Author: Eric Davis

Many seniors cannot jog or walk outside every day because of knee problems. In this case, an elliptical machine can help the seniors to maintain muscle movement, bone density, and mobility by mimicking the movement of walking. If you are planning to buy an elliptical for an elderly person then it is recommended that you research to find the best ellipticals for seniors. 

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer is the best elliptical for seniors. It has 8 level magnetic resistances with a pulse monitor.  You can train both lower and upper body muscles without putting any pressure on your joints.  

Now, what’s best for one is not best for all. So, in this article, I will give detailed reviews of the best elliptical machines in the market for seniors. All of these machines have their unique qualities and features. So, it is best that you learn about their features, pros and cons before making up your mind.

Before we go into details, you can look into this table to get a brief idea about all the elliptical machines reviewed in this article.

Elliptical Machine	Type	Dimension (Inches)	Product Weight	Resistance	Links
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer	Standing	28 L x 17 W x 57 H	68 pounds	8	Check Price on Amazon
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike	Under Desk	20.5 L x 16.5 W x 10.5 H	19.1 Pounds	8	Check Price on Amazon
Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical	Under Desk	24.5 L x 17 W x 11.5 H	24 Pounds	8	Check Price on Amazon
Teeter LT 3 FreeStep Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainer	Seated	54.0 L x 38.0 W x 52.5 H	110.2 pounds	13	Check Price on Amazon
Bowflex M3 Max Trainer	Standing	46.5 L x 22.5 W x 26.5 H	152 pounds	8	Check Price on Amazon
Cubii JR1 Under Desk Elliptical Machine	Under Desk	23.15 L x 17.56 W x 10 H	27 pounds	8	Check Price on Amazon
SCHWINN 470 Elliptical Machine	Standing	70.00 L x 28.00W x 71.00 H	168.70 pounds	25	Check Price on Amazon

Top 7 Ellipticals for Seniors

All of these elliptical machines mentioned in this list have their special features, and they all give outstanding performance. These machines emerged as the best among hundreds of similar elliptical machines. However, you should know about the specifics of the top ellipticals to understand which one is suitable for you within your budget. 

So, here are the Elliptical Machines most suitable for elderly people: 

1. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer

Let us start with the most popular one. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer is the ultimate elliptical machine for seniors. It has adjustable and powerful 8 levels of magnetic resistance, which helps to burn calories more easily and faster. Thus, seniors can have low-impact exercise without affecting the joints.

It is the best for the seniors because it has pulse sensors to monitor the heart rate. There is also a digital monitor to see the time, distance, and speed covered in workouts. As a result, users can adjust the workout according to their needs. 

The machine is compact and thus does not occupy too much space. Moreover, it is safe for the seniors as they can lock the handles and footpads with anti-slips. Hence, there is no chance of injury for the seniors. 

Specifications: 

• Brand Name: Sunny Health & Fitness
• Type: Standing
• Material: Steel Frame
• Product Dimensions (inches): 28 L x 17 W x 57 H
• Product Weight: 68 Pounds
• Color: Multicolor
• Resistance Levels: 8 level
• Maximum Carrying Weight: 220 Pounds
• Programs: None 

Features 

Compact: The size of the elliptical machine is very convenient for people who have a very small space. It is not too heavy. So, you can put it in any corner of your house. 

Pulse Sensor: This is one of the most useful features of the machine. Seniors can observe their heart rate while working out.  

Digital Monitor: there is a small display attached to the machine, and it keeps track of the time, speed, and distance you cover using the machine. It also shows how much calories are burnt. 

Anti-Slips and Stabilizer: This elliptical machine is the safest elliptical machine for a senior person. The anti-slip locks and stabilizers attached to the machine secure it in a space so that seniors do not face any accidents.  

Pros: 

• Provides smooth exercise for the upper and lower body. 
• Compact
• Attached pulse sensor
• digital monitor
• Stabilizers 
• Anti-slip locks
• Micro-controller to adjust the resistance

Cons: 

• Not durable 
• Needs to be assembled 
• Can make noise

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2. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike

The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike is among the best elliptical machines right now. This lightweight portable machine is suitable for seniors who are not comfortable working outstanding on other machines. Seniors can sit down and exercise while enjoying watching the television. 

Interestingly, you can have a 7-inch stride even when you are sitting. The elders often suffer from joint pains, especially knee pain. The machine has a low impact and does not put any pressure on the knee joints. The level 8 magnetic resistance keeps the exercise challenging and helps to lose weight.  

Seniors can also use the machine to work out upper body parts by putting the machine on a desk or bench. As this elliptical machine is only 19.1 pounds, it is also easily carried to places. 

Specifications: 

• Brand Name: Sunny Health & Fitness
• Type: Under desk
• Material: Steel
• Product Dimensions (inches): 20.5 L x 16.5 W x 10.5 H
• Product Weight: 19.1 Pounds
• Color: Gray 
• Resistance Levels:  8
• Maximum Carrying Weight: 220 Pounds
• Programs: None. 

Features:

2 in 1 Design:  Usedfor both lower and upper body exercise. Thus, it improves muscles and bone density of the body. The machine reduces stress level as well

Simple Operation: The integrated 3.52-pound flywheel makes it easy to take each stride smoothly without much pressure. Thus, the bone joints are not pressured. 

Digital Display: The battery-powered digital monitor shows the amount of time and distance spent on the machine and the calories burned on the machine.   

Portable: The machine is compact and not so heavy. There is a handle to carry it. You can move it around or home or take it outside. So, it is also easy for the seniors to move it around.

Pros: 

• Dual Function (lower and upper body)
• Compact 
• Portable
• Budget-friendly
• Digital Display 

Cons: 

• Not durable (only one year warranty)
• Starts making noises after 3 to 4 months. 

