Buying an elliptical should be simple, not stressful. This guide translates spec sheets into real-world benefits for Aussie homes and gyms [1].
Ready to browse? See the full range of ellipticals now.
- Why choose an elliptical?
- Customer favourites: quick picks
- Fit & comfort: stride length
- Resistance & flywheel
- Incline & muscle targeting
- Console, programs & connectivity
- Size, step-up height & ceilings
- Stability, weight capacity & build
- Budget tiers for Australian buyers
- Quick picks by use-case
- Pre-purchase checklist
- FAQ
- References
Why choose an elliptical?
Ellipticals deliver low-impact, full-body cardio with moving arms and a smooth pedal path [1].
They’re joint-friendly versus running and work for steady fat-burn or HIIT at home [1][4].
If you’re comparing cardio machines, an elliptical sits between a treadmill and a bike for muscle use and impact [4][5].
Customer favourites: quick picks
York Active 100 Cross Trainer
Reliable, compact and budget-friendly
The York Fitness Active 100 Cross Trainer is built for everyday fitness at home, combining comfort, reliability, and value. With 8 levels of manual resistance, large cushioned footplates, and pulse sensors for easy monitoring, it’s perfect for beginners through to intermediate users – all at an affordable price.
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Sole E25 Cross Trainer
Premium performance, club-quality build
The Sole E25 Cross Trainer delivers a smooth, quiet workout with a heavy 9 kg flywheel, 20 resistance levels, and power incline. Its 20-inch stride and ergonomic design ensure comfort, while the 7.5-inch LCD and SOLE+ app keep workouts engaging. With a lifetime warranty, it's a reliable, high-end choice for home fitness.
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Lifespan Fitness XT-39 Folding Cross Trainer
Space‑saving, smooth‑performance home essential
The Lifespan XT‑39 Folding Cross Trainer combines gym‑quality features with smart design. It offers a heavy-duty 8 kg front flywheel, 16 levels of Variable Automatic Resistance (VAR), and a generous 50 cm stride for joint‑friendly workouts. Its foldable frame makes it space-efficient, while 10 workout programs, reversible motion, and a 12‑month warranty ensure reliability and versatility at home.
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Lifespan Fitness X-41 Cross Trainer
Smart, smooth, space-friendly performance
The Lifespan Fitness X‑41 Cross Trainer delivers exceptionally smooth, near‑silent workouts thanks to its 8 kg magnetic flywheel, belt drive, and electric Variable Automatic Resistance (16 levels). With a generous 46 cm stride, reversible motion, integrated LCD display, pulse sensors, and onboard programmes, it’s compact, easy to assemble, and ideal for tight spaces.
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Sole E35 Cross Trainer
Entertainment-rich, commercial-grade build quality
The Sole E35 Cross Trainer blends a heavy 11 kg flywheel, 20 levels of magnetic resistance, power incline and a lengthy 20-inch stride for smooth workouts. Its 10.1-inch touch screen streaming YouTube, Netflix and other apps—and compatibility with SOLE+, Kinomap, and Strava—means workouts are engaging and varied. Add in wireless charging, and a lifetime warranty and you have a durable, high-end elliptical that elevates home training.
Shop NowFit & comfort: stride length
What it is: stride length is the front-to-back distance your feet travel each stroke. It must match the user’s height for a natural feel [1][2].
Guidelines: Taller users (≈180–200 cm) feel best at ~50–51 cm; shorter users (<160 cm) often prefer ~35–40 cm. Many homes do well around 45–46 cm [1].
Sharing the machine? Consider adjustable-stride ellipticals so everyone’s gait feels right [1].
Resistance & flywheel
Magnetic systems are smooth, quiet and low-maintenance. Manual magnetic uses a dial; motorised/ECB lets you change levels by buttons and run built-in programs [1].
More levels = finer control. 16–20+ levels suit progression and intervals; 8 manual levels are coarser but simple [1].
Flywheel weight supports smoothness and stronger top-end resistance. Around 8–10 kg feels fluid for most home users [1].
Incline & muscle targeting
Power incline raises the pedal path for a steeper “climb”, engaging more glutes and hamstrings for variety and intensity [1].
It’s popular with intermediate to advanced users and runners cross-training. If you value hills and progression, shop power-incline ellipticals [1].
Note: higher inclines raise max pedal height, so check ceiling clearance (see Size section) [1].
Console, programs & connectivity
Consoles range from simple monochrome LCDs with preset programs to full touchscreens with Wi-Fi apps and Bluetooth [1].
