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An elliptical machine can be a great addition to your home gym. These machines are great for intensive, low-impact workouts that target your legs and your core. Though the ones you’ll find at the gym are large, there are plenty of smaller at-home options that will work great in smaller spaces. 

There are a lot of options on the Canadian market, though. To help you choose the option that is best for you, we’ve put together the ultimate list of the best elliptical machines in Canada for 2023. We looked at the features that you find most important, including size, connectivity features, and resistance levels. Here’s what we found.

Best Elliptical Machines for Canadians in 2023

  • Best Overall: NordicTrack C 14.9 Elliptical Machine 
  • Best Seated: Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine
  • Best Cross Trainer: Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical
  • Best Magnetic Tension: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine
  • Best for Small Spaces: Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine
  • Best for Beginners: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Elliptical Machine

Why Did We Choose These Elliptical Machines in Canada?

Each of the elliptical machines we recommend to you stands out for completely different reasons. They offer different features and may be better for users of different fitness levels. The traits that make them stand out put them at the top of our list. Here’s why we chose each of the best elliptical machines in Canada.

The NordicTrack C 14.9 Elliptical Machine is a premium option with a 14” smart HD touchscreen that allows you to immerse yourself in your favourite apps. This option includes auto adjust technology. If a Canadian is following a trainer-led workout, the trainer can have access to the auto adjust settings on the elliptical. This can allow you to focus on your workout with no interruptions.

If you have joint issues or need to exercise while sitting down, consider the Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine. This machine helps you work out while seated, which is helpful for busy users or those who have problems finding their balance.

The Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical is the best cross-trainer elliptical on our list. 20 resistance levels, dual rails, and six different handlebars make it possible to get the most out of your workout.

Our best elliptical machine with magnetic tension is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine. With eight tension levels, two arm modes, and no complicated controls, this option is great for beginners or those who don’t want to deal with any bells and whistles.

If you have a smaller home gym, consider the Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine. This option is great for users of all heights, but it doesn’t take up a lot of space wherever you have it set up.

Are you just getting started on your fitness journey? The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Elliptical Machine is the perfect place to start. This light elliptical is simple, with no resistance options or complicated controls. Use this as a starting point if you’re new to elliptical machines.

Best Elliptical Machines in Canada: Quick Menu

Best Overall

NordicTrack C 14.9 Elliptical Machine

NordicTrack C 14.9 Elliptical Front View

It's Great For:

The NordicTrack C 14.9 Elliptical Machine combines numerous positives in one elliptical machine. This option includes a 14 kg flywheel for extra stability and performance, while the 20% incline-matching tech can provide a more immersive and targeted experience. To achieve this, the NordicTrack aims to provide full-body training.

For additional support, you can use the 14” smart HD touchscreen to participate in a wide selection of trainer-led workouts. You can access this interactive personal training whenever you want, and world experts will be there on the display with access to the auto adjust technology on the elliptical machine. The trainers can keep an eye on you and make the relevant adjustments to your routine whenever they feel a change of pace is required. Fitness lovers from all around the world can find workout classes through the iFIT program includes with the elliptical

You can use the numerous workout sessions to get adapted to what the elliptical can offer you. Workout sessions cover all the basics and more, from yoga to incline training. You can also use the elliptical for more in-depth incline training, as well as running and lifting, and global workouts for an international flair.

Thanks to the huge library of workout routines featuring global fitness sensations, Canadians can have access to new daily workouts provided every morning. Google Maps is included with the elliptical machine so you can enjoy workouts around the world for extra immersion.

Key Features

  • Smart HD Touchscreen. The high-quality display is a great companion to your workout sessions. 
  • Huge Workout Library. If you are looking for more in-depth sessions, you can check out the workout library and see what popular trainers can offer you.
  • Auto Adjust Technology. When working out with a trainer-led session, the trainer has access to the settings of the exercise and can adjust them as needed.
  • 20% Incline-Matching. The technology used for the elliptical provides 20% incline-matching for more immersion and an extra challenge.

Our Expert’s Take

“This advanced NordicTrack elliptical features 26 different tension levels, a 20% incline, and a smart touchscreen to help you get the most out of your workouts.”

