What are the Best Elliptical Machines?

ProForm offers a fantastic solution for anyone torn between an elliptical trainer or an exercise bike. Why not have the best of both worlds? This hybrid trainer offers elliptical functionality with the ability to sit down and work the pedals. By itself, this isn't the best pure elliptical in this price range - for example, the stride length is just 15 inches, which limits range of motion during workouts. However, the ability to get a recumbent-style workout is invaluable for people who need more than just an elliptical. Best of all, this model is one of the cheapest available, with deals of around $350 offered by Kohl's, Walmart and other retailers.

NordicTrack is a proven name in the home fitness industry, and its E 9.5i Elliptical Trainer upholds the brand's solid reputation. This elliptical offers many features of higher-end models for a fraction of the price. While this model once sold at a much higher price point, now you can find deals as low as $699 through retailers such as Sears. The NordicTrack E 9.5i Elliptical Trainer features a 20-inch stride, 22 resistance levels, and 26 preprogrammed workouts to help you achieve your goals. There are also built-in music ports, a tablet holder, a heartrate monitor, and more. You can't go wrong with this as an economy elliptical.

Leave it to Bowflex to take elliptical machines to another level of fitness. The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is the brand's best-selling model, and for good reasons. Featuring 16 resistance levels, target training zone indicators, and nine programmed workouts including the hardcore 14-minute Max Interval workout, this Bowflex machine is designed to offer heart-pounding workouts in a hurry. This machine is also Bluetooth compatible and syncs flawlessly with the Bowflex Max Trainer App. It costs $1,599 through the Bowflex website, but buyers can often get sale and shipping discounts to soften the blow.

Schwinn is best known for its old-school bikes but turns out Schwinn also makes some great elliptical machines. Our favorite is the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine, which comes with 22 programmed workouts, a 20-inch maximum stride length, and an LCD display that makes tracking your progress easy. The Schwinn's handlebar heartrate sensors are especially useful, seeing as how these sensors are much slower to work in so many other elliptical trainers. This elliptical is also affordable; Target and Walmart are both offering great deals under $650 for this model.

For the absolute best in home fitness equipment, you can't go wrong with the Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Machine. With a max stride length of 22 inches, 15-inch pedals, a built-in fan, and an easy-to-read backlit LCD display, you can get workouts on this elliptical trainer that rival running on the open road. Monitor your heart rate with a chest strap or handle sensors as you plow through a wide range of preprogrammed workouts. This elliptical also has built-in speakers to jam to your favorite playlist. It's expensive, but right now you can get it for less than $1,800 from the Sole website, and that's a great deal.