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Most exercise equipment are limited in their ability to deliver workouts without straining the knee. Unlike other fitness equipment, an elliptical machine offers a knee-friendly, full-body, low-impact cardio workout. Now that you wish not to compromise the health of your knees, getting a low-impact elliptical trainer should be a priority. It is for this reason that we have selected the 7 best ellipticals for bad knees that will help achieve your fitness goals. The ellipticals in our list have been selected for their performance and value for money.
Advantages of having the best elliptical for bad knees
An elliptical machine, unlike other fitness equipment, delivers low-impact exercises. That is why they are preferred for the elderly and people suffering from joint pains or arthritis. They allow you to exercise in an upright posture, exercising your entire body at once. They strengthen your bones and progressively help rehabilitate your joints back to full function. In your healing process, it is advisable to use an elliptical initially. Later on, after full recovery, you can use a treadmill once your joints can sustain the high-impact training.
However, knee pain can only be reversed if an elliptical is used correctly. Your posture while cycling should be upright without leaning forward onto the handlebars.
In comparison to treadmills, ellipticals give you the benefits of cardio exercises without any pressure on your knees. Ellipticals are known to be good for improving lung capacity and cardiovascular endurance. This is very important, especially for athletes. Additionally, you can perform targeted muscle training to improve the strength of your glutes, quads, and calves. The movable handles ensure your upper limbs are exercised, while the opposing resistance levels challenge your legs for an intense but low-impact exercise.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Elliptical for Bad Knees
1. Resistance levels
The resistance levels are important factors to consider when buying ellipticals. Adjustable resistance levels allow you to change the intensity of your workout depending on your fitness need. Also, consider the type of resistance. The resistance can be magnetic or fan-based, depending on the model. Magnetic resistance is smoother and quieter, thus provides a more consistent workout that simulates a natural experience. On the other hand, fan-based wheel resistance demands minimal maintenance and is practical for cheaper bikes.
2. Type of Bike
Bikes are classified in a variety of ways.
Ellipticals can be classified as recumbent or upright.
Upright exercise bikes resemble normal bikes. The pedals are positioned below the hips. Step-on ellipticals offer the benefits of low-impact cardio exercises without straining your knees. However, they may be limited in various ways in terms of height.
A recumbent bike features a broad and more comfortable seat, which can be adjusted to enhance user comfort. The recumbent bike also incorporates an ergonomic design that allows the transition of pedals in a laid-back posture, thus minimizing stress on the knees. Recumbent bikes tend to give more advantages for people with bad knees.
Bikes can also be classified into four other categories based on the positioning of the flywheel. The groupings are as follows:
- Center-drive ellipticals have their flywheels positioned centrally. The design is compact, thus saving space in a confined room. The center-drive elliptical is loved since it gives you a natural feeling of jogging or walking.
- Rear-drive ellipticals have their flywheels located behind the user. It is designed to simulate cycling in an elliptical motion. The rear-drive elliptical is very stable, keeping you in an upright posture for effective workouts.
- Front-drive ellipticals have their flywheel located in front of the user. They are mostly preferred due to their simplicity and fair costs. However, front-drive ellipticals force you to lean forwards to gain stability.
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Adjustable incline
An adjustable incline works hand-in-hand with variable resistance levels to deliver all-rounded workouts. You can adjust or add something new to your exercise routine. Automatic or manual, adjustable inclines make your exercises more dynamic.
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Smooth and quiet motion
Having an elliptical that permits both forward and backward motion is paramount. A broader range of motions makes your exercise more engaging. However, it is equally important to ensure that your drive system is smooth and quiet while operating in order for you not to bother people around you.
The Top 7 Best Ellipticals for Bad Knees On Amazon
1. NordicTrack Elite 10.9 Elliptical – Best overall
The NordicTrack Elite 10.9 Elliptical is the perfect choice for you. NordicTrack has built a reputation for manufacturing high-quality products at reasonable prices.
If you’re a lover of an intense workout but feel your bad knee is limiting you, the NordicTrack Elite 10.9 got you covered as it provides a high-intensity workout without exposing you to any risks that come with high impact exercises.
An engaging 7-inch interactive screen streams iFit workouts to your equipment in real-time, making it easy to keep track of your progress. A built-in workout fan keeps you cool as you pedal. The 20-pound, inertia-enhanced flywheel offers a smooth and quiet workout, while the oversized cushioned pedals keep your feet firmly planted in place. Plus, the 350-pound weight capacity means that users of all sizes can exercise on the machine.
This elliptical has 32 pre-set workout programs that give you an immersive and rewarding experience. It is perfect for working for multiple muscle groups at a time with its 24 resistance levels and a 10% incline. Grab yourself a NordicTrack Elite 10.9 Elliptical machine and enjoy the fantastic features that come with it.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Accompanied by a reliable warranty for parts and labor
- Smooth, quiet & comfortable
- High weight capacity
- Very steady and comfortable
- Compatible with iFit
Cons
- Occupies much space
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Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer – Best for knee pain
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The Teeter FreeStep Croos Trainer is one of our top picks of the best elliptical for bad knees. In as much as other ellipticals offer low-impact workouts that put no stress in your knees, this recumbent elliptical adds a finer touch to your recovery. Because of its reclined seat, the Teeter FreeStep relieves stress from your joints and back. This way, you can exercise for a long time without fatigue.
