It’s easy to make a resolution to get into shape. What’s not so easy is forcing yourself to go to the gym, or to run or bike every day.

It’s easy to buy a treadmill or exercise bike (recumbent bike or spin bike) with the best of intentions. What’s not so easy is forcing yourself to climb on and finish your workout even when your back and joints are aching.

The Best Elliptical Machines Give you a Great Workout that is Easy on the Body

That’s why  low-impact home exercise equipment,  particularly the best elliptical trainers, have become so popular.  They’re the perfect form of cardiovascular exercise which lets you firm muscles, lose weight, and builds muscle in the comfort of your own home. They’re also much easier on your body; since your feet stay on the pedals, you avoid repeated trauma to your legs and feet. That lets you exercise longer , and lets you work out even if you’re sore or hampered by chronic lower body pain.

You can find flimsy elliptical machines for $100-$200 if you just want to see whether this type of low-impact exercise works for you. A better approach would be trying an elliptical out at a gym, and then purchase a high-quality machine for long-term use at home if you decide to go for it.
Once you’ve decided to go low-impact and are looking for the right machine for your needs, Groom+Style’s elliptical reviews will help you to quickly identify the top 7 best machines available for your needs.

If you need some guidance on what to look for in an elliptical machine or trainer check out our elliptical machine buying guide first.

Quick Answer Top 7 Elliptical  Machine

Quick Answer Best 5  Elliptical Machine Under $1500  to  $1000

1. Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine

Sole Fitness is well known for its top-notch commercial grade exercise equipment and makes several terrific ellipticals for home use, including the higher-priced E95.

The Groom+Style review team found that the E35 provides almost all of the benefits and features of the E95, at a lower cost. And the machine is very similar to that of an elliptical trainer you’d find at your local gym: solid and well-built. (How solid is this machine? It can handle users who weigh as much as 375 pounds.)

What immediately stood out to us, other than the machine’s quality, was the E35’s wide range of adjustable options. The powered incline feature allows you to change the difficulty of your workout (and exercise difficult muscle groups) with the touch of a button on the handlebars, changing the incline to as much as 30 degrees, unlike some competitors which limit the incline to ten or twenty degrees.

There are 16 different resistance settings, again controlled from the handlebars and handled by the Eddy Current Brake system. And even the stride is adjustable from 20 to 22 inches, allowing you to change the adjustable footrests to match your personal preference. All of this flexibility means that you can set the E35 for any type of low-impact workout you want.

Groom+Style also loved how quiet this elliptical is, thanks to its frictionless resistance system – and we liked the extras that you’d expect on a premium machine like the built-in speakers and iPod plug, the easy-to-read large backlit LCD display, the strap-on heart rate monitor, and the cooling fan which keeps you from dripping sweat during your workout.

Sole has recently released the E35 Elliptical Trainer System for a couple of hundred dollars extra. It adds Bluetooth capability for exporting your workout data to any smart devices for tracking on the Sole app or any other fitness app.

The E35 doesn’t have a lot of programmable workout programs, just ten of them (the same number as the more-expensive E95, incidentally) and it’s a bear to assemble, but we couldn’t find anything else to complain about. It’s an excellent elliptical trainer. Key specifications of the Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine: Dimensions: 71 x 27 x 68 inches Maximum User Weight: 375 pounds Weight: 200 pounds Incline: 0-30 degrees Stride: 20-22 inches Resistance Levels: 16 Programs: 10 Warranty: Lifetime on frame, five years on parts, two years on labor

2. Schwinn 430 Review

3. NordicTrack C 7.5 Elliptical Trainer

Yes, NordicTrack is known for expensive fitness equipment. But their budget-level C 7.5 is well-made and provides most of the features you’d look for in a home elliptical machine at a price much lower than the Sole E35.

The C 7.5 is built around a front-wheel drive, the 20-pound flywheel that’s gives you an extremely smooth workout, with 22 digitally-set resistance levels, a 20-inch stride, 26 preset programs and a motorized incline function that ranges from 0° to 20° – not spectacular, but very good for the cost.
What really stands out to the team is that this NordicTrack is tablet and iFit compatible. That allows you to use your tablet as a monitor (or watch a movie while exercising), download lots of extra programs, do advanced stat tracking and even download Google Maps workouts that make your session a lot more realistic and enjoyable. One thing to know, though: this is a bear to put together, so paying for assembly might be a smart move.

