What is the best heavy duty elliptical for a big guy – a question in the minds of many plus-size people who want to introduce cardio exercise into their daily workouts.
Elliptical machines are arguably the best cardiovascular machines we have around… more on that later.
An elliptical is a motionless machine, which helps you keep fit by simulating running, walking, or even hill climbing and other low-impact exercises.
If you want to introduce a twist in your day-to-day workout activities, consider investing in one of the top elliptical machines for big guys.
Using a cross trainer is easy as ABC. All you need to do is stand on the pedals, grab the handles and move your legs in a back-and-forth motion.
The cardiovascular machine is easy to use but quite effective when it comes to burning calories and keeping your body fit.
An elliptical machine is easy to move around and takes up much lesser space than a treadmill. This makes it the perfect equipment for your home gym.
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The following is a table summarizing some of the best cross trainer for big guys:
| Elliptical | Capacity | Stride Length | Upper Body Work | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProForm Hybrid Elliptical | 350 Lbs | 18″ | Yes | View |
| Schwinn 430 Elliptical | 300 Lbs | 20″ | Yes | View |
| Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical | 400 Lbs | 20″ – 22″ | No | View |
| NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i | 325 Lbs | 18″ | No | View |
| Captiva Yowza Fitness | 400 Lbs | 18″ – 22″ | No | View |
Benefits of Elliptical Exercise
Elliptical exercise, like treadmill exercise, is one of the best cardiovascular workouts there is.
Elliptical exercise, like other cardiovascular workouts, helps improve aerobic capacities and burn calories.
The following are some of the specific elliptical benefits – enough reasons for you to finally make that decision and buy one of the top-rated ellipticals.
- Cross-training: Most modern trainers come equipped with moveable handles. This allows you to exercise the upper and lower bodies simultaneously.
- Reverse stride: Most modern ellipticals have the capability for you to stride in reverse. This helps activate different muscle groups than a treadmill would.
- Non-impact conditioning: Unlike treadmill exercise, elliptical exercise allows your body to emulate a running motion – without causing an impact on joints.
- Lower exertion: Studies have shown that with elliptical exercise you can burn more calories with less effort.
- Unlike other cardiovascular workout equipment, an elliptical cross-trainer lets you mimic many different exercise types.
According to Dr. Edward Laskowski, cross trainers are better than treadmills for basic aerobic workouts. You can read more about this at Mayo Clinic.
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Different Types of Elliptical Machines
The following are the different types of cross trainers for big guys you can choose for your cardiovascular workouts.
Compact Elliptical
This is a very simple elliptical . Ideal when you don’t have enough space for a full-sized elliptical.
Even though it lacks one of the most important features of a treadmill (the rear drive), it is perfect for the office or home gym as it doesn’t take up much space.
Foldable Elliptical
This can be viewed as a variation of the compact elliptical trainers. The elliptical is designed in a way that makes it easy to fold and tuck away.
With these trainers, you get to enjoy the benefits of a full sized machine while still saving on storage space.
Front Drive Elliptical
These cross trainers have their drive mechanism located at the front. Using this trainer is similar to using a stair climber.
Since the drive mechanism is located under the front console, your body tends to move forward as you stride. This gives you distinguishable workout experience.
Rear Drive Elliptical
With these trainers, the drive mechanism is located at the back. It is perfect if you want your workouts to simulate walking or jogging.
Since the trainer drive mechanism is located behind the foot pedals, using the elliptical delivers a more balanced and centered user experience.
Center Drive Elliptical
This model of the elliptical is one of the newest kids on the block. The elliptical drive mechanism is located on either side of the trainer.
The relatively compact elliptical offers a smooth and quiet workout experience.
Hybrid Elliptical Trainers
This state of the art cross trainer is a cross between a normal elliptical and a stationary bike. You have the option of working out while sitting or standing.
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Heavy Duty Elliptical for Big Guys Reviews 2024
In this post, I will cover 400 lbs, 350 lbs, 300 lbs, and 200 lbs ellipticals for heavy people… This way, you will be able to easily figure out the best elliptical for your weight
ProForm Hybrid Elliptical Review (Elliptical 350 Weight Capacity)
This is one of the best cross trainers for big guys that can support up to 350 lbs.
