Best Ellipticals for Heavy Persons to Get in Shape and Stay Active

We know that it can be difficult to get in shape when you’re heavier than you’d like to be. In truth, this is the point where most people begin to consider the idea of exercising to lose weight… But it’s easy to lose motivation and give up early. 

It’s even harder to push through the process and see results if you’re using the wrong equipment. Which is why today, we’re reviewing the best ellipticals for heavy people to get in shape. 

Not all equipment is made equal. An elliptical with a 200-lb weight capacity isn’t going to help you reach your goals, and you’ll be much more likely to give up before you see progress. But an elliptical with a 400-lb weight capacity and extra features will keep you safe and help you push through. 

Check out this list and pick your favorite! You don’t even have to be on the heavier side to use these—they’re just strong, robust machines that’ll help you reach your goals.

In A Hurry? Here’s Our Best Picks

Why Trust BoxLife? 

The BoxLife team, cumulatively, has decades of experience in the fitness world, both training and helping to train others. We’re all actively involved in CrossFit, and we’re constantly assessing fitness equipment, methods, and programs to find what works and what doesn’t. Between us, we’ve got experience with almost every piece of cardio equipment… Including ellipticals. 

Using our knowledge on these machines, we write informative articles so that people like you don’t have to go out and test them all for yourselves! When you read a review here, it’s got our blood, sweat, and tears in it. 

Who Should Choose One of These Ellipticals? 

The best ellipticals for heavy people are basically just very robust machines that can handle more weight than the average elliptical. That means that they’re actually suitable for a range of different people. 

If you’re currently heavier than you’d like to be and you’ve chosen the elliptical as your weight loss weapon of choice, these are the best option for you. But they’re also great choices for taller users who need a more robust machine, and those who want an elliptical that’s extremely strong and durable.

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How We Chose the Best Elliptical for Heavy People 

Thanks to our combined experience, we know a good elliptical when we see one. But we went even further than our own knowledge and experience and did all the detailed research for you so you can be confident that when you see a product here, it’s passed our scrutiny. 

Our team delved into Amazon reviews, browsed sporting retailers, phoned salespeople, Googled, checked Reddit, and more. And then we chose the ellipticals that got glowing reviews and presented them here. 

We spoke to real people who’ve had real experiences with these exact ellipticals, so we could bring you a well-rounded, missing-nothing view. 

How We Tested Them 

Where possible, our team got on these elliptical machines themselves and tested out every aspect. In the end, we narrowed it down to these 7 important points that we felt were essential to the quality of the machine and your workout. 

• Maximum User Weight Capacity 
• Pedal Step-Up Height 
• Built-In Programs 
• Flywheel Size 
• Incline Features 
• Weight of Elliptical 
• Warranty 

Best Ellipticals for Heavy People – Our Top Picks

1. Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical – Best Overall

The Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical trainer doesn’t have the highest weight capacity on this list. But it’s got a capacity of more than enough, plus it’s decently affordable for a robust machine and has everything you need to shed the weight! 

Why We Like It 

It’s not entry-level, but it’s not overly fancy or unnecessarily advanced, either. With a maximum user weight capacity of 325 lbs, it can handle most people with ease. We also appreciate the low step-up height (10 ¾ inches), which makes it a breeze to climb on and off. 

The second thing we really like about this machine is the warranty. You know a company is confident in their machines when they offer a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. It also implies that the frame is sturdy enough to handle almost anything, and the motor is strong enough for prolonged use. 

A 23-lb flywheel gives you more than enough for a great workout. While this machine does have fewer built-in workout options than others, 8 is more than enough for new users learning the ropes or those who want a fuss-free elliptical. 

The 20 incline levels is also an important feature for us. Heavier people may prefer to “walk” in the beginning—go slower, as opposed to pushing hard on the machine. Adding an incline adds a bit of extra challenge to the exercise, so we love this feature. 

Weighing in at 194 lbs itself, the elliptical may be a tough heavy for one person to move on their own. But the hefty weight means it’s got a strong build, so this is another thumbs-up feature.

