women and men on ellipticals
You can always find the best elliptical machines in really fancy gyms. These cross trainers are there for a reason, they are the best in quality, stability, etc. The Octane Q47 is one such elliptical that is toted to be one of the best.

Best Elliptical Machines

The best elliptical machines are the ones you find in the posh gyms, it sticks out like a sore thumb and you have to head butt people to get on it first. If you want to know the name of these cross trainers, and why they are so great, then keep reading.

The absolute best elliptical out right now would have to be the Octane Q47. I picked this over the Octane xR6 because it has more features.


The Best Cross Trainer

The Octane Q47

Stride Length:
An adjustable stride length of 18 to 26 inches, this means that people with shorter and longer legs can both go on this machine with perfect stride length. This isn’t amazing, other ellipticals can offer up to 32 inches. But 32” is like selling size 18 shoes; you are only going to have one really lanky person and one stupid kid using it with them strides. However, you do exercise different leg muscles at different stride lengths.

Now here comes one of the reasons why it is the best elliptical, SmartStride. This is an in built program that when you set your height, automatically sets the stride for you. Now, get this, when you speed up for a running speed, the stride length goes up also. This means that it will feel so much more natural than running like your feet are in front of you. Same goes with slowing down to a walking pace, the stride will also lower.

The Design:
The design looks so silky smooth perfect; it has nice and free leg space around the footings and a unique handlebar with two holdings for each hand. The LCD multiple displays show heart rate, distance, and an animation all at the same time. It has loads of buttons, which is preferred to the normal two buttons, where you have to click in circles to find the option you want.

The ‘Armblaster’:
Going with the star trek theme, this laser gun - No, only kidding. When you used ellipticals in the past, you probably noticed that unless your legs go limp, there isn’t much effort you have to put in to the arms for you to workout. The new ‘Armblaster’ gives more resistance to your arms so that you achieve both an upper and lower body workout.

Foot Pedal Distance:
The distance between the foot pedals being different to opposing machines means that the pressure on your knees is reduced.

Stability:
This machine weighs a lot at 280 pounds, which means that it will never wobble, and any weighted man or woman will be able to use it without worrying about it tipping over.

X-Mode:
This is a mode where the elliptical comes to life and transforms into Mr.T, shouting at you to do squats, “pedal like crazy” and “get down, and give me 20, fool”. Maybe not like that, but it is a personal trainer giving you constructive instructions on what to do. It just makes the training more fun.

As well as the inevitable heart pulse, distance and calorie measuring, customizable programs, in built programs, and much more.

Five Star Rating

The reviews for this elliptical is great also, with 5 stars all around. It really is the best all around cross trainer. Did I mention it’s approximately $4000? Maybe I shouldn’t have got your hopes up. If you want to know ones in your price range check out our other articles on more affordable ellipticals.