Elliptical machines come in different sizes and shapes to cater to trainers’ lower and upper body workout needs. Heavy-duty ellipticals are built with solid construction materials and have a higher weight limit than their lightweight, compact counterparts.
As a heavyweight trainer, one of the primary concerns is looking for an elliptical machine that’ll be able to support your weight. Luckily, elliptical machine manufacturers indicate weight limitations for the machines to help users. Additionally, in trying to meet fitness goals, these heavyweight trainers should have heavy flywheels that not only deliver a smooth, fluid motion but also offer wide adjustable resistance settings.
This article examines some of the best heavy-duty ellipticals and their corresponding features. It also discusses the factors to consider when buying these heavy-duty elliptical trainers.
Contents
- 1 How to choose Elliptical For Heavy-Duty
- 2 List Of The Top 3 Best Heavy Duty Elliptical
- 3 10 Best Heavy Duty Ellipticals
- 3.1 Niceday - Best Elliptical With 400 lb Weight Capacity
- 3.2 SOLE E95S - High Weight Capacity Elliptical
- 3.3 ProForm - Best Elliptical Machine With 350 lb Capacity
- 3.4 Bowflex M8 Max - Best Elliptical Machine With 300 lb Weight Capacity
- 3.5 Teeter FreeStep LT1 - Best Elliptical For Overweight Beginners
- 3.6 Nautilus E618 - Best Elliptical For Heavy Person
- 3.7 Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 - Heavy Duty Elliptical Machine
- 3.8 NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i - Best Commercial Heavy Duty Elliptical
- 3.9 Schwinn Fitness 470 - Best Elliptical Machine 300 lb Capacity
- 3.10 NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride - Elliptical Machine For Obese
- 4 FAQ
- 5 Conclusion
How to choose Elliptical For Heavy-Duty
Unlike other ellipticals, the best heavy-duty elliptical machines should have a good weight limit, flywheel, design, intensity options, workout and fitness programs, and warranty.
Maximum Weight Capacity
Standard elliptical machines have weight limitations from as low as 250 lbs to 400 lbs. This weight limit is used to determine the maximum amount of weight the machines are designed to hold. Using an elliptical cross trainer above the indicated weight limit can damage the parts and make them void of the warranty.
As a heavier trainer, the best high-weight capacity elliptical should have a minimum of 300 lbs. The best way to know the right weight limitation is to take a measurement of your current weight. You wouldn’t want to use an elliptical with the exact weight limit as your body weight to avoid exceeding the limit.
Ideally, it’s best to add a couple of pounds to your weight to provide extra comfort and carrying capacity for the machine. For instance, if you weigh 300 lbs, it’s advisable to settle for a heavy-duty elliptical with a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs to 375 lbs.
Flywheel
These are the powerhouse or engine of elliptical machines. They are best measured and differentiated by their weights. Heavier flywheel weights produce a more quiet and fluid motion for the machine. As a heavier trainer looking for more intensity options to lose weight, you have to choose a heavy-duty elliptical with a reasonable flywheel weight.
The flywheel is also responsible for the resistance level of the machine. The higher the level being offered, the more intensity the machine can deliver. These heavy-duty trainers deliver as high as 25 adjustable levels of resistance. This means you can adjust workout intensity through 25 unique tension settings.
Design And Space
As a home gym elliptical, you’ll need these heavy-duty trainers to fit comfortably into your workout floor space. Since not all trainers have SpaceSaver design ellipticals, choose an elliptical with sturdy construction guaranteed to last and provide the needed stability.
These ellipticals are designed as either rear-drive, front-drive, or center-drive systems. Each of these is determined by the position of the flywheel. They each have their advantages and drawbacks. Ideally, personal preference would determine which is best.
Resistance And Incline
As mentioned, the flywheel controls the resistance of the machine. Additionally, incline options help increase or decrease the intensity of the workout. Magnetic resistance is the most common mechanism used in these heavy-duty trainers.
Increasing the levels of resistance in an elliptical brings the magnets closer together. This requires greater energy or foot pressure to overcome the resistance. Since the feet would exert more energy, more calories would be burned.
Increasing the incline mimics the natural walking or running motion up a hill. The reverse occurs when the incline is reduced. Workout intensity increases when we try to run up a hill and is lower when we run down a hill as a result of gravity.
