Best Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainer
Exercise enthusiasts have a multitude of different types of gym subscriptions and countless machines designed for these activities to choose from in the world of weight loss and fitness.
Most of this equipment caters to those who might not have the space and finances to set up a home gym nor the time to check in a fitness center.
If this is you, no need to worry as an elliptical bike combination is one of the best and most reliable exercise equipment you can invest in for your fitness needs.
While most gym-goers might not regard a recumbent elliptical as proper gym equipment, many older adults and those seeking to rehabilitate their bodies view this equipment as a lifesaver.
Recumbent elliptical bikes are an excellent way for older adults to get proper workouts without putting themselves at risk associated with regular biking. Think of falls, bruises, broken bones, and potholes.
Chiefly, you can take advantage of recumbent elliptical bikes throughout the year regardless of the weather, making it an ideal option for seniors as they need some exercise regularly.
Keep in mind that sarcopenia is a real condition that can be managed through exercise. Undeniably, the benefits of regular exercise are broad depending on each individual’s needs.
Even though recumbent elliptical bikes maybe your go-to-solution if you’re looking for the most suitable exercice equipment, you still have to identify the best ones to buy? What are the things to consider? And more importantly, why are there so many options for a machine that should be so simple?
To provide answers to the above concerns, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best recumbent elliptical bikes on the market today to assist you with your fitness journey. With the proper equipment, home workouts and fitness regimes need not be an arduous process.
Best Recumbent Ellipticals of 2020
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3862
As a company, the Sunny Health and Fitness brand does not need any special introduction as they have been in existence on the market for over a decade.
The recumbent elliptical SF-E3862 bike is an ideal mid-range elliptical trainer for home use thanks to its quality/price ratio. According to market pundits, the SF-E3862 offers good value for money.
Key Features and Benefits
Dimensions: 63 by 21 by 66 inches
Empty weight: 125.7 pounds
User support weight: 265 pounds
Stride: 15.7-inches
Incline: No
Resistance: 16 levels with eddy current
Workout meter: Comes with 24 workout programs
Additions: Has a bottle and tablet holder
Assembly and Maintenance
The SF-E3862 elliptical trainer from Sunny Health and Fitness is an excellent machine for weight loss, light to intense cardio workouts, stamina development, and muscle toning.
All in all, the SF-E3862 offers durability, excellent quality, and decent services for its price range.
Monitor
The monitor also allows you to keep tabs on calories burned, heart rate, distance, speed, time, and rotations per minute. Generally, it offers you all the information you need to monitor your progress in your fitness journey.
Drive and Resistance
The tension levels are adjustable via a digital LCD button on the mainboard and can bring you from a casual walk to a rigorous mounting session. You can choose to engage your arms simultaneously as you exercise your legs or allow them to rest on the handlebars.
This machine utilizes an electromagnetic resistance system that offers a console with over 20 workout programs, 16 tension levels, and a set of articulate pedals.
Frame Construction
It has a reasonably sturdy frame that supports a maximum user weight of about 265 pounds. While empty, it weighs around 126 pounds, while its assembled dimensions stand at 63 by 21 by 66 inches.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- List Element
- Sturdy and heavy construction
- 16 tension levels
Cons
- Takes a lot of space
- Some people find it hard to assemble
- Doufit EM-01
This elliptical bike manufactured by Doufit earns a spot on our review mainly because of its affordability and functionality. The Doufit EM-01 comes in a sleek, modern construction in the combination of black and white colors.
Key Features and Benefits
Dimensions: 36 by 20 by 62 inches
Empty weight: 58.4 pounds
User supported weight: 250 pounds
Stride: 12-inches
Incline: Not supported
Resistance: 8 levels, manual magnetic
Workout meter: Goals, calories, speed, scan, pulse, distance, time
Additions: Bottle holder
Assembly and Maintenance
The mainframe of the bike with all the resistance and drive elements come pre-assembled. However, you will have to assemble the other parts, including the pedals, moving arms, console, the two base stabilizers, the front mast, and the fixed handgrips.