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3. Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical

The Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical is noiseless, compact, and lightweight. It is a small under-desk elliptical machine that can be used both sitting and standing. Besides, the seniors can change their positions like paddle forward or backward and train different muscles.

Seniors who do not like irritating sounds coming from their machines will adore this quite elliptical. They can sit down and work out on this machine while doing any activities like watching television, playing video games, or chess. The seniors will not be bothered with needless sounds and get a good leg workout. 

The resistance level of the machine can be changed based on the user’s preference. They can see their progress on the monitor. Unfortunately, there is no option of monitoring heart rate.  

Specifications: 

• Brand Name: Stamina
• Type: Under desk
• Material: Metal 
• Product Dimensions (inches):  24.5 L x 17 W x 11.5 H
• Product Weight: 24 Pounds
• Color: Multiple colors
• Resistance Levels:  8
• Maximum Carrying Weight: 250 Pounds
• Programs: None

Features

Adjustable Tension: Users can change the level of resistance within 8 levels. If you want to lower the tension or turn it up. Use the knob on the machine.

Display: The Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Elliptical has an LCD monitor. The monitor shows the time, speed and distance. It means seniors can easily see their exercise progress.

Movement Options: Users can move their legs backward and forwards depending on their choice. This way they can tone their leg muscle from different positions.

Color Choice: The machine comes in three colors that are green, orange, and silver. The seniors will love to choose their own color when they buy the machine. 

Portable: This elliptical is very light and easy to carry. It takes very limited space in your house. So, you do not have to make extra space for the machine in your house.

Pros:

• Comes with rechargeable batteries
• Multicolor options
• Lightweight and comparably small in size
• Changeable resistance

Cons: 

• Not so durable
• Not used for arm workout
• No option for monitoring heart rate

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4. Teeter Free Step Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical

It is a perfect machine for a full-body workout without any pressure on the joints. Hence, this low-impact elliptical is a wise choice for elderly people. Seniors who have problems standing will find this machine supportive as it comes with a seat. 

The machine gives a soft sound while you are working out. It gives full-body coverage. Both the upper and lower muscles are engaged in exercise. Therefore it gets easy to burn calories. The free resistance dial on the machine is used for adjusting the tension. It makes the strides comfortable and has zero impact on the bone joints.

The machine is heavy, but there are wheels to carry it to different places in their home. The machine is sturdy hence very steady during workouts. Similar to other elliptical machines, it also has a display to read the information. However, it comes with the extra feature of a device stand and water bottle holder. 

Specifications: 

• Brand Name: Teeter 
• Type: Seated
• Material: Metal 
• Product Dimensions (inches): 54.0 L x 38.0 W x 52.5 H
• Product Weight: 110.2 Pounds
• Color: Black 
• Resistance Levels: 13
• Maximum Carrying Weight: 300 Pounds
• Programs: None

Features

Device and Water Bottle Holder: A great feature for seniors. They can put their phones or tabs on the stand and keep water nearby. 

Simple Display: A simple but easy-to-read LCD monitor is attached to the machine. The information displayed in the monitor is easy to read and understand for the elders.

Great Design: The elliptical has a robust design with ample space and supports to sit down and rest feet on the pedals. It helps to take long strides without any problem such as slipping of the seat or pedals.

Pros:  

• No impact on body joints
• Quick calorie burning
• Almost noiseless activities 
• Adjustable and comfortable seat and handles
• Durable pedals
• Stands and holders
• Wheels for moving the machine

Cons:

• No monitor for heart rate

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5. Bowflex M3 Max Trainer

Bowflex M3 Max Trainer is a combination of an elliptical and a stepper. Seniors who are up for the challenge of intense exercise must try out this machine. It has a low impact on the joints but can burn a lot of calories in a short time like 14 minutes or so.

One of the unique features of the elliptical is setting calorie-burning goals, and you can see the amount of calories you are losing per minute on the calorie-burning indicator. The Bowflex M3 Max Trainer has a level 8 residence level and 2 workout programs. It is heavy and large, but the wheels let you move the machine anywhere you want. 

Specifications: 

• Brand Name: BowFlex 
• Type: Standing
• Material: Metal 
• Product Dimensions (inches): 46.5 L x 22.5 W x 26.5 H
• Product Weight: 152 pounds
• Color: Black 
• Resistance:  Magnetic, 8 level
• Maximum Carrying Weight: 300 Pounds
• Programs: 2 programs

Features 

Calorie Burning Indicator: This feature motivates a user to burn calories by setting up a target and showing the progress every minute. The analog indicator is pretty accurate. 

Heart Rate Monitor: Bowflex M3 Max Trainers come with a pulse rate monitor to show your heart rate when you do an intense workout. This feature is quite important for elders.

Personalized Programs: This feature makes it different than the other elliptical machines mentioned on the list until now. The Bowflex M3 Max Trainer has 2 personalized programs for the users.

Pros:  

• Calories burnt in minutes
• Calorie burning indicator
• Comes with a chest strap
• Water bottle holder
• Wheels for transporting
• Works as a stepper
• Durable and stable

Cons

• Produces knocking sounds
• Assembling can be tough for seniors

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6 Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine

This elliptical is extremely useful for seniors who live in houses with limited space. You can keep this little machine under the desk bed or any corner of the house. Same to other under-desk ellipticals mentioned in this list, the Cubii JR1 Seated under desk Elliptical Machine also has 8 level resistances. 

The pedals are spacious and smooth to use. It is also noiseless, and seniors can see the strides, distance, and time spent on the machine with the small display. 

Although the machine is small, it can take up to 250 pounds seated weight. So, seniors who have heavyweight can tone their lower body parts with the machine. You can also sync your mobile phone with the elliptical and keep track of your weight loss process. 