Workout Programs
Many elliptical machines are designed with preset workout programs to help trainers choose between different workout modes and routines. These programs help target specific weight loss and workout goals and act as guides for trainers. It is an added beneficial feature to help you stay motivated on your fitness goals.
Warranty
Machines come with a warranty as a way of proving the product can be trusted and is durable. Most elliptical machines come with warranties that help improve the product’s trustworthiness and the brand’s willingness to help in times of need.
The longer the warranty on the heavy-duty elliptical, the better the product’s durability. Ideally, manufacturers would offer the longest warranty on a product they’re certain was designed to last long. But, unfortunately, there are elliptical products that come with as low as a 1-year warranty on their frame, when another manufacturer will willingly offer a lifetime warranty on the frame for almost similar products.
In such a scenario, always choose the option with the longest warranty.
List Of The Top 3 Best Heavy Duty Elliptical
- Material: Steel
- Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Drive System
- 16LB Flywheel with 16 Resistance Levels
- 15.5" comfortable stride
- Pulse monitor
- Exact data tracking
- 90% pre-assembled
- Max User Weight: 400 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 44 x 25 x 17.5 inches
- Item Weight: 106 Pounds
- Material: Steel
- ECB Resistance Mechanism
- 10 Workout programs
- Pulse Grips and Chest Strap
- 18"-24" adjustable stride
- Cooling Fans
- Sound System
- Max User Weight: 400 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 29.92 x 15.35 x 8.66 inches
- Item Weight: 265 Pounds
- Material: Alloy Steel
- 30-Day iFIT Membership
- Hybrid design
- SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance
- 16 Digital Resistance Levels
- Adjustable Pedals and Seat
- Grip Sensors
- Integrated Sound System
- Item Dimensions: 48.5 x 24.5 x 18 inches
- Item Weight: 135 Pounds
- Maximum user weight: 350 pounds
10 Best Heavy Duty Ellipticals
- Heavy-duty construction
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
- 16 lb Hyper-quiet magnetic flywheel
- HD LCD screen with Exactly Data
- 15.5" comfortable ergonomic stride
- 16 resistance levels
As a heavyweight fitness trainer, the strength of the machine is an important factor. The Niceday Elliptical Machine has a maximum user weight limit of 400 lbs. This puts it way ahead of many of its competitors. It is built with an 8×5 cm extra-thicken steel pipe for a sturdy construction. Its 15 X 5 inches pedal guarantees comfort and zero stress to the knees and ankles.
Its 16 lb flywheel delivers a hyper-quiet, fluid motion during workouts, making it an ideal home gym, high-quality exercise equipment. The flywheel also delivers 16 adjustable resistance settings to heavy trainers. To keep trainers updated with workout progress, it has a digital monitor with Exactly calculated data tracking that monitors distance, time, calories burned, pulse, and speed. The heavy-duty elliptical machine weighs 106 lbs and has a footprint of 48 X 24.4 X 62 inches (LxWxH).
Niceday Elliptical Summary
This Niceday Elliptical Machine is designed as a heavy-duty elliptical for heavyweight trainers. Since ellipticals offer amazing low-impact, full-body workouts, these high-weight capacity ellipticals help burn calories to achieve fitness goals. In addition, it comes with fantastic features geared towards delivering comfort to trainers.
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Maximum user weight recommendation of 400 lbs
- 16 lb Hyper-quiet magnetic flywheel
- 16 magnetic levels of resistance
- 90% pre-assembled
- No built-in fitness programs
- Basic console display
- 30 lbs whisper-quiet flywheel
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
- Adjustable 18" to 24" stride
- 10.1" TFT LCD
- 10 workout programs
- Lifetime frame warranty
The SOLE E95S elliptical machine is designed to support a maximum user weight limit of 400 lbs. It has a bulky construction that makes it suitable for heavier trainers. In addition, the E95S gives complete control to trainers to customize their stride. This makes it good for heavy trainers of average to tall heights.
It comes with a 30 lbs flywheel weight that guarantees a whisper-quiet motion when used. It allows trainers to adjust strides from 18″ to 24“. Trainers can take advantage of the 10 built-in workout and fitness programs and monitor their workout performance on a large 10.1” TFT LCD screen. The E95S weighs 265 lbs and has a footprint of 84 X 32 X 71 inches (LxWxH).