Key Specs 

Maximum User Weight Capacity	325 pounds
Pedal Step-Up Height	10 ¾ inches
Built-In Programs	8 built-in workout programs
Flywheel Size	23 pounds
Incline Features	20 incline levels
Weight of Elliptical	194 pounds
Warranty	Lifetime frame/motor, 3 years parts, and 1 year labor

No-Fuss Weight Loss 

There’s nothing overly fancy about this machine, but it’ll get the job done for sure, as long as you’re consistent with your training! It’s robust, has a great weight capacity, offers plenty of incline levels for challenge, and has an excellent warranty. 

2. Sole Fitness E95 – Best Stride Length

If you’re of average to above-average height, the stride length on many ellipticals might be a little too short for you to stretch to your full range of motion. This might be okay for some, but if you’re craving that feeling of really stretching your legs out a bit more, the Sole Fitness E95 is a brilliant choice of machine. 

Why We Like It 

The maximum weight capacity on this elliptical is an impressive 400 lbs, which is on the higher side. For users who are taller as well as heavier, the shining feature of the Sole E95 is its adjustable stride length: between 20 and 22 inches, so you can set yours to suit your level of comfort. 

At 14 inches, the step-up height is a little high for heavier people who want something that’s easy to get onto. But it’s not going to be a problem for everyone, so this will come down to personal preference more than anything. 

The 27-pound flywheel provides a lovely, smooth motion that helps you get into some great momentum. With 20 incline levels and 10 preloaded programs, this elliptical offers more than enough to give you an excellent workout and help you shed those extra pounds faster. 

It’s around 236 lbs itself, so once again, not the easiest to move around. But you can be sure it’s not going to wobble or slide while you’re on it, so the robust build is welcomed. Plus, it has a lifetime frame warranty! Plenty to love here for heavy users and tall people.

Key Specs 

Maximum User Weight Capacity	400 pounds
Pedal Step-Up Height	14 inches
Built-In Programs	10 preloaded workouts
Flywheel Size	27 pounds
Incline Features	20 incline levels
Weight of Elliptical	236 pounds
Warranty	Lifetime frame, 5 years electronics, 5 years parts, 2 years labor

Excellent for Taller People 

We love the adjustable stride length this elliptical offers, from 20 to 22 inches. It’s also got a great flywheel for smooth motion, 10 pre-programmed workouts, 20 incline levels, and an impressive lifetime warranty.

3. NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical – Best Flywheel

The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical has a spectacular flywheel that makes the exercising experience a smooth, easy, and delightful one. Plus, it’s got a bunch of other features that make it an excellent choice for heavier users. 

Why We Like It 

The 32-lb Effective Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel is an excellent feature on this elliptical. It’s large enough to be quite stable, and paired with the strong frame, you can expect a smooth and stable workout when you’re using this machine. 

Users of up to 350 lbs can easily use the machine and feel secure. We couldn’t find a step-up height for this elliptical, so if a low pedal is a must for you, you may want to consider number 6 on this list instead. 

We really enjoy the programs loaded onto this elliptical. It comes with 35 preset programs, which is impressive. If you want to go manual, you can set an incline from 0 to 20%, for some extra burn. 

But if that’s not quite enough for you, or if you like a more immersive experience, this elliptical is also iFit-enabled, opening you up to 1000s of exciting workouts that can help keep you motivated and interested. 

A robust weight of 210 lbs and a 10-year frame warranty add to the positives on this elliptical. Heavier users can be confident with this one!

Key Specs 

Maximum User Weight Capacity	350 pounds
Pedal Step-Up Height	Unknown
Built-In Programs	35 preloaded workouts, iFit-enabled
Flywheel Size	32 pounds, Effective Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel
Incline Features	0 to 20% incline
Weight of Elliptical	210 pounds
Warranty	10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, 1-year labor warranty

Smooth, Easy Motion with Little Impact 

Ellipticals are already low-impact, but the size and quality of this elliptical’s flywheel guarantees a smooth, sleek motion that makes working out easy. The smoothness of the motion reduces the impact even more. Plus, there’s an abundance of workouts built into this machine, which is a huge bonus.