It might take up to an hour to do this, but the task is relatively straightforward. The package comes with all the necessary tools, while the manual clearly shows how to assemble the parts.
Monitor
The Doufit EM-01 elliptical bike comes with a performance monitor that features an LCD that tracks calories, speed, pulse, distance, and total distance.
Distance and speed are shown in kilometers and kilometers per hour (kph) instead of the widely used English units of miles and miles per hour (mph).
The monitor is battery-powered, requiring two AAA batteries as its primary power source. The monitors boot up when it detects movement and also turns off automatically when you stop peddling.
Drive and Resistance
This elliptical bike comes with a standard magnetic resistance system that is operated manually. There are 8 tension settings on this bike that allow you to engage different muscle groups effectively when performing peddling sessions.
Frame Construction
The Doufit EM-01 elliptical bike frame is built of steel tubing, with the only notable non-metallic parts of this model being the resistance elements and the covers of the drive.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Inexpensive
- Sturdy handles
- Easy to use LCD
- Super silent operation
Cons
- Has a short stride distance considering its compact size
- The default setting for distance is set to kilometers and a user can’t change it
- Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer
We love the Teeter FreeStep elliptical bike for its unique approach to a home workout. Apart from its sturdy design, its recumbent features allow it to have optimal safety and zero-impact joint exercise.
Key Features and Benefits
Dimensions: 54 by 38 by 52 inches
Empty weight: 110 pounds
User support weight: 300 pounds
Stride: 13-inches
Resistance: 8 levels, manual magnetic
Workout meter: Scan mode, speed, time, distance, calories burned
Additions: 1-year warranty for the frame while 90 days for parts
Assembly and Maintenance
The Teeter FreeStep comes with already assembled internal mechanisms, with most of the frame parts coming pre-assembled as well.
This means you only have to assemble the moving handlebars, the backrest, the front bar, the seat, and the pedals.
Monitor
The bike’s monitor is a basic fitness meter that offers you track time, current pedaling speed, distance covered, and calories burned. The monitor uses imperial units, miles, and miles per hour (mph) to display speed and distance.
Drive and Resistance
The first thing that caught our attention is the bike’s set of extra large pedals designed from durable ABS material. The pedals have a tray-like design and a ribbed surface that prevents your feet from sliding sideways.
Like most elliptical trainers, the Teeter FreeStep comes with a magnetic resistance system.
Frame and Construction
This machine features a heavy-duty frame built to support a user weight of up to 300 pounds. Primarily made of steel tubing, the Teeter FreeStep integrates several ABS parts in its construction. For instance, the pedals, the covers of the drive system, and other components are non-metallic.
Pros
- Offers a full-body workout
- Has a non-slip feature
- Super silent operation
- Zero impact on joints
- Heavy duty
Cons
- Requires a big space
- A bit pricey
- ProForm Hybrid Trainer
For those of you who are looking for a pocket-friendly elliptical bike, you may want to have a look at the ProForm Hybrid Trainer.
It is a lightweight model that allows you to either use it as a regular elliptical trainer or a recumbent cycle.
Key Features and Benefits
Dimensions: 70.5 by 24.5 by 60.5 inches
Empty weight: 116.8 pounds
User support weight: 350 pounds
Stride: 15-inches
Incline: No
Resistance: 16 levels, motor-assisted and magnetic
Workout meter: Includes 16 workout programs
Additions: Bottle holder, 5-year warranty for the frame, and 90-day guarantee for parts
Assembly and Maintenance
The ProForm Hybrid Trainer is not a complicated machine to assemble, but due to the many parts involved, it might take up to 3-hours. The included user manual provides clear-cut instructions on how to build the bike.
You will need an adjustable wrench, a rubber mallet, and a Phillips screwdriver when putting it together.