Other additional features include Bluetooth audio speakers, a USB charging port, an integrated tablet holder, Bluetooth connectivity, and cooling fans.
SOLE E95S Elliptical Summary
Sole offers the E95S an upgrade from the E95 in its heavy-duty line of ellipticals. The E95S gives absolute control to trainers with its customizable features to tailor workouts to their fitness needs. It offers both smart and key features of an ideal elliptical. The engineers at Sole did not hold back in ensuring the machine delivered incredible full-body workout performance.
- Maximum user weight recommendation of 400 lbs
- Adjustable stride of 18" - 24"
- 30 lbs whisper-quiet flywheel
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Pulse grip & chest strap compatible
- Non-adjustable incline
- Bulky design, not compact
- Sturdy alloy steel construction
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Adjustable pedals
- SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance
- 14 digital tension levels
- 15" stride length
- 30-day iFit trial membership
A striking feature of the ProForm Hybrid Trainer is that it doubles as a low-impact exercise bike and an elliptical for the price of one. It’s also designed for heavier trainers by supporting a max weight of 350 lbs. In addition, to ensure the durability and strength of the machine, it is designed with alloy steel material.
Its SMR-powered flywheel offers smooth, fluid motion during workouts. The target pacer feature has a light indicator to signal trainers to increase or decrease their speed in accordance with their weight loss goals. This 135 lbs elliptical comes with transport wheels for easy relocation. Additionally, it has a footprint of 70.5 x 24.5 x 60.5 inches (LxWxH).
ProForm Hybrid Trainer Summary
Why settle for a simple elliptical when you can have a 2-in-1 fitness machine? The ProForm Hybrid Trainer is designed to perform as an elliptical and a recumbent bike. When out of ideas on workout routines, trainers can subscribe and connect to hundreds of iFit workout videos and personal trainers. Combine the power of a powerful lower body workout with the ergonomic movements of the handlebars.
- Low-impact exercise bike and elliptical workouts
- 14 workout apps
- Maximum user weight recommendation of 350 lbs
- Target pacer feature
- Sturdy alloy steel construction
- Low resistance options
- 5 years frame warranty
- Sturdy metal construction
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- 20 levels of resistance
- Compatible with Bowflex JRNY app
- Dual-Mode Backlit LCD/LED Screens
- 7 workout programs
The Bowflex M8 Max Trainer comes loaded with features that’ll give heavier trainers workout intensity options for an improved low-impact, full-body workout experience. The machine comes with maximum weight support of 300 lbs and a heavy-duty metal frame for durability.
The elliptical has a footprint of 46 x 29 x 22.5 inches (LxWxH) and a weight of 148 lbs. Additional features include a water bottle holder, device holder, pulse sensors, etc.
Bowflex M8 Max Trainer Summary
The Bowflex M8 was designed with comfort and improved workout performance in mind. It delivers power to heavy fitness trainers with full-motion dynamic handles and a 20-level resistance option. Not only does the machine burn calories, its JRNY app adapts to the needs of the trainer with its dynamic coaching feature.
- Maximum user weight recommendation of 300 lbs
- 20 levels of resistance
- Dual-Mode Backlit LCD/LED Screens
- 7 workout programs
- Heavy-duty construction
- Short 3 years frame warranty
- Monthly subscription to JRNY app
- 15.4 lbs whisper-quiet flywheel
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- 8-position adjustable handlebars
- 13 resistance settings
- Console display
- Battery-powered display
- Adjustable seat
The Teeter FreeStep LT1 is a heavy-duty elliptical trainer that offers a wide range of motions. The trainer can support a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs. The machine doubles as a recumbent bike and elliptical. It is also an ideal trainer for physical therapy patients. It offers 13 tension levels to heavier trainers. Upper body workouts are achievable with its 8-position adjustable handlebars.
The machine weighs 106.9 lbs and has a footprint of 54 x 29 x 52.5 inches (LxWxH). It has additional features, including 2 rear-based transport wheels, a water bottle holder, a media rack, and auto-locking knobs.