Higher-level NordicTrack ellipticals like the C 9.5 and C 12.9 will provide more features like a strap heart monitor (not just handlebar monitors) and more resistance levels, for hundreds and hundreds of dollars extra. The C 7.5 has more than enough for most weekend warriors, though, at a price that’s easier to take. Digging deeper on the NordicTrack C 7.5 Elliptical: Dimensions: 67 x 25 x 69 inches Maximum User Weight: 325 pounds Weight: 220 pounds Incline: 0-20 degrees Stride: 20 inches Resistance Levels: 22 Programs: 26 Warranty: Lifetime on frame, two years on parts, one year on labor

4. Nautilus E616 Elliptical Trainer

As soon as you hear the brand name Nautilus, your expectations are raised. For the most part, the E616 meets those expectations. This is a strong machine that’s built to last, at a price point a few hundred dollars lower than the Sole Fitness and ProForm ellipticals but with most of the advantages.
The movement is smooth on this Nautilus product, with 25 levels of magnetic resistance controlled from the handlebars and 29 different workout programs. It also has dual backlit LCD windows for displaying your stats, which can also be downloaded and saved via the company’s NautilusConnect system or MyFitnessPal.

However, the Groom+Style review team was disappointed that the six adjustable incline levels only go up to 11 degrees. Thankfully, Nautilus has at least provided a motorized control for adjusting the incline, which was missing from their previous E614 model. There’s also no way to adjust the stride.
The speakers/iPod and fan standard on expensive machines are included on the E616, and there is a heart rate monitor which can either be activated from the trainer’s handlebars or via chest strap.

Clearly, the Nautilus is a step down (no pun intended) from higher-priced machines, but it’s more than sufficient for most users and a trainer which will last for many years. Important specifications for the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer: Dimensions: 51 x 34 x 22 inches Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds Weight: 186 pounds Incline: 0-11 degrees Stride: 20 inches Resistance Levels: 25 Programs: 29 Warranty: Ten years on frame, two years on parts, one year on electronics, 90 days on labor

Check Price ON Amazon

5. Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine

You have to give a little to get a little. With the Schwinn 470, what you give is flexibility in some of the adjustments; the incline only goes up to ten degrees (the biggest negative in our mind), and you can’t make any stride adjustments. What you get in return is a significantly lower price than you’ll pay for our highest-rated machines, for a good-quality, mid-range home elliptical trainer.

You’d expect a Schwinn product to be solid (even when we were kids, Schwinn always made the sturdiest bikes), and even though the 470 is lighter than the two higher-ranked ellipticals, this machine is definitely made to last with an oversized crossbar and center frame support. There are 25 different resistance settings controlled by an Eddy Current Brake system and selectable on the handlebars, and a robust 29 programs with four selectable user settings – both nice features for a machine in this price range.

Perhaps the best aspects of the Schwinn 470 are the computer, monitoring and display features. There are two LCD windows allowing you to check 13 different parameters, download your performance data and transfer it to either the proprietary Schwinn Connect or MyFitnessPal. The team does think they should have included a heart strap monitor with this unit (although it’s designed to use one).

The latest model year version of the Schwinn 470 adds added Bluetooth capability for sending workout data to an app. There are no other major changes, though, except a higher price. The review team thinks you’ll get a better buy if you choose the older version which is still widely available on Amazon and elsewhere.

This is a really nice elliptical trainer for the money. Details of the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine: Dimensions: 70 x 28 x 71 inches Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds Weight: 186 pounds Incline: 0-10 degrees Stride: 20 inches Resistance Levels: 25 Programs: 29 Warranty: Ten years on frame, two years mechanical, one year electrical, 90 days on labor

6. Exerpeutic 5000 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer

Not everyone wants to shell out thousands for an elliptical trainer. For those folks, the Exerpeutic 5000 is a great choice.

This feels more like a home machine than a gym version in terms of its sturdiness and footprint and doesn’t have many of the features that you’ll pay more for with our other reviewed trainers. But it should hold up well for some time and the ergonomics are good. In short, it’s a good bet for weekend workout warriors.

First, here’s what you won’t get with the Exerpeutic 5000. The incline and stride can’t be adjusted, it’s not as whisper-quiet as higher-priced competitors, there’s not much of a discernable difference between many of the 24 adjustable resistance levels, and you don’t get the bells and whistles like fans or iPod connections.

What you do get is a very large (10”) LCD display, Bluetooth connectivity for easy workout tracking without having to subscribe to a proprietary system.