Specifications

• Brand Name: Cubii
• Type: Under Desk 
• Material: Plastic
• Product Dimensions (inches): 23.15 L x 17.56 W x 10 H
• Product Weight: 27 pounds
• Color: Aqua
• Resistance:  Magnetic, 8 level
• Maximum Carrying Weight: 250 Pounds
• Programs: None

Features

Display: It has a small monitor attached showing the distance, stride, and time of your workout. The display is very easy on the eyes.

Mobile Sync Option: This is the feature that makes it different from other under-desk elliptical machines mentioned here. You can keep a record of your calorie burning by syncing your smartphone with the machine.

Compact and Portable: The machine is small and light. It also comes with a handle. So, it is very easy to pick up and carry to different places. The compact design does not occupy too much space.

Pros:

• Almost noiseless operations
• Small but effective for lower body workout
• Relieves stress
• Easy to carry
• Syncs with Phones

Cons:

• Does not work for the upper body
• No heart rate indicator

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7. SCHWINN 470 Elliptical Machine

Last on this list, but one of the best elliptical machines is the SCHWINN 470 Elliptical Machine. It is another elliptical machine for seniors who prefer intense exercise. But it does not mean you can only do intense workouts on this machine. You can definitely do low-impact exercises. 

The 25 resistance level can be adjusted from high to low level. The high tension level and stride up to 20 inches burn a lot of calories in shorter times.

The elliptical has a modern design with modern facilities like Bluetooth connection and syncing with the Trainers app of SCHWINN. You can connect with people all over the world and see how they are doing. It inspires a lot of people to keep fit. Moreover, the apps have 29 workout programs suitable for people of all ages. 

Specifications:

• Brand Name: SCHWINN
• Type: Standing 
• Material: Metal 
• Product Dimensions (inches): 70.00 L x 28.00W x 71.00 H
• Product Weight: 168.50 pounds
• Color: Black and Silver
• Resistance:  25 levels
• Maximum Carrying Weight: 300 Pounds
• Programs: 29 programs

Features

Media: You can connect to Bluetooth and the Training App of the Brand. It also has a dual LCD monitor display and an Mp3 system. Portable Fans can also be attached for seniors.

Programs: There are 29 workout programs, and you can choose whichever suits you the best. A lot of these programs are perfect for seniors.

Device Stand: Keep your devices on the stand and watch your favorite programs while you are exercising.The stands are good enough for mobile phones, tablets and books.

Pros: 

• Intense workout in short time
• Keep track of progress
• Pulse monitor
• Media support
• Stands for devices

Cons: 

• Needs to be assembled carefully
• Screeches a bit. 

Check Price on Amazon

Our Top Pick

Based on the budget and features of all these elliptical machines, the best choice for any senior is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer. No doubt there are other machines on the list that have more modern features or programs. However, an elderly often prefers a simple yet effective machine.

Therefore the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer is the best for seniors since it has heart rate monitors, upper and lower body workout options, and anti-slips. Besides, the machine is also budget-friendly. 

Conclusion 

By now, you have a proper idea of the best Ellipticals for seniors in the market. These elliptical machines have some unique features each. And they all have their individual drawbacks as well. So, make sure you learn about their strengths and weaknesses carefully before making a purchase.

Thanks for reading and until next time, farewell.

If you’ve ever used an elliptical, you’ve probably noticed that they aren’t like most other machines. Instead of moving in a linear forward direction, the elliptical has you rise and dip with each flywheel revolution.

This can make it difficult to gauge how much work you’ve done. Luckily, most ellipticals come with a display that offers measures of different metrics – calories burned, time used, speed, and distance.

But, how reliable is the distance calculation on an elliptical? More importantly, how does the machine measure it? Let’s see.

How Is The Distance Calculated On An Elliptical?

Because of the intricate movement pattern, calculating the distance passed on an elliptical is tricky. Most manufacturers use a relatively simple formula, which may not always represent reality.

In general, ellipticals calculate and display distance based on the number of steps, the stride of which is always the same length. So, the distance you pass is only based on the number of steps you complete.

With that said, there is a lot more to consider here. Read on to find out…

Is The “Distance” Measurement Relevant In The Real World?

Say that you’ve used an elliptical for half an hour, and it reads something like, “Distance passed: 2.8 miles.” Yet, it would be impossible for you to run 2.8 miles on dry land in thirty minutes or less. Naturally, you would be skeptical of the reading, and rightfully so.

Here is the thing:

Each elliptical model has its unique characteristics that determine the distance passed. In that sense, comparing the distance you’ve passed to other activities like running and cycling or to other elliptical machines doesn’t tell you much. Instead, an elliptical gives you an estimate of the amount of work you’re doing.

And while comparing it to other activities doesn’t tell you that much, it is still a useful metric to consider because of progressive overload.

You see, the primary difference between exercising and training is progression. A person who exercises generally does a fixed amount of work each time for the sake of raising their heart rate and boosting their mood. In contrast, a person who trains and is actively interested in improving their physical capabilities aims to do more work over time.

In that sense, the distance measurement can be valuable if your goals are to improve over time. For example, if you’re currently doing about 2.8 miles in half an hour on the elliptical, you can use this value as a base. Over time, aim to do more work in the same amount of time – for example, three to four miles.

How Many Revolutions Equal a Mile on an Elliptical?

Different elliptical models display different things. Some display distance, and others only give you revolutions per minute (RPM). If the elliptical shows distance, you’re all set, and you can use that value as a basis of which to improve.

But if the elliptical doesn’t display distance, you need to understand how it does the measurement. In general, ellipticals are programmed to calculate distance based on the number of revolutions the flywheel makes and each stride’s length.

