTH CONNECTION: Sync your phone or device to integrated speakers to stream media with crisp stereo sound. A built-in device holder keeps your screen in view for entertainment or classes. Includes rapid-charge USB port to keep you powered.
6 Niceday Elliptical Machine,
Our Score:
8.9
Niceday
  • 【Exactly Calculated Data】The digital monitor displays TIME, SPEED, DISTANCE, CALORIES, and PULSE. All data is dual-calibrated by serious algorithms, which will make you clear about your exercise effect to make a more exact training schedule to achieve your exercise goal.
  • 【16LB Flywheel with 16 Resistance Levels】Provides double resistance levels than the ordinary product, smooth feeling thanks to 16lb flywheel and high gear ratio, no need for any electrical source. All stages exerciser can get efficient exercise with different resistance, no matter you are beginner or fanatic.
  • 【Long-life Service Promise】We promise to provide a life-long service to the NICEDAY elliptical machine. We will pay for all of the replacement costs if customers need replacements. We have set a professional online service team to provide help with this elliptical machine. All messages will get responses within 24 hours.
  • 【Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Drive System】We developed the latest technology magnetic system and eliminates noise, also control the sound at 20DB even after millions of times workout. No disturbing on working, reading, and sleeping at home.
  • 【400 LBS Weight Capacity】The NICEDAY's main frame is made of the 8*5CM extra-thicken commercial steel pipe. The heavy-duty base contributes outstanding stability and loading capacity. It is for a long-term exercise workout, not those simple products for only a few months' use.
7 Schwinn Fitness 430 Elliptical
Our Score:
8.7
Schwinn Fitness
  • 20 levels of resistance for a wide range of workout intensity options
  • 22 preset workout programs: 9 profile, 8 heart rate control, 2 fitness test, 1 quick start
  • Dual Track 2 LCD screen displays offer increased visibility to programs and goal tracking
  • High speed, high inertia drive system for easy start-up and smooth, quiet workouts
  • Goal Track capability enables users to set individual exercise goals
  • Hassle-Free Transitions: Easily Stand, Sit And Adjust Resistance To Customize Your Cardio Hiit Workout Session And Home Workout Experience
  • Adjustable Home Workout Equipment: The Seat Adjusts Both Vertically And Horizontally For Up To 7 Different User Heights, While The Full Body Handlebars Offer 3 Height Options For A Versatile And Convenient Total Gym Experience
  • 2-In-1 Trainer: Unlike Ordinary Exercise Bikes, Ours Has Dual Exercise Modes, Which Save Space In Your Home Gym Or Home Office While Maximizing Routine. Our Foam Bike Seat Provides The Option Of Full Body Seated Fitness
  • Safety Features: Includes An Adjustable Cushion, 4 Integrated Handlebars And Covered Fan Flywheel To Prevent Injury. The Front And Rear Stabilizers Give The User Side-To-Side Safety And Stability. The Fan Resistance Provides A Smooth Glide While The Tension Adjusts Easily With A Manual Turn Knob
9 SCHWINN Fitness 411 Compact Elliptical Machine
Our Score:
8.3
Schwinn
  • Built-in media rack and water bottle holder
  • Low-impact cardio workouts at a fraction of the size of other ellipticals
  • 16 levels of variable resistance allows you to dial the challenge up or down
  • Space saving design with 18” stride length
  • Explore the world and discover more than 50 global routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed (Explore the World subscription required)
  • Moving and fixed padded handlebars with heart rate contact grips
  • Streamlined console displays time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate
  • LOW IMPACT, HIGH-INTENSITY: The Tour 5.0 exercise bike offers a low impact cardio exercise that is kind on your joints & full of great health benefits.
  • INTEGRATED SMARTPHONE KINOMAP APP: The exercise bike is compatible with the Kinomap fitness app - featuring thousands of training videos from around the world, coaching & training classes & structured workouts. Join the Kinomap community today!
  • IN-BUILT TRAINING PROGRAMS: The exercise bike computer is pre-loaded with 12 x automatic programs to choose from + 24 x manual levels of resistance. Cycle at pace, or step things up a notch & simulate cross-country journeys with variable incline & decline resistance.
  • WHISPER QUIET FLUID MOTION: The heavy duty 12kg flywheel & silent drive system benefits from a safe magnetic braking facility that allows you to come to a halt with total ease.
  • LCD DISPLAY: Measure time, distance, calories burned & pulse rate on the backlit multifunctional LCD display. Push yourself even more & work towards targets to achieve your fitness goals.

Things To Look For When Buying best elliptical for runners

There are numerous factors to consider when looking for the best elliptical for runners to purchase. The easiest way to figure out the right one is to read reviews from people who have already purchased it.

Throughout this article, we will go over certain most important factors to consider when purchasing best elliptical for runners. Please take your time reading and studying the items listed below!

Smoothness

It's important to have a smooth feeling elliptical. However, this is something it's difficult to determine from a spec sheet. An elliptical bike that isn’t perfectly smooth can cause a feeling of uneven resistance. This can be an indication that the movements are not normal.