This is a smaller, fully-functional elliptical trainer, which is sufficient for most people and a very good buy. Specs for the Exerpeutic 500 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer: Dimensions: 55 x 25 x 64 inches Maximum User Weight: 270 pounds Weight: 84 pounds Incline: 0-10 degrees Stride: Fixed Resistance Levels: 24 Programs: 12 Warranty: One year limited Check Price ON Amazon

Treadmills were the world’s best selling home fitness equipment for many years, and for a good reason. After all, if you got tired of using the machine or moved on to some other type of workout equipment, you could always do what many others have done – use it to hang your clothes.
Ellipticals, stationary bikes, rowing machines, stair-steppers and other equipment all have their proponents.

But treadmills still give you the most effective cardio workout for losing weight, as long as there aren’t shirts hanging on the machine. After all, as so many experts will tell you, the best piece of home workout equipment is the one that you’ll actually use.

If you are just getting started with treadmill shopping then please read our complete treadmill buying guide.
Here are our top 5 best treadmills for home use.

1. Nordic Track C 1650 Treadmill

When you’re pretty sure you’re not going to end up buying a treadmill to eventually become a very expensive storage rack, the C 1650 is a terrific choice. Nordic Track is well-known for the sturdy construction and thoughtful design of its exercise equipment, and this machine is another great example.

The C 1650 has one of the largest collections of workout programs you’ll find on a moderately-priced treadmill.

There are 34 different built-in programs, each designed by a personal trainer; if you choose the optional iFit subscription, you can tie in to an unlimited number of online, “real-life” routes in conjunction with Google Maps. iFit also lets you easily track your workout and progress.

The track is large (60 x 20 inches), the cushioning is fully adjustable, the incline is either automatic (based on your program) or manually selectable from -3 to +15 degrees, and the DurX Commercial Plus 3.5 CHP motor lets you reach speeds of 12 miles per hour.

One feature that’s new to Nordic Track treadmills is a bracket into which you can insert your tablet, if you’d prefer to use your own device instead of the full-featured, web-enabled touchscreen – or if you simply want to read and surf while you work out.

All of the other niceties you’d expect at a high (excuse us, moderate) price point are included as well, such as MP3 compatibility with speakers and headphone jack, and heart rate sensors on the handlebars with additional Bluetooth chest monitor straps available as well. In short, there’s nothing missing from the C 1650 that any home user could need. Key specifications of the Nordic Track C 1650 Treadmill: Motor: 3.5 CHP Top Speed: 12 mph Incline: -3 to 15 degrees Belt: 60 inches x 20 inches Workout programs: 34 Heart monitor: Yes Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes Folds: Yes Console: Color web-enabled 7 inch touchscreen, additional tablet holder Size: 78 x 35 x 56 inches Weight Capacity: 300 pounds Warranty: Lifetime on frame and motor, 5 years on parts/electronics, 2 years on labor

 

2. ProForm PFTL99715 Power 995i Exercise Treadmill

ProForm makes solid home treadmills at price points somewhat lower than companies like Nordic Track, and if you’re willing to also move one notch down in terms of features, the Power 995i provides great performance with most of the same benefits as the C 1650.

The Mach Z Commercial Plus 3.0 CHP motor still lets you reach speeds up to 12 miles per hour, and while there’s no decline feature, the selectable or automatic incline of 0-15 degrees is what you’d expect from a complete home machine.

This ProForm is iFit enabled for full tracking and unlimited access to running or walking courses, in addition to the thirty included workout programs. There are heart rate monitor grips (with an optional monitor belt), MP3 compatibility, a cooling fan – and if you’re on the large side, the maximum weight capacity for the Power 995i is a full 350 pounds.

This is a very strong choice, at an attractive price. Looking at the details of the ProForm PFTL99715 Power 995i Exercise Treadmill: Motor: 3.0 CHP Top Speed: 12 mph Incline: 0 to 15 degrees Belt: 60 inches x 20 inches Workout programs: 30 Heart monitor: Yes Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes Folds: Yes Console: Web-enabled full-featured 7 inch console, additional tablet holder Size: 81 x 37 x 59 inches Weight Capacity: 350 pounds Warranty: Lifetime on frame and motor, 3 years on parts, 1 year on labor

 

3. Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill

Sole does much of its business selling exercise equipment to major commercial operations for placement in fitness centers nationwide, so you would expect that their home equipment is top-notch. And it is.