Best Seated

Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine

Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine for Home Workout, Aqua, Holiday Fitness Gift, Mini Elliptical, Whisper-Quiet Desk Bike, Under Desk Pedal Exerciser w/Adjustable Resistance & Display
Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine for Home Workout, Aqua, Holiday Fitness Gift, Mini Elliptical, Whisper-Quiet Desk Bike, Under Desk Pedal Exerciser w/Adjustable Resistance & Display

It's Great For:

Cubii’s JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical is the perfect solution for Canadians who don’t quite have the balance to stand on an upright elliptical. This option is a floor-seated elliptical, which you can place under your desk or in front of your chair. This is ideal for the elderly, those who are recovering from certain ailments or injuries, or those who want to grab a few hours of light exercise while they work at their desk.

While some pedal models can be used while seated or standing, this one is angled to give you the best access while you sit. Unlike the bike-based pedal elliptical from the last decade, the Cubii JR1 Seated Elliptical offers a smooth, natural motion that still provides great benefits for your legs. The built-in LCD display gives you access to stats like calories burned, strides pedaled, distance traveled, and other useful metrics.

With this machine, it’s easy to track your fitness progress. It’s extremely portable, meaning you can take it to the office or use it at home. There are 8 adjustable tension levels, which you can access via a knob on the front of the device. This way, you can track how you improve over time.

In addition to the fitness goals you can reach while doing other things, this machine works well for those recovering from injuries, strains, and sprains. It’s also great for those who can’t balance on an upright elliptical, or those who can’t stand on a moving machine. The elderly, especially, can get some great benefits from this portable elliptical.

Key Features

  • Low-Impact Training. This elliptical provides great low-impact training that suits Canadians trying to protect their joints more.
  • Seated Leg Workout. This practical option allows you to have seated leg workouts, with smooth gliding motion for enhanced performance.
  • Easy Fitness. You can bring this machine with you wherever you go, which means you can more easily keep track of and achieve your fitness goals. 
  • Various Resistance Levels. There are 8 resistance levels included with this elliptical machine to help you as you progress. 

Our Expert’s Take

“For low-impact exercise while you work at your desk, you can’t beat the Cubii JR1. This elliptical machine is compact and portable, but features 8 tension levels and a convenient design.”

Best Cross Trainer

Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical

Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical Main View
Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical in Use

It's Great For:

The Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical is a cross-trainer hybrid option that provides access to features that elliptical experts will enjoy. This machine uses a JRNY membership to unlock the power of the machine, which lies in pre-recording workout programs as well as live trainer-led sessions. A year of JRNY is included with the purchase of the elliptical. You can access all your favourite programs via the 16” HD touchscreen.

This touchscreen also allows you to stream shows, movies, and music while you work out. A full panel of apps gives you access to a host of entertainment options to keep you going, including interactive maps and trails to view as you pedal.

The Bowflex’s ergonomic handlebars have multiple hand position moulds, a suggestion for how you can hold the handles to make them more comfortable. No matter how tall you are, there’s an option to help you work your upper body comfortably. Since ellipticals are well-known to engage your upper body and lower body, these handlebars can help you get started.

But the Bowflex Max Total 16 Elliptical doesn’t stop there. The dual-rail design, so rarely found in standard elliptical machines, offers improved stability and glide. You’ll find that your workout is smoother and more stable overall, helping you keep your balance while you improve your muscle tone.

With 20 resistance levels, oversized pedals, and a Bluetooth armband (so you don’t always have to grip the stationary handlebar pulse pads), this machine was made for convenience. If you want to challenge yourself in your home gym, this is the machine for you.

Key Features

  • 2 Heart Rate Sensors. This elliptical machine includes 2 ways to monitor your heart rate: pulse sensors on the hand grips and a Bluetooth armband. 
  • Range of Resistance Levels. The machine comes with 20 resistance levels to suit all types of elliptical users. 
  • Dual-Rail Design. This creates a smoother experience that offers better glide. 
  • Integrated Bluetooth. The touchscreen display includes Bluetooth for additional connectivity. 

Our Expert’s Take

“The Bowflex includes several heart rate monitors and a range of resistance levels with efficient dual-rail design.”

Best Magnetic Tension

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer with 8 Level Resistance and Digital Monitor , Gray, White, 28 L x 17 W x 57 H
Sunny Health & Fitness Legacy Stepping Elliptical Machine, Total Body Cross Trainer with Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Belt Drive, Low Impact Exercise Equipment SF-E905

It's Great For:

Sunny Health & Fitness’s SF-E905 Elliptical is the best elliptical machine in Canada. It offers 8 levels of smooth magnetic tension, as well as the metrics and ergonomics to make you feel comfortable and ready to face your workout. The LCD monitor helps track your time, speed, distance, calories, and total distance metrics, as well as your heart rate. Pulse-tracking pads located on the stationary handlebars give a real-time pulse reading, so you know when you reach the most effective part of your workout.

