Elliptical Trainer

Best Place to Buy an Elliptical: What Are the Best Places to Buy This Machine?

Ellipticals are a great way to start achieving your fitness goals. Since you’re using both legs and arms, an elliptical machine can get you sweaty fast while burning those calories.

But where should you buy an elliptical? From the start, looking for the best place to buy an elliptical can be overwhelming as different shops and brands are selling elliptical trainers.

In addition, aside from buying brand new, there are also convenient options in the used market. You can also buy online or through the pickup in-person option.

If you want to purchase an elliptical, we’ve made a guide on the best place to buy an elliptical. Check it out!

Where Can You Buy the Best Elliptical Models?

Mass Merchants

Knowing where to buy the best elliptical models can be difficult when you’re thinking of adding a brand-new one to your home gym. That’s why we’re here to help you out!

Below are some of the best options when buying brand-new or used ellipticals on the market today.

Mass Merchants

Walmart, Target, Sears, and Costco are mass merchants selling elliptical machines.

These mass merchants like Walmart and Sears often sell top-of-the-line elliptical machine brands such as Schwinn, NordicTrack, and Bowflex.

The only problem when purchasing an elliptical machine from them is they are often installed incorrectly, which constantly brings bad impressions to potential buyers.

In addition, the salesperson is not knowledgeable enough to brief you on the proper way to use an elliptical machine. They aren’t usually experts and are only generally relied upon to sell products.

Also, machines are often unplugged or broken whenever you visit these locations, which potential buyers find annoying.

As a result, most potential buyers will not be able to experience what an elliptical is supposed to be doing, or worst, get on a working machine.

You also have to be aware of the conditions of the products they are selling, as most salespeople and customers treat these machines unjustly, wherein most people come and go, leaving it a mess and all banged up.Although this is a case-to-case basis, most people looking for the best places like these have terrible experiences when looking for an elliptical.

Pros

  • Lots of great deals
  • You can examine different products
  • Potential buyers don’t get lost in the translation
  • You can compare different products if available
  • Shipping is always an option
  • Discounts are always available

Cons

  • Terrible customer service
  • The salesperson is not knowledgeable enough
  • Ellipticals are either broken or unplugged

Mass Merchant Sporting Goods Shops

Mass merchant sporting goods stores differ from mass merchants, as this type of store specializes in sporting goods and fitness.

Stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sports Authority are examples of this.

One of the best features of sporting goods stores is they have plenty for everybody. These stores tend to have both budget and mid-range ellipticals.

In addition, you can also find brands such as NordicTrack, Bowflex, Sole, and even Schwinn in these stores.

This is a good option because they always have something in store for their customers. You can either test the actual unit or something of the same price.

The only problem with these stores is that ellipticals are often already banged up due to hundreds of people coming out to test their products.

When these machines are banged up, it can be quite hard to tell whether an elliptical is poorly made or has been through rigorous abuse.

However, you can still get the best deals in these stores. It’s just a matter of finding the best one in your location. Also, if you happen to live nearby, they almost always offer their clients free shipping.

Pros

  • Convenient location
  • It can save money and gas
  • Free shipping is always an option
  • You can try it out
  • Plenty of brand options are available
  • Discounts are always available

Cons

  • Ellipticals are already banged up from rigorous testings
  • Shady extended warranties
  • Customer service is often frustrating

Fitness Specialty Shops

This option tends to have an abundance of mid-tier to high-end elliptical machines.

One of the advantages of this type of shop is their sales team can always provide good insight about their product.

Also, they always let their customers know what’s good and bad about the product and everything in between.

The only problem we see when buying from these specialty shops is that you are most likely to pay a bit of money for that added premium.

We still feel like it’s a good investment for you to make.

Pros

  • Elliptical machines come in different models
  • They will give you plenty of information and insights about the products
  • Free shipping is available for nearby locations
  • Sales and discounts are always available

Cons

  • You will pay a premium for their products
  • Customer service might be a problem
  • Lacks different brand variants

Buying Online

Buying elliptical machines online has been a trend in recent years.

It’s because of the convenience it brings by simply inputting your details and waiting for your elliptical to arrive at your doorstep.

In addition, you can also look for product reviews online, especially with notable brands such as NordicTrack, Bowflex, and Schwinn.

They have everything you need to know about their products.