In many ways, it’s on a par with the Nordic Track treadmill the Groom+Style review team ranked at the top of our list of the top 5 best treadmills for home use; the primary reasons it ranks lower, though, are that it only comes with ten workout programs included, and the console/monitor are not built to be web/iFit compatible.

Just about everything else is terrific: the 3.5 CHP motor with a 12 mph top speed, 20 x 60 inch running area, 0-15 degree incline, and great cushioned padding on the track. The F80 also comes with chest-strap heart rate monitoring and a very large 7.5-inch LCD display.

Groom+Style like the Sole F80 a lot – just not as much as similarly-priced treadmills ranked a bit higher. Key specs for the Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill: Motor: 3.5 CHP Top Speed: 12 mph Incline: 0 to 15 degrees Belt: 60 inches x 20 inches Workout programs: 10 Heart monitor: Yes Bluetooth Connectivity: No Folds: Yes Console: 7 1/2 inch LCD console Size: 80 x 35 x 58 inches Weight Capacity: 375 pounds Warranty: Lifetime on frame, motor and deck, 5 years on electronics, 2 years on labor

 

4. Sunny SF-T4400 Health & Fitness Treadmill

Yes, there are still very good treadmills available for much lower prices, and the Sunny SF-T4400 is one to strongly consider. The Sunny is often sold as an “entry-level” machine, but it has many more advantages than you’ll normally find in “cheapo” models.

To begin with, this machine does not have the power or features of the treadmills we’ve discussed so far. But its 2.2 HP motor can reach top speeds of nine miles per hour, and it inclines as much as 12 degrees (the bigger difference is that you have to make the incline adjustments manually instead of by simply pushing a button).

The 49 x 16 running deck is a bit smaller than on our top-rated models, but it probably won’t make a huge difference to you unless you’re a workout warrior or are quite tall and take long strides. There are nine built-in workout programs in the Sunny, with a functional but not flashy LCD display that tracks speed, time and calories burned.

This isn’t the machine for serious runners or large runners (maximum weight capacity is 220 pounds), but it’s just right for most people who just want a regular workout in the comfort of their home. Looking a bit deeper at the Sunny SF-T4400 Health & Fitness Treadmill: Motor: 2.2 HP Top Speed: 9 mph Incline: 0 to 12 degrees, manual Belt: 49 inches x 16 inches Workout programs: 9 Heart monitor: Yes Bluetooth Connectivity: No Folds: Yes Console: LCD Size: 62 x 18 x 27 inches Weight Capacity: 220 pounds Warranty: One year on frame, 90 days on parts

 

5. Precor TRM 211 Energy Series Treadmill

The Precor is the most expensive treadmill on our list. Make no mistake, it’s a great machine. However, Groom+Style feel that when you compare price to features, you can do better with our top two entries if you want to spend that type of money.

Here are some of the pros of the 211 Energy Series treadmill, and you’ll see that they’re slightly less than you get with the Nordic Track or Sole machines: 3.0 CHP motor for speeds up to 12 miles per hour (vs. 3.5 CHP), 0 to 15 degree incline (vs. -3 to 15 degrees), 20 x 57 inch track (vs. 20 x 60), six workout programs (vs. 34).

The Precor also doesn’t fold (although, to be fair, the manufacturer considers that a plus in terms of stability), and doesn’t accommodate iFit or Bluetooth.

The TRM 211 is a well-built machine which will definitely hold up over the long-term and let you get a strong workout. It’s just doesn’t have all of the features it might for a treadmill at this price. Important specifications for the Precor TRM 211 Energy Series Treadmill: Motor: 3.0 CHP Top Speed: 12 mph Incline: 0 to 15 degrees Belt: 57 inches x 20 inches Workout programs: 6 Heart monitor: Yes Bluetooth Connectivity: No Folds: No Console: LCD Size: 81 x 32 x 54 inches Weight Capacity: 350 pounds Warranty: Lifetime on frame, 5 years on motor, electronics and parts, 3 years on console

Best Adjustable Dumbbells List – Top 5 Fittest List for Oct. 2018

You’re thinking about finally getting in shape, but don’t want to have to go to a gym every day? You’re experiencing sticker shock when looking at the price of home fitness equipment?

Relax. If your primary (or initial) goal is building muscle, developing better-looking abs and increasing upper body strength, there’s no reason to shell out thousands of dollars. A set of the best adjustable dumbbells is the perfect way to start your bodybuilding program – and they’ll only cost you hundreds of dollars, not thousands. Just as attractive as their price is their durability; if you don’t abuse adjustable dumbbells, they should last a lifetime.