This elliptical features large footpads with a non-slip texture, so those with all shoe sizes can comfortably use the elliptical. Even if you’ve had a snug fit with other machines, this option might be able to help. In addition, the ergonomic handles help provide a workout for your upper body, too. You can use the stationary handles to track your pulse or keep pace with your legs using the moving handles.

The micro-tension controller uses magnetic tension control to move through 8 different levels of resistance. These tension levels give beginners a place to start, but those who are already comfortable with using the elliptical can challenge themselves as well. You control the tension with a knob in the frame of the machine. The manual adjustment means you can take a break before increasing the difficulty.

Have a smaller home gym? You can easily move this elliptical machine to wherever you need thanks to the transportation wheels. You can take it to another room to work out or store it when not in use. The wheels make it easy for most users to lift and store this machine. Floor stabilizers on the front and back of the machine keep the machine from slipping, rocking, and swaying. Turn the sides to lock them in place, ensuring that your elliptical stays balanced and even for your workout.

Key Features

  • Pulse Sensors. The stationary arms of the elliptical machine feature pulse sensors that track your movement.
  • Stats Monitor. The display allows you to track your stats, including heart rate, speed, distance, calories, and time.
  • Non-Slip Foot Pedals. The pedals included with the elliptical feature non-slip texture and can suit most shoe sizes.
  • Easy Transport. The transportation wheels on the elliptical machine make it easy to take it from one space to another as needed.

Our Expert’s Take

“This premium elliptical machine is portable and features exciting technology that monitors your stats and displays them on the touchscreen.”

Best for Small Spaces

Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine

Schwinn 411 Elliptical
Schwinn Fitness 411 Compact Elliptical Machine

It's Great For:

The Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine is the perfect elliptical in Canada for smaller spaces. While you get an 18-inch stride, the track is relatively small. This means that even taller users can use the machine in tighter spaces. If you have a smaller home gym, this might be the perfect option for you.

This elliptical machine is made to save space, with a small footprint that fits effortlessly in your home gym. It comes with features not usually found in smaller ellipticals, too. You’ll find padded handlebars here, which make long workout sessions more comfortable on your hands. A set of smaller handlebars feature heart rate contacts, so you can keep track of how your cardio session is going. 

The LCD console offers metrics like time, distance, heart rate, calories burned, and speed. Here, you can change the resistance level and track your progress throughout your workout. If you regularly use a tablet as you work out, you can take advantage of the tablet holder to watch your favourite workout programs. 

The magnetic resistance featured here is extremely smooth. There are 16 variable resistance levels to choose from, so the machine can grow with you as you become able to handle higher resistance levels.

Key Features

  • Tablet Holder. The convenient tablet holder included with the elliptical allows you to easily follow workouts or entertain yourself while exercising. 
  • Variable Resistance. There are 16 resistance levels to cover the needs of beginners and experts alike.
  • LCD Monitoring. The LCD included with the elliptical shows you your stats as you exercise so you can keep track of your performance.
  • Compact Size. This elliptical is designed for locations with little floor space, but without giving up features like padded handlebars that increase comfort.

Our Expert’s Take

“This compact elliptical still gets the job done despite its small size. It includes 16 variable magnetic tension levels and a tablet holder for your favourite workout videos.”

Best for Beginners

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Elliptical Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine Glider w/LCD Monitor, 220 LB Max Weight and 30 Inch Stride
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine Glider w/ LCD Monitor, 100 KG Max Weight and 76.2 CM Stride

It's Great For:

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Elliptical Machine is one of the best elliptical machines in Canada for beginners. While some might want to get started with the biggest, best elliptical possible, this isn’t a practical way to get started with a new exercise regimen. If you aren’t used to working out on the elliptical, consider starting with a machine that is simple and easy to use. 

This elliptical doesn’t use any tension adjustments or elevation levels. There’s no need to mess around with settings and features, making it easy to hop on and get started. over time, some users may find that this elliptical doesn’t present enough of a challenge for them. However, beginners and those looking for a light, gentle workout will appreciate this machine. 

If you are a taller Canadian, you’ll love the 30″ stride length, which offers enough range of motion for those with longer legs. The handles are taller as well. They provide multiple points of contact to help you stay comfortable. Regardless of your height, the non-slip pedals will prevent instability as you use the machine. This means you can use the machine as gently or vigorously as needed without any safety concerns. 