4. Nautilus E618 Elliptical – Best Program Options (non-iFit)

For those who aren’t a fan of iFit but want plenty of programs to choose from, the Nautilus E618 Elliptical might be the best choice for you. It’s got plenty of options, plus it’s ideal for heavier people in multiple ways. 

Why We Like It 

The 210-lb frame is robust enough to handle users of up to 350 lbs in weight. It comes with a 15-year warranty, which is great for this particular price point and is an indication of the quality of the machine. 

As for those programs, there are 29 built-in workout options to choose from. This particular elliptical is also compatible with the Nautilus Trainer 2 app and the RunSocial app, which makes it an excellent choice for those who have running experience. 

Then there’s a 0 to 10% incline, which adds just that bit more test to every workout. The only things that may be less than amazing for some is the 17-lb flywheel, which is a bit small in comparison to others, and the unclear step-up height.

Key Specs 

Maximum User Weight Capacity	350 pounds
Pedal Step-Up Height	12 to 15 inches
Built-In Programs	29 built-in programs, Nautilus Trainer 2 and RunSocial app-enabled
Flywheel Size	17 pounds
Incline Features	0 to 10% incline
Weight of Elliptical	210 pounds
Warranty	‎15 years frame/motor, 5 years frame, 2 years parts

Great Workout Options 

Those who don’t want to use iFit will enjoy the 29 built-in programs on this elliptical. Plus, we like that you can sync up to Nautilus Trainer 2 or RunSocial for more data and more workout options. With a weight capacity of 350 lbs, almost anyone can use it safely and comfortably. 

5. Sole Fitness E35 – Best Warranty

It’s tough to choose an elliptical to win this award, because a number of these machines have a lifetime warranty. But the Sole E35 stands out for having a fantastic warranty and other superb features at a very affordable price point—something unusual in this class of elliptical. 

Why We Like It 

With a max weight capacity of 375 lbs, the Sole E35 is a great option for many heavier users. One of the things we particularly love about this machine is that it falls into a lower price class than some of the others with the same kind of features and warranty. 

Sole’s lifetime frame warranty is a winner. There’s also a 5-year warranty on electronics and parts, as well as 2 years on labor. That’s a solid warranty for a machine of this price, and it’s enough to convince us that it’s a great buy. 

The 25-lb flywheel gives the machine a great momentum, making it easy to spin. If you need a bit more to work against, choose from one of the 20 Power Incline levels, and if you want to just press-and-play, there are 10 programs preloaded on the console. 

The step-up height of 14 inches might feel a little high for some, but it’s not terrible. So if you can get around that, this elliptical is an excellent choice. 

It’s good to know that the elliptical weighs 231 lbs, so it’s not that easy to move around once it’s folded, although it does have handy transportation wheels.

Key Specs 

Maximum User Weight Capacity	375 pounds
Pedal Step-Up Height	14 inches
Built-In Programs	10 preloaded workouts
Flywheel Size	25 pounds
Incline Features	20 Power Incline levels
Weight of Elliptical	231 pounds
Warranty	Lifetime frame, 5 years electronics, 5 years parts, 2 years labor

Solid Frame, Great Warranty, Top Value 

The lifetime warranty on the frame is a huge selling point for an elliptical in this price range. For heavier users, the robust frame, built-in workouts, great-sized flywheel, and incline function makes it a well-rounded machine for weight loss needs. 

6. Life Fitness E1 Cross Trainer – Lowest Step-Up Height

Heavier people who struggle to climb steps will appreciate the low step-up height on this elliptical. It’s also got a superb weight capacity, and the rear-located flywheel adds some extra stability to the machine. 

Why We Like It 

With a step-up height of just 6.5 inches, you barely need to lift your foot to get onto this machine! Between the low step-up height and the rear-located flywheel, this is one of the most stable ellipticals we’ve come across. 

To back that up, it can handle 400 lbs of weight easily. The machine weighs around 211 lbs itself, so it’s pretty solid and you can really put it through its paces without worrying. 