The best manufacturers feature adjustable weights sets which hold a maximum of 50 pounds per weight (or 100 pounds per set), but also offer similar sets which are lighter and heavier. The Groom+Style review team will primarily focus on those 50-pound weights in this review of the top 5 best adjustable dumbbells, but be aware it’s usually easy to find basically the “same set” with a higher or lower weight maximum.

1. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)

It’s nearly impossible to watch late night TV for more than an hour without seeing ads for Bowflex products. If you didn’t know anything about fitness equipment, you might think Bowflex was just another fly-by-night company pitching sub-standard products on infomercials. Guess again. Bowflex is well known for making terrific equipment and their SelectTech 552 dumbbells are just one example.

The first thing you notice with the 552s is that they feel solid and comfortable, thanks to rugged steel construction and ergonomically-designed, textured rubber grips.

What’s also obvious is that these dumbbells are the “dial-a-weight” style, meaning you don’t have to manually add or remove weights; you just select your preferred amount of weight while the dumbbells are in their holder, and when you pick them up, the system will have added the correct number of plates to the bar. This style of dumbbell is more expensive than the ones which require you to do the work manually, but it’s incredibly convenient.

Another plus to this Bowflex SelectTech model is that it gives you a bigger choice of adjustable weight than most competitors, from five pounds all the way up to 52 ½ pounds (the adjustable dial system increases weight in 2 ½ pound increments). That may not be enough for competitive athletes or advanced workout warriors, but it’s a great weight range for those who are just starting out and slowly building their strength.

The 552s have been among the world’s best-selling dumbbells for several years, and it’s easy to see why. Specifications for the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells: Weight Range: 5 to 52 ½ pounds (per dumbbell) Weight Settings: 15, in 2 ½ pound increments Dimensions: 15.75 inches long, 8 inches wide, 9 inches high Warranty: Two years Extras: Workout guide and DVD

2. Power Block Elite Dumbbells

This set of versatile dumbbells is also adjustable, but in a different way than the Bowflex model. These have selector pins which you move while the dumbbells are in their holders, to choose how much weight you want on the bars when you lift them; the process takes only a few seconds if you’re adding or removing ten pounds of weight at a time, but requires switching out weights if you only want to move up or down in 2 ½ pound increments.

That makes them less convenient than dial-a-weight dumbbells, and selector pin models are a little more likely to have weights become loose during use. Even so, they’re still a lot easier to use than models where you have to add and remove each weight manually.

The real advantage to the Power Block Elites is that you can buy expansion weight kits which let you go all the way up to 70 or 90 pounds without having to buy a completely new set of dumbbells.
These are made of durable steel, and the grips are the traditional “cage” style which may be a bit less comfortable for new users but protect users’ wrists better than most designs. The weights are also more compact than many competitors, lessening the chance that you’ll hit yourself with the dumbbells as can happen during some exercises.

The Power Block Elites are durable, relatively easy-to-use, and basically a professional-level dumbbell at a home gym price. Looking at the specs for the Power Block Elite Dumbbells: Weight Range: 2 ½ to 50 pounds (per dumbbell), expansion kits available for 70 or 90 pounds Weight Settings: 16, in 2 ½ pound increments Dimensions: 12.75 inches long, 6.25 inches wide, 6.5 inches high Warranty: Ten years

3. Ironmaster 75 Lb. Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System With Stand

This “traditional” set of dumbbells is more expensive than our first two choices. The upside is that it comes with a standard weight range from 5 to 75 pounds, so there’s no need for most users to add extension modules or buy a second set of dumbbells.

By traditional, we mean that you must add or remove plates whenever you want to change what you’re lifting – but the “quick-lock” feature makes that process fast, easy and secure, requiring only 15-20 seconds to unlock the weights, make the changes, and snap everything back into place with no danger of the plates falling off.

These are well-made dumbbells made to last, constructed from chrome-plated steel. They don’t have the bells and whistles of adjustable models, but they’ll do what they’re supposed to do without making the process difficult.

A somewhat-bulky storage stand comes with this system so you’ll need a little more space than you would with the Power Blocks, but the stand is quite convenient.

