If you are looking for a rigorous cardio workout, an elliptical is one of the best full-body workout machines for home that can help you achieve tremendous calorie-burning and health benefits.
But if you want to reap optimal fitness results, it all depends on choosing the right elliptical for which stride length is of utmost importance. 16-inch stride elliptical is suitable for shorter people who are between 5’ to 5’5, and this stride length will give you the most comfortable exercising experience.
In a hurry? Navigate directly to the list of the best elliptical with 16-inch stride below:
See the overview, pros & cons below.
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Quick Guide on How to Pick the Right Stride Length
The ideal stride length primarily depends on your height. For instance, if you are a person who is 5 feet 3 inches tall or much shorter, a stride length between 16 and 18 inches would be most suitable.
You can measure stride length in two ways: on the elliptical and off the elliptical. Once you get this right, the workout becomes comfortable else, and you will succumb to unfulfilling exercise sessions that might lead to frustration.
Too short stride length doesn’t give you maximum benefits from the machine, and too long stride length puts you at risk for muscle strain or damage.
While it is possible to measure the stride length in the ways given above, it is also sufficient to follow the guidelines below on picking the right stride length.
Stride length between 14 and 16inches: If you’re a short and small person, a short stride elliptical will suit your stride best.
Stride length between 16 and 18 inches: Though some of you might be surprised by this suggested stride length, these numbers are most suitable for those measuring 5’5″ or under. Even those of average height but have shorter legs can benefit from this stride length.
20 inches stride ellipticals: Being the most commonly available stride length, this is ideal for those between 5’5″ and 6’ in height.
22 inches length elliptical: If you are an individual who is taller than 6′, you should choose machines that have a longer stride length (20” – 22”). There are elliptical machines with up to 26-inch stride length, but a measure between 22 and 24 must be suitable for you.
Adjustable stride length elliptical: Buying a machine with an adjustable stride length is most suitable when you and your family members (who would be of different heights) would regularly use it. Such adjustable stride lengths are also preferred when you are unsure about the right stride length that would fit you.
Your Height | Ideal Elliptical Stride Length |
---|---|
Under 5’ | 14"-16" |
5’-5’5 | 16"-18" |
5’5-6’ | 18"-20" |
6’ and up | 20"-22" |
Top 3 Best 16-Inch Stride Elliptical
Based on stride length, I’ve listed the three best elliptical machines available:
#1. XTERRA Fitness FS3.0 Elliptical Machine
In a market where 16″ stride length elliptical machines are a rarity, the XTERRA Fitness FS3.0 elliptical machines give you the right blend of affordability and performance.
I agree that the machine doesn’t come fully loaded with features, but it is indeed appreciable given its budget and functionality.
You could find nothing better than this if you are a short individual on a tight budget and suffers from space restrictions.
Coming to the features, the elliptical has a 16-inch stride length and has a maximum user weight limit of 300 pounds that’s optimal.
If you love customizations, the elliptical machine rightly suits your bill with 18 customizable programs and 12 preset programs. Besides this, there are 4 different heart rate programs also available.
The 22-pound flywheel supports the smooth performance of the elliptical, and the 20 resistance levels help any level of trainer perform daily fitness routines without hesitation.
Pros
- Customizable program options
- Audio jack
- 300-pound weight limit makes the machine suitable for different individuals
Cons
- Assembly is quite difficult.
- Difficult to achieve both forward and backward motion although the machine is designed for such functionality
#2. ProForm 450 LE Elliptical
Here is yet another elliptical from ProForm that gives importance to functionality over form. The 450 LE model is also iFit compatible and offers superb features that take your exercise level to new heights.
Being a rear-load trainer, the flywheel weight of 13.2lbs might sound very less, yet the machine functions smoothly without any glitches. The stride length is 18 inches, thereby making this piece of equipment suitable for most people.
There are 18 workout programs and an 8-week weight loss programming possible, thereby helping any of you plan for weight loss targets to achieve them easily.
The 16 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance help you work out any time of the day without disturbing others and easily achieve any challenging levels.
Besides such functionality, the console also has an in-built fan that helps you stay cool when you use the oversized pedals to pedal your way to higher fitness levels furiously.
Follow up on your progress using the 6-inch LCD that displays various metric details, including time, speed, distance, rpm, calories, and heart rate.
Pros
- Foldable design
- It comes with a 1-year iFit membership
- Transport wheels
- Heart rate measurement possible via pulse sensors and wireless receiver
- Comfortable and durable
Cons
- Not the prettiest piece of equipment, but this is nothing much compared to the machine’s solid performance
#3. ProForm 485 E Elliptical
If you are looking forward to achieving a total-body workout with minimal impact on your knees, don’t look beyond the ProForm 485 E Elliptical.
This machine comes with a 16-inch stride length and has a well-balanced flywheel that keeps you stable and sturdy while working out. The oversized pedals are cushioned and help you with various foot positions, while the flywheel helps you achieve stable pedal strokes.
Set a fitness goal and choose any one of the 14 built-in workout programs to achieve your goals.
The machine is iFit-coach ready and even comes with a 30-day membership period during which you can explore various terrains and get the help of personalized coaches from around the world.
Enjoy while exercising, making use of the integrated tablet holder using which you can watch your favorite movies or listen to music. There are an auxiliary port and a 2-inch speaker through which you listen to your playlist.
The 5-inch high-contrast display tracks your performance and motivates you to try harder to achieve your fitness goals.
It is easy to handle this piece of equipment as it can be moved to any room using the transport wheels provided.
Pros
- Noiseless performance with patented SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance
- Workout your upper body using SoftTouch grips
- Stays stable on any surface using the self-leveling feet
- A water bottle holder helps you stay hydrated.
- EKG grip pulse heart rate sensor
Cons
- Weight capacity is 250lbs only.
- Non-adjustable pedals
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