Tuesday, March 9th
2021 Elliptical Machine Reviews
SOLE Fitness
- Cost: $999.99 to $2,499.99
SOLE Fitness offers an excellent range of elliptical machines for home use - though you may have spotted their fitness equipment in hotel workout rooms! The company manufactures all of their machines to hold up under rigorous use and conditions and has been in operation throughout North America for decades.
Equipment Overview:
- Stride Motion: Flywheel
- Price Range: $999.99 to $2,499.99
- Different Models: 6
- Financing Available: Yes
- Resistance Levels: 20
- Return Policy: 30 days
- Warranty: Lifetime on the frame, 3-5 years (varies by model) on parts and electronics, 1-2 years (varies by model) on labor
- Shipping: Free
Basic Model: Plenty Of Features
There are six models to choose from with this retailer. The entry-level elliptical offered by SOLE is the E25. Rated for users up to 350 lbs., this trainer gives you 20 levels of resistance, a whisper-quiet drive system that eliminates noise, plus handy tech features like Bluetooth audio speakers and an integrated tablet holder. The digital display is relatively low-tech, however: you won't be streaming live exercise sessions, but you can see your workout settings and stats at a glance. Despite being the least advanced of SOLE's ellipticals, the E25 still comes with pulse monitors in the handles and a wireless chest strap, to incorporate your heart rate data into your workout.
Most Advanced Model: Good Value
At the other end of the SOLE spectrum is the E98, described as "commercial grade at a residential price". This elliptical is a terrific option for larger people, with an upper limit of 400 lbs. One of the biggest additions at this end of the price range is the ability to do 10 different preset workouts. You can target your heart rate, fat burn, or even conduct a fitness test from month to month to gauge your progress. The LCD display on the E98 is much more modern than the E25 - though you still won't be streaming workout videos. (You'll have to use the tablet holder for that!)
Reasonable Pricing, Free Delivery
You'll find SOLE's pricing to be right in the middle of the pack: starting just under $1,000 for their most basic elliptical model and going up to $2,500 for their highest-end machine. Curbside delivery is free within the lower 48 United States, or you can pay $59 for garage delivery.
Extraordinary Return Policy
One of the most compelling reasons to get your elliptical machine from SOLE Fitness is their unparalleled return policy - which was already amazing, but has gotten even better since the time of our last review. Not only will you have 30 days to put your trainer to the test, but you'll pay zero restocking fees or shipping costs if you decide to return it. They'll even take care of packaging up the elliptical for the return delivery! If you're at all nervous about buying an expensive piece of exercise equipment, SOLE's customer-friendly guarantee should put your mind at ease.
Delivery Might Take A While
The only downside we found when shopping for an elliptical with SOLE is the long delivery timeframe. In an era when so many of us are working out at home, demand for fitness equipment across the spectrum is at an all-time high, and that's reflected in the availability of SOLE ellipticals: all 6 of their trainers had a 30-day timeframe from purchase to delivery during our most recent visit to the site. However, compared with some elliptical manufacturers, a one-month window isn't too terrible: a few of SOLE's rivals had estimated delivery dates that were three months after the time of purchase!
Best Option For Elliptical Machines
SOLE Fitness continues to be our favorite retailer of elliptical trainers. Customers love that they can get a high-quality machine for a reasonable price, even if it doesn't have all of the most cutting-edge bells and whistles on the market. Plus, with such a generous return policy, SOLE makes it risk-free to get an elliptical machine and really put it to the test before making a final decision. This store easily keeps its first-place ranking among makers of elliptical trainers.
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Where Can You Buy the Best Elliptical Machines?
On the market for more than two decades, these versatile pieces of workout equipment are some of the most popular in fitness centers and home gyms alike. Why? First of all, many people prefer the motion of an elliptical trainer over treadmills because of the decreased impact on joints. Not everyone can hop on a treadmill and run a 5K with painful knees and ankles; using an elliptical machine gives you a high level of cardiovascular exercise without as much strain.
Another advantage of using an elliptical trainer is the ability to get a full-body workout. Although using the handles is optional, most exercisers like to use the push-pull motion to strengthen muscles in the arms, abs and back at the same time as the lower body. Who wouldn't benefit from the efficiency of working out multiple muscle groups at once?
Elliptical Machine FAQ
Continued from above...
Plus, many elliptical machines can be used in different ways: some combine a traditional elliptical system with a recumbent or upright bike, while others let you change the stride motion to more closely resemble a stair stepping machine or even a treadmill. This flexibility makes it likely that you'll use your elliptical trainer for a long time, because you can change the workout to match your mood, your physical capabilities at the moment, your fitness goals, or the other users in your household.
And, if you think that elliptical machines have been left out of the live streaming workout craze, think again! Some of the most advanced models offer large touch screens that can deliver real-time coached workout sessions - and may even allow a trainer access to change your resistance levels or incline during the workout! Even if your elliptical doesn't come with that built-in feature, almost all brands and models have a tablet holder, allowing you to choose your own workout platform and go for it (or just binge a few episodes of your favorite TV show: your choice!).
When choosing the right elliptical machine for your home gym, how can you tell which retailer should get your business? Here are several factors to keep in mind as you shop:
- Selection. How many elliptical trainers does the store carry? The broader the selection, the more likely you'll be able to get exactly what you want without paying for features you don't need.
- Price. Speaking of features, how much will you spend for an elliptical machine at the retailer you're browsing? Is shipping included? Will you have to pay extra to get a more up-to-date console or a different frame color?
- Availability. Home fitness equipment is more popular than ever, and many businesses are feeling the strain of keeping up with demand. Are the ellipticals the retailer advertises actually in stock? Be sure to check delivery timeframes: some stores show that certain models are available for purchase, but when you add one to your cart you might spot some fine print that says that delivery may take up to three months!
- Return Policy. What happens if your elliptical machine is delivered and it doesn't fit where you planned to put it? Or your significant other is too tall (or too short) for the stride length? Not every retailer will allow you to send it back for a refund.
- Reputation. What do other people say about their experience, both with the elliptical machines themselves and with the company overall? Customer reviews and a rating from the Better Business Bureau are two reliable ways of determining how well a retailer is living up to shoppers' expectations.
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best retailers of elliptical machines available today. We hope this information helps you pick the right equipment for your home gym!
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