You can track stats like time, calories, total distance, and step count on the simple LCD monitor. Because this is the only part of the machine that needs power to run, it’s simple to replace the 2 AA batteries when needed. When you are finished with your workout, you can fold this elliptical down to half of its normal length to conserve space in your home.

Key Features

  • Foldable. For increased portability and easy storage, you can fold this elliptical machine when not in use. 
  • Great for Taller Canadians. This elliptical comes with increased range of motion that suits those with longer legs.
  • Air Resistance. The air resistance engineering for this elliptical provides a gentle way of exercising that can suit those seeking a low-impact workout.
  • Non-Slip Pedals. These pedals can make you feel more stable on the elliptical, no matter the stride.

Our Expert’s Take

“This streamlined elliptical is a great choice for beginners, especially those with longer legs. It’s a great choice for users that want a simple solution to improve their home workouts.”

Comparing the Best Elliptical Machines in Canada

CategoryElliptical MachineResistanceTension LevelsDimensionsWeight Limit
Best OverallNordicTrack C 14.9 Elliptical MachineDigital26170 cm x 73 cm x 175 cm158 kg
Best SeatedCubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical MachineManual858.8 cm x 44.6 cm x 25.4 cm113 kg
Best Cross TrainerBowflex Max Total 16 EllipticalUnspecified20125.2 cm x 78.2 cm x 166.8 cm136.1 kg
Best Magnetic TensionSunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical MachineMagnetic871.1 cm x 43.2 cm x 144.8 cm100 kg
Best for Small SpacesSchwinn 411 Compact Elliptical MachineMagnetic16, Variable61 cm x 136.7 cm x 158.8 cm136 kg
Best for BeginnersSunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Elliptical MachineNoneNone48.3 cm x 38.1 cm x 156.2 cm99.8 kg

How We Selected These Elliptical Machines for Canadians

For years, we’ve tried to find the best products in Canada for your lifestyle. Whether you need new kitchen appliances, new home gym equipment, or a mattress to improve your sleep, we’re ready to help. We combine results from our in-depth analysis with opinons from our exemplary team of experts to bring you recommendations. Here are some of the performance areas we looked at for the best elliptical machines in Canada.

  • Resistance Type. The type of resistance that an elliptical uses can tell you how effective it is for your workout. We looked for magnetic resistance where we could, so you’ll get a smooth resistance experience.
  • Dimensions. No matter how much space you have in your home gym, there’s an elliptical for you. We looked for larger machines and smaller ones, all of which work well in the space you have. 
  • Weight Limit. Each elliptical machine has a weight limit. We provided a variety of machines with a range of weight limits for every user.
  • Display and Tracking. Most Canadians want to track their workout statistics over time. We looked for ellipticals with a variety of display sizes, types, and tracking metrics, so you can keep track of exactly what you want. 
Why Use an Elliptical Machine

Why Should You Use an Elliptical Machine in Canada?

Elliptical machines are a popular way to get your cardio in. But what are the benefits of using one? Why should you choose one for your home gym? Let’s look at some of the top reasons you should use an elliptical in Canada.

Ellipticals work your upper and lower body while you work out. The handles present on most machines can provide an arm workout while you drive the machine with your legs. If you are using your elliptical correctly, you’ll be working your hamstrings and glutes, as well as quads, chest, back muscles, biceps, and core muscles.

It’s also a low-impact workout. Because of the way that an elliptical machine glides in use, it doesn’t put as much of your weight directly on your joints. This means that you can get some of the best benefits from walking and jogging without irritating your joints, which is especially useful if you have issues with joint pain or past injuries.

An elliptical is also one of the best machines to choose from if you want to target your leg muscles. The longer, larger muscles along the backs of your legs are targeted in the elliptical movement, so you can work on building and toning these muscles with the use of an elliptical machine.

Finally, an elliptical machine is a cardio workout. It’s a great option if you want to boost your workout stamina or your cardio health. You can go slow with a steady-state cardio option, or you can use an elliptical for high-intensity training. The choice is yours, and most elliptical machines are versatile enough to help you achieve these goals.

How to Choose an Elliptical Machine for Canadians

How to Choose an Elliptical Machine for Canadians

Every Canadian needs different features from their elliptical machines. Because of all the different features and options to navigate, it can be difficult to choose the elliptical that’s best for you. Here are just a few of the most important things to consider when choosing the best elliptical machine in Canada.