Monitor
This elliptical bike console features a mid-range console equipped with 3 display panels and an LED-backlit LCD monitor.
You can track the calories you’ve burned, pulse, RPM, speed, distance, and track time of your workout sessions through the monitor.
Drive and Resistance
This elliptical bike features a rear-drive, and a slightly forward inclined elliptical path, which gives you a descending feel when on a gentle ramp.
Its resistance features a motor-assisted magnetic resistance system that can only be regulated from its control unit. You can either use a power adapter or batteries to power the control unit.
Frame Construction
The ProForm Hybrid Trainer features a 2-piece frame, forged from steel tubing. All the steel parts of this unit give it a sturdy body that features a silver coating of the main body, a black coat for the mobile bars, and a corrosive resistant covering.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Super silent operation
- Extremely durable construction
- Can act as a recumbent bike or as an elliptical trainer
- Large LED digits for easy readability
Cons
- Batteries not included during delivery
- The console does not have a cooling fan
- Body Flex Sports Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer
As the name suggests, the Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer is a patented fitness machine that provides triple functionality. It acts as an elliptical bike, an upright bike, and a recumbent bike, all in one.
It is quite a unique machine that can provide you with a diverse array of home workouts.
Key Features and Benefits
Dimensions: 53 by 28 by 61 inches
Empty weight: 115 pounds
User support weight: 300 pounds
Stride: 13-inches
Resistance: 16 levels, motor-assisted and magnetic
Workout meter: Incorporates 24 workout programs
Additions: A 90-day warranty for parts and a 1-year warranty for the frame
Assembly and Maintenance
The Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer’s resistance and drive systems come pre-assembled and covered with a protective plastic cover.
Therefore, you’re only required to assemble the console, handlebars, mobile arms, pedal bars, the seat, the pedals, and finally, the base tubes to the machine’s body.
Maintenance involves lubricating the joints once they become squeaky besides the periodic tightening of loose bolts and nuts.
Monitor
Although the console unit does not come with online connectivity, a cooling fan, and a sound system, it offers a decent array of workout functions.
For instance, the console unit features 24 programs;12 Preset Workouts, 4 user profiles, 3 Heart rate Control Programs, Body Fat Program, Watt Control Program, Heart Rate Program, Body Fat Program, and Speed and Distance Program.
Drive and Resistance
The Body Champ 3-in-1 Trio-Trainer comes with a motor-assisted magnetic resistance system that can only be regulated from the console.
You can either choose to adjust it manually by pressing the Up/Down keys on the monitor or automatically selecting one of the preset programs.
Frame Construction
Like most fitness bikes of this caliber, the Body Champ is equipped with a frame forged from high tensile steel tubing. It has only a few non-metallic parts, the arm joint covers, handlebar grips, motor and flywheel covers, and the upholstery seat.
The rest of the steel parts are coated with a grey industrial-grade powder finish resistant to rust and corrosion.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Quiet and smooth operation
- Low lateral stress on joints
- Consistent momentum thanks to its balanced flywheel
- Little maintenance
Cons
- The console does not have a backlight
- Comes in one color scheme
- MaxKare Magnetic
If you are familiar with recumbent elliptical bikes, we know it does not come as a surprise that the MaxKare Magnetic made it on to our review.
As a company, MaxKare is known for manufacturing quality home-gym machines for the longest time, and the MaxKare Magnetic is a good representation of their name.
As the name suggests, the MaxKare Magnetic is another magnetic resistance bike with 8 resistance levels. It is possible to use the bike in dual-direction, thanks to its heavy-duty bi-directional flywheel.
Key Features and Benefits
Dimensions: 54 by 19 by 61.8 inches
Empty weight: 90 pounds
User support weight: 264 pounds
Stride: 13.5-inches
Incline: No
Resistance: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
Workout meter: Scan, calories, pulse, distance, time, speed
Additions: Bottle holder, tablet holder, and a 1-year warranty
Assembly and Maintenance
The front base of this bike, with all its resistance and drive systems, comes pre-assembled. However, you still have to assemble the other parts, such as the moving arms, exercise meter, pedals, the main upright bar, the wheels, and the rear base to the front base.