Teeter FreeStep LT1 Elliptical Summary
The Teeter FreeStep LT1 takes low-impact cardio workouts to a whole new level by blurring the lines between comfort and workout performance. It is designed to deliver the results of a recumbent exercise bike and an elliptical. The FreeStep LT1 is the only patented home-use equipment for physical therapy solutions. It delivers zero stress to the joints, back, and hips.
- Smooth, fluid motion
- Maximum user weight recommendation of 300 lbs
- Seat recline and height adjustability feature
- 13 magnetic levels of resistance
- Adjustable handlebars
- No built-in workout programs
- 1-year warranty
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- 17 lbs flywheel
- 25 resistance settings
- Power incline, 0 to 10 degrees
- 29 workout and fitness programs
- 22" stride
The Nautilus E618 Elliptical is designed to accommodate heavyweight trainers. It is designed as a compact elliptical but has a sturdy, heavy construction. Its oversized, non-slip pedals can accommodate varying foot sizes to deliver zero impact on knees and ankles. Its 17 lbs flywheel delivers fluid motion and also an adjustable 25-level resistance.
Its power incline feature is adjustable from 0 to 10 degrees for more varying workout intensity. It has a total weight of 210 lbs and a footprint of 73 X 27 X 67 inches (LxWxH). Its other features include a media tray, water bottle holder, 2 DualTrack blue backlit LCDs, and a contact & telemetry heart rate feature.
Nautilus E618 Elliptical Summary
Nautilus, Inc. offers the E618 with smart features, making it one of the best heavy-duty machines for heavier trainers. The cross trainer has a user weight limit of 350 pounds. Heavier trainers can get full-body cardio workouts to meet their fitness goals. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows easy connection to fitness apps like MyFitnessPal and Explore the World.
- Maximum user weight recommendation of 350 lbs
- 17 lbs flywheel with fluid motion
- Adjustable power incline
- 25 adjustable resistance levels
- 29 fitness programs
- Stride is too long for short trainers
- Not so easy assembly
- Heavy-duty frame
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs
- 15.5" stride
- 16 resistance levels
- 24 user programs
- Non-slip foot pedals
The SF-E3912 is designed like your everyday compact elliptical but has a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs. The sturdy construction ensures durability and stability when on the machine. In addition, it offers tension levels as high as 16 and easy-to-adjust control options on the media shelf.
It is designed with a footprint of 55 x 23 x 64.5 inches (LxWxH) and weighs 104.8 lbs. It comes with other key features, including a multifunctional performance monitor, transportation wheels, device holder, pulse sensors, bottle holder, and floor stabilizers.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 Elliptical Summary
The SF-E3912 is a heavy-duty elliptical from Sunny Health & Fitness. It is a rear-drive elliptical with a high weight capacity of 330 lbs. Heavier fitness trainers can get comfortable with their compact design offering basic features. In addition, its full-motion handlebars give trainers a quality full-body workout experience.
- Sturdy steel construction
- Maximum user weight recommendation of 330 lbs
- Anti-slip pedals
- 16 magnetic levels of resistance
- 24 preset fitness programs
- 3 years structural frame warranty
- No incline options
- Alloy steel construction
- Weight capacity: 325 pounds
- Vertical folding design
- 5" backlit LCD screen
- 18" auto-adjustable stride length
- 22 resistance levels
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i is designed to support a maximum weight of 325 lbs. It is built with solid steel material, giving it durability. The elliptical cardio machine is powered by an 18 lbs flywheel delivering 22 resistance levels. An auto-adjustable stride feature gives trainers control in adjusting strides for maximum comfort.
It comes with a 30-day iFit trial membership to expose trainers to quality live workout routines and expert fitness trainers. The machine is designed with a footprint of 80 x 32 x 67 inches (LxWxH) and has a weight of 215 lbs.
It has additional features like Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers, Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities, Google Maps™ Technology, oversized levelers, AutoBreeze workout fan, rear-mounted transport wheels, and a bottle holder.
NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i Elliptical Summary
It’s easy to spot a NordicTrack elliptical anywhere, especially with that strong, sturdy construction. The SpaceSaver SE7i is a rear-drive elliptical with above-average features. It allows for a maximum weight capacity of 325 pounds. As a SpaceSaver design, it has a vertical folding feature that allows trainers to fold the machine for easy relocation and storage.
