6 Best Elliptical for Heavy Persons (2023)

From stair climbing to running or just plain old walking, elliptical trainers help a lot with cardio workouts. But it can be a bit of a challenge to find a proper elliptical trainer for yourself if you fall in the demographic with heavier body types. Have no fear because in this article I have come up with the list of 6 of the best ellipticals for heavy persons in 2023.

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer is the top overall contender for the best elliptical trainer for heavy persons. With its wide range of features, versatile structure, and smart connectivity options, it is bound to serve the needs of almost everyone very well. It has a weight capacity of 350lbs which covers a large portion of the demographic.

While this is certainly one of the best trainers out there, it might not be the best for you. I have compiled other options that might be a better fit for other people. From price range to feature set, there might be other elliptical trainers out there that might serve your needs better. In this article, I will show you all the best options so you can decide for yourself.

Before we begin let us take a look at the most vital details of each of the elliptical trainers in this list in the table below.

Best Elliptical Trainers for Heavy Persons

Here are the 6 best ellipticals for heavy individuals. I recommend that you learn about the features, pros and cons of each of them before making up your mind about which to get.

1.    ProForm Hybrid Trainer

There are a few reasons why this elliptical trainer is my top recommendation. While the weight capacity or the stride length will not serve absolutely everyone, for those who it is capable of serving it will serve very well. Everything about this trainer works very smoothly, from the movement to the resistance.

This trainer as the name suggests is a hybrid and can turn into a bike when needed. It is also compact enough to store in. It also has the option for an online subscription service to help you train better. The smart synchronization features also help you keep track of your health statistics very well.

From the smart features to the hybrid nature, this machine gives you a ton of versatility. You can have a very well-balanced workout session with this elliptical device. The build and the capacity make it very suitable for people suffering from obesity and can help you lose weight in a much more efficient way.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 70.5 x 60.5 x 24.5 inches
• Unit Weight: 117 Pounds
• Weight Capacity: 350 Pounds
• Stride Length: 15 Inches
• Upper Bodywork: Yes
• Resistance Levels: 16

Features:

Hybrid Design: The ProForm Hybrid Trainer is not just an elliptical machine; it can also transform into an exercise bike when you want it to. You can enjoy the facilities of two different pieces of equipment by buying just this one device. It can do both jobs very smoothly and seamlessly

Smart and Interactive Options: This trainer comes with a bunch of tracking features that helps you track your fitness data very easily. It syncs with your device and can also store data internally. It works really well with most of the popular fitness services. It also has the option for a subscription service that gives you interactive training sessions right at home.

Ease of Access: From the cushioned foot paddles to the tablet holder and the integrated sound system, this machine has a lot of small features that make it very pleasant to use. It has a touch-based heart rate monitor and grip sensors. All the little sensors and features make this elliptical trainer very pleasant to use.

Pros:

• Hybrid Design
• Great Build Quality
• Smart Features
• Cushioned Paddles

Cons:

• Feature Set Is A Bit Basic
• No Incline Feature
• Relatively Shorter Stride Length

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2.    SCHWINN 430 Elliptical Machine

While the SCHWINN 430 Elliptical Machine has a lower weight capacity at 300 pounds, it makes up for that lack with its wide 20 Inch stride length and 20 levels of resistance. Those who want more versatile training with more stride and more resistance levels will be very happy with this trainer.

It can be folded and be stored without taking much space at all. This is also a great feature for those without much space for a home gym. It also has 2 screens with very advanced goal tracking features so you are sure to stay motivated to reach your fitness goals.

From the non-slip grip pads to the robust frame, this elliptical trainer from SCHWINN is extremely durable. If durability is one of your big concerns, then you should definitely consider this elliptical trainer.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 50 x 34 x 22 Inches
• Unit Weight: 186 Pounds
• Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
• Stride Length: 20 Inches
• Upper Bodywork: Yes
• Resistance Levels: 20

Features:

Highly Durable: This elliptical trainer has an extremely robust frame. It is in fact a bit on the heavier side but that weight adds a ton of durability to this model. You can move this frequently and put it through some of your most rough training sessions and it will withstand all of it.