You can save a little money on this Ironmaster system if you downsize to the option which only has 45 pounds worth of weights, but 75 pounds seems like a value to us. An add-on kit taking each dumbbell up to 120 pounds is also available. A closer examination of the Ironmaster 75 Lb. Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System’s specifications:  Weight Range: 5 to 75 pounds (per dumbbell) Weight Settings: user selected, with 12 5-pound plates and four 2 ½ pound plates Dimensions: 14.5 inches long, 6.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches high Warranty: Limited Lifetime Extras: Exercise Poster

4. StairMaster Pair of TwistLock Adjustable Dumbbells

Another system based on the same dial-a-weight approach as the Bowflex SelectTech (but patented by StairMaster under the name “TwistLock),” this set of dumbbells is more compact than other sets we’ve seen – but you’ll pay for the convenience, as the StairMasters are definitely more expensive.
That’s one of two reasons why they don’t rank higher on our list because this is a very nice piece of equipment. (The other reason they rank lower is that you can only add weight in five-pound increments, rather than adding 2 ½ pounds at a time.)

You can feel the quality of the TwistLock adjustable as soon as you pick them up because they feel like something you’d use in a professional gym: strong and well-built. Their grips are contoured, soft and textured for a comfortable feel, and the ability to adjust weights just by turning a dial lets you change your workout level without even having to take your hand off the dumbbell. Aluminum weight cradles are also included.

It would seem to us that they could charge a little less for this system, and you may be able to find it for lower than StairMaster’s list price; if you can, it’s a great product. Examining the specs of the StairMaster Pair of TwistLock Adjustable Dumbbells: Weight Range: 5 to 50 pounds (per dumbbell) Weight Settings: 10, in five-pound increments Dimensions: 14.5 inches long, 7.9 inches wide, 7.5 inches high Warranty: Two years Extras: Exercise Poster

5. NordicTrack Speed Weights

When shopping around for adjustable dumbbells, you may come across an interesting-looking Select-a-Weight system from the well-known sports equipment company NordicTrack. Here’s what the Groom+Style review team has discovered, though: NordicTrack sells the exact same product on Amazon under the name “Speed Weights” at a much lower price.

Each of the dumbbells can handle 15 weight increments, from 10 pounds to 55 pounds. A selector system built into the bases, somewhat similar to the one on the Bowflex SelectTech, allows you to quickly increase or decrease the amount of weight on each bar by moving a lever. The choices are in odd increments, starting at 10 pounds but then increasing by 2½ pounds, 2½ pounds and then 5 pounds, so there’s no option for 17.5, 27.5, 37.5 or 47.5 pounds. It’s not a big problem once you get used to the way the system works.

The plastic-covered metal weight plates are durable, but there’s one thing to know about them: it’s extremely important to be sure the lever is completely locked into position when you change weight levels. Otherwise, the plates may fall right off while you’re exercising. That’s not a concern with the Bowflex or Power Block models, and we don’t think it’s a problem that should stop anyone from buying the NordicTrack weights either – it’s just something to pay close attention to.

The Speed Weights (and the more-expensive Select-a-Weights) don’t have quite the solid feel of all-metal dumbbells, but they the job, they’re easy to use and they’re a good value. Looking closer at the NordicTrack Speed Weights: Weight Range: 10 to 55 pounds (per dumbbell) Weight Settings: 15, in varying 5-pound increments Dimensions: 28 x 22 x 12 inches Warranty: 90 days

And a Bonus Option…

Bonus Option – Unipack Adjustable Cast Iron Dumbbells

Here’s another pair of traditional dumbbells, which require you to manually add plates and lock them into place with a screw collar when you want to lift more weight. Each of the two Unipack dumbbells comes with eight five-pound weights, two 2½ pound weights and two 1¼ pound weights, and the cast iron bars are five pounds apiece. That makes a maximum weight of 52½ pounds per dumbbell, easily incremented by 2½ pounds and even allowing you to create weird totals like 23¾ pounds if you choose. Unipack sells extra ten-pound plates separately.

The chrome handles are covered with a layer of paint which has a somewhat-distinctive smell (which wears off after a while) and may occasionally fleck off, and the knurled handles can be uncomfortable when lifting a lot of weight. However, the dumbbells are manufactured well and do their job just fine.

The biggest drawback of the Unipacks is that manually adding and removing weights (thankfully, no tools are needed) makes it difficult to do timed workout sets with increasing weight levels. For many people, though, the low price of these dumbbells – quite a bit less expensive than our other choices – is well worth the extra time and effort to change weight plates.