If you want to calculate it for yourself, the most straightforward approach is to find how many revolutions there are in a mile on your specific model. First, try to find this information in the owner’s manual, online, or by calling the manufacturers and asking them directly.

If you can’t find that information, get a tape measure and do it yourself. To do this, first set one pedal as far forward as it goes, then move it to the opposite direction where its heel is a far back as possible. Measure that distance between these two points in inches.

To calculate how many revolutions equal a mile, you need to divide a mile by the stride length. You then need to divide that value in half because two strides make each revolution on an elliptical.

So, here goes:

A mile has 63,360 inches. If your elliptical stride length is 32 inches, you would divide 63,360 by 32 and get a value of 1980 – the number of strides in a mile. To get the revolutions, you would divide 1980 by two and get 990 revolutions per mile. This number represents the number of revolutions you need to do on your elliptical to cover one mile.

Is a Mile On An Elliptical The Same As a Mile of Running?

Using an elliptical and running are two unique activities. While they might seem similar at first glance, there are several defining characteristics of each.

Most notably, the elliptical incorporates two unique patterns – running and sweeping, similar to that you would perform while skiing or rollerblading. Thanks to this unique movement pattern, you don’t have to lift your feet off the pedals, yet you get to mimic a running motion. As a result, the ground force impact is significantly lower, and you don’t have to worry about using an elliptical even if you’re a bit overweight.

The issue is, this movement pattern presents a problem when comparing two seemingly identical values. For example, is the distance passed similar on an elliptical and while running? Would a mile represent the same amount of work?

In general, people report that running a mile is more challenging than completing it on an elliptical, which raises concerns.

The issue is, comparing the values between running and riding an elliptical can be difficult. As we went over above, ellipticals typically calculate the distance based on stride length. This varies from model to model, and it tends to be easier to complete a mile on some machines. Plus, as you work out on an elliptical, you’re not going in a straight line. Instead, you’re following an up and down pattern, which further complicates things.

On the other hand, running is straightforward:

The distance you have to go is consistent, no matter where you are. Sure, an incline changes things up, but things are more predictable, and you can always tell what a mile represents.

So, to conclude, don’t worry about trying to compare similar values between different activities. In general, it’s easier to pass a mile on an elliptical than it is to run it on dry land. But the elliptical also involves your upper body musculature and offers a unique movement pattern, so these are two things to consider.

It’s much better to compare your performance on the same activity over time. For example, compare your running now with your running from a few months ago. Similarly, compare your elliptical performance now with that of a few months ago. So long as you’re seeing improvements within that frame, you’re doing well.

What Do 30 Minutes On An Elliptical Amount To?

Before wrapping up this guide, we’d like to illustrate what training on an elliptical for 30 minutes amounts to. There are three things to consider: caloric burn, muscles trained, and distance passed.

1) Caloric burn.

According to some resources, we burn around 2.2 calories per pound of body weight for thirty minutes of using an elliptical. For example, if you weigh 120 pounds, you should burn approximately 264 calories. If you weigh 180 pounds, that number will jump to around 396 calories.

Of course, your average speed, the resistance you’re using, and whether you’re actively using your upper body will also impact the caloric burn.

2) Muscles trained.

The elliptical sets itself apart from many cardio machines because it involves your entire body. Specifically, the elliptical trains your lower body (quads, hamstrings, and glutes) and upper body (upper back, shoulders, biceps, triceps, chest, and abdominal musculature).

Using it for thirty minutes is a great way to have a moderately-intense whole-body workout.

3) Distance passed.

The distance passed on an elliptical for thirty minutes of use will vary. For example, some experts recommend aiming for 90 revolutions per minute, which is 180 strides.

As per our calculations above, 90 RPMs would equal around 11 minutes per mile if the stride length is 32 inches. That would be just below three miles in thirty minutes.

Of course, you don’t have to start with such a tempo. Chances are, you won’t be able to even if you tried. Start with something you can sustain for thirty minutes and slowly ramp up the RPMs over the weeks. You’ll be doing three miles in no time.

As we discussed above, it’s essential to use these values as estimates rather than absolutes. Doing the same amount of work with the same intensity for the same length of time across five different ellipticals will likely show five unique measures of these values.

What matters most is that you compare the same machine’s values repeatedly and see how they change. For example, if you keep your workouts at thirty minutes but your caloric burn increases gradually, that indicates more work or higher intensity, which is good.

Similarly, if you manage to pass greater distances over time, that’s also a good sign of progress.

The elliptical and stationary bike are two popular pieces of cardio equipment, and almost every gym in the world has them. 

But have you ever wondered which of the two is superior?

Today, we’ll go over the elliptical vs. stationary bike debate and help you choose the one that will work better for you. 

Ready? Let’s dive in. 

The Pros and Cons Of Elliptical Machines 

Let’s go over some pros of elliptical trainers: 

1. It Burns A Lot Of Calories And Improves Your Endurance 

If you’re looking for an activity that burns through calories at a fast rate, then jump on an elliptical for 30 minutes and see the result. 

The truth is, among the many pieces of cardio equipment, the elliptical is one of the best ways to several hundred calories in a relatively short cardio session. The reason is, ellipticals train both the upper and lower body. The more muscles involved, the greater the effort, and the higher the energy needs. 

Because the elliptical is so demanding, it also does a fantastic job of improving your endurance and work capacity, thus making you better able to tackle physical stressors and do more work before you start feeling tired. 

2. You Can Emphasize Specific Muscles In Your Lower Body 

Changing the resistance on an elliptical machine is a standard option. On top of that, many of these machines come with the option of changing the incline of the foot pedals.  

By tweaking these variables on a machine, you can emphasize different parts of your lower body more. For example, increasing the level of incline on the pedals, you can emphasize your posterior chain more (the calves, hamstrings, and glutes). If you decrease the incline, you can better target your quadriceps. 