The manual offers straightforward assembly instruction. However, the whole process of assembly might take you up to 2-hours of your time.
Monitor
The MaxKare Magnetic comes equipped with a primary exercise monitor that features an LCD that indicates speed, time, distance, pulse, and calories. The console unit is easy to use, as it has only one button.
Drive and Resistance
This exercise machine is equipped with an 8 level manual magnetic resistance system that does not rely on any external power source. It is purely manual.
The bike’s resistance system comprises a magnetic brake connected to the tension knob that lies on the upright bar.
They are connected using a steel cable that allows the magnets to move closer to the flywheel whenever the knob is turned clockwise. This increases the difficulty level in pedaling.
Frame Construction
The front-drive of the MaxKare Magnetic is forged from steel, while the pedal trays and the casing of the drive system are made of ABS plastic.
The bike’s base consists of 2 main parts, one that sustains the drive elements, the other the sliding rail bars that host the pedals. The bike’s available color is dark grey, while all the steel parts feature a durable paint coat resistant to corrosion.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Supports bi-directional use
- Stable and sturdy construction
- Comes in a convenient and ergonomic design
Cons
- The LCD monitor has only one button
- Diagrams in the manual appear small
- Schwinn A40
The Schwinn A40 elliptical bike is a renowned exercise machine, and it deserves a spot on this list. Aside from being a bit more pricey than other bikes on this list, the Schwinn A40 also happens to be a bit more advanced.
Assembly and Maintenance
Generally, this unit’s assembly is not complex as the package comes with all the tools you require. The user manual also gives straightforward and easy to understand instructions guiding you throughout the entire process.
Monitor
The Schwinn A40 console is a pretty decent set monitor that tracks just about anything you do on the elliptical bike. It displays calories, speed, distance, time, RPM, resistance level, heart rate, and results.
The console features only one user profile, making it ideal for one individual, 7 in-built workout programs: 1 quick start, 6 profile programs.
Drive and Resistance
The Schwinn A40 comes with 8 different resistance levels, which allow you to tune the machine according to your needs.
It also incorporates a high-inertia perimeter flywheel that gives it a quiet and smooth operation. It also comes with 7 preset programs, 6 of which are profile programs, while the other is a quick start.
Frame Construction
The Schwinn A40 exercise machine features a robust 2-piece frame, steel-forged structure that incorporates 6 levelers for enhanced stability.
Pros
- Ergonomic handles
- Can support up to 275 pounds
- Good dimensions
- Comes with 7 preset programs
- Has hand pulse monitors
Cons
- Not very portable
- A bit pricey
- Efitment E006
The Efitment E006 is another inexpensive elliptical machine that made it on our list. Manufactured by Efitment, this unit comes with an 8 resistance level magnetic tension system. Additionally, it features an 11-inch stride length.
Key Features and Benefits
Dimension: 50 by 24 by 62 inches
Empty weight: 80.5 pounds
User support weight: 220 pounds
Stride: 13-inches
Incline: No
Resistance: 8 resistance levels of manual magnetic
Workout meter: SCAN, calories, pulse, time, distance, speed, total distance
Additions: 3-year warranty
Assembly and Maintenance
The Efitment E006 base, together with its drive and resistance elements, comes pre-assembled. Meaning you only have to connect the base bars, the console mast, the console, the moving and fixed arms, and the pedals.
The whole process should not take you more than an hour, as all the necessary tools are included.
Monitor
The console of the Efitment E006 has a large and comfortable to read LCD monitor that tracks calories, speed, time, distance, and pulse.
The console is battery-powered, relying on AAA batteries, which come with the package.