As long as their quality is acceptable, there’s not a lot to standard dumbbells; they’re basically bars with weights on them. The Unipacks are a good choice if you don’t mind changing the weights yourself and are shopping primarily for the best price. More info on the Unipack Cast Iron Dumbbells: Weight Range: 5 to 52½ pounds (per dumbbell) Weight Settings: Numerous, in varying 1¼, 2½ or 5-pound increments Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 14 inches Warranty: 90 days

Universal Power-Pak 445 Adjustable Dumbbells With Stand

For those whose fitness equipment will be in a living room instead of a garage or basement, Groom+Style think the Universal Power-Pak is by far the most attractive set of quality dumbbells on the market. There’s a beautiful, ergonomically designed silver-colored stand, which matches the silver-and-grey design of the dumbbells. The unit looks great – at least, to us.

Of course, what really matters are features, durability, and performance, and the 445s hold up pretty well in all three areas. They are dial-a-weight style, with dials conveniently located on both ends of the bar. The dumbbells are well-built, although it’s important to note that the weight plates are coated in plastic, so it’s crucial not to drop the dumbbells on the ground.

The grips are no-slip thermoplastic, which is extremely easy to hold for long periods of time. One drawback, as with some of the models lower on this top 5 best adjustable dumbbells list, is that weight increases are limited to increments of five pounds.

The Power-Pak 445 and Bowflex Select-Tech 552 are both designed by Nautilus, so they are often compared to each other. The Power-Pak is less expensive with fewer features and a bit less durable, but they’re both good products. We prefer the Bowflex. Examining the specs of the Universal Power-Pak 445 Adjustable Dumbbells: Weight Range: 4.5 to 50 pounds (per dumbbell) Weight Settings: 9, in five-pound increments Dimensions: 14 inches long, 8.5 inches wide, 7 inches high Warranty: One year Extras: Workout guide

Upright stationary bikes have been a popular means of exercising at home for a long time, but the entire field underwent a momentous change with the invention of the recumbent bike.

It allowed people to do their workouts in the perfect training position in order to maximize the cardio benefits while burning the greatest number of calories – and not ending up with a sore back. In recent years, spin bikes have been all the rage, but recumbent models continue to offer a great workout at what’s often a much more palatable price.

If you’re one of those who doesn’t want to tackle the often-arduous task of spinning, here’s our updated compilation of the top 5 best recumbent exercise bike reviews.

1. Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike

The Nautilus R614 Recumbent is a lot of training bike for the money. The R614 features a classic recumbent design with the rider positioned at a 20 percent angle above the pedals. This isn’t to say the bike is boring. The R614 comes with a load of bells and whistles.Features include a USB charging port so you can track and upload workouts to a fitness program online, a fan system to keep you cool, and even an acoustic speaker system to provide you with clear sound during your workout.

As for workouts, you can choose between 22 of them with the Nautilus R614 and there are 20 possible levels of resistance to each program, giving you more than 440 different workouts to choose from. The R614 also comes with an LCD system designed to track 13 workout measurements, all of which can be viewed real-time while training.

Designers have included a heart rate monitor on the seat handles, so you can adjust your effort to stay within a targeted heart rate zone at any time during the ride. A vented seat helps keep you cool as well, which is no small thing when working out on a sweltering summer day.

The Nautilus R614 is a solid, sturdy bike that you can count on for years. If you are looking for a well-built recumbent bike with a lot of bells and whistles, the R614 is hard to beat. The specifications for the Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike: Dimensions: 67.8 x 28 x 12.5 inches Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds Weight: 93 pounds Warranty: Ten years on frame, two years on mechanical parts, one year on electrical parts

2. FitDesk v2.0 Desk Exercise Bike with Massage Bar

 little different: the FitDesk v2.0 Desk Exercise Bike.

Our bodies are designed to be active, and sitting at a desk for extended periods while working is very unhealthy. The sedentary sitting position can lead to cancer, Type 2 diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, and cardiovascular disease, according to one study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The solution is to either get up and walk around every few hours or move while working. The FitDesk v2.0 focuses on the move-while-you-work approach.

The FitDesk v2.0 is a combined recumbent bike and desk. The “desk” is actually a desktop mounted on the bike in place of handlebars. A non-slip material coats the desktop, so you can place paperwork or a laptop on it without worrying about anything falling off while riding. The bottom of the platform consists of two rolling pads designed to support your arms, to avoid elbow and shoulder fatigue. LCD display and control pads are located at the top of the platform. To get a workout, you simply select a workout program, start pedaling and get to work. Don’t feel like working or need a break? Keep pedaling while you surf the web, watch videos or listen to music.