Ergonomics

An elliptical restricts the movement of your body, as opposed to a treadmill. Be mindful of how comfortable an elliptical feels to you. While holding the handle, it should not be difficult to hold on. Handgrips for moving should be reachable and shouldn't force wrists into an incongruous position. Your elliptical should feel easy. Most people will find the pedals to be comfortable as close as possible. Your arms, shoulders and knees shouldn't be affected by moving handgrips.

Programs

Programs can help make exercise more exciting and fun. Paying for unnecessary frills is not a good idea. There are a few simple programs you can use that will help with specific kinds of exercises. Manufacturers can call different programs something else, but they will all be essential. The ability to design your own resistance profiles is possible with the custom program.

Incline

There are many settings for treadmills, including incline. Elliptical trainers do too. At least, some do. You'll need to pay for the adjustable incline feature on an elliptical treadmill. It's not as widespread as it is on treadmills. This feature is only currently available at higher prices.
Targeting certain muscle groups in your legs is where the incline settings can help. You should target your back more often if the inclines are higher. Glutes, hamstrings, calves are all targets.
An adjustable incline trainer is an option if you want to work out hard and gain muscle mass for your legs. This feature can be omitted to save you money.

Size

The average length of an elliptical is 6ft by 2.5ft wide. However, the actual length may vary from 50 to 84inches. The pedals could extend past the machine's length during operation. The pedals will be elevated higher than you would on the treadmill. Make sure your space has a high ceiling. Our step-up heights have been measured at 5-15 inches. At the elliptical's apex, pedals reach 25 inches above the ground. To ensure safety, there must be at least 20 inches of space between the sides and the rear.

Safety Features

Safety precautions for children are required when using an Elliptical. They could become trapped by moving parts or get pinched. Visitors and parents with children need to ensure the machine is locked up.

Connectivity

Equipment that is connected to the Internet can be used to track and monitor your workouts, create a competition environment and connect to social networks. Many ellipticals come with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. One allows you to connect a USB stick to upload your workout data via the web to a tracking tool accessible from a laptop.

Stride Length

What distance the pedals are moving back and forward? This is called stride length. This number should be appropriate for your stride length. You should stride longer, the more tall you are, and your legs.
Some machines come with an adjustable stride length. While others can be set at a constant length. It really doesn't matter whether the adjustable version is for you or not.

FAQs

What If The Console Display Won’t Light?

The display may not turn on if it's not plugged into or the batteries are dead. To check for a working power model, simply unplug it and wait for it to turn on again. Check the wires and cables to make sure they aren't crimped at assembly.

Should I Buy The One With A Heavier Flywheel?

Smoothness of the pedaling action is affected directly by how heavy the flywheel weighs. Higher inertia means that it is easier to keep your drive system turning with a heavier flywheel (28.5 lb)

How Many Years Will An Elliptical Work For Me?

While there are many things that influence the life expectancy of an elliptical, it's strongly affected by how often and under what conditions it is used. You can extend the lifespan of your elliptical by maintaining it in a clean area and giving it regular care.

What About Regular Maintenance?

Your user manual will detail the recommended maintenance. The majority of ellipticals don't require any maintenance. However, it is important to check for loose bolts, like those on moving arms, as well as clean the rails, rollers, and other parts.

Should I Go With A Front Drive Or Rear Drive Elliptical?

This is one the most frequent questions about ellipticals. Rear-drive club models tend to be more efficient because the drive axle can be located backwards. It allows for greater power and smoother pedal action. The result is that rear-drive models tend to be more expensive while front-drive machines can often be found for less.

What If My Elliptical Trainer Is Squeaking?

Be sure to secure all screws during assembly. But don't tighten them too much. Refer to the manual for information on how you can lubricate your guide rails. It is important to check that neither the guiderails nor the pedal arms have been misaligned, and that the machine remains level.

Why Is Stride Length Important?

A Variable or Fixed stride length is available for an elliptical. You will experience a shorter stride that feels like a stairclimber. However, a longer stride is more natural and more enjoyable for long legs. You should choose an elliptical with a minimum stride length not less than 18 inches. Buy a front drive machine. A 20-inch stride length will work well with an 18-inch stride on rear-drive machines.

Conclusion

The best elliptical for runners would be those who suit your needs and demands at the lowest possible cost. With more and more options available, it could be simple to find a design that satisfies all of these criteria. If you're not sure which one is best for you, take into account the Sunny Health & Fitness Fully Assembled Desk Elliptical Peddler for another option.


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About Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson is a former pro football player and tech reporter who now serves as the editor of Kris Van Assche's website. He is a dedicated fitness enthusiast who splits his workout time between strength and conditioning training, martial arts and running.

Jonathan's athletic career began in college, where he was a star running back. He went on to play professionally for several years before injuries forced him to retire. Afterward, Jonathan transitioned into a career in tech reporting, where he quickly made a name for himself as a knowledgeable and insightful commentator on the industry.

In addition to his work with our website, Jonathan remains active in the world of sports. He regularly competes in martial arts tournaments and running events, and he is always looking for new ways to challenge himself physically. Jonathan is an inspiration to many people, and he is proof that it is never too late to pursue your passions.

Read Jonathan's full bio