From viewing specifications and details and finding customer reviews and testimonials, ordering online is quite a breeze; you can do it while watching TV or doing the laundry.

Nothing beats the convenience it brings when buying products online. You check the model, make your decision, submit your payment, and you’re free to go with whatever you are doing.

Lastly, one good example of why buying online is amazing is because you get promo codes and holiday deals no matter the season.

Some of these deals also include free shipping options!For example, NordicTrack and Bowflex are two of the most popular brands in the world today, giving off free promo deals and coupons for a specific time.

Pros

  • Convenient payment options
  • You can view different models online
  • You can read customer reviews
  • Almost all brand models are available
  • Free shipping options and deals
  • Sales and discounts are available

Cons

  • Shipping costs might be high
  • Risk of getting scammed
  • Longer shipping times

Where Can You Buy the Best Used Elliptical Machine?

Facebook Marketplace

Sometimes, buying a used elliptical machine can save you thousands of bucks, especially if you are on a tight budget. Here are your options:

Facebook Marketplace

One of the best places to buy a used elliptical is via the Facebook marketplace. It allows you to communicate instantly with the actual seller of the product.

You can easily ask questions regarding the product and details and discuss the last price and available pickup locations.

In addition, if you are looking for a used elliptical, it is also best to ask questions regarding the owner’s experience while using the exercise equipment.

Like purchasing online, the Facebook marketplace is home to thousands of products sold.

The experience is like no other, especially when you’re chatting with the owner, and for a good reason, you can easily get bargain deals in the process too!

One downside when looking for used elliptical machines is the risk of getting scammed.

Facebook is home to thousands of scammers, and getting into one should not be in your best interest.

Also, the Facebook marketplace isn’t home to a few brands; it’s quite a toss-up. There are brands you might not have heard of, and there are brands you already know.

There are also issues regarding product qualities, and one seller might tell you their product is good, but when it arrives at your doorstep, it’s not working.

So, whenever you are looking for a used elliptical on the Facebook marketplace, we recommend trying out the product before negotiation starts.

Always look for reliable details about the seller, such as their ratings, testimonials, and reviews, if there are any.

Pros

  • Lots of bargain deals and sales available
  • You can directly communicate with the seller
  • Above-average experience
  • Convenient and always on-the-go
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Open for shipping

Cons

  • Potential of getting scammed
  • Product qualities might not be up to par with the listing

What Are Great Ellipticals to Get?

The best elliptical machine variants always come from some of the most reputable brands in the world today.

No matter the products, brands such as Bowflex, NordicTrack, and Schwinn are good brands to start with.

1. NordicTrack FS10i Elliptical

Pros

  • Heavy duty frame
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • 3 different padel motions
  • Access to unlimited workouts
  • Ideal for all heights and weights

Cons

  • Short warranty
  • No stationary handles

This FS10i elliptical model from NordicTrack is one of the best elliptical machines, and for a good reason, it’s because it comes from a reliable brand.

It’s a great machine if you are trying to target your upper and lower body muscles than sitting idly at home.

One key advantage of this elliptical is its small footprint, which is great for small spaces.

2. Bowflex Max Trainer M6

Pros

  • Small footprint
  • !6 resistance levels
  • It comes with a 1-year subscription
  • Low impact
  • The JRNY app is free

Cons

  • Significantly pricier than other models within the price range
  • Basic display

The M6 elliptical trainer model from Bowflex is a great exercise machine for beginners as it includes features such as a metric monitor, comfortable handlebars, and Bluetooth connectivity.

It also comes with Bowflex’s JRNY app with hundreds of training programs to choose from. This elliptical model has a small footprint, which is a great addition if you have enough room left.

3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905

Pros

  • Good build quality for the price
  • Quiet operation
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy-to-read monitor
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • No included programs
  • Short stride length

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical model is by far one of the most affordable models from this brand.

If you want to save money, this model is a great addition as it includes eight resistance levels and a pulse monitor that tracks your calories burned and heart rate.

Having an elliptical app is a great tool for monitoring different metrics too! This model also has a weight capacity of 220 pounds, which is more than enough for an average-weighted user.

4. Schwinn 470 Elliptical

Pros

  • Good addition to any home gym
  • Affordable
  • Impressive build quality
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Smooth striding

Cons

  • Short warranty on labor

The Schwinn 470 model is a fantastic option for its amazing features. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to connect different apps on your smartphone or tablet.

