The Top 3 Best Ellipticals for Tall Persons

Let’s go out on a limb here and guess you’re slightly taller than the average human. Whether you’re sitting at exactly 6 feet or hovering just a few inches below 7, you know that finding a piece of exercise equipment for a full-body workout that can accommodate your stature is quite tough.

So how can you decide on an elliptical trainer that follows your planned exercise programs without fully laying waste to your budget? Well, the good news is that it’s certainly possible to have an effective yet comfortable workout on a machine that’s specifically designed for taller individuals. And which ones qualify as the best elliptical for tall person training? Stick around to find out.

In A Hurry? Here’s Our Best Picks

Why You Should Trust Us

The tall folks of Boxlife’s review team have had their fair share of disappointments and discomforts while trying out fitness equipment, especially those that seem to have everything going for them except one crucial factor – size. So, after rounds of vigorous testing and analysis, both in their own homes and at the local gym, they’re pretty confident they’ve compiled a decent list of contenders for the title of best elliptical for tall people training.

Plus, we’re all tirelessly dedicated to exploring the endless possibilities when it comes to fitness equipment, from the latest and greatest to the most affordable and traditional options. That’s why we’ve taken our time to evaluate each product, analyzing its features and benefits from the perspective of taller users, as well as their general functionality, safety and value for money.

Who Is This Guide For?

This might sound shocking, but the goal of this guide is to help taller people find a piece of equipment that’s not only safe and convenient to use but also enjoyable. We believe that the right elliptical trainer should be comfortable and adjustable enough to accommodate all users, regardless of their size.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t use the products mentioned here if you’re not on the taller end of the height spectrum – all of them are quite versatile, and can be easily adjusted to fit the needs of shorter users as well. There’s no need to make compromises on your elliptical workout, no matter how tall you are.

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How We Picked the Best Products

We turned to fellow tall users on the vast social community on the internet, mainly focusing on forums and discussion threads across Reddit and Quora. Quite expectedly, we ran into some pretty interesting stories – both good and bad – that gave us a better understanding of what makes a suitable elliptical for taller folks.

We also tackled some user profiles of some of the most renowned e-commerce retailers, including Amazon, Rogue Fitness, and Titan. Not only did this allow us to uncover more details about the build quality and individual features of each model, but it also provided insight into the feedback that each product had received from customers.

How We Compared Each Product

and compare them side-by-side. Even though they’re all targeted towards taller folks, there were still some considerable differences between each one – which is exactly the kind of data that we were interested in. We looked at the following criteria:

• Maximum stride length – this refers to the distance between the two pedals when in operation, and it’s essential for tall people as it determines the total range of motion that can be achieved. It correlates directly with the height of your legs since your overall stride length is affected by your legs’ reach.
• Construction quality – The materials used in the construction of each machine, as well as its overall design and build can also have a huge impact on how comfortable and safe it is to use. We carefully looked into each model’s frame, parts, mechanisms and general specifications to determine which one was the most reliable.
• Built-in workout programs – Today’s technological advancements make it possible to track and analyze your performance during each session. Most types of ellipticals feature some kind of built-in software that allows you to set goals and monitor your progress. But how effective are each of these programs in providing accurate data?
• Price range – Cheaper ellipticals aren’t necessarily worse than more expensive ones, but there has to be some kind of compromise in terms of quality and features to make up for the affordable prices. We compared the price tags against the value they deliver, to see which product offers the most bang for your buck.

The Products

Now it’s time to get into some of the most popular ellipticals for tall users that deliver in terms of both performance and comfort. We’ve handpicked three of the best options, with each one slightly edging out the other in one or two areas.

Schwinn 470 Compact Elliptical Machine – Our Top Pick

When it comes to low-impact cardio equipment and effective workouts for toning and strengthening your legs, little can beat out the Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine. Designed to cater specifically to tall individuals, this non-foldable machine offers enhanced stability and an ideal stride range of up to 20 inches.

Key Specs

Machine Size	28.2″D x 63.2″W x 70.1″H
Construction Material	Steel
Number of Preset Programs	29
Additional Resistance Levels	25
Maximum User Weight Capacity	300 lbs

Why It’s Great

The admirable 20-inch stride length is definitely the highlight of this product, with oversized foot pedals to accommodate even the tallest user. There’s no lack of padding and cushioning either, with comfortable ergonomic handlebars that provide superior support during your training.

The sheer number of preset workout programs is another nifty feature, with several intense workouts with varying difficulty levels to choose from. The in-built computer also does a great job of providing you with feedback and progress reports for each session, including workout time and calories burned.

Plus, the 10% motorized incline adds just enough challenge to push you further in your routine and help build stronger leg muscles. With 25 levels of resistance at your disposal, the Schwinn Compact Elliptical Machine is a truly comprehensive and well-rounded solution for tall people looking to get back into shape.

Sunny Health & Fitness Stride Zone Elliptical – Best Budget Option

Among affordable ellipticals, the Sunny Health & Fitness Stride Zone Elliptical stands out for its remarkable price-to-performance ratio. Boasting a generous backlit performance monitor along with a dedicated device holder and a 44-pound magnetic flywheel, this machine is an absolute steal for the money.