Heart-rate control (HRC) programs auto-adjust resistance to keep you in a target zone; chest-strap telemetry is most accurate [1][2].
If you love guided training and metrics, choose a model with richer programs, Bluetooth/app sync, and chest-strap support [1].
Size, step-up height & ceilings
Measure your space. Rear-drive units can be shorter front-to-back; front-drive models with incline often need more length [1].
Step-up height matters for low ceilings and accessibility. As a rule of thumb: user height + step-up height + a little clearance should be under your ceiling [1].
Tight on space? Consider compact & folding ellipticals designed for apartments and multipurpose rooms [1].
Stability, weight capacity & build
Heavier frames, wide bases, dual-rail pedal tracks and leveling feet improve stability and safety at speed or for heavier users [1].
Noise stays low with magnetic drives and proper assembly/maintenance; a mat reduces floor vibration [1].
Match user weight well below the max rating for best feel and longevity, and check warranty/service terms in Australia [1].
Budget tiers for Australian buyers
Sub-$500: basic manual-magnetic units for light use and tiny spaces. Expect short stride, limited stability and simple consoles [1].
$500–$1000: the sweet spot for value: motorised resistance, longer strides (~45–46 cm), heart-rate programs and sturdier frames [1].
$1500–$2500: near-commercial feel with incline, higher resistance, excellent stability and stronger warranties. Above ~$2500, returns diminish for most homes [1].
Quick picks by use-case
Space-limited: Choose a compact or folding model that still offers a long stride. Browse our compact ellipticals [1].
Multiple users / mixed heights: Go longer stride (~50–51 cm) or pick adjustable-stride so everyone’s comfortable [1][2].
Hill lovers & glute focus: Pick a power-incline elliptical for steeper climbs and muscle variety [1].
Heavy daily use / semi-commercial: Look at commercial cross trainers with higher capacities, dual rails and long warranties [1].
Best all-rounder segment: Many Aussie households land in the $500–$1000 or $1500–$2500 brackets for the best balance of features, feel and lifespan [1].
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match stride length to your height; pick adjustable stride if sharing. [1]
- Choose magnetic resistance level range that suits your goals (ideally 16–20+). [1]
- Prefer 8–10 kg flywheels for smoother feel and stronger top-end. [1]
- Decide if power incline is valuable for your training. [1]
- Confirm footprint, step-up height and ceiling clearance. [1]
- Check stability features, weight capacity and warranty/service. [1]
Explore all current ellipticals to compare features side-by-side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stride length do I need? Most adults are comfortable at 45–46 cm. If you’re ~180–200 cm, aim for ~50–51 cm; under ~160 cm, 35–40 cm can feel better [1][2].
Is power incline worth it? Yes if you want hills, extra glute/hamstring work, and more variety. It’s common in mid-to-higher models and boosts calorie burn without more speed [1].
How heavy should the flywheel be? Around 8–10 kg supports smooth momentum and stronger resistance, especially at higher levels [1].
Front-drive or rear-drive? Rear-drive can be shorter in length, while some front-drives with incline need more space. Focus on stride feel and stability over the label [1].
Can an elliptical fit under a low ceiling? Check step-up height. Add your height + step-up height and ensure it’s under the ceiling with a little buffer [1].
Do I need heart-rate programs? They’re great for guided training or rehab. Look for chest-strap compatibility for accuracy; grip sensors are convenient but less precise [1][2].
References
- Elliptical Trainers: Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide (Australia), 2025. Internal research whitepaper used throughout this guide.
- A Guide to Common Elliptical Parts and Features, Elliptical-Reviews.com. Available: https://elliptical-reviews.com/blog/guide-common-elliptical-parts-features/
- How to Choose an Elliptical Trainer, inSPORTline Advisor. Available: https://www.insportline.eu/advisor/6-how-to-choose-an-elliptical-trainer-
- Which Is Better: The Treadmill, Elliptical, or Bike?, Shape. Available: https://www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/elliptical-vs-treadmill
- Treadmill vs Exercise Bike vs Elliptical, Northern Fitness. Available: https://www.northernfitness.ca/blogs/news/elliptical-vs-treadmill-vs-bike
- Sole Fitness AU — E25/E35 Product Pages (console, pedals, incline, specs). Available: https://solefitness.com.au/
Still unsure? Compare specs across our full elliptical range, or narrow your search to adjustable-stride, power-incline, compact, or commercial cross trainers.
