Elliptical machines can be a big investment, but they will be worth it if you keep using them regularly or if there are multiple people using them. Whether you want an elliptical machine to start your fitness journey or you want to spice up your home gym setup, this article will help you find the perfect one for you!
Since we know that it can get overwhelming trying to shop for the right machine, we’re going to guide you on how to choose one with our buying guide fact-checked by fitness coach Michelle Estuar. We’re also going to be showing you our top 10 picks of the best elliptical machines that you can find on online shopping sites like Lazada and Shopee.
Here are some key points to consider:
An elliptical’s drive refers to the placement of its flywheel. There are two types of drive designs, each with its own benefits and features. Check them out below.
A front drive elliptical is characterized by its flywheel located at the front of the machine. As a result, this design gives users the feeling of walking uphill or climbing stairs. They give you a slope in your pathway, making you lean forward slightly and exert more effort.
It also provides more incline, which is something that you should keep in mind if you prefer those types of exercises more. Aside from that, this type of elliptical tends to be more compact, making it great for those who live in smaller condos or who don’t have much space at home.
From its name, rear drive ellipticals have their flywheels at the back of the machine. This was the first kind of elliptical machine to be released and is still very popular today since it provides a natural feeling of walking and running.
It offers a smooth ride and requires users to maintain an upright position, minimizing strain on one’s lower back. This is great for those who are conscious about their posture and for those who want to perform longer strides.
A center drive offers the most natural stride that simulates running and walking. As its name suggests, the drive is located in the center, which discourages the user to lean forward, promoting better posture. Furthermore, because of its drive location, this type is more compact than front drive and a rear drive ellipticals.
Your elliptical will either have fixed or moving handlebars. To know which one is better for your lifestyle, here are their differences.
Ellipticals with fixed handlebars are great for those looking for extra support, and those who are starting to workout. They’re also recommended if you’re someone who likes watching TV shows or movies, or multitasking while exercising since you can depend on them to hold you up if you’re not ready to balance yet.
Moving handlebars on ellipticals are great since you can use them to work on work on both the upper and lower body at the same time. In saying that, it can help you lose weight more efficiently because it will help you get a more intense cardio exercise.
An important factor to consider before buying an elliptical machine is its stride length, or the maximum distance that the pedals can move forward and backward. Most machines have a stride length of 13 inches to 22 inches. In saying that, many prefer a stride length of 18 to 20 inches.
The stride length depends on the height of its user. Therefore, the taller you are, the longer the stride length. This is an important factor to consider when buying an elliptical. If there are multiple people who will use the elliptical, we recommend getting one with an adjustable stride length.
Elliptical machines’ resistance systems are very important in achieving your fitness goals. They are integrated into the foot pedals and upper handlebars, making you exert more effort in moving them to make the machine work. It works on both upper and lower body muscles to burn calories.
The latest models allow you to control the resistance of the machine by simply pushing a button at its interface. Most of these models have pre-selected settings where you simply input your age and weight in order to start the machine.
Elliptical machines usually measure around 6 feet long and 2.5 feet wide. However, there are some that are a bit shorter, measuring around 5.6 feet. These are great for those with less space, or for those who prefer a more compact machine.
In line with this, you should also check the maximum weight limit of the machine. Most basic elliptical machines are able to bear 113 kilograms, while more heavy-duty options are able to support 181 kilograms.
Like any machine, ellipticals also have features that ensure the safety of its users. A popular feature that most look for is a pin lock. This prevents the pedals and other operations from being used or activated.
Since ellipticals are investments price-wise, you should also take note of the warranty that comes with your machine just in case it unexpectedly malfunctions. A good warranty period would be one to three years for parts, so you can ensure that your elliptical machine will last a long time.
Since an elliptical is a versatile exercise machine, it is good to choose one with additional features, especially if you have specific fitness goals. Some popular features include a Heart Rate Monitor that can sync to the machine, and an Interval Setting to switch between two kinds of resistance. These features add variety to your workout sessions to keep you motivated every day.