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 46.5 x 25.8 x 18 inches
- Unit Weight: 149 lbs
- The best elliptical for heavy person has a max user weight of 350 lbs
- Upper bodywork: Yes
- Stride length: 15”
- Programs: 16
- Heart rate control: YES, Contact HR sensor
- Warranty: 5 years on frame, 90 days on parts & labor
View the Elliptical on Amazon
Why You Should Consider it
As the name suggests, the ProForm Hybrid is hybrid in nature. It offers 2 in 1 functionality of both a recumbent bike and an elliptical.
You can transform the ProForm elliptical machine to a recumbent bike in three easy steps.
To reduce shock and impact on joints associated with workouts, the best elliptical for home is fitted with cushioned foot pedals.
To make your workout sessions easy, the high weight capacity elliptical comes with 16 built-in workout programs designed by a certified personal trainer.
The ProForm Hybrid elliptical features integrated water bottle and tablet holders.
For ease of movement inside the house, the best elliptical for heavy person is fitted with transport wheels.
What We Don’t Like About it
The elliptical 350 lb weight capacity comes with relatively basic console features.
The cross trainer for over 300 pounds does not have incline ability.
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Exerpeutic 1000Xl Elliptical Review (Elliptical for 300 lbs)
This is one of the best cross trainers for big guys that can support up to 300 lbs.
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 58 x 33 x 12 inches
- Unit Weight: 81 pounds
- Max user weight: Up to 300lbs
- Upper bodywork: Yes
- Stride length: 13”
- Programs: 0
- Heart rate control: YES, Contact HR sensor
- Warranty: 3 years limited
View the Elliptical on Amazon
Why You Should Consider This Trainer
The Exerpeutic 1000XL elliptical is a heavy-duty magnetic resistance cross-trainer that you should consider if your budget is less than 500 dollars.
To provide a more challenging workout, the best rated elliptical has 8-level magnetic tension resistance adjustments.
The 1000XL cross trainer has a large LCD display that shows you the distance, speed, time and calories burned.
To help you monitor your heart rate, the elliptical for home comes fitted with a Target zone monitor.
This is arguably the quietest elliptical in the market. The trainer’s balanced flywheel sand V-belt drive provides a smooth and quiet operation.
The Exerpeutic 1000XL elliptical is designed in a way that eliminates bouncy movements thus allowing you smooth workout experience.
The elliptical’s large pedals are designed in a way that prevents slippage thus ensuring your safety.
For easy room relocation, the cardiovascular training machine features transportation wheels. It is safe to call it a portable elliptical.
What We Don’t Like About it
The elliptical has a 13” stride, which is not sufficient for most tall people.
The trainer doesn’t come with any training program.
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Nautilus E614 Elliptical Review
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 50 x 34 x 22 inches
- Unit Weight: 186 pounds
- Max user weight: 300 lbs
- Upper bodywork: Yes
- Stride length: 20”
- Programs: 22
- Heart rate control: YES Contact HR sensor
- Warranty: 10 year on frame, 2 year on parts, 1 year on electronics, 90 days on labor
View the Elliptical on Amazon
Why You Should Consider it
The Nautilus E614 Elliptical is a great-looking trainer that incorporates cutting-edge design and technology.
The modern elliptical features DualTrack LCD monitor – a large primary display and a small secondary display.
With the dual display feature, you can prop up on the large display and still view your workout data on the smaller one.
Unlike most traditional cross-trainers, this one comes with a USB port. You can use the port for charging or for exporting workout data to myfitnesspal.com or nautilusconnet.com.
To accommodate even the tallest member of the family, the best elliptical for home use boasts a 20-inch stride length.
Nautilus knows that good things come in twos and thus included two user profiles in the E614 elliptical. You have one profile for yourself and the other for your spouse or friend.
The trainers 22 inbuilt workout programs, coupled with its 20 levels of current/magnetic resistance, makes it the best elliptical for all ages and levels of fitness.