Resistance Type

While treadmills and other exercise machines use a variety of different resistance systems, there are only a couple of options you should keep an eye on when choosing an elliptical machine in Canada.

  • Magnetic resistance uses a magnet that moves closer to the wheel as you increase the resistance. The wheel is pulled, making it more difficult to move. Magnetic resistance is smooth, but might not offer more serious, advanced resistance. 
  • Electromagnetic resistance is a more advanced model. It’s a more expensive option that you might not find in more moderately priced machines. This resistance uses magnets fixed around the drive wheel, which react to an electric current to make the wheel more difficult to turn.

Most of the elliptical machines on our list use magnetic resistance. Some adjust manually, while others can be adjusted via the console or touchscreen.

Drive Type

The drive type, or configuration, of the machine can make a difference in your workout. The following drive types are most common, and you can find each of these options on our list of the best elliptical machines in Canada.

  • Front Drive. With a front-drive elliptical, the flywheel is at the front of the elliptical. These ellipticals aren’t as common as they used to be, because they tend to be noisy and shaky. However, front-drive machines have a much smaller footprint than the more common rear-drive machines.
  • Rear Drive. A rear-drive elliptical uses a flywheel at the back of the machine, behind the pedals. The rear drive is the most common configuration, especially when it comes to budget models. They are longer than other options but smoother and quieter. The rails can sometimes tilt to offer another level of resistance. 
  • Center Drive. Center-drive ellipticals offer a rounded stride, making the transition between strokes gentle and easier to handle (especially for beginners). This configuration feathers central flywheels at each side of the machine. It’s the type most used in large gym chains, and they tend to take up less floor space than the longer rear-drive systems. 

Tension Levels

Tension levels, or resistance levels, can help you train more effectively. While some ellipticals are standard gliders (and offer no tension levels), a machine with tension is ready to support you on your fitness journey. More tension levels are better if you are looking to improve muscle tone or stamina over time.

Tension levels can adjust how hard it is to move the machine in increments. A beginner will start at the first resistance level and continue to increase the tension as they improve.

The way you increase the tension level can play a factor in how effective it is. Manual tension adjustment requires you to stop the machine and turn a knob to change the tension. Other machines may use a console to help change tension. The type you choose depends on how you want to use your machine.

Dimensions

The size of a machine can be one of the factors that help you decide whether it’s the right option for you. Consider the space you have in your home gym. Do you have the floor space for a large elliptical? During use, the pedals extend beyond the bounds of the machine’s footprint. Some machines have a larger stride than others, and their pedals will extend farther in the front and back. Consider not just the footprint of the machine when not in use, but the space you’ll need around it to work out safely.

The footprint and stride length of the machine is far from the only things to consider, though. The height of the machine (and your height) are also important measures to keep in mind. That’s because an elliptical machine will elevate your height during use. If you have low ceilings, consider your height and the added height of the elliptical pedals at their highest point.

To safely operate an elliptical, you need a lot of space. Exceed the footprint of the machine and be sure to factor in the height of all users before you make a purchase.

Weight Limit

Each machine has a weight limit. Those above the weight listed as the weight limit shouldn’t use the machine. These limits are not suggestions. If you use the machine while exceeding the weight limit, you could damage the machine or cause injury to yourself. It could also void your warranty, meaning that the company won’t honour your warranty if the machine breaks or doesn’t work correctly.

To prevent voiding your warranty or using the machine dangerously, make sure to carefully honour the listed weight limit. Heavier Canadians can find sturdier machines with a bit of looking. A standard elliptical machine has a weight limit of around 250 lbs (113.4kg), though some exceed 300 lbs (136kg). Look carefully for a machine that fits your needs, and choose one with a weight limit that exceeds your weight.

Stride Length

Stride length is a mildly important feature, but it’s less important than some would have you believe. The stride length you should choose correlates to your height. However, choosing the wrong size stride length for your elliptical doesn’t mean that you can’t use it. There is almost no situation where a stride length that is too long (or too short) will ruin your workout experience.

That’s because you can control the motion of the elliptical, including your rhythm and the length of your strides. While things might get a little more difficult if you are very tall and choose an elliptical with a very short stride length, it usually doesn’t pose a problem.

Just in case, choose a longer stride length whenever possible. Most users will be satisfied with a stride length of over 20 inches. A stride length of 20 inches is optimized for those over 5’7”, which is about average. Shorter users will be able to control their stride, and taller users can increase the stride length by a few inches if they feel they need the extra functionality.