3. It’s A Great Way to Stay Fit While Healing an Injury 

Let’s face it:  

Injuries can be debilitating and incredibly challenging to recover from – both physically, as well as psychologically. 

If you’ve ever had to take time off training because of an injury, you probably remember how guilty and sad you felt for staying at home and barely moving. 

The great thing about an elliptical trainer is that you can use it to maintain your fitness as you’re working through an injury. Since the activity is low-impact, it puts a lot less stress on your body than other activities like running, lifting weights, and jumping. 

Before we move to the stationary bike, here are two cons of ellipticals: 

1. It Can Get Repetitive 

The most significant roadblock people face when using an elliptical trainer has to do with its repetitiveness. The movement pattern is relatively monotonous, and it can start feeling like a chore eventually. 

Because of that, if you want to stick with an elliptical for a long time, it’s essential to find ways to make it more engaging. For example, you can set different challenges and work to overcome them. 

2. You Can Unintentionally Slack Off 

An overlooked drawback of the elliptical is that you can unintentionally slack off if you’re not careful. The reason is, you get to control the speed with which you move the pedals. Once you become fatigued, you may slow down without even realizing it. 

So, you always want to be mindful of that and maintain a consistent and sustainable tempo. 

What Benefits And Drawbacks Does a Stationary Bike Offer? 

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of a stationary bike: 

1. It’s A Low-Impact Cardio Option 

Much like the elliptical, a stationary bike is a low-impact option, and it’s a fantastic choice for beginners, especially those who are overweight. 

Plus, if you have injuries or nagging pains, using a stationary bike is a great way to stay active without risk. 

2. It Allows For Some Multitasking 

One of the biggest problems people face when doing cardio has to do with boredom: how to keep the activity engaging. 

The great thing about stationary bikes is the fact that cycling is not difficult to learn, and you can easily pair it up with other activities. For example, you can listen to your favorite audiobook or podcast. You can also watch Youtube videos on your phone or tablet. If you want, you can also catch an episode of your favorite show on Netflix. 

That way, you can keep things much more engaging and use the time even more productively. 

3. It Burns Calories And Improves Your Endurance 

While the stationary bike doesn’t burn as many calories as an Elliptical, it can still burn hundreds within thirty to sixty minutes. So, if you’re interested in cycling for weight loss, go ahead – this is a great activity. 

What’s more, cycling also improves your lung capacity and makes you much more endurant. 

With that said, let’s take a look at some drawbacks of the stationary bike: 

1. It Mostly Trains Your Quads 

Equipment like rowing machines and ellipticals train your entire body. A drawback of stationary bikes is that they mostly train your quad muscles and not much else. So, to develop your upper body, you should do extra work for it. 

2. It Doesn’t Burn As Many Calories As An Elliptical 

Because the elliptical involves your entire body, you can expect to burn more calories in each workout. The difference for one workout isn’t huge, but it can add up over the weeks and months. 

3. It Can Lead to Lower Back Discomfort For Some Folks 

To cycle properly, you should keep your back mostly straight. The problem is, keeping that posture becomes difficult as you get fatigued. So, many people slouch, and that can bring about back discomfort. 

So, you have to be mindful of your posture at all times, especially as you pass the halfway point of your workouts. 

Elliptical vs. Stationary Bike – Who Wins? 

From a general fitness standpoint, both pieces of equipment have merit, and both offer some unique advantages. 

If you’re looking for an affordable and compact piece of cardio equipment for home use, then the stationary bike will probably work best. Alternatively, if you enjoy the elliptical, your budget is slightly larger, and you have a bit more space at home, you can invest in an elliptical. 

Both options work well, and both offer only a limited number of disadvantages.  

Have you ever wondered what makes an elliptical function? Unlike many cardio machines out there, ellipticals come with a unique design and movement pattern. 
The question is, what makes all of this possible? More importantly, how does it all work together?

One crucial component inside elliptical machines makes all of this possible: the flywheel.

In today’s post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the elliptical flywheel, how it connects everything, and what that means for you.

Ready? Let’s dive in…

What Is The Motion Of An Elliptical Trainer?

At first glance, you might conclude that an elliptical has a movement pattern similar to that of a stationary bike – a circle. The truth is, ellipticals offer an ellipse movement pattern, hence their name.

When seen from the side, the elliptical pedals form an ellipse (a squashed circle). The pedal moves forward, down, back, and up to the starting position. Simultaneously, the other pedal moves in the opposite direction, which allows for an alternating motion. As one pedal moves forward and down, the other moves back and up.

To initiate this movement pattern, you must push through one foot and force the pedal to go forward and down. Once you get started and gain some momentum, it takes less effort to keep going.

This movement of your legs is also combined by the activation of your upper body. Ellipticals come with dynamic handles that move with the pedals and create a natural movement pattern. Specifically, when one pedal goes up and forward, the opposing handle also moves forward, which forces you to extend that arm. As a result, you get to remain balanced and pair opposing limbs, similar to how you would while walking or running.

Ellipticals typically have a stationary set of handles to grab onto if you wish to keep your upper body out of the movement or take a brief break. In that case, the upper body mostly works isometrically to keep you balanced.

In general, the movement pattern can be described as something that involves walking, jogging, and sliding (similar to the movement you would do while rollerblading or skiing).

All of this is thanks to the flywheel of the machine. So, let’s see what it is.

What Is An Elliptical Flywheel?

The elliptical flywheel is the essential part of the machine. This large and circular piece of the device controls everything that happens on the inside and out. As you apply pressure to the pedals, it turns and controls the level of resistance you feel. The flywheel is also the piece of the machine that allows the pedals and handles to work together.