Dual Screen Goal Tracking: It has two screens and a lot of tracking options. From distance to time to heart rate to calories, this trainer tracks almost every single unit you would want to keep track of. With the two screens, it has a lot more options than the usual trainer and helps you reach your goals with goal tracking.

Compact Storage: The SCHWINN 430 elliptical machine folds up very neatly in a compact space. You can also detach the pads to make them even more compact. This helps with storage as you do not need to worry about where to set up and keep the machine. You can just put it away under your bed or somewhere after you are done working out.

Pros:

• Versatile Goal Tracking
• Dual Screen Design
• Robust Frame
• Compact Storing

Cons:

• Lower Resistance Levels Not So Low
• Some Users Face Noise Issues

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3.    Nautilus Elliptical Trainer Series

While the Nautilus elliptical trainer series offers only 10 levels of resistance it offers versatility with a wide 22-inch stride length and 350 pounds of weight capacity. The grip and insulations make this very stable while working out.

This elliptical trainer has a lot of programs and presets to help you work out exactly the way you want. The presets make this very efficient. It also has a recovery function that might be useful to many users. Efficiency control is better on this device than a lot of others on the market.

The smart tracking functions work well with your phones or tablets and the app adds a lot of functionality too. The Nautilus does not make much noise at all so you can easily watch tv shows or movies while working out.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 50 x 34 x 22 Inches
• Unit Weight: 186 Pounds
• Weight Capacity: 350 Pounds
• Stride Length: 22 Inches
• Upper Bodywork: Yes
• Resistance Levels: 10

Features:

Presets and Programs: The Nautilus elliptical trainer series comes loaded with a lot of presets and programs for an efficient and specific workout session. You can have your workout session guided just the way you want. The presets help you stay in lane and efficiently.

App Functionality: The app this trainer comes with will help you a lot in both making your workout sessions fun and efficient. The settings and tracking options are very robust. It helps you stay efficient. The app also offers interactive sessions and virtual travel features to make your sessions more engaging.

Extra Stability: The pads and grips on this trainer help it stay stable through very rough workout sessions. If you are someone who has trouble keeping their balance then this will be very helpful for you. Along with the presets and recovery functions, this excels in stability.

Pros:

• Extra Stability
• Presets and Recovery Modes Help with Efficiency
• Extra Wide Pedals
• Very Little Noise

Cons:

• Incline Feels Limiting to Some Users
• Repairing Is Very Inaccessible
• Low Amount of Resistance Levels

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4.    Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine

If you are someone for whom the capacity needs to be even higher than the other entries in this list then the Sole Fitness E95 is a good choice for you. While the 20 resistance levels and 22-inch stride are fairly standard, this machine has a high capacity of up to 400 pounds. For a lot of people, this might be the lifesaving trainer they were looking for.

This machine weighs a fair bit more than the others too. The weight of this unit is 215 pounds. The stride length and resistance levels are fairly good too so you do not need to worry about being too limited when choosing a very high-capacity elliptical training machine.

The stride can be adjusted a little bit too. It comes with a few preset programs for training too. While this unit might not be the absolute best in class this is indeed a worthy option for those looking for that extra high weight capacity.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 83 x 62 x 27 Inches
• Unit Weight: 215 Pounds
• Weight Capacity: 400 Pounds
• Stride Length: 22 Inches
• Upper Bodywork: Yes
• Resistance Levels: 20

Features:

High Weight Capacity: While most heavy people will be okay with the other entries in this list, there might be some for whom those are not enough. The Sole Fitness E95 is made for them with its very high 400-pound weight capacity. So now anyone can start training without having to worry about weight limits on machines.

Highly Adjustable Angle: The ramp on this unit can be adjusted from anywhere from 0 to 30 degrees. This adds a lot of versatility. As overweight people might need the added bit of angle to position themselves more comfortably, this is a very welcome feature.