Additionally, the LT3 is very easy to use. The console is simple to use. It has buttons that you can use to assess time spent, distance covered, speed and calories burnt. The incline of the seat can be adjusted using a tension knob located under the seat. You can change the angle of the seat to a comfortable level.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Very comfortable
- Smooth and quiet motion
- Gives value for money
- Comes with a reliable warranty
Cons
- A little pricey but worth every penny
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3. ProForm Endurance 920 E Elliptical – Best elliptical for small spaces
The ProForm Endurance 920 is an amazing, affordable machine with 32 workout apps. This is one of the most robust, safe, and accessible fitness equipment of all. It is built to ensure a smooth upper and lower body workout with no impact directed on the knee joints. It’s equipped with well-cushioned pedals for safety and stability.
It features an iPod-compatible audio, a tablet, and a bottle holder for convenience throughout your workout session. With its 0 to 20-degree adjustable power ramp, you can perform challenging exercises within the comfort of your house. By simply touching a button, the ramp adjusts your incline, enabling you to focus on specific muscle groups.
This elliptical trainer has a fixed stride that provides 24 resistance levels aligned with high inertia, high speed, and a perimeter weighted flywheel that delivers a quiet and smooth workout experience. It features a heart rate monitor for continuous tracking of your heart rate.
This machine is packed with lots of features to give you the ultimate workout experience. Grab the ProForm Endurance 920 E Elliptical machine today and shake off the excuse for not exercising after a knee injury!
Pros
- Enough resistance for excellent quality exercise
- Strong and solid
- Tablet and water holder for storage
- Mp3 player capacity
- Highly effective and versatile
Cons
- Some users find the stride length not short
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4. Schwinn 410 Compact Elliptical Machine- Best budget
If you are tight on space and budget, the Schwinn 411 is best for you. It gives you the full benefits of an elliptical, delivering low-impact exercises with a very small footprint. The 18-inch stride length is perfect for short persons. A streamlined console and wireless heart rate monitors make your exercises convenient.
This elliptical trainer is affordable and durable, with settings for up to two users, 16 levels of resistance, and 20 training programs, which is a good option for your home.
It features a USB port and data exchange, which allows users to stay connected while working out. You can keep track of your workout goals on the digital screen.
This elliptical is not only pocket-friendly but gives you the best workout experience. This is a wonderful piece of equipment that will not help you through your knee injury but also give you a full-body workout.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Strong and solid
- Easy to assemble
- Multi-speed cooling fan
- Smooth and quiet
Cons
- No adjustable pedals
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Nautilus E618 Elliptical – Most comfortable
The Nautilus E618 is one of the best ellipticals for bad knees. It is remarkably comfortable, and the upright position is very stable. Enjoy the natural stride that its cushioned pedals offer, plus the movable handles that will keep your upper body engaged.
An adjustable incline allows you to pitch the seat at an appropriate angle to exercise specific muscle groups. The adjustable resistance levels allow you to vary the intensity of your workout based on your needs.
29 preset workout programs designed for heart rate training will help you build cardiovascular endurance while facilitating HIIT exercises. You can also lose weight on this elliptical. Customizable training options are also available.
Pros
- Good for weight loss and HIIT
- Smooth, natural stride
- Gives great value for money
- Has its own fitness app
- Great for targeted muscle training
Cons
- A little noisy
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6. Stamina InMotion Compact Strider Pro
If you are looking for a simple elliptical machine for an effective cardio workout in the comfort of your office or home but are worried about your limited space, the Stamina InMotion Compact Strider is the perfect choice for you. It features an easy-to-read monitor, enabling you to keep track of your exercise metrics easily.
With its low-impact elliptical motion, you can either use it standing or sitting.
It is a lightweight design that makes it portable for easy storage. This way, you can conveniently fit your cardio exercise into your daily schedule without difficulty.
It features non-slip pedals that hold your feet in place, enabling you to enjoy a low-impact, joint-friendly workout while you focus on your work. With this machine, you can always get back in shape.
Pros
- Easy to move
- Fruitful results
- Sturdy design that will last long
- Gets the job done
- Smooth motion
Cons
- Somehow squeaky if assembled improperly
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7. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Elliptical
The SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer is stable, safe, and affordable fitness equipment. It provides low-impact cardio exercises, giving you all the benefits of walking, skiing, or running.
It features a digital LCD monitor that displays the calories burnt, time spent, and total distance covered. With its adjustable abdominal pad, you can step up your comfort by moving it up and down. It’s foldable, making it easier to store within a limited space.
This machine targets muscles both in your arms and legs, and by maintaining an upright posture, you get a total body workout every time you exercise.
The SF-E902 is one of the best ellipticals for bad knees listed in this post.
Pros
- Solid machine
- Quiet workout
- Affordable
- Its close-pact design makes it suitable for home use
- Easy to move
Cons
- No negative review of this product has been reported so far
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FAQs on elliptical bikes
1. Between an elliptical and a treadmill, which one is better?
The main difference is that ellipticals are better at providing low-impact training than treadmills. Treadmills offer a variety of exercises that entail speed, terms of incline, and more vigorous training that improve your body fitness.
2. Can you reduce belly fat using an elliptical machine?
Yes. You can lose belly fat through an elliptical machine. However, you have to involve more intense workouts for long durations for quick results. An elliptical is so effective that you can lose about 300 calories in half an hour.
3. Is 20 minutes enough on an elliptical bike?
This will depend on various factors, but a person who weighs about 155 pounds can do away with 260 calories after around 30 minutes on a bike.
Wrap Up
A bad knee shouldn’t stop you from being fit. Grab one of the ellipticals in our list of the Top 7 best ellipticals for bad knees, and pedal your way to recovery. We hope that our comprehensive review shall be of great use to you. Good luck!
Last update on 2023-05-10 at 11:18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API