In general, the handle and footplate connect through a joint system and attaches to the flywheel that dictates the movement. Ellipticals come in different designs and sizes, but the premise is simple:

Alternating motion between your legs that is synchronized with your upper body and allows for natural and low-impact activity.

The quality of the elliptical also determines how good the flywheel is. Premium ellipticals have a heavy, stable, and durable flywheel, where cheaper models offer a lighter one that is more prone to breaking.

The flywheel’s weight and quality significantly impact your workout experience. Specifically, a heavier flywheel offers a smoother and more predictable motion. It also impacts the noise of the machine and the overall workout experience.

In contrast, low-quality ellipticals with cheap flywheels tend to rattle, offer poor motion, and feel less predictable. The noise is also higher, which makes for a bad experience. 

According to some experts, the flywheel’s weight can also serve to predict the machine’s longevity because that part is what typically gives out and needs replacement. Flywheels typically range from 15 to 40 pounds, which is quite the difference.

The Importance of Paying Attention to The Flywheel

If you’re looking to buy an elliptical for home use, you might feel a bit anxious. After all, there is so much to pay attention to, and it can be easy to miss something and make a costly mistake.

The truth is, getting yourself an elliptical doesn’t have to be so difficult. What matters most are the build quality, noise, and smoothness of motion. The moment you step on an elliptical, you will know. Is the ride smooth and seamless? Is the build quality good? How about the overall balance and silence of the machine? Can you reasonably see yourself using this machine for 30-60 minutes several times per week?

Since you can’t disassemble the elliptical in the store and examine the part itself, explore all of these characteristics because they mostly come from the elliptical flywheel. A high-quality flywheel means a more enjoyable experience, more motivation to exercise consistently, and better long-term results. It also means that your elliptical will have a longer lifespan, given that the flywheel is typically what gives out and causes problems in used ellipticals.

Elliptical Position: Does It Matter?

In general, elliptical trainers come in three configurations: front-drive, rear-drive, or center drive. Let’s take a look at each:

a) Front-drive

Front-drive systems (also known as front-drive trainers) are those in which the flywheel is positioned at the machine’s front with the pedals behind it. This configuration tends to be more common among the cheap and mid-range ellipticals, but some premium models also come with a front-drive.

Similar to other cardio machines like the Arc Trainer, using this configuration forces you to lean forward a bit more, which can be more beneficial for training your posterior chain – hamstrings, glutes, and back.

The motion itself resembles walking uphill, which can be fun, especially if you enjoy hiking. These devices also tend to have more fluid pedals that adapt to the trainee’s specific style and anatomy, making them more comfortable for some people.

Given that front-drive ellipticals tend to be more affordable and compact, you might consider one for home use. But, keep in mind that these machines tend to have more moving parts, which can lead to more problems and a higher maintenance cost in the long run.

b) Rear-drive

As the name suggests, a rear-drive elliptical has a flywheel and driving system in the back. These are direct opposites to front-drive systems, and the trainee’s weight is placed in front of the flywheel.

Rear-drive ellipticals are far more common, especially in gyms. Most mid-range and premium ellipticals come with a rear-drive system, making them the ideal choice for gyms and other training facilities.

Unlike front-drive ellipticals, having the flywheel in the back typically means that you don’t have to lean forward to use the machine. Depending on your goals and preferences, this could be a good or bad thing. In general, it shouldn’t make that much of a difference in the grand scheme of things.

If you’ve been used to training on a front-drive elliptical, switching to one with a flywheel in the back can feel strange at first because you get to remain much more upright. Also, the pedals of a rear-drive elliptical tend to be less fluid, which might not be great for some people with specific structures. 

On the other hand, rear-drive ellipticals are typically larger and more solid machines, which often means that their flywheel is of higher quality. As a result, the training experience tends to be more enjoyable because you don’t have to deal with instability, excessive noise, or a choppy motion of the pedals.

c) Center drive

As you’ve probably guessed, center drive ellipticals have their flywheel and drive system in the middle, right beneath the trainee. These are by far the least common ones. They are also a relatively newer technology, so it’s difficult to say how durable they are in the long run. Maintenance cost is also difficult to predict at this point.

A significant benefit of these elliptical machines is their size. Since the flywheel is in the middle, the machine tends to be smaller, which can benefit people who have less space to work with. 

These machines also offer a more upright training position, which some people find to be more natural.

With center drive configurations, the pedals tend to be closer together, allowing for a more natural movement pattern, mimicking jogging.

Conclusion

Think of an elliptical flywheel as the engine – it’s the central piece that impacts everything else and can elevate or ruin your training experience.

Like with a car, an elliptical engine is a huge determinant of the machine’s longevity. A cheap and light flywheel doesn’t last as long, begins to rattle with use, and offers an unstable and shaky training motion.

In contrast, a solid and well-built flywheel is durable, will last you for many years, and will offer engaging workouts.

While seemingly insignificant, the flywheel is a vital component of the elliptical, and you need to pay attention. Hopefully, this guide has given you all of the information you need to make better choices.

We understand you completely:

You enjoy exercising and using the elliptical. But, you’re pregnant and are wondering whether it is safe to use it? Perhaps there is a hidden danger you should be aware of? Or maybe there is a safer and more effective alternative you can use?

A thousand questions arise, and it feels like everyone has their unique take on it.

In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the elliptical and whether using it during pregnancy is safe.

Ready? Let’s dive in…

Is The Elliptical Okay to Use While Pregnant?

The elliptical provides a low-impact and versatile way to do highly-beneficial aerobic exercise. Instead of performing impactful activities like running or dull ones like using a stationary bike, you get to exercise your entire body without putting undue stress on your hips, knees, or ankles.

Furthermore, the elliptical offers a natural movement pattern, and you can vary the intensity and resistance level to suit your needs. For example, if you don’t want to stress your lower body musculature, you can decrease the resistance and use the elliptical for a longer period. In doing so, you can burn a respectable number of calories and prevent rapid weight gains that are common during pregnancy.