There are 13 preset workout programs on the console, so it’s a simple matter of picking one and pressing a button to get started. There is one downside to this elliptical, though—it has no incline feature, so it may be best for those who don’t want the incline function. 

To top it off, there’s a lifetime warranty on the frame of this machine, 5-year warranty on parts, 3-year warranty on the console, and a year on labor. 

Pros	Cons
✅ Low step-up height makes it easy for anyone to get on and off without a struggle	❌ No incline features
✅ 13 preloaded programs offer plenty of choice when it comes to press-and-play	❌
✅ One of the highest user weight capacities at 400 pounds	❌
✅ Rear-located flywheel adds to the stability of the elliptical	❌

Key Specs 

Maximum User Weight Capacity	400 pounds
Pedal Step-Up Height	6.5 inches
Built-In Programs	13 pre-loaded programs
Flywheel Size	16 pounds
Incline Features	None
Weight of Elliptical	211 pounds
Warranty	Lifetime on frame, 5-year on parts, 3-year on console, 1-year on labor

Extremely User-Friendly and Tough 

The low step-up height on this machine makes it easy for anyone to get on and off. Great for those who may be a little more limited in their movements. It also allows for users of up to 400 lbs, and it has an excellent warranty. 

7. NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i Elliptical – Best Foldable Elliptical

If you’re looking for a folding treadmill that can handle a higher weight capacity without compromising the structural integrity and strength of the machine, the NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i Elliptical is it. 

Why We Like It 

Most strong, robust machines don’t fold. However, this one does, and it can still comfortably handle up to 325 lbs, thanks to its rear-flywheel design and quality construction. 

A Vertical SpaceSaver design makes this one of the few folding ellipticals with a high weight capacity. Perfect for those who need a tough machine but have limited space. 

We aren’t sure about the step-up height, but we do know that it comes with an 18-lb flywheel, which is quite adequate for most users. 

It’s iFit-enabled, so you have a library of immersive workouts right at your fingertips, which you can follow on the decently-sized screen. Plus, there are 30 present workouts on the console that don’t require iFit to use. 

Add the 10% incline and the 10-year frame warranty, and you’ve got a great choice of machine for heavy people to get in shape!

Key Specs 

Maximum User Weight Capacity	325 pounds
Pedal Step-Up Height	Unknown
Built-In Programs	30 preset workouts, plus iFit
Flywheel Size	18 pounds
Incline Features	10% incline
Weight of Elliptical	Over 200 pounds
Warranty	10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, 1-year labor warranty

Tough But Convenient 

We love the convenience that comes with being able to fold this elliptical up and move it out of the way—something not often found on as robust a build as this. And with a wide range of workout options, including iFit, almost any user will enjoy the experience of being able to use this machine. 

Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For In Ellipticals for Heavy People 

Considering investing in one of the best ellipticals for heavy people? Here’s what you should be looking for to make sure it’s a quality machine. 

Maximum User Weight Capacity 

Each manufacturer puts a weight limit on their machine for a reason. In production, this will be tested to determine what the machine can safely handle. 

Never go for an elliptical with a lower weight capacity than you need. Firstly, if you’re pushing the machine past its limits, you won’t be able to get as good a workout as you could. 

Secondly, if the machine fails, your warranty won’t be valid if you were placing more than the recommended weight on it. So stick to a machine that’s appropriate for the heaviest weight that will be on it. 

Pedal Step-Up Height 

This is the lowest height of the pedal off the floor, when it’s at its lowest point. If this is too high, it can be more difficult to lift your foot to the pedal and lift yourself onto the machine, particularly for heavy users. 

Ideally, you want a machine with a step-up height lower than 12 inches. They can be hard to find, though, so this is something you might need to test out and see what works for you before eliminating all those with higher step-up heights. 

Built-In Programs 

Most ellipticals include a weight loss program in their built-in workouts. Some might include more specific calorie-burning programs. It’s a great way for new elliptical users to get a feel for the kind of workouts that’ll help them get closer to their goals. 

