best compact elliptical machines

Why you need one of the best compact elliptical trainers on the market - read on.....

So you've made the big step to improve your fitness by working out at home!  BUT you have limited space so need the best compact elliptical machine on the market.  I'm busy researching the most popular and most effective super small trainers that will give you a great workout, despite being compact.  This will help you make the best choice when buying your home exercise equipment, and a space saving feature is important to you.

Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer

The Stamina In-Motion is a great machine to use at home or at work, and coming in way under $100 it is also very affordable. As with any other elliptical your workout is low impact and as your feet don't leave the pedals, it's easy on your joints.  This is my favorite compact elliptical machine!

This trainer has a very small footprint of 21 x 14 x 14 inches and weighs just 30 lbs.  It comes in a choice of 3 colors - black, orange or green - stride and pedal in style.

Can be used seated or standing - why not take it into work with you and multi-task while you work!!  Easily stored under your desk.  Pedals can also be reversed so by varying direction you get a different workout, targeting different leg and glute muscles.  The lack of handles makes you use your core muscles so an added bonus.

This machine does need to be assembled but this can be done in less than 5 minutes.

This is one of the best compact elliptical machines out there as it can really go wherever you go!  Click HERE to find the best price on Amazon.

Key Factors

Monitor your Workout
  • Super compact and lightweight
  • Low price
  • Ideal home exercise equipment and could even take to the office
  • Low impact design
  • Adjustable tension - resistance is quiet - ideal to watch TV while you workout!
  • Electronic monitor to track strides per minute, total strides, workout time and calories
  • Sturdy with non-slip, textured pedals
  • Easy transport and storage
Workout while you Work!

My EU/UK readers can find information on a similar machine here - the Capital Sports Mini Stepper Elliptical Bike!

Stamina InMotion Compact Strider with Cords

The Stamina InMotion Compact Strider with Cords is a variation on the popular Stamina InMotion Elliptical Trainer reviewed above, but due to the resistance tubes you have the added bonus of working your upper body so giving an even more effective workout.

This compact elliptical is super light and portable - my friend has one so she helped me with this review.  This trainer is ideal to use in the comfort of your own home or why not take it to the office?  Use it standing or seated at your desk to get a great cardiovascular workout and help tone both your lower body, plus the resistance cords help strengthen and tone your shoulders, arms and upper body - double the benefit!!

This machine is so compact it can easily be stored in your closet and being priced at just over $100 it is a very affordable compact elliptical.

Key Factors

  • Use standing or sitting - you have the choice!  Or why not vary your workout each day.  There's an adjustable tension feature so you can change the level of intensity and increase it as you get stronger - then you'll be burning even more calories!
  • The foot pedals have a reverse-motion function which allows you to workout you lower body in different ways. Pedal backwards and you'll be working your quadriceps more.  They are also very sturdy and non-slip.


  • Handle for easy portability - to the office or simply to another room in your home.
  • The multi-function monitor displays strides per minute, total number of strides, calories burned and exercise time, helping you stay motivated and track the progress of your workout.
  • Medium resistance tubes with handles that are padded and adjustable
  • A workout DVD is included with your purchase
  • Product Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 12 inches ; 24 pounds

Overall I think this is one of the best compact elliptical trainers giving a great overall workout considering the size of it.  It's sturdy, well made and very quiet.  If you're standing the bands do help you balance too. I'd recommend purchasing an exercise mat, as with any other elliptical machine to protect your floor - read my reviews of the best exercise mats on the market here.

Click here to find the best price available for this super strider!


BUY THIS COMPACT STRIDER HERE


Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper - budget option in the best compact elliptical market!

Another popular space saving machine available in the best compact elliptical market and at a more budget price being under $50!  Exercising with this trainer you have both movement up and down and side to side so can work a variety of muscles. You can adjust the height of the step motions which is a great feature of this smaller machine. Tone up those glutes and thighs with the twisting action on this Stepper and the additional use of the attached resistant bands will give you an awesome upper body workout too - double the action during your workout!

There's a clear LCD display console to track time, calories, rep count and total count.

Key Factors

  • Compact size - 19.69L x 17.32W x 18.19H with product weight of 38.5 lbs
  • A portable elliptical trainer with built-in resistance training from the exercise bands with soft, foam padded handles that work your arms, chest, back, and shoulders for a total body workout.
  • Height adjustment knob adjusts the step motion height, so you can vary your workout for either short bursts or long steps.
  • The footplaces are oversized and slip-resistant so give a good grip on your soles - don't panic that you might fall off during that intense workout!
  • The digital display shows rep count, total count, time and calories burned to keep track of your goals and progression.
  • Maximum user weight 250 lbs
  • Easy to put together

BUY THE SUNNY HEALTH & FITNESS TWISTER STEPPER HERE

Final Word

I do believe you get what you pay for!  I personally think the Stamina InMotion is a better quality product and may last longer.  The Sunny Health & Fitness Stepper has some reviews that say it gets squeaky over time - however a little WD40 can soon fix this!  It really depends on your budget and how much you want to invest in your home exercise equipment.

The final word is that purchasing one of the best compact elliptical machines on the market can give you a quick, very intensive workout - you will definitely work up a sweat in a very short time.  These trainers are ideal for people who say they have very little time because all you need is 15 minutes!

Also take a look at one of my most popular pages reviewing the best space saving elliptical machines here. Have you limited space to exercise? This page can REALLY HELP you make a decision on the purchase of your home exercise equipment!

Why not bookmark this page or add to your RSS Feed and come back soon!

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