What's behind our elliptical Ratings?
Our experts tested elliptical exercisers to see which ones made the grade.
 
 
We look for:
Ergonomics
Construction
Exercise range
Ease of use
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Read reports on products, news and trends from Consumer Reports' Health staff.
 
Elliptical exercisers are part stair-climber, part cross-country-ski machine. Your feet move in flattened circles—an elliptical pattern. The workout value comes from resistance that slows the ellipticals' flywheel as you try to turn it. If you have the space to devote to an indoor exercise machine, make sure you first try the elliptical exerciser at the store. Decide which features you'll actually use and don't pay for frills you won't. Our testers ran the ellipticals through their paces for our Ratings and recommendations.