Experienced elliptical users might not need built-in programs, but they do come in handy if you just want to press-and-play and not spend the time putting something together manually.

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Flywheel Size 

A heavier flywheel is usually an indication of a better quality machine. The larger the flywheel weight, the smoother the motion as you exercise, which not only keeps the machine more stable, but also allows you to get a more effective exercise. 

Anything over 20 lbs is great. But ultimately, it depends on what your goals and needs are as to what size flywheel you go for. 

Incline Features 

Most ellipticals have different levels of resistance, which can make your workout more challenging. But for heavier users, adding resistance might be difficult and can make your workout much less fun, diminishing your motivation. 

On the other hand, incline is an easy way to add more challenge to your workout without the force of resistance. A slower-paced elliptical workout at an incline will increase your effort and burn more calories, helping you reach your weight loss goals faster. 

Weight of Elliptical 

While heavy-duty ellipticals might be inconvenient and annoying when it comes to moving them around, a hefty weight indicates that the machine is well-built and strong. 

The heavier the machine, the better it’s likely to handle higher-weight users. Aim for an elliptical that weighs 200 lbs or more. You may need help to move it around, but it means there’ll be far less chance of wobbling or instability when you’re using it. 

Warranty 

A good warranty is an indication of the company’s confidence in their product. Because heavier users are going to be using the machine, manufacturing defects may come to light faster than if a lighter user was exercising, so make sure your machine comes with a good warranty.

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FAQs 

How Many Calories Can You Burn On the Elliptical? 

The number of calories you burn on the elliptical depends on a number of different things. Your weight does make a difference, and the higher your weight the more calories you’re likely to burn. 

According to a detailed study by Harvard Health Publications, a moderate-effort 30-minute elliptical workout should burn about 335 calories for someone who weighs 155 pounds, and up to 400 calories for someone weighing 185 pounds. 

Of course, the longer you exercise, the more calories you’ll burn. More intense workouts also burn more calories. 

How Long Should I Use the Elliptical Every Day to Lose Weight? 

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. For overweight people who are new to the elliptical, you should be exercising around 3 times a week at first, to give your body time in between sessions to recover so you don’t injure yourself. 

Once your body is used to the motion, you can work out on the elliptical every day if you wish. 15 to 30 minutes per day is enough to get results, although it’s not as simple as that. 

The key to losing weight is to burn more calories than you consume. The calorie counter on your elliptical will only tell you how many calories you burn during the workout; it excludes the calories you burn throughout the day doing things like breathing, walking, fidgeting, and so on. 

We recommend using a calculator like this one to work out your Total Daily Energy Expenditure, which will help you to align your calorie and exercise goals. 

Which Is Better for Heavy People, Elliptical or Treadmill? 

The elliptical is a lower-impact cardio machine than the treadmill, which makes it a better option for those with a bit more weight on them. Although the treadmill is better than running on the road, the elliptical is a safer choice. 

With the elliptical, you can work the same muscles as you do running, but you get a much more robust upper body workout. Ultimately, between the low impact and the more well-rounded full-body workout, the elliptical wins. 

How Long Does It Take to Start Losing Weight On an Elliptical? 

This depends on how frequently you work out, how many calories you burn, and your diet. As we mentioned above, the key to losing weight is to burn more calories than you eat. The bigger the caloric deficit, the faster you’ll lose weight, but it also puts you in more danger of getting injured. 

Although it’s a very personal thing, if you reach the point of doing a 30 minute workout session on the elliptical every week day, you can expect to see a loss of around 1 lb per month, as long as you’re not eating back the calories you’re burning. 

However, if you get your diet right from the beginning, you commit to exercising 3 to 5 times a week, and you stay hydrated, you’ll see weight loss results fairly quickly, as you lose water weight initially. 

In the first few weeks, though, once the water weight has disappeared, you might see weight loss stall. Stay consistent and keep going, make sure your diet is right and you’re eating fewer calories than you’re burning (in total throughout the day), and the results will come. It’s a long game!