The last thing worth noting is that you can use the elliptical at home, so you don’t have to exercise at a gym if you don’t want to or feel particularly self-conscious.

Here are some guidelines:

• Keep the intensity low to moderate
• Aim for between 20 and 40 minutes of exercise
• Use the elliptical between two and five times per week
• Avoid working too hard, to the point where you feel sore or overly-fatigued in the following days

Now that we’ve covered the primary question, let’s look at a few other essential considerations. Read on to find out what they are.

Can I Use An Elliptical After The Fourth Month of Pregnancy?

To answer this question, we first need to look at what happens to your body after sixteen weeks of pregnancy.

The most notable change is that you now have a much more noticeable baby bump. Still, depending on how long you’ve been pregnant, the baby bump shouldn’t be too much to handle, and it shouldn’t be too restrictive. So, unless your doctor specifically advises you to avoid it, the elliptical should be a perfectly viable exercise option.

For one, the elliptical won’t interfere with your baby bump in any way. The type of exercise is also low-impact, so you won’t experience any disturbances.

Here are some safety tips to keep your exercise sessions fruitful:

1. Wear loose and comfortable clothes. This will help you move around freely and not feel anxious.
2. Pick a pair of comfortable shoes for your workouts. Though you might not have to lift your feet off the pedals, it’s still important to have the right footwear for optimal training.
3. Take it slow and easy. You’re not training for a marathon, so you don’t have to push yourself that that. The most important thing is that you enjoy your workouts and avoid pushing yourself to your limits. If needed, take occasional breaks.
4. Keep a water bottle handy, and make sure to sip regularly. This will help keep you hydrated throughout your workouts.
5. Keep some healthy snacks around for when you’re done with the workout. Good options include fruits, trail mix, and protein bars.

What Type of Exercise Is Safe To Do While Pregnant?

Now that we’ve established the safety and productivity of elliptical training, you’re probably wondering, “Well, are there other types of safe and effective exercise I can do while pregnant?” 

In fact, there are. Below, we’ll look at four fantastic alternatives:

1. Walking

Yes, walking is a fantastic way to keep active, burn some calories, and reap many benefits. For one, walking helps you clear your head, organize your thoughts and boost your mood. If you feel anxious or are struggling to figure something out, there is a good chance that a short walk might be just what you need.

Walking also helps you burn calories, promotes a healthy metabolism, and helps prevent unwanted weight gain during pregnancy. As little as ten to twenty minutes of walking per day can make a significant difference in the long run.

Walking is also easy to integrate into your day. Instead of taking the car everywhere, why not figure out where you might want to walk to instead? For example, if the destination is less than ten minutes away on foot, put some comfortable shoes on and walk.

2. Yoga

Yoga is another great activity. Most notably, it brings about a deep sense of well-being and relaxation. Thanks to its calming effect, yoga can help you go through periods of anxiety, depression, or self-doubt. The second trimester of pregnancy is typically characterized by unpredictable hormone fluctuations, which often make it difficult to deal with life. Yoga is an activity that helps you remain centered and focused on the positive things in life.

Yoga is also a low-impact activity with profound benefits. You get to improve your flexibility, strength, and whole-body balance. All of these characteristics are beneficial, especially as your pregnancy progresses. Plus, practicing yoga regularly is profoundly satisfying and gives you a real sense of progress.

You can pick several breathing exercises for starters and slowly add non-threatening yoga poses for beginners to your routine.

3. Swimming

Like the previous two activities on our list, swimming is another fantastic example of a low-impact activity that delivers incredible benefits. More importantly, swimming is incredibly natural and safe during pregnancy.

As an activity, swimming encourages the involvement of many different muscles in your body. This is fantastic because it helps you burn more calories and improve your aerobic and anaerobic fitness at the same time. This is also great for toning your whole body and keeping yourself in shape well into your pregnancy.

For example, you can do thirty minutes of swimming a few times per week. You don’t need to push yourself too hard. Gentle swimming will be more than enough to help you reap the associated benefits.

4. Squats

Contrary to what you might have been told, squats are incredibly beneficial to do while pregnant. The primary reason is that squats strengthen your lower body’s muscles, which become increasingly important as your pregnancy progresses and you have to carry more weight around. 

With that said, you must go about squats safely and avoid pushing yourself too hard. Begin with bodyweight squats, perform each repetition slowly and with control, and stop a set if you feel uncomfortable. It’s also a good idea to consult with your doctor before incorporating squats into your exercise routine.

Here are some pointers:

• Assume a wider stance and point your toes slightly out
• Bring your chest out and shoulders back
• Extend your arms in front of your chest for balance
• Begin to squat by bending your knees while keeping your torso upright – imagine that you’re trying to sit in a chair
• Go down as comfortably as you can – ideally until your knees get to 90 degrees
• Hold the bottom position for a moment and push through your heels to get back up

Is It Safe to Use an Exercise Bike?

As a popular exercise option, the exercise bike is the go-to choice for many people. If you’re one of them, you’re probably wondering how safe it is to use while pregnant.

In general, an exercise bike is safe to use during your pregnancy. Still, before hopping on one and cycling away, it’s essential to be mindful of a few things. More specifically:

• Make sure that you’re cycling at a low to moderate intensity and avoid overexerting yourself.
• Avoid using too high of resistance. Instead, aim for moderate resistance that allows you to maintain between 50 and 60 cycles per minute comfortably.
• Maintain a more upright posture, especially as your stomach grows. Take care to keep it away from the bike, even as you lean forward when you get tired.

Is Walking too Much Bad During Pregnancy?

Too much of anything can be bad, and this fully applies to walking. While this is one of the simplest and most convenient ways to remain active, you must avoid going overboard.