Drive and Resistance
The flywheel of the Efitment E006 is not a large or bulky one. Although the weight is not specified, it is built to give a smooth experience as it is also bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse for better diversification of your workout.
It features an 8 level resistance mechanism that can only be adjusted with the tension dial. It is purely manual.
Frame Construction
The Efitment E006’s frame is quite sturdy for light-duty workouts. The materials are forged from steel tubing and are painted with a corrosion-resistant finish.
The front of the Efitment E006 is equipped with transport wheels for better portability, while the rear base comes with polygonal rotating caps that act as stabilizers.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Inexpensive
- Easy to transport
- Quite sturdy
Cons
- Can only support up to 220 pounds
- Has a small circle of motion
- Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider 3
Although most home users might regard this elliptical bike as expensive, it is worth every coin. The Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider 3 shares similar features with hybrid machines found at physiotherapy clinics.
For instance, the back pad has 3 reclining positions, making it an ideal machine for persons who have recently undergone surgery and need physio workouts.
Key Features and Benefits
Dimensions: 59.2 by 34.9 by 53.7 inches
Empty weight: 186 pounds
User support weight: 300 pounds
Stride: 12 to 15-inches
Resistance: 20 levels of motorized magnetic resistance
Assembly and Maintenance
The Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider 3’s resistance and drive elements come already pre-assembled, along with most of the console mast and the seat base.
Therefore, all you need to do for the assembly is to connect pedals, the moving arms, the seat, the console mast with the console, and the two base bars, and you are good to go. This should take you about two hours to complete.
Monitor
The Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider 3 features a large LCD monitor with an LED backlight that displays all the significant workout metrics.
Drive and Resistance
This unit features an eddy current, motorized resistance system comprising a magnetic brake and a small servo motor. It is important to note that the machine can only be adjusted via the console while connected to a power source.
Frame Construction
This elliptical machine features a sturdy frame that is forged from high-quality steel. Additionally, all the parts made of steel are double-coated with scratch-resistant and corrosion-resistant paint finish.
Pros
- Offers 20 levels of resistance
- Quiet and comfortable machine
- Continuously measures the heart rate
- Seats are adjustable
- Protects the knees
Cons
- You need to assemble it yourself
- A bit pricey
- Octane Fitness xR4x
For trainers looking for a more engaging type of elliptical bike, the Octane Fitness xR4x is the right machine for you. Due to its physical attributes, the xR4x facilitates better leg extension throughout workouts thanks to its seat positioning that engages the muscles.
Key Features and Benefits
Dimensions: 53 by 35 by 53 inches
Empty weight: 196 pounds
User support weight: 300 pounds
Seat: Adjustable 4 ways
Resistance: 20 levels with eddy current
Workout meter: Comes with 3 boosters and 6 programs
Additions: Lifetime warranty for the frame, 3-years for the parts, and 1-year for labor
Assembly and Maintenance
For the Octane Fitness xR4x, most of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only have to connect the console mast, console, backrest, and the moving arms.
Monitor
This elliptical bike console features an LED-based monitor that shows various workout statistics, including time, calories burned, speed, distance, and heart rate.
Drive and Resistance
The Octane Fitness xR4x elliptical machine is fitted with a motorized magnet as part of its resistance system, comprised of a servo motor and a small magnetic brake.
The Octane Fitness xR4x avails 20 exclusive levels of resistance.
Frame Construction
Although it is considered a home elliptical machine, the Octane Fitness xR4x shares many similarities with a commercial elliptical machine. First, its steel frame has a considerably sturdy and massive construct that does not wobble or rock when you work out.
Second, despite its weight, the Octane Fitness xR4x is relatively easy to move from one position to another, thanks to rotating caps at the rear base.
Pros
- Can support up to 300 pounds
- Features a safety mode that protects curious children
- Monitors the heart rate via in-built sensors
- Sturdy construction and frame
- Features fixed and mobile handlebars
Cons
- Wireless heart rate monitoring is not supported
- Does not have a cooling fan
Recumbent Elliptical Buying Guide
Bringing the gym to your home has always been the wish of every human being. Many people think of buying a treadmill whenever the idea pops up, but the machine can be hard on your knees and joints.
