Elliptical Trainer Review

Evaluating reviewers of elliptical trainers

Elliptical trainers combine the features of a stair-stepper and a ski machine. You stand on pedals that move on an elliptical track, usually via rollers. Some models have only stationary or preprogrammed incline options, while others allow the user to adjust the incline throughout the workout. Reviews say that elliptical trainers have some advantages over treadmills in that they provide good workout variety without lots of impact on joints. But treadmills are still far more popular overall. (Please also see our separate report on treadmills.)

Some elliptical trainers provide an upper-body as well as a lower-body workout, and most offer multiple exercise options with varying levels of difficulty. Fitness reviews say that although elliptical trainers give you a good workout, they tend to overestimate the number of calories you're burning, usually by 20 to 30 percent. Elliptical machines that ask you to enter your body weight can be more accurate. In general, reviews say you'll burn 500 to 650 calories (depending on effort) after one hour of exercise on any cardio machine, whether it's a treadmill or an elliptical trainer.

ConsumerReports.org and TreadmillDoctor.com have the most credible elliptical trainer reviews. ConsumerReports.org tests and compares models based on ease of use, safety and value, relying on trained fitness professionals and regular people to identify the best elliptical trainers. TreadmillDoctor.com sells replacement parts and supplies for fitness equipment, and editors are in a unique position to judge long-term reliability and value. Websites like Fitness-Equipment-Source.com and Prevention magazine include some helpful details, but we didn't see any testing methodology discussed, and it's not clear the extent to which models are tested. As a result, these sites rank lower in credibility.

ConsumerReports.org says elliptical trainers in the lower price ranges often have problems right from the start; the bottom line, the magazine's editors say, is that you get what you pay for. Models costing more than $2,000 performed best in testing, and cheaper ellipticals had subpar performance. Inexpensive ellipticals from Stamina Products Inc. are a particular concern. In ConsumerReports.org's most recent review, the Stamina 1725 (*Est. $190) and Stamina 1772 (*Est. $270), are labeled as safety risks and included on the magazine's don't-buy list. Testers found that components on these ellipticals can fall off, and Stamina responded by saying that the bolts must be tightened before each use. ConsumerReports.org responded that those instructions were ''unrealistic'' in a free safety alert on their website.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also announced a recall of three Stamina ellipticals in July 2009. The CPSC warns that the instruction manuals for the Stamina Magnetic 1772 Cross Trainer Elliptical (*Est. $270), Stamina Air 1725 Elliptical Cross Trainer (*Est. $190) and Stamina Air Resistance 1723 Cross Trainer (*Est. $148) do not adequately explain certain assembly requirements. As a result, consumers may improperly assemble one of these elliptical trainers and suffer a fall or injury.

Other cheap elliptical trainers from Orbitrek were also recalled in July 2009. The CPSC recalled the Orbitrek Elite (*Est. $200) and Orbitrek Elite Magnetic (*Est. $240) ellipticals because of poor assembly instructions that it said pose a risk to the user. For more information on elliptical trainer recalls, visit CPSC.gov.