Elliptical Trainer Size

Some ellipticals are very compact and some are space hogs, comparable in size to a treadmill. Obviously it is important to purchase an elliptical that will fit in your house, but you also want a machine that has a natural elliptical motion and is stable.

First, we recommend you avoid the cheap, sub $500 elliptical trainers that you find at mass retailers. Yes, these machines are very compact, but they generally have an unnatural elliptical motion. And since they have such a small footprint and are not very heavy, they can be rather unstable. The instability is most apparent when subjected to a strenuous workout. These machines also have smaller stride lengths, making your elliptical exercise feel constraint.

Does that mean you should avoid compact elliptical trainers? Not necessarily. Depending on your available room and budget, a compact elliptical may make sense. And there are several manufacturers that sell ellipticals that are relatively compact, and yet are heavy and stable. They are equipped with rear drives that provide a smooth, natural elliptical motion. Tunturi and Kettler both make mid-range ellipticals that are rather compact.

Larger and Longer is More Stable

If you have the budget and the room then consider a regular size elliptical trainer (5'6" - 7'6"). It will generally have a "flatter" feel to the elliptical motion. It is more like walking and running, and there is less upswing and kick.

It also makes sense that the larger and longer machines will have more stability, and since they are generally priced higher, they tend to be of better quality and more durable.