Like any other type of activity, walking also leads to fatigue, which you need to keep in mind. Walking too much can lead to fatigue in your legs and back because you’re carrying extra weight. Too much walking also causes systemic stress, which might not be good for the baby.

As a whole, some walking is great, and you should go by feel. If you start feeling tired from it, that is a good sign to take a step back and perhaps lower your daily step count a notch.

Conclusion

Exercising is not only beneficial but mandatory, and this fully applies to pregnant women.

If you’re pregnant and you’re wondering whether you should even exercise, don’t worry. So long as the activity is comfortable and doesn’t tire you out, it should be okay.

Still, what matters most is that you go by feel, use your best judgment, and avoid doing too much.

We’ve listed some of the most beneficial activities above, so there is plenty to pick from. Plus, you can combine some of them and create yourself a fantastic weekly fitness routine.

This year has been challenging so far. It seems like we can’t catch a break, and the most recent development is the Covid-19 pandemic that is shaking up the world right now.

A significant percentage of the world’s population is advised to stay at home and only go out for food, medicine, and banking needs.

Most gyms and sports clubs are closed, and it appears like our exercise options have been cut severely.

But is this truly the case? Are we doomed to lose all of our hard-earned progress in the gym?

No. The truth is, there is always something we can do to stay fit – where there’s a will, there’s a way. Don’t let the quarantine be the end of your fitness habits. Stay consistent and exercise.

With that in mind, we’ve put a list of seven incredible exercises you can do while in self-isolation.

1. Elliptical Trainer Sessions

The elliptical (both the classic and recumbent versions of it) is an incredibly valuable piece of fitness equipment because it:

• Trains the entire body;
• It burns a lot of calories and helps with weight loss;
• It brings about the numerous health benefits of exercise;
• It improves our energy, mood, and cognitive function;
• It’s low-impact and doesn’t stress our joints;
• It’s easy to learn and use, so it’s also great for beginners;

The list goes on and on, but you get the point. What’s more, a decent elliptical won’t cost that much, but it will last you for well over five years of regular use.

But, if you don’t have the money or space for a full-sized elliptical, you can also go for the under-desk elliptical, which is a smaller, cheaper, and more compact version that brings about many of the same benefits.

2. Push-Ups

If you’re looking for a simple exercise to develop your chest, shoulders, and triceps, then look no further than the classic push-up.

What’s even better about this exercise is that it doesn’t require any equipment, you can progress on them for a long time, and they also promote shoulder health.

Rehab specialists from all over the world prescribe push-ups in their shoulder programs, as they appear to promote scapular stability, which itself is essential for shoulder health, especially in athletes and other active people.

And if you ever feel like the push-up is too easy, you can always find a more challenging variation such as the close-stance push-up, the one-handed push-up, and the plyometric push-up.

3. Bodyweight Squats

Squatting is one of the most natural things we can do.

Performing bodyweight squats is a great way to strengthen the lower body, maintain our muscle mass, keep our hips and ankles mobile, and burn a lot of calories.

Plus, as with push-ups, bodyweight squats have an impressive overloading potential, as there are always fun and creative ways we can use to make them more difficult.

For example, if the bodyweight squat becomes too easy, you can always:

• Use a timer and see how many squats you can do per minute. Try to improve that number over time.
• Perform jump squats – a great way to spice the classic exercise up, and work on your vertical jump.
• Add an external weight on yourself – a weight vest, a dumbbell or kettlebell, a jug filled with water, your small child, or something else.

4. Glute Bridge

Glute bridges should be part of any decent home training program because they do an excellent job of strengthening a range of muscles in the body – our hamstrings, glutes, adductors, lower back, and abdominals.

What’s more, glute bridges are incredibly easy to learn and are beneficial for weight training exercises like hip thrusts and deadlifts.

And, should the classic glute bridge become too easy, you can always make it more challenging. For example, you can do them unilaterally (one leg at a time), or you can add an external weight on your lower abs (for example, a jug filled with water or an old dumbbell that’s been lying around your home).

5. Planks

If you’re looking for an excellent exercise that builds core strength incredibly well, then the classic plank is for you.

Because the plank is done by holding a static position, you can expect to build great isometric strength not just in your core, but in your entire body. What’s more, the plank develops the rectus abdominis, lower back muscles, obliques, and transverse abdominis (the deep core muscle).

Doing planks while in self-isolation is a great way to prevent back pain from occurring, and it also helps us maintain a good posture that can otherwise worsen due to physical inactivity.

What even better is the fact that you don’t have to invest too much time in doing planks. As little as two to five minutes per day will help you reap the incredible benefits of the exercise.

6. Recumbent Exercise Bike Training

If you have the means to get yourself a recumbent exercise bike, you shouldn’t wait a day longer. The truth is, along with elliptical trainers, the recumbent bike is among the most useful pieces of cardio equipment out there.

Sure, it’s not the cheapest thing you can buy for your home training, but the investment will be well worth it.

Training on a recumbent bike is a great way to burn a lot of calories and prevent weight gain while in self-isolation. What’s more, the recumbent exercise bike is incredibly easy to use, offers excellent comfort while exercising, and does a great job of helping us maintain our lower body strength and muscle size.

7. Pull-Ups or Chin-Ups

Pull-ups and chin-ups are two of the best bodyweight exercises we can do to develop the back, biceps, forearms, and core.

What’s more, being able to do pull-ups says a lot about your fitness level and is incredibly impressive for most people. Here’s an idea:

While in self-isolation, work your way up to twenty straight pull-ups. Then, once things go back to normal, head back to the gym and show people what you’ve been working on.

What’s even better about pull-ups is that all you need is a pull-up bar, which you can get for as little as twenty dollars.