To make your workout sessions as cool and comfortable as possible, the elliptical comes with a three-speed adjustable fan.
Acoustic chambered speakers, ESB port, and MP3 input port for all your music purposes.
What We Don’t Like About it
Even though Nautilus E614 Elliptical boasts six levels of inclines (which is great for its price), the inclines are manually adjusted.
To adjust from one incline to the other, you’ll have to pause the workout session. They need to automate this.
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Schwinn 430 Elliptical Review
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 70 x 28 x 71 inches (L x W x H)
- Unit Weight: 160 lbs
- Max user weight: 300 lbs
- Upper bodywork: Yes
- Stride length: 20”
- Programs: 22
- Heart rate control: YES Contact HR sensor
- Warranty: 10 years on the frame 2 years on mechanical parts 1 year on electrical parts 90 days on labor
View the Elliptical on Amazon
Why You Should Consider This Trainer
The Schwinn 430 is yet another great elliptical under 1000 dollars.
The front-drive elliptical delivers both lower and upper body cardiovascular workouts without being harsh on your joints.
The elliptical features a dual track LCD window system. With this feature, you can monitor up to 13 different display feedbacks.
The 22 built-in programs and 2 user profiles make the Schwinn 430 an elliptical for the whole family.
The elliptical features a USB port for charging and export of workout data. You export the data for tracking purposes and maintenance of up-to-date date.
To make your workout sessions smooth and quiet, the elliptical features 20 levels of resistance, and a high-speed high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel.
What We Don’t Like About it
Even though the elliptical comes with transport wheels for easier movements around the house, it doesn’t fold for easy storage and space saving.
The elliptical comes with a fan but it is not as powerful as those in expensive trainers are.
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review
This is one of the best 300 lb capacity elliptical for home use.
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 70.1 x 28.2 x 63.2 inches
- Unit Weight: 186 pounds
- Max user weight: 300
- Upper bodywork: Yes
- Stride length: 20”
- Programs: 29
- Heart rate control: Yes – Grip
- Warranty: Frame: 10 years, Mechanical: 2 years, Electrical: 1 year, Labor: 90 days
View the Elliptical on Amazon
Why You Should Consider This
If you are looking to buy a powerful yet affordable cardiovascular training machine, then you should consider the Schwinn 470. You can get the elliptical for under $1000.
To ensure smooth and quiet workout sessions, the Schwinn 470 Elliptical boasts 25 levels of resistance and a high-speed high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel.
The powerful yet affordable elliptical comes with a USB port for charging and data exchange/export.
To help you monitor your workout progress effectively, the elliptical features dual-track two LCD window systems. You can monitor up to 13 different display feedbacks.
To ensure that you stay on track towards reaching your fitness goals, the cross-trainer comes with the Schwinn Connect goal tracking.
To make sure the elliptical serves people of all fitness levels, the Schwinn 470 comes with 29 built-in workout programs.
The elliptical’s 4 user profiles makes it perfect for the whole family.
What We Don’t Like About it
This best elliptical for heavy person has an incline of up to 10°. Although this incline is better than zero inclining, other trainers offer up to 20° incline, which is great intensity.
The Schwinn 470 Elliptical offers heart rate monitoring from handgrips, which is great. Unfortunately, they come with a heart strap monitor included.
Gazelle Edge Elliptical Review (Elliptical for 250 lbs)
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 43 x 28 x 53.8 inches
- Heart rate control: No
- Warranty: At the request
- Unit Weight: 42 pounds
- The elliptical has a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds
- Upper bodywork: Yes
- Stride length: Free
- Programs: 0
View the Elliptical on Amazon
One of the best home ellipticals under 500 dollars, the Gazelle Edge trainer is a great elliptical for both lower and upper body cardiovascular workouts.
This elliptical is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness – both beginners and experienced.
The trainer features an easy-to-use computer that provides you with immediate feedback on distance, time, speed and calories burned.
For extra comfort and reduced shock to the hands, the elliptical has its handlebars covered with high-density form.
You can easily fold and tuck away this trainer letting you save on space in your home gym.
For added stability, the elliptical features wide, non-skid foot platforms.