Arm Type

An elliptical machine offers a total body workout, meaning that your arms also work while your legs are working. Most ellipticals have two different handlebar options. They might have shorter, stationary handlebars to help you balance, track your pulse, and stay focused. Meanwhile, moving arms can help you tone your arms as you work on your legs.

The type of arm you choose is up to you. Keep in mind that most ellipticals will use both, and you can switch between them at will. Double-check to make sure that the elliptical you want has the arm (or handlebar) option that you’re looking for.

Display and Tracking

The display, or console, helps you keep track of your progress. In some elliptical machines, the display can help you choose workout programs or adjust the tension, too.

Regardless of whether your elliptical has these special features, most displays keep track of a few key metrics. Heart rate is one of the most important of these metrics. Workouts are most effective when your heart rate stays within a certain range. Heart rate tracking can help you ensure that you’re getting the most out of your workout. Options for this include pulse monitor pads on the handlebars, as well as other Bluetooth options to help keep track.

Other metrics you might want to track using your display include:

  • Distance. This is the distance you’ve run, measured by your strides. 
  • Time. How long you’ve been working out. 
  • Calories. The number of calories burned during your workout. 
  • Speed. How fast you are going, as measured in either mph or km/h.

If you’re interested in tracking any of these, make sure to choose an elliptical that displays them in real-time.

Connectivity

While most ellipticals track your metrics for a single session, you might want to track them over time. An easy way to do this is to connect your elliptical to a fitness app that can track your progress. An elliptical with Bluetooth connectivity to connect to compatible fitness apps, allowing you to store this information for future use.

Other connectivity benefits may include program streaming, with trainers and sessions you can follow along with. In some cases (such as with a Bowflex elliptical), you might be able to subscribe for on-demand access and live workout classes. During live classes, your instructor will be able to control the programming on your elliptical, ramping up the difficulty as the program becomes more intense.

The level of connectivity you want is personal, but some great benefits come with a fully-equipped connectible elliptical machine.

Ergonomics

As with any piece of workout equipment, your elliptical should be comfortable to use. Features like non-slip pedals, padded handlebars, and a more natural feel can make all the difference. Whether you’re just getting started or you know all about ellipticals, you should choose the option that best meets your needs. Consider choosing one with better ergonomics to help you feel a little better during your workout.

Look for a machine that looks comfortable, especially at the points you’ll be interacting with it. If your machine feels great, you’ll be more likely to use it. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Elliptical machines are great for any Canadian looking for a piece of exercise equipment that will work your entire body. Unlike some other exercise machines, an elliptical is perfect for working multiple muscle groups at once, condensing your workout time. Those who work from home will like the ability to be able to get a quick workout in during the day, and you’ll find that an elliptical machine doesn’t take up as much room as some other gym equipment.

Heavier users may be worried about the weight limit of an elliptical machine, but most Canadians will be able to use one just fine. On average, most elliptical machines can accommodate users up to 250 pounds, though some may have a higher weight limit of upwards of 300 pounds. Those of a heavier weight should look at the weight limit of any elliptical machine they are considering before purchasing. 

Most elliptical machines you can buy in Canada will require some assembly unless you buy from a compact that offers an upgraded delivery service that includes assembly. Usually, though, you will be putting your elliptical machine together yourself. Having a second person to help you is ideal, and allowing extra time to carefully follow the instructions is essential. While assembly isn’t complicated, there are often multiple steps to follow.

Many Canadians suffer from joint issues or have a tough time balancing on upright exercise equipment. A portable elliptical machine like the Cubii’s JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical is an ideal solution. This elliptical machine works anywhere that you can sit and is great for under your home office desk. While it won’t work your arms at all, it does a good job of working your legs.

Users of all fitness levels can definitely use an elliptical machine. Beginners will find they can start at a lower level and gradually build up resistance as they get stronger. Elliptical machines are great for Canadian home gyms, as you won’t outgrow them as you might with weights or dumbbells.

Canadians who live in a smaller home or apartment or are trying to fit an elliptical machine in an office or bedroom will want to choose a compact model. In general, elliptical machines don’t take up as much of a footprint as some other equipment due to their upright design. The Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Machine, though, is a wonderful choice for those wanting a slim elliptical machine that still allows for a full stride. It includes an easy-to-read LCD display and a tablet holder for easy reading or watching while working out.