Arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause debilitating pain for those who have it. But while movement may be uncomfortable for arthritis sufferers, it is a key way to relieve arthritic symptoms, and to ensure you maintain general health and wellness.
Those with arthritis can and should exercise – it’s just a matter of finding the best way to do so. Elliptical cardio machines, also known as cross trainers, may be the answer.
What is an elliptical cross trainer? And what is the best elliptical for arthritis? In this guide we break down a few options, to help you find a cardio machine that will allow you to enjoy exercise in comfort.
Why are ellipticals good for arthritis?
Ellipticals and cross trainers have a reputation for delivering perhaps the gentlest, lowest impact cardio workout of any machine on the market.
‘Low impact’ exercise machines are designed to minimise jarring movements, and to get your body moving smoothly and fluidly. In the case of an elliptical, it replicates the motion of jogging, but without the potentially painful impacts that you’d normally feel with every step.
The up and down action of feet on ground is replaced by a flowing circular motion that is far easier on arthritic joints. Ellipticals also get your arms moving, creating a full-body workout than a run won’t deliver.
The beauty of low impact cardio is that it can be every bit as intense as a high impact activity like running, at least in terms of the cardiovascular – how hard it gets your heart beating and lungs breathing. If you want to push yourself in terms of fitness you can, but you won’t have to push yourself through joint pain too.
Ellipticals have a number of other benefits, beyond minimising the arthritic pain of exercise. They can lower the risk of injury. They can be used by people of all ages and levels of fitness and mobility. And they can get people who might otherwise be averse to exercise excited about moving again.
The best ellipticals for arthritis
What is the best elliptical for arthritis sufferers? The answer depends on you: your budget, your exercise preferences, the severity of your condition and more. To help you work out which elliptical is right for you, we’ve brought together a few of the very best machines on the market, which you can browse below.
1. Circle E-Series Ellipticals
The Circle Fitness E-Series of ellipticals covers the budget-friendly E6, the mid-range E7, and the top-of-the-line E8. Circle machines are known for their quality and innovation. This is on full display in the E8, which offers incline and stride length control, heart rate sensors and telemetry, and carefully calibrated biomechanics designed for the smoothest and most comfortable movement – ideal for those with arthritis.
If you’re looking for a sturdy elliptical for home use, the E6 is a fantastic option. This affordable machine uses an electromagnetic system to generate 16 different levels of resistance, allowing you to find the ideal balance between intensity and comfort.
2. Horizon Andes Elliptical Cross Trainers
The Horizon Andes series, made up of the 3.1 and the 7.1, provide as challenging a workout as the mountainous name suggests. But these machines are also built for comfort and convenience, with large foot pads, adjustable resistance levels, and digital displays that allow you to keep track of your workout.
A value-packed option, the Horizon Andes range of ellipticals is ideal for home use – particularly as both models are able to be folded for storage.
3. Matrix E30 Suspension Elliptical
If you’re looking for nothing less than the smoothest exercise experience on the market, you’ll find it in the Matrix E30 Suspension Elliptical.
This machine features an innovative wheel- and track-free design that delivers perfectly smooth motion, while allowing you to choose your level of resistance for a challenging workout. And like all Matrix machines, you can choose between XR, XER or top-of-the-range XIR interchangeable consoles, which allow you to customise your workout, and even use augmented reality to bring the outdoors indoors.
4. Matrix A30 Ascent Trainer
The Matrix A30 Ascent Trainer is a new take on the concept of an elliptical. It retains the smooth, circular motion that makes ellipticals popular for those with arthritis, but it adds in some stair climbing elements to increase the intensity of the workout, and to help you target specific muscles like your quads and glutes.
The machine works by allowing you to adjust the incline of your workout. Those with arthritis will also appreciate the wealth of hand grips that ensure you can always find support when you need it.
5. Bodyworx EFX650 Elliptical Cross Trainer
The Bodyworx EFX650 is a strong, capable machine that can form the perfect addition to either a commercial gym or a home studio. Built to target both the upper and lower body, the smooth motion supports the legs with every stride. And with a stride length of almost 50cm, the EFX650 engages muscles that other, shorter-stride ellipticals won’t.
GymQuip: elliptical specialists
At GymQuip we’ve been helping arthritis sufferers to improve their fitness and mobility for over three decades. Our team is passionate about guiding people to the workout equipment for their situation, which we do within Australia’s largest fitness showroom.
The only thing larger than our showroom is our online store, which features a vast range of equipment and machines that can help get sufferers of chronic pain moving again. We deliver Australia-wide, orders are shipped within 24 hours, and you’ll enjoy our price match guarantee: if you find one of our products cheaper elsewhere, we’ll beat that price.
We can also help you fit out your home or commercial gym, designing the floorplan, selecting your machines, and maintaining them for the long run. Whatever support you might need, we’re ready to provide it (additional charges may apply).