To give you a rundown, here are our top 5 picks for the best elliptical machines you can buy online:
Image | 1 ![]() DOMYOS | 2 ![]() DOMYOS | 3 Horizon | 4 Life Gear | 5 Life Gear | 6 | 7 ![]() Core | 8 ![]() Avant Garde | 9 ![]() Live Up | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Cross Trainer | Self-Powered Cross Trainer | Andes 3-03 | 2 in 1 Orbitrac | 2 in 1 Elliptical Trainer | Magnetron Elliptical Trainer | Elliptical Bike | Elliptical Bike | Orbitrack Elliptical Bike | Muscle Power 8.2GAH Elliptical with Twister |
Features | Convenient and Compact Elliptical for Home Use | An Elliptical You Can Rely On to Help You Get Fit | Foldable Elliptical With Various Programs Available | Elliptical Machine With a Seat for Extra Support | A Great Elliptical for Multitasking | Basic Elliptical With Complete Features | Elliptical Machine for Those With Shorter Height | Multipurpose Machine for Different Workouts | Heavy-Duty Elliptical With a Great Build | Elliptical Machine With Twister for a Smaller Waist |
Price Starts at | ₱19,000 | ₱25,400 | ₱79,995 | ₱6,950 | ₱14,875 | ₱9,676 | ₱22,380 | ₱5,799 | ₱5,499 | ₱8,999 |
Dimensions | 48.8 x 26.8 x 61 Inches | 57.5 x 24.8 x 62.6 Inches | 68 x x 26 x 67 Inches | 37.4 x 23.6 x 59.4 Inches | - | 61.4 x 31.5 x 18.5 Inches | - | - | 50.4 x 20.1 x 61.8 Inches | - |
Drive Design | Rear Drive | Rear Drive | Front Drive | Front Drive | Rear Drive | Rear Drive | Rear Drive | Front Drive | Front Drive | Front Drive |
Type of Handlebars | Fixed and Moving | Fixed and Moving | Moving | Moving | Fixed and Moving | Fixed and Moving | Fixed and Moving | Moving | Moving | Fixed and Moving |
Max. Weight | 130 kg | 130 kg | 136 kg | 110 kg | - | - | 130 kg | - | 127 kg | - |
Stride Length | Adjustable | 15 Inches | 20 Inches | 20 Inches | - | - | 14 Inches | - | - | - |
Additional Features | Heart Rate Monitor, Virtual Coaching Through App | Heart Rate Monitor, Virtual Coaching Through App | Heart Rate Monitor, Interval Settings, Workout Feedback | Adjustable Saddle | Heart Rate Monitor, Adjustable Saddle | Heart Rate Monitor | Heart Rate Monitor | Adjustable Saddle | Adjustable Saddle | Adjustable Saddle, Twister |
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The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Michelle Estuar, is not affiliated with, nor is she endorsing any of the brands we mention below.
**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**
EL 500
From ₱19,000
Dimensions | 48.8 x 26.8 x 61 Inches |
---|---|
Drive Design | Rear Drive |
Type of Handlebars | Fixed and Moving |
Max. Weight | 130 kg |
Stride Length | Adjustable |
Additional Features | Heart Rate Monitor, Virtual Coaching Through App |
EL 520
From ₱25,400
Dimensions | 57.5 x 24.8 x 62.6 Inches |
---|---|
Drive Design | Rear Drive |
Type of Handlebars | Fixed and Moving |
Max. Weight | 130 kg |
Stride Length | 15 Inches |
Additional Features | Heart Rate Monitor, Virtual Coaching Through App |
From ₱79,995
Dimensions | 68 x x 26 x 67 Inches |
---|---|
Drive Design | Front Drive |
Type of Handlebars | Moving |
Max. Weight | 136 kg |
Stride Length | 20 Inches |
Additional Features | Heart Rate Monitor, Interval Settings, Workout Feedback |
From ₱6,950
Dimensions | 37.4 x 23.6 x 59.4 Inches |
---|---|
Drive Design | Front Drive |
Type of Handlebars | Moving |
Max. Weight | 110 kg |
Stride Length | 20 Inches |
Additional Features | Adjustable Saddle |
From ₱14,875
Dimensions | - |
---|---|
Drive Design | Rear Drive |
Type of Handlebars | Fixed and Moving |
Max. Weight | - |
Stride Length | - |
Additional Features | Heart Rate Monitor, Adjustable Saddle |
From ₱9,676
Dimensions | 61.4 x 31.5 x 18.5 Inches |
---|---|
Drive Design | Rear Drive |
Type of Handlebars | Fixed and Moving |
Max. Weight | - |
Stride Length | - |
Additional Features | Heart Rate Monitor |
SE-159
From ₱22,380
Dimensions | - |
---|---|
Drive Design | Rear Drive |
Type of Handlebars | Fixed and Moving |
Max. Weight | 130 kg |
Stride Length | 14 Inches |
Additional Features | Heart Rate Monitor |
IREB-12S
From ₱5,799
Dimensions | - |
---|---|
Drive Design | Front Drive |
Type of Handlebars | Moving |
Max. Weight | - |
Stride Length | - |
Additional Features | Adjustable Saddle |
FOB1221
From ₱5,499
Dimensions | 50.4 x 20.1 x 61.8 Inches |
---|---|
Drive Design | Front Drive |
Type of Handlebars | Moving |
Max. Weight | 127 kg |
Stride Length | - |
Additional Features | Adjustable Saddle |
From ₱8,999
Dimensions | - |
---|---|
Drive Design | Front Drive |
Type of Handlebars | Fixed and Moving |
Max. Weight | - |
Stride Length | - |
Additional Features | Adjustable Saddle, Twister |
Staying fit and healthy is important to achieve good health and confidence. To help you with that, check out our other articles for the best fitness equipment to help you complete your home gym and start your fitness journey.
Author: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
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