Features

Some elliptical features can make exercise more entertaining and less painful. And some might do more harm than good.

Electronic programming

Most ellipticals have exercise programs that vary pedaling effort, and some might allow adjustment of the incline electronically as you work out, the way a treadmill allows electronic incline adjustment. Cheaper models might only allow adjustment manually, and not during workouts. By making a workout less boring, an exercise program might get you to use the machine more often. But some programs are easier and more flexible to operate than others.

Ergonomics

Especially check the design of the moving arms and the pedals. On some models, the moving arms are awkwardly angled or block the display. If you hold on to the nonmoving handgrips, make sure the back-and-forth handles don't whack you in the arms. A narrow stance is more natural than widely spaced pedals, and a safety rim around the sides of the pedals can help keep your foot from slipping off.

Heart-rate monitor

All the models we tested come with one or offer it at extra cost. A heart-rate monitor helps you to exercise up to your potential while avoiding dangerous overexertion. A chest-strap monitor is more accurate and convenient than a handgrip or thumb-sensor type.

Pedal arm safety pin

This keeps unsupervised children from using the machine.

Console gadgets

A growing number of manufacturers are loading the console with gadgets such as a CD player, a fan (a full-size fan is more effective), and even an LCD TV. But you might be able to buy those items separately for less. And if they need repair, having them serviced can be a problem.

Added cushioning

Two elliptical exercisers we tested promise bouncier, springier workouts with less impact on your joints. One has flexible pedal arms, "propelling you to the next stride while absorbing impact," as the company puts it. Another machine has an elastic pad between each pedal and supporting arm; moving the pad adjusts the cushioning. But the flexible arms made the machine feel unstable at some speeds, interrupting our testers' cadence. And we question the need for extra pedal cushioning because elliptical exercisers create virtually no impact.

See also:

Treadmills

Infomercial exercisers

Heart-rate monitors

Exercise equipment