To get a workout, you simply select a workout program, start pedaling and get to work. Don’t feel like working or need a break? Keep pedaling while you surf the web, watch videos or listen to music.

An important thing to know about this FitDesk offering is that it’s the second version of the recumbent bike/desk. Any new product of this type will have inevitable design issues, and the first version of the FitDesk certainly did with the lack of arm supports being a significant problem. The new version 2.0 incorporates design solutions to this and other problems nicely, making the bike a great option for people who need to exercise but simply can’t get away from the desk. Key specs for the FitDesk v2.0 Desk Exercise Bike with Massage Bar: Dimensions: 45 x 28 x 16 inches Maximum User Weight: 250 pounds Weight: 45 pounds Warranty: One year

3. Sunny Health and Fitness Pink Magnetic Recumbent Bike

Recumbent bikes are not particularly stylish. They tend to come in either battle gray or Darth Vader black. The Sunny Health and Fitness Pink Magnetic Bike aim to bring a little light to the recumbent bike niche. As the name suggests, the bike is painted with a light pink and gray color pattern; a stylish combination.

While recumbent bikes theoretically should be stored away after every workout, the vast majority of us leave the bikes out where guests can see them. If you fall into this category, the pink design is a nice look.

Of course, the best looking recumbent bike is useless if it doesn’t provide a good workout. Despite its sleek look, this recumbent bike does just that. With eight levels of resistance, the sweat will be pouring as you pump away on the pedals while watching the shows you have saved on the DVR.
As an added advantage, you can peddle backward to target different leg muscles and even your abs while riding.

There is an LCD display for speed, distance, pulse, time and calories burned, as well as a heart rate sensor, and the adjustable seat and pedal straps make this a comfortable ride for a very low price. Key specs for the Sunny Health and Fitness Pink Magnetic Recumbent Bike: Dimensions: 35 x 50 x 11 inches Maximum User Weight: 265 pounds Weight: 49 pounds Warranty: 90 days

4. Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike

Many people purchase recumbent bikes so they can watch television while riding. Unfortunately, recumbent bikes often have a low seat position, making it difficult to see over the LCD display on the front of the bike.

The designers of the Exerpeutic 400XL have recognized this problem and found a solution. The large front LCD display is gone. In its place, designers have placed a smaller display on the lower frame between the rider’s legs, tracking calories burned, distance traveled, time, speed and heart rate. When riding the bike, there is nothing to block the view in front of you, making this a perfect bike for watching television while working out.

The 400XL uses a flywheel and V-belt drive propulsion system with eight levels of resistance. The use of a belt mechanism is important because it produces almost no noise while riding. This near-silence contrasts nicely with bikes that use chains or wheel fan systems which make so much noise it is difficult to think straight, much less hear your show while riding.

One of the aspects of this bike we particularly love is the seat. Road bike seats can be as hard as granite. For some unknown reason, recumbent bike manufacturers often use similar seats and after only 20 minutes of riding your derriere can feel like it went through a fraternity paddling ceremony. The designers of the Exerpeutic 400XL have dealt with this issue by providing a large, contoured seat cushion. You can ride for an hour feeling none the worse for wear – except, of course, for the calorie-burning exhaustion, you’re seeking in the first place. Key details of the Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike: Dimensions: 33 x 46 x 19 inches Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds Weight: 43 pounds Warranty: One year limited

5. Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike

We close with the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike. With more than 100 years of bike design experience, Schwinn knows how to build bikes with all the features a rider needs, placed in locations on the frame that make sense. The 230 certainly continues this tradition.

The 230 is a large, full-featured recumbent bike of near-fitness club quality. The bike provides riders with an LCD display which looks like it came out of a space shuttle flight. You can track more than ten different workout measurements while you take on the challenge of riding through one of the 20+ workout programs, and you can adjust the resistance level of each program up to 20 different levels, making it highly unlikely you will ever need a new bike as your fitness level improves.
Designers of the 230 also included little features which you will enjoy as you use the bike more and more. You can track and upload your workout to the Schwinn site or any fitness program online using a USB port.

The seat bottom and back of the bike are vented to help keep you cool while working through the last half of each workout. The pedal system uses a belt drive which remains quiet, so you don’t have to turn the volume on the television up high enough to wake aliens on another planet.

All in all, the details add up to a great recumbent. If you are looking for a classic recumbent bike with all the modern features, the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike is an excellent choice. The specifications for the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike: Dimensions: 50 x 64 x 27 inches Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds Weight: 81.6 pounds Warranty: Ten years frame