Ellipticals mimic the motion of running but without the impact, nice if you have bad knees or you're rehabbing from a lower-body injury. And the moving hand grips and adjustable resistance allow you to turn a cardiovascular workout into a full-body workout. Thirty minutes on an elliptical might burn 180 to 270 calories for the typical user, Depending on the intensity of the workout. A good elliptical is sturdy, easy to use, and aligns with your natural running motion. We tested 22 models, and recommend 7 of them, including three CR Best Buys.
Like treadmills, the latest ellipticals offer high levels of personalization, thanks to their ability to connect directly to the Internet. As a result, the devices can be a major investment. The most expensive elliptical we tested cost $3,600. But our top-scoring model went for $2,200, and you can get a good machine for less than half that price.
Pricier ellipticals tended to be larger and sturdier, and their parts come with longer warranties. The top-rated model is solidly built, comes with a chest-strap heart-rate monitor, has 20 resistance levels, has a lifetime warranty on its frame, and earned top scores for heart rate features, ease of use, and user safety.
We divided our Ratings for ellipticals into two groups this year: those with heart-rate monitoring programs and, for the first time, those without them. Our most expensive model is actually one without a heart-rate monitor.