Very Comfortable Pedals: The pedals on the Sole Fitness E95 were designed with extensive advice from physical trainers. The inclined pedals make the workout session much more comfortable for overweight users.

Pros:

• High Weight Capacity
• Adjustable Strides
• Adjustable Angle

Cons:

• Very Few Programs and Presets
• Assembly Process A Bit Tedious

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5.    NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i Elliptical Trainer

If you want a lightweight elliptical trainer and are ready to make some sacrifices for that convenience then this might be a solid choice for you. While this machine has a low stride of only 13.5 Inches it still has a capacity of 325 pounds, all while the unit’s own weight is only 42 pounds. That is indeed impressive.

While this does not have the large strides or the upper body workout functionalities of the other entries in this list, this is in fact a compact and lightweight machine. This will help you set up your home gym absolutely anywhere. Maybe you want to set up in a low ceiling basement, with this you can definitely do that.

This folds up into an even smaller unit for the most convenient storing capability. You also get a 7-inch smart HD interactive touchscreen built right into the trainer for maximum convenience. You do not need an extra tablet or smartphone to experience the smart features.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 80 x 67 x 32 Inches
• Unit Weight: 42 Pounds
• Weight Capacity: 325 Pounds
• Stride Length: 13.5 Inches
• Upper Bodywork: No
• Resistance Levels: 24

Features:

Lightweight and Small: This elliptical trainer is very compact and lightweight, not just while storing it but while using it too. You can basically set it up anywhere, no large space or high ceiling clearance is needed. All the compact convenience while not sacrificing too much on the features.

Very Adjustable Resistance Levels: This trainer from NordicTrack has the most amount of resistance levels among the entries of this list. Which is a very pleasant surprise in such a small and light unit. You will be able to fine tune the resistance level exactly to your liking.

Smart Interactive Touchscreen: While a lot of the other trainers need an extra smartphone or tablet for you to completely experience the smart features, this unit has a smart HD 7 Inch touchscreen built right in for the interactive training sessions and other smart features.

Pros:

• Small Lightweight Body
• Smart Built-in Screen
• High Amount of Resistance Levels
• Foldable Design

Cons:

• Very Small Stride Length
• No Upper Body Workout Options

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6.    HCI Fitness PhysioStep RXT-1000 Recumbent Elliptical Trainer

This elliptical trainer from HCI Fitness is by no means the most feature packed training machine. On the contrary, it is in fact quite limiting when it comes to its feature set. But this is one of the very few options, and maybe the only quality option in the market, with this high of a weight capacity.

The HCI Fitness PhysioStep RXT-1000 has a weight capacity of 500 pounds and that is its standout feature. If you are someone who is looking for a good quality trainer that has that high of a weight capacity then this is the one for you.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 48 x 44 x 32 Inches
• Unit Weight: 209 Pounds
• Weight Capacity: 500 Pounds
• Stride Length: 12 Inches
• Upper Bodywork: No
• Resistance Levels: 16

Features:

Very High Weight Capacity: With 500 pounds of capacity, no other elliptical training machine even comes close. This is the best in class when it comes to extremely high-capacity elliptical trainers.

Comfortable Design: From the large cushioned seat to the oversized paddles and multi grips, every part of this trainer was made to be as comfortable as possible so you can have a proper workout while being the most comfortable.

Highly Adjustable Parts: From the seat to the handles and the paddles, you can adjust almost all the angles on this device to make your workout sessions as efficient as possible.

Pros:

• Adjustable Seat and Arms
• High Weight Capacity
• Low Profile Unit Body
• Large Easy to Read Display

Cons:

• Very Limited Stride
• Very Limited Feature Set
• No Upper Body Workout

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Conclusion

Looking for an elliptical trainer can be very hard when you are looking for one for someone who is overweight. This is why I scoured the whole market to bring to you the 6 best ellipticals for heavy persons. While the ProForm Hybrid Trainer is my top pick overall, the other ones on this list are solid options too.

I hope this article helped. Hopefully, you were able to make the decision and choose the one that will best suit your needs. Thanks for reading till the end. I wish you all the best and take care.