What we don’t like about it
To prevent squeaking and sticking, you need to lubricate the cables regularly.
The computer is not so accurate especially when it comes to calories burned.
FAQs
Do ellipticals have weight limits?
Do ellipticals help lose belly fat?
Is 30 minutes of elliptical enough?
Best Heavy Duty Elliptical Buying Guide
Are in the market to buy the best budget elliptical? Here is my elliptical buying guide to help you along the way…
Basically, I’ll be covering the main things to consider before buying the best elliptical for your home gym.
Not getting the best elliptical does not only mean a waste of your hard-earned money but also not achieving your desired workout results.
The following are the main things you need to keep in mind when shopping for an elliptical…
Your budget
Before you set out on the mission of finding the best elliptical for the money, first consider your budget. How much are willing to invest in this machine?
We have cross-trainers ranging from as low as under 100 dollars and as high as over 5000 dollars.
If you don’t feel like spending much on the elliptical, consider one that will cost you $100 or less.
But remember, you will always get what you pay for!
I’m not telling you to invest thousands of dollars on a cross-trainer… all I’m saying is this: buy the features, not the price.
Just don’t sacrifice important features to save a few hundred dollars.
Space and design
Ellipticals come in different shapes and sizes.
Consider the space you have in your home gym and then choose a machine that will work with that space. A compact elliptical is perfect for small spaces.
To save on space, go for a foldable elliptical – a trainer that you can easily fold and tuck away when not in use.
If you plan to move the elliptical around the room (this is inevitable at times), go for a machine that has wheels.
Brake and resistance system and flywheel
The flywheel’s weight and brake & resistance system influence the overall feel of the elliptical, its durability, and its quietness.
Go for elliptical that use magnets to create resistance and have eddy current brake systems and you’ll not go wrong.
Console
Even though this comes down to personal preferences, an elliptical with entertainment options is much better than one without.
For Android/Apple compatibility, built-in speakers, internet connectivity, LCD screens and MP3 compatibilities go for the elite elliptical.
Built-in workout programs
The workout programs are usually designed by certified trainers and are aimed at making workouts varied and less boring.
A good elliptical should have a few workout programs to keep you going.
Warranty
Although mostly overlooked by most buyers, a warranty is one of the most important factors you need to consider before exchanging your hard-earned cash for that machine.
Most manufacturers have varying terms for the frame, parts (mechanical and electrical) and labor.
A warranty gives you peace of mind as it acts as an assurance of quality and trust.
Elliptical Maintenance / Elliptical Repair
Like cars, elliptical machines regular maintenance. Elliptical maintenance helps extend the machine’s life. Some manufacturers will void warranties for a poorly maintained elliptical.
Maintenance activities can be divided into daily activities, monthly activities, and bi-annual activities.
Daily elliptical maintenance activities
- Wipe the product clean using a clean with a dampened towel.
- Check if all the parts are working properly and secure any loose screws.
Monthly elliptical maintenance tasks
- Inspect power cord and grips for damage.
- Make sure all the parts are secure and tighten any loose screws.
- Clean the elliptical with a clean damped towel.
Bi-annual tasks
- Carefully vacuum the elliptical. Start by turning off, unplugging the unit and removing the cover.
- Check the drive for wear.
- Inspect stride operation
As for the elliptical repair, contact your manufacturer or look for an elliptical repair service provider near you.
Conclusion
Plus-size ellipticals are elliptical trainers designed for use by both men and women. The frame of these ellipticals is made from heavy steel, which means it is very sturdy and unlikely to get damaged during use.
The foot pedals on these ellipticals can be adjusted easily to accommodate users of different heights.
They also come with electronic resistance control. In order to increase the level of difficulty, you can increase the amount of resistance electronically, instead of pedaling faster. This also helps to simulate the effects of real-world exercise.
These ellipticals can be folded up for storage. They also come with wheels on the bottom, so you can easily move them from one place to another.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the most comprehensive “best budget heavy-duty elliptical” post on the internet.
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Ps. If you are on a budget and can’t afford a new elliptical, consider buying a used elliptical machine.