Let Us Help You Find the Best Compact Elliptical After 2015

Elliptical machines can be big and bulky. Commercial models are designed in this same way because they’re meant to be able to withstand users of very heavy weights, and they need to be able to withstand immense use.

ProForm Smart Strider Elliptical Trainer	Our favorite for 2020
Body Rider BRD2000 Elliptical Trainer with Seat	A great value option
ProForm 935 E Elliptical Trainer	Comes with a 350 Lb. weight capacity

The elliptical a person buys for personal use will not need to be this big.

But even smaller models can take up a lot of space. If you live in a smaller home or don’t have an entire room to dedicate to exercise equipment, it’s best to try and find a fold-up elliptical. These are still the same great machines you love, but they can be folded to save storage space.

We’ve rounded up the five best folding elliptical models on the market, but you need to compare them for yourself. A few points that you should compare are:

• Design: Is the unit a standard or dual-design model? We’ve listed two models that have seats that make the elliptical a stationary bike, too.
• Apps: The introduction of apps has changed the way people exercise. Many of these apps integrate with Google maps to allow you to exercise through Rome, Paris or any city that is included on Google maps – it’s a neat experience.
• Built-in Programs: Don’t have a clue as to how to use an elliptical the right way? Built-in programs will be able to push you to new fitness levels by ensuring that every session is difficult and challenging.

You’ll see that a lot of the models below will be able to meet your needs, and they’re all highly rated, too.

Reviews of the Best Folding Ellipticals

Body Rider BRD2000 Elliptical Trainer Review – Body Rider offers a sleek, 2-in-1 elliptical machine that doubles as an exercise bike. This model has a seat which allows users to sit and pedal, or you can use this model as an elliptical that’s equipped with moving handles to allow for an upper body workout.

A solidly mid-range unit, this model has adjustable tension controls that take a twist of a knob to adjust.

The console allows you to track your calories burned, distance, time and speed. The seat easily adjusts to different heights, and its lightweight design allows it to be moved with ease. And you can fold this treadmill up for easy storage, too.

ProForm Smart Strider Rear Drive Elliptical Review – ProForm offers some of the best elliptical models on the market, and the Smart Strider is no exception. This model offers minimal assembly, and getting started takes just three fast steps. The upper body grips allow you to monitor your pulse, and you can move the handlebars for an upper body workout.

Filled with features, there are 18 workout apps included along with a large LCD monitor and 18 resistance levels.

Magnetic resistance allows for quiet operation, and transport wheels allow for easy transport. Users can fold this machine up neatly in a corner, and it can withstand user weights of up to 275 pounds.

Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer Review – Horizon’s EX-57 is a high range itm, but you get one of the best machines on the market. Eight resistance levels are included to make your workout rigorous and difficult, and there are 9 programs that operate based on your personal goals.

The monitor is not backlit, but it does allow you to train in manual, hills or reverse mode as well as go through the 9 programs included.

Monitor calories, distance, time and other vital metrics during your session. The machine is designed to be compact, so it’s smaller than most other models. You can fold this model up and wheel it into the corner when finished.

ProForm 935 E Elliptical Trainer Review – The 935 is a high-end model, but this isn’t your ordinary elliptical. This model offers a 7” full color display that allows you to hook up your iPod, and the 30 workout apps will keep you at the peak of your fitness.

A total of 24 resistance levels allows you to incrementally enhance your fitness, and a workout fan is built-in to cool you off.

Transport wheels are included, and this model can fold up, too. Pulse can be monitored on the handles or a wireless chest strap. Maximum user weight is 350 pounds. This is a unit meant for athletes and those serious about reaching their fitness goals.

ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro Elliptical Machine Review – The final model on our list is also from ProForm, and this model has iFit Bluetooth enabled, which is something we haven’t seen yet. This model offers a 17” stride, and it’s in the mid-price range.

A tablet holder is built-in to catch up on reading while exercising, and a seat is included to use this model as a bike.

There are 16 workout apps included, 20 digital resistance levels and an oversized display to track all of your vitals. Built-in speakers are included that allow you to listen to your favorite music in crystal clear audio. This is the ideal mid-price elliptical.

Buyer’s Guide –  How to Choose the Right Collapsible Elliptical Machine for You

A collapsible elliptical will be the right choice for small spaces where an elliptical simply is too big to keep deployed at all times. Choosing the right model will allow you to enjoy a robust workout that will train your lower body, core and even upper body in some circumstances.

What features and specs should you consider when making your purchase?

• Resistance: The resistance levels will allow you to build strength in your legs. You won’t find many ellipticals with incline options, but resistance is a common feature. The rule of thumb is that the higher the amount of resistance levels, the better. This will allow you to incrementally challenge yourself.
• Seated Options: The seated elliptical turns into a stationary bike, but this is a good option for older users that want to build their strength and may not be able to stand for hours at a time.
• Price: Ellipticals can be budget or high end machines. The moral of the story? You need a realistic budget, or you’ll end up spending too much on a machine you can’t afford.
• Max Weight Limit: Many people don’t think about the weight limit of cardiovascular equipment, but they all have weight limits or maximums that need to be adhered to for safety reasons. The last thing you want to do is buy a unit and find out that you’re too heavy to use it safely. Higher-priced models will offer weights of over 250 pounds in most cases.

Once you find an elliptical for you, the only thing left to do is exercise for 20 minutes, 3 times a week to start seeing results.