This model also comes with 29 built-in workout programs, 25 resistance levels, and a 20-inch stride, which is more than enough to start your fitness journey.

Other fitness equipment features include a 10-inch display and a trainer app that tracks your training sessions and performance.

5. Proform Carbon E10

Pros

  • 10″ touchscreen
  • Adjustable stride length
  • Adjustable incline options
  • Decent build quality
  • Quiet operation

Cons

  • No built-in workout programs
  • Max user weight is only 275 pounds

The Proform Carbon E10 is by far the best model from this brand. This model comes with a three-year iFit family membership, long enough for the entire family to get fit.

In addition, it has 16 resistance levels for added variation and oversized cushioned foot pedals for added comfort. What you’ll love about this model is it has heart rate monitors on the handles and a bottle holder.

Things to Consider When Buying From Any Elliptical Brands

Adding an elliptical machine to your home shouldn’t be a hasty decision you have to make. Before heading out to your local store, here are some things you need to consider before buying from any elliptical brands.

Space

On average, exercise equipment such as an elliptical machine usually measures around 5 to 7 feet long and 2 to 3 feet wide.

As a result, you may need an area that is more than eight feet to accommodate various models of ellipticals.

You also need space between the equipment and the ceiling.

All of these factors should be considered to avoid wasting your money. If you don’t have plenty of space in your home gym, we highly recommend treadmills or under-desk ellipticals.

Price

In general, their prices usually range around $800 to $1,200, depending on the model and specifications.

But a used elliptical might be your best option if you are on a tight budget and want to save money.

However, we occasionally don’t recommend buying a used elliptical as it has quite nuances, especially when buying used products.

As much as possible, if you want to know how much an elliptical costs, we highly recommend you purchase your elliptical online or in your local sporting goods store.

This way, you limit the chances of getting scammed because of receiving a wrong or faulty item. It makes sense if what you are getting is from a reputable brand and is functional after you plug it in.

While a used elliptical is a great option, we don’t recommend it; what we recommend is buying a brand-new one, as we consider this a good investment for your money.

Ease of Use

The best elliptical machine should be easy to use and beginner-friendly.

We always recommend trying out various models according to your fitness level to get a good idea of how comfortable you feel operating the machine.

So it makes sense to purchase your first machine in your local store rather than rely on reviews and testimonials made by customers online.

Your routine shouldn’t feel too strenuous or awkward when operating these machines. It should be as free-flowing as possible to get the best experience.

NOTE: As a general rule, whether you want to buy the best elliptical machine online or in your local store, we highly recommend you try the model before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you have additional questions regarding these machines in general, you might find them below. Check it out.

Are All Ellipticals the Same?

No. While there are quite a several similar models regarding ellipticals, there are two types of models; front-driven and Rear-driven models.

You don’t have to be a professional to know the difference between the two. All you have to do is locate the flywheels and where they are located.

The front-driven models have flywheels on the front, whereas the read-driven models have flywheels at the back.

Regardless of which type you choose, they are great for your healthy lifestyle journey.

One type is not superior to the other; you just have to find what will be most comfortable and suitable for you.

How Long Does an Elliptical Last?

There are a lot of factors regarding how long an elliptical will last. Several factors include frequency of use, build quality, and how well the elliptical is maintained.

However, if it’s well maintained, mid to premium-ranged models should last you around 10 to 12 years of good use.

You also have to take into account warranties on different parts and labor. A long warranty can help you decide which models to choose from.

Is Elliptical Good for Belly Fat?

Of course! An elliptical burns calories, which means it can burn belly fat and tone your legs at the same time.

When used properly, this machine targets different body parts, such as the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, biceps, triceps, and back.

An elliptical is a great addition to your home gym if you want to burn belly fat.

If you already have this machine, a treadmill can also be a good purchase, as it has other features that elliptical machines don’t have.

Conclusion

There’s no denying the benefits of elliptical machines for your health and wellness when added to your home gym.

However, weighing the pros and cons of buying used and brand new is important. While there’s nothing wrong with buying a used elliptical to save money, it’s not often the most recommended choice.

Saving for a couple of hundred bucks will surely give you an investment of a lifetime, regardless of where you purchase it, as long as it’s brand new.

We hope this article helped you decide on what option is the best place to buy an elliptical.