Key Specs

Machine Size	30″D x 68″W x 66″H
Construction Material	Steel
Number of Preset Programs	12
Additional Resistance Levels	16
Maximum User Weight Capacity	265 lbs

Why It’s Great

Unlike most budget ellipticals, the Sunny Health & Fitness Stride Zone Elliptical comes with a surprisingly generous stride length of 20 inches that’s on par with many of the pricier models. The large foot pedals also provide plenty of room to move around, while the ergonomic handlebars feature multi-grip options for better control and support.

As is the case with most magnetic resistance ellipticals, the overall operation of the device is quite smooth and whisper-quiet. The integrated performance monitor also does a great job of tracking your progress with various metrics, including time, speed, distance, and heart rate. One particularly nifty feature is the computer-controlled resistance system, which takes note of your current heart rate with the grip pulse sensors on the handlebars and adjusts the intensity accordingly.

In terms of mobility, the machine has a full range of motion with curved, non-slip handlebars that have just the right amount of cushioning. Plus, the adjustable pedals come in handy for taller users, ensuring that you always have a comfortable and safe workout. It also comes with an integrated bottle holder and additional storage for smaller items such as keys, wallets, and phones.

Sole Fitness E35 – Best Option for Beginners

Despite being one of the more expensive options, the Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical is loaded with useful features and plenty of value for money. It comes with a heavy-duty 25 lbs flywheel with four separate transport wheels that are supported by a stable frame made of steel, while the adjustable console and power incline feature creates a more personalized workout experience.

Key Specs

Machine Size	26.38″D x 32.28″W x 8.66″H
Construction Material	Steel
Number of Preset Programs	10
Additional Resistance Levels	20
Maximum User Weight Capacity	375 lbs

Why It’s Great

The Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical is as comfortable as it is reliable. Its adjustable foot pedals are ergonomically designed in collaboration with leading physical therapists and sports trainers, providing extra stability and support as you exercise. Their 2-degree inward slope helps reduce the stress on your feet and ankles, while the adjustable incline feature helps target different muscle groups to create a more balanced workout.

Additionally, the full-spectrum display console is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing you to quickly make necessary adjustments on the heavier flywheel. It also comes with a Bluetooth compatibility feature so you can sync up your favorite fitness apps and track your progress conveniently. Plus, the built-in pulse sensors on the stationary arms provide accurate readings at a glance.

Finally, the general noiseless design of the machine is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Its integrated fan helps keep you cool even during the most challenging workout, while the additional storage compartments provide plenty of space for you to hold your keys, water bottle, and phone.

The Buying Guide

Even if you have a specific exercise program you want to adhere to, not every elliptical model will be suitable for you. Some have adjustable features that may have more use for beginners, while others may be best suited to more experienced athletes.

Weight Capacity

This might seem like a no-brainer but you’d be surprised at how many people overlook this crucial detail. It’s essential that you keep your workout weight within the limits of what the machine can handle, otherwise, it could drastically shorten its lifespan or cause it to malfunction. Not to mention the health and safety implications that could result from overloading.

The key thing here is that tall people are inherently slightly heavier than the average person, so you might need to check for ellipticals with higher weight limits. You should also leave some leeway between your current weight and maximum machine weight capacity – i.e. if you currently weigh 200 lbs, aim for an elliptical with a weight limit of at least 250 lbs.

Set Up and Ease of Use

The average person might not have the technical know-how or time to install any kind of fitness equipment, so having a device that doesn’t require any complicated setup is a massive plus. Look for machines with simple assembly instructions and minimal tools needed, which can save you a lot of time and hassle.

Be wary of pre-assembled models though since this could result in potential damage during transport if it’s not handled correctly or you might not be able to fit it through the door and into the position you want. Sure, you won’t have to build it but does it come at a price?

Flywheel

The flywheel is the metal disc that generates momentum and helps you move the pedals in a smooth and fluid motion. This can be a key indicator of how well the elliptical will perform when it comes to intensity and resistance – heavier flywheels are more robust and provide a more seamless experience whereas lighter models are generally easier on the joints.

It’s worth noting that these differences aren’t usually significant enough to be the deciding factor, so don’t worry too much about it if you’re just looking for something basic. But if you’re aiming for advanced results, then you might want to pay more attention to the flywheel weight.

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Warranty and Service

No matter how reliable the brand or product is, taking out a warranty is always a worthy investment. This gives you a safety net of protection in case the machine develops any issues or malfunctions, which is especially noteworthy if you’re planning to use it in a commercial setting.

Some manufacturers also offer post-purchase services, such as professional assembly and maintenance plans. Not only does this give you more peace of mind but it also guarantees that your machine will run like new for a long time.

When it comes to overall coverage, there are two general warranty types – limited and full. Limited warranties usually cover certain parts for a designated period of time, while full warranties are more comprehensive and include protection for the entire machine. The former might refer to a specific part breaking or malfunctioning, while the latter could include damage caused by external forces too.

Frequently Asked Questions