Best Elliptical Machines in Canada

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 test lab evaluations with feedback from our exemplary team of testers 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 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

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.

• 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.