When considering workout equipment for your home gym, you will choose between an elliptical and a treadmill. Both machines perform the same function, but they are built to work differently.
However, we will not be going into detail into how these equipment work.
If you are a curious individual who is always ready to learn, this piece will be an interesting one for you. Elliptical trainers come in different sizes and shapes depending on the performance. As a result, many people have been confused about the measurements and features.
Therefore, it is necessary that we look into the dimensions of an elliptical and see how various brands size their goods.
Average Dimensions of an Elliptical
There are different types of elliptical trainers and their sizes may differ from brand to brand. The standard size of an elliptical trainer is 68.1 inches (165 cm) long, 28.5 inches (72 cm) wide and 65.5 inches (166 cm) high. The widths and heights tend to remain the same for all models, only the lengths differing. The position of the flywheel determines the overall length of the equipment.
Elliptical trainers with flywheels in the front are shorter and much more compact. On the other hand, elliptical trainers with flywheels on the rear are longer.
Elliptical Size Comparison in inches
| Brand | Length | Width | Height | Stride Length |
| Lifefitness E1 | 83 | 30 | 59 | 20 |
| Lifefitness E5 | 82 | 34 | 61 | 20 |
| Body Solid BFCT1 | 45 | 26 | 66 | N/A |
| BodyCraft ECT400G | 71 | 28.5 | 68 | 23 |
| BowFlex Max Total | 49.2 | 30.5 | 65.1 | N/A |
| Horizon Fitness EX-59 | 68 | 25 | 64 | 18 |
| Sole E25 | 70 | 24 | 71 | 20 |
| Nautilus E616 | 71.5 | 26.7 | 63.2 | N/A |
Average Length of an Elliptical Trainer
Elliptical trainers are 33-92 inches (83-233 cm) long with the majority of models maintaining a length of between 55 and 70 inches (139-177 cm). However, there are several exceptions to these measurements. The average length of an elliptical trainer is 68.1 (173 cm). Shorter models are set up differently than larger ones because they have more vertical movement backwards and forwards.
However, depending on the position of the flywheel, the pedals can push back outside the stated lengths. They can push back up to 20 inches (50 cm) behind the overall length depending on the stride length.
Average Width of an Elliptical Trainer
The average width of an elliptical trainer is 28.5 inches (72.4 cm). This width range almost equalizes the lengths but there are still massive differences. Most machines are a standard 25-32 inches (63.5-81 cm) wide. The general footprint of an elliptical trainer is somehow smaller than that of a treadmill.
Average Height of an Elliptical Trainer
An elliptical trainer is around 65.5 inches (165 cm) high with the general range being between 59 and 71 inches (150 and 180 cm). The height of the machine is not a concern because most people using an elliptical will be taller. However, the height of the elliptical trainer determines the ceiling height where it should be placed.
How Much Space Does an Elliptical Trainer Need?
Even after understanding the dimensions of an elliptical, it does not determine the amount of space needed to install one. The size and space are directly related but due to differences in dimensions, elliptical trainers come in different sizes and need different amounts of space.
On average, an elliptical trainer needs 7 feet (213 cm) by 3.5 feet (106 cm) of space for comfortable usage. This ensures there is enough space on all sides for your body and machine to not interfere with the wall. More space on either side also improves airflow. By adding around 12-20 inches (30-50 cm) from the specific machine, you will work out the amount of free space needed for the trainer.
How Much Length does an Elliptical Trainer Need?
Most people asking for dimensions of an elliptical trainer also consider the length space needed for installation. Sometimes the levers of an elliptical trainer move outside the machine dimensions which may impact placement. Therefore, expect levers and other parts to move around 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm) away from the wall. There should be around 1-foot space behind the elliptical to prevent hitting walls.
How Much Width Space does an Elliptical Trainer Need?
Elliptical trainers move backwards and forwards so there is no lateral movement. These machines therefore do not need extra space on the side. You only need enough space to get on and off the machine from the sides. Adding around 4-10 inches (7-25 cm) on the side is great to prevent bumping against each other.
