If you want a low impact cardio workout, the elliptical trainer may be the right choice for you. If you're getting one for your home gym, you'll see that there are a variety of brands out there...how do you know which one to choose? If budget is an issue, you'll find a few budget elliptical trainers below, ranging from $400-$1,000. If you can, try the elliptical trainer before you buy it to make sure it will work for you.
1. Fitness Quest Eclipse 4100HR/A Elliptical Trainer
For $599, this budget elliptical trainer offers a basic machine for the home exerciser on a budget. It includes arm handles with built-in heart rate monitoring as well as 6 different workout programs to choose from.
2. Schwinn 418 Elliptical Trainer
The Schwinn, at around $499, is a good all-around elliptical for the budget-conscious exerciser. It includes arm handles so you can work the upper body and it also includes 12 workout programs with 8 computer-controlled magnetic resistance levels. What I like about this one is its small profile, perfect if you don't have much space. It also has a longer stride than some ellipticals (18 inches) and articulating foot-plates so you don't have to worry about your feet going numb (a common problem on ellipticals).3. Nordic Track CX 938
The CX 938 has some nice features and, for about $899, is one of the cheaper models put out by Nordic Track. If you can spend more money, you might want a higher quality machine but, for those on a budget, this one is a pretty good buy. Some of the features: magnetic resistance, 10 workout programs, pulse sensors, oversized pedals and fan.4. ProForm 900
This elliptical trainer features dual-action engineering. That's a fancy way of saying it's got arm handles to work both your upper and lower body at the same time. At around $300-$500, it's a good buy and has some interesting features such as the adjustable stride and 10 programmed workouts. The 900 is also a space saver and folds up so you can roll it out of sight. This one has gotten good reviews from consumers and is great if you have multiple users who are different heights.