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Elliptical machine: how to choose one for home

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

Quick answerAn elliptical lets you move your legs in a smooth oval path while your feet stay on the pedals, often with moving handles for your arms. Research found elliptical training reduces weight on the feet compared with body weight, though a small study found higher knee torque than on a stationary bike. When you shop, compare stride length, maximum user weight, pedal step height and footprint. For example, Sunny Health & Fitness lists a compact elliptical with an 11 inch stride and 220 lb limit, and a heavy-duty model with a 16 inch stride and 330 lb limit.
Our picks at a glance
  • Compact magnetic elliptical. Best for: Smaller rooms and lighter users. See options on Amazon
  • Heavy-duty 16 inch stride elliptical. Best for: Users who want a longer stride and a higher user limit. See options on Amazon
  • Foldable elliptical. Best for: Homes that need floor space back after workouts. See options on Amazon

Compare the picks and what to watch out for

What an elliptical does

An elliptical is a standing cardio machine. Your feet stay on the pedals through the whole stride, which is different from running where each foot lands with every step.

A study of 30 adults measured weightbearing on an elliptical trainer and found average values for the whole foot of 70% to 81% of body weight, even at higher resistance and incline. The authors concluded that elliptical training significantly reduces weightbearing on the foot.

Like any cardio, it counts toward activity goals. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans say adults need at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.

Compact vs heavy-duty: two examples

SpecSunny compact magneticSunny heavy-duty
Stride length11 in16 in
Max user weight220 lb330 lb
Pedal step height6.5 to 12.8 in6.9 to 15 in
Resistance levels8, magnetic15, magnetic
FlywheelNot listed15.4 lb
Size40.7 x 26.4 x 59.8 in61.4 x 27.2 x 66.5 in
Machine weight62.8 lb113.8 lb

All figures are from Sunny Health & Fitness's published specifications. Both use a belt drive and list a 3 year structural frame warranty with 180 days on other parts.

Specs that matter

Knees, joints and the research

Ellipticals are often called gentle on joints, but the research is more specific. A small study of 12 healthy men compared stationary bikes and elliptical machines at 50 and 70 revolutions per minute. Elliptical machines produced higher knee joint torque than stationary bikes, and faster pedaling raised peak knee torque on both machines.

The timing of the load also differed. Peak knee torque came earlier in the pedal stroke on the bikes, at 70°-110°, and later on the ellipticals, at 135°-180°. The researchers also noted that constant pedaling on elliptical machines limited the ankle angle and could induce inward rotation. With only 12 participants, all healthy men, the results may not apply to everyone.

The authors concluded that elliptical machines showed higher peak forces and torque, indicating potential challenges to the knee joint. If you have knee problems, an exercise bike or a recumbent bike may be worth comparing, and it is worth asking your doctor or physical therapist which suits you.

Using an elliptical safely

What to look for when you buy

Compact magnetic elliptical

Best for: Smaller rooms and lighter users

Sunny's compact model lists an 11 inch stride, 8 magnetic levels and a 40.7 inch length.

Watch out: 220 lb user limit and a shorter 11 inch stride.

See options on Amazon

Heavy-duty 16 inch stride elliptical

Best for: Users who want a longer stride and a higher user limit

Sunny's heavy-duty model lists a 16 inch stride, 15 levels, a 15.4 lb flywheel and a 330 lb limit.

Watch out: 61.4 inches long and 113.8 lb. Check ceiling clearance with the 15 inch pedal height.

See options on Amazon

Foldable elliptical

Best for: Homes that need floor space back after workouts

Foldable ellipticals are widely sold for home use.

Watch out: Check the stride length, user limit and folded size on the maker's spec sheet.

See options on Amazon
When to talk to a doctor: If you have knee, hip or ankle problems, heart disease or balance issues, talk to your doctor or physical therapist before starting elliptical training. Stop if you feel joint pain, chest pain or dizziness.

Questions people ask

What does an elliptical do?
It gives you standing cardio with your feet staying on the pedals, which research shows reduces weightbearing on the foot.
Is an elliptical easier on the knees than a bike?
Not necessarily. A small study found higher knee joint torque on ellipticals than on stationary bikes.
What stride length should I get?
Compare models. Sunny's examples range from an 11 inch compact stride to a 16 inch heavy-duty stride.
How much space does an elliptical need?
Check length and pedal height. Sunny lists 40.7 to 61.4 inch lengths and step heights up to 15 inches.
How long should I use an elliptical?
Adults need 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, per the Physical Activity Guidelines.

Sources

Sources checked 2026-10-15.

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