Elliptical Machine Benefits and Disadvantages: Your Guide to Buying

Updated on Feb 27, 2025

Thinking about getting an elliptical machine? Whether you’re considering buying one for home workouts or just curious about why they’re so popular in gyms, it’s important to understand the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.

Elliptical machines have become a go-to option for many fitness enthusiasts because they provide an effective, low-impact workout that helps improve cardiovascular health, endurance, and overall fitness.

Some people love them so much that they invest in one for their home gym to enjoy the convenience of exercising anytime.

While an elliptical can be a great addition to your fitness routine, it’s also an investment. For some, it may be affordable, while for others, it could feel like a significant expense.

Before buying one, weigh the advantages and disadvantages first to see if it’sright for you.

Are you interested in owning an elliptical machine? Do you know what are the advantages and disadvantages of an elliptical machine? Or are you just curious about the elliptical machine since it is such a popular exercise machine found in gyms?

What is an Elliptical Machine?

An elliptical trainer or cross-trainer is a stationary exercise machine used to stair climb, walk, or run without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries.

For this reason, people with some injuries can use an elliptical to stay fit, as the low impact affects them little and gives less stress to their joints.

An elliptical machine with handles is an exercise machine that can give an upper and lower body workout. If you want to lose weight without needing to work out at the gym, an elliptical machine can make a difference.

An elliptical bike brings many health benefits to your body such as improving cardio capacity and increasing stamina while burning calories and body fat. Using the elliptical also improves the entire body’s balance and maintains overall physical fitness.

Benefits of Using an Elliptical Machine

1. Low-Impact on Joints

One of the biggest advantages of an elliptical is that it provides a low-impact workout, making it an excellent choice for people with joint pain, arthritis, or recovering from injuries. Unlike running on a treadmill or pavement, which puts stress on the knees and ankles, the gliding motion of an elliptical reduces impact, helping protect your joints while still allowing you to get a cardio workout.

✔ Great for seniors, individuals with knee issues, or those recovering from injuries.
✔ Helps maintain joint health while still burning calories.

2. Full-Body Workout

Unlike treadmills or stationary bikes, ellipticals engage both the upper and lower body. The moving handlebars work the arms, shoulders, chest, and back, while the pedals strengthen the legs, glutes, and core.

✔ Engages more muscle groups than walking or cycling.
✔ Helps tone and strengthen muscles without lifting weights.

Tip: To maximize upper-body engagement, actively push and pull the handlebars instead of just holding on.

3. Effective for Weight Loss & Cardiovascular Health

Ellipticals provide a great calorie-burning workout while improving heart health and endurance. Since you can adjust resistance levels and incline, you can create high-intensity interval workouts (HIIT) or steady-state cardio sessions.

✔ Burns between 270–400 calories in a 30-minute session, depending on weight and intensity.
✔ Improves heart and lung health by increasing endurance over time.
✔ Can be used for fat loss, HIIT training, or steady-state cardio.

4. Customizable Workouts for All Fitness Levels

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced athlete, ellipticals offer adjustable resistance and incline levels to modify the intensity of your workouts. Many machines also come with built-in workout programs to help you track progress and challenge yourself.

✔ Ideal for beginners, advanced athletes, and seniors.
✔ Resistance settings allow for progressive training and goal tracking.

5. Safe and Easy to Use

Ellipticals provide a stable and secure exercises. This makes them great for:

✔ Beginners who need a low-risk way to start exercising.
✔ People with balance issues who struggle with treadmills or running.
✔ Home users who want an effective, easy-to-use machine for daily workouts.

Unlike treadmills, there’s no need to worry about missteps or sudden jolts. The smooth, continuous motion keeps workouts safe and consistent.

6. Great for Home Workouts

Ellipticals are compact and quiet, making them ideal for home use. They don’t create as much noise as treadmills, making them a great choice for shared living spaces or apartments.

✔ Doesn’t require a lot of space compared to other cardio machines.
✔ Quiet operation—perfect for apartments or early morning workouts.

Tip: If space is an issue, consider foldable or compact elliptical models.

The Best Elliptical Machines

Here are our recommended available at Fitness Expo Stores for different exercises and fitness levels.

SPIRIT XE195 Elliptical

The SPIRIT XE195 is best for those looking for a reliable and straightforward elliptical without extra adjustability features. It’s known for its durability and user-friendly design, and a great choice for beginners or those with joint concerns.