Elliptical machines come in; they imitate the motion of running but are gentle on the joints due to the lack of impact.
These machines come in handy, especially if you have a lower-body injury or a bad knee, and you still want to get in shape. Its adjustable resistance and handgrips promote a more intense full-body workout.
Things To Consider Before Buying a Recumbent Elliptical
Here is a checklist of things you need to look out for when buying a recumbent elliptical machine:
Try before you buy: Whether you are buying it online or from a store, it is prudent to try the machine out in person before settling. You might notice an issue with the bike that is not listed on the user reviews.
Safety features: These bikes are inherently dangerous for toddlers, who could get trapped or pinched in the moving parts. If you have visitors at home or children, you should employ safety measures and ensure they cannot access the bike by locking the room.
Ergonomics: An elliptical bike is different from a treadmill as it
restricts free movement. Always pay close attention to how comfortable you are when exercising on an elliptical bike. When holding the moving handles, the cycle should allow you to maintain an upright body posture.
You should not subject your wrist to an awkward position by trying to reach the moving handgrips. The elliptical paths, pedals, moving handgrips, and fixed frame components should all feel comfortable.
Size: On average, a recumbent bike should be about 6 feet long and 2.5 feet wide. Always ensure you have enough space in your home gym to allow a minimum of 20-inches of free space on all sides for safety purposes.
Exercise intensity: All recumbent bikes have variable resistance. Always check if the lowest resistance setting is easy to use while the highest offers a considerable challenge. This will give you room to grow in your fitness journey.
Some recumbent trainers’ come with an adjustable incline. Always ensure you know whether it is automated or requires manual attention to adjust it.
Exercise programs: A recumbent elliptical trainer with exercise programs can make your workout routines more enjoyable and less stressful, which might boost your regular exercise. We advise you not to buy a machine that doesn’t cater to your concerns.
Target heart rate, Manual, Long Slow Distance, Hill Climb, Target Heart Rate, Random, Random, and Interval are some of the exercise programs your bike should have.
Budget: For many people, their cash flow is the number one factor determining which machine they are going to buy. The market certainly caters to people working with a budget and those willing to part with an extra dime for enhanced value.
Our advice is never to settle for the most affordable just because of money. Take your body type, exercise needs, space, and age before considering the price.
Benefits of Recumbent Elliptical Machine
Some of the benefits associated with these machines include:
- Protects the joints
- Total body workout
- Cardiovascular benefits
- Promotes strength and endurance
- Weight management
Things to Consider Before Buying
Warranties: A machine that offers 3 to 7 years of coverage on parts and at least 1-year on labor is reasonable.
Delivery: These machines are bulky and heavy, so inquire about delivery. Request information regarding whether they offer assembly services for time-consuming ellipticals and whether they charge any additional costs.
Return Policy: Also, check the company’s return policy, including whether they charge any extra cost for sending it back. If you intend to buy it online, inquire if the return policy caters to restocking fees and how the return shipping is handled.
Last Word
Your health and well-being are one of the most valuable things you can ever possess. Throughout teenagehood and your twenties, it’s relatively normal to take our health for granted. After all, we are immune to most diseases, and when we are injured, we heal pretty quickly.
Getting well takes almost no effort, and losing weight does not seem to be a struggle. In fact, the last thing we think about when we are in our teens and twenties is arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes. However, we do not remain in these age brackets for life.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a personal decision. It entails more than brushing your teeth every morning and showering regularly.
It’s more about fine-tuning your body through regular workouts and maintaining your resolve through a proper diet. There is no standard rule for buying the best recumbent elliptical machine for personal use.
But you need to consider your age, endurance level, skill level, and your body weight before settling on the best elliptical fitness bike within your budget.