- Maximum weight recommendation of 325 lbs
- 18 lb Effective Inertia-enhanced flywheel
- Solid steel construction
- 22 resistance levels
- iFit interactive personal training
- 10 years frame warranty
- iFit account and subscription needed
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Large, non-slip foot pedals
- 20 lbs flywheel
- 25 adjustable resistance options
- 29 preset fitness programs
The Schwinn 470 Elliptical trainer is a compact elliptical that’ll fit easily into an apartment workout space. It is a heavy-duty elliptical trainer with top-notch features. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs and a heavy 20 lbs flywheel. This produces a smooth, quiet motion when engaging in an upper and lower body exercise routine. In addition, trainers can customize their workouts with adjustable stride, resistance levels, and incline options.
It is packed with additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Explore the World app, media rack, bottle holder, speakers, wireless receiver, 3-speed fan, USB charging port, and up to 4 user profiles.
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Summary
The 470 is one of Schwinn’s most popular ellipticals because of the price and amazing packed features. It does come with a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs, but its features easily rival its competitors. The 470 is powered by a 20 lb flywheel that easily provides a solid 25 resistance levels. It is an ideal elliptical trainer for a heavier, tall trainer with its 20″ stride length.
- Maximum weight recommendation of 300 lbs
- 20 lbs flywheel
- 2 DualTrack blue backlit LCD screen
- 10 degrees adjustable incline
- 25 levels of resistance
- Average warranty
- Some users complain of noise
- Commercial solid steel construction
- Weight capacity: 375 lbs
- 20 lb Effective Inertia-enhanced flywheel
- 32" auto-adjustable stride
- 10-degree adjustable incline
- 26 magnetic resistance levels
- Oversized cushion pedals
The NordicTrack FS14i is a heavy-duty, center-drive elliptical trainer built to deliver workout performance to trainers of all weights and sizes. It has a maximum capacity of 375 lbs offering 26 levels of resistance to trainers. In addition, its extendable 32″ stride also allows trainers to transition between its workout modes — elliptical trainer, stepper, and treadmill.
It’s a compact exercise equipment built with a footprint of 58.5 x 29.5 x 74 inches (LxWxH). Its additional features include integrated handle controls, water bottle holder, transport wheels, Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities, Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers, AutoBreeze workout fan, 14″ Smart HD Touchscreen, and oversized levelers.
NordicTrack FS14i Elliptical Summary
This is yet another NordicTrack elliptical trainer on the list, but this time, it is the center-drive FS14i. The elliptical trainer is designed to give a wide workout motion with an extended stride. It is suitable for heavier trainers since it supports up to 375 lb weight capacity. It is packed with a heavy 20 lb Effective Inertia-enhanced flywheel that gives the machine an incredible workout performance.
- Maximum user weight recommendation of 375 lbs
- 20 lbs heavyweight flywheel
- 32" auto-adjustable stride
- 26 magnetic levels of resistance
- Power-adjustable incline
- Expensive elliptical trainer
- 10 years frame warranty
FAQ
1. Is an elliptical good for weight loss?
Ellipticals are amazing low-impact, calorie-burning machines and are good for weight loss. They achieve this by delivering a full-body workout by targeting different muscle groups.
2. Do ellipticals help lose belly fat?
They can assist in losing belly fat but are not designed to target the muscle groups in the belly. However, since ellipticals are designed to deliver full-body workouts, this can ultimately reduce the total body fat by burning calories. Therefore, continuous use of an elliptical can result in belly fat loss.
3. Do ellipticals have weight limits?
Yes, they do. As mountable machines, weight limitations must be defined to preserve their durability and functionality. They are made from different construction materials whose integrity can easily be compromised with heavier weights. Brand manufacturers indicate the weight limitations on each product to help users choose products that correspond to their weights.
Conclusion
To get the best functions from ellipticals, they have to be used as indicated by the manufacturer. Since trainers have different weights, ellipticals are built with different weight limitations. These best heavy-duty elliptical trainers are designed to hold heavier trainers. They also come with features to enhance comfort and workout performance. The best heavy-duty elliptical trainers should have a large enough flywheel to deliver fluid, quiet motion as well as offer a wide range of resistance settings.