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PRECOR EFX 222 Energy™ Series Elliptical

Offers a smooth and natural stride, thanks to its patented CrossRamp® technology. You can adjust the incline and target different muscle groups.

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MATRIX E30 Elliptical

The MATRIX E30 features a compact design suitable for home use. It includes the Suspension Elliptical™ Technology, which ensures a smooth, consistent motion, and a variety of intuitive consoles to track your workout metrics.

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LIFE FITNESS E1 Elliptical Cross Trainer

The LIFE FITNESS E1 offers a low-impact, total-body workout. It’s designed for home exercisers of all fitness levels and features WhisperStride technology for a quiet and smooth exercise experience.

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OCTANE Q47XI Standing Elliptical

The OCTANE Q47XI is a premium elliptical recognized for its quality construction and smooth performance. It offers advanced features and customizable workout programs, making it suitable for users seeking a top-tier exercise machine.

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Disadvantages of Using an Elliptical Machine

While ellipticals have many advantages, they’re not perfect for everyone. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.

1. Limited Strength Training Benefits

Ellipticals are great for cardio and endurance but are not ideal for building muscle mass. Since the resistance is limited compared to weight training, it won’t significantly increase muscle size or strength.

✖ Not a replacement for strength training—consider adding weights to your routine.
✖ Best combined with resistance exercises for a well-rounded fitness plan.

Solution: Incorporate bodyweight exercises or dumbbells to supplement your elliptical workouts.

2. Lower Calorie Burn Compared to Other Machines

While ellipticals are effective for burning calories, they may not be as intense as running or stair climbing for the same amount of time.

✖ Burns fewer calories than high-impact activities like running.
✖ May feel too easy for advanced athletes who need higher intensity.

Solution: To increase calorie burn, try interval training by alternating between high and low resistance levels.

3. Can Feel Repetitive or Boring

Some users find ellipticals less engaging than other cardio workouts like running, cycling, or rowing. The fixed movement pattern can feel repetitive over time.

✖ Less dynamic compared to treadmills, bikes, or outdoor activities.
✖ May lead to workout boredom if used as the only cardio machine.

Solution: Keep workouts interesting by:
✔ Using built-in workout programs to add variety.
✔ Listening to music, podcasts, or watching TV while exercising.
✔ Changing resistance levels and inclines to create a challenge.

4. Large and Can Be Expensive

Ellipticals are considered an investment, and while some models are affordable, high-quality machines can be costly and take up space in a home gym.

✖ Prices range from $500 to $2,500+ for higher-end models.
✖ Requires dedicated space—may not be suitable for small apartments.

Consider:
✔ Buying a compact or foldable model if space is limited.
✔ Comparing different models and brands to find one within your budget.
✔ Looking for second-hand or refurbished machines to save money.

Is an Elliptical Machine Right for You?

If you’re looking for a low-impact, full-body cardio workout, an elliptical machine is a great choice. It’s ideal for beginners, those with joint pain, or anyone wanting a safe, effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness.

However, if you’re focused on muscle-building, high-intensity training, or prefer more dynamic workouts, an elliptical may not be the best fit on its own.

Who Should Consider an Elliptical?

✔ Beginners or seniors looking for a gentle, easy-to-use machine.
✔ Individuals with knee or joint issues needing a low-impact option.
✔ People wanting a full-body workout that engages both arms and legs.
✔ Home gym users who want a quiet and space-efficient cardio machine.

Who Might Not Benefit as Much?

✖ Athletes focused on high-intensity workouts (running, HIIT).
✖ People looking for heavy strength training or major muscle-building.
✖ Those who get bored easily with repetitive motion exercises.

Should You Invest in an Elliptical Machine?

Elliptical machines provide a safe, effective, and low-impact cardio option for people of all fitness levels. While they offer great cardiovascular benefits and full-body engagement, they may not be the best fit for strength training or high-intensity workouts.

If an elliptical aligns with your fitness goals and lifestyle, it can be a worthwhile investment for both gym and home use.

Thinking About Buying an Elliptical?

Fitness Expo Stores offer elliptical machines for any fitness level. Visit our showrooms.

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Fitness Expo caters to all your exercise needs from treadmills to fitness accessories.

First opened in 1980 by the Rice family, the store continues to offer the top brands and largest selection of exercise equipment for the home or commercial facility making it one of the oldest and most reputable fitness retailers in the country.

We have showrooms across Louisiana and Mississippi, but you can also shop on our website from the comfort of your own home. Contact us today!