How Tall Should a Ceiling be for an Elliptical Trainer?
Height is a considerable dimension for people who are buying gym equipment. The height of the ceiling impacts the dimensions of the elliptical one buys. For bigger gyms, the height does not matter but for smaller ones, it does.
It is safe to have a 2-foot (61 cm) headroom space above your overall head when on the machine. The average ceiling height should therefore be around 8 feet (243 cm) from the floor. Some trainers have a low step up height so the 2 feet (61 cm) mechanism works here.
Elliptical Stride Length
The stride length is the distance between the pedals when in use. The length is measured from one heel (or toe) to the next one for a single step. Stride length is therefore two step lengths because it is measured from one heel to the same heel on the second step.
Generally, it is the furthest length your machine allows you to step during exercising. The stride length is important because it dictates the entire feel of the workout. The standard stride length is 20 inches (51 cm) depending on the machine. On average, the stride length is between 15-21 inches (38-53 cm).
What are the Dimensions of a Front-Drive Elliptical?
The front-drive elliptical machine looks like a traditional exercise bike with pedals running on rails in the rear. The design looks more compact but requires more movement effort.
These machines have the flywheel on the front which reduces the length significantly. The levers are also built to have minimal outwards movement when operating the machine. The average dimensions of a front-drive elliptical machine are given as;
- Length: 65 inches (165 cm)
- Width: 27 inches (68.5 cm)
- Height: 70 inches (177 cm)
- Stride length: 16-18 inches (40-45 cm)
| Brand | Length | Width | Height | Stride Length |
| NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7I | 80 | 32 | 67 | 18 |
| Sunny Pre-programmed Elliptical SF-E3912 | 55 | 23 | 64.5 | 15.5 |
| ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT | 70.5 | 24.5 | 70.5 | 15 |
| Xterra Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper | 52.1 | 14.7 | 50 | 13 |
| NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i | 80 | 32 | 67 | 18 |
| Niceday Elliptical | 62 | 25 | 48 | 15.5 |
What are the Dimensions of a Central-Drive Elliptical?
In this elliptical, the drive wheel is at the center and it has pedals riding on cylindrical rollers and a crankshaft. This design is very compact and consumes less space than the rest. However, they still need more floor space because the levers extend beyond the body when the machine is in use. These machines improve posture and move with the natural body movements. They are somehow shorter than front- and rear-drive elliptical trainers. The dimensions are given as;
- Length: 42 inches (106 cm)
- Width: 32 inches (81 cm)
- Height: 64 inches (162 cm)
- Stride length: 21 inches (53 cm)
| Brand | Length | Width | Height | Stride Length |
| LifeCore CD400 C-Drive Center Drive | 48 | 30 | 66 | 15 |
| Octane Fitness ZR8 Zero Runner | 63 | 38 | 48 | 12 |
| NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS10i | 58.5 | 29.5 | 74 | 17 |
| Octane Fitness ZR7 Zero | 63 | 38 | 58 | 22 |
| Cybex 525AT | 76 | 30 | 62.5 | 24 |
| Best Fitness Center Drive Elliptical BFE1 | 49 | 28 | 66 | 21 |
What are the Dimensions of a Rear Drive Elliptical?
In this elliptical trainer, the drive wheel is located at the rear of the elliptical in a smaller housing. These machines have a track-and-roller setup for pedals suspended on long pedal arms between the moving hand grips and the drive wheel. These ellipticals are longer than the center drive and front drive ellipticals. The dimensions are given as follows;
- Length: 80 inches (203 cm)
- Width: 32 inches (81 cm)
- Height: 67 inches (170 cm)
- Stride length: 18 inches (46 cm)
| Brand | Length | Width | Height | Stride Length |
| NordicTrack Commercial Elliptical 14.9 | 67 | 29 | 69 | 17.5-18.7 |
| Schwinn 430 Elliptical | 70.1 | 28.2 | 63.2 | 20 |
| Nautilus E618 | 73 | 27 | 67 | 22 |
| ELITE NERO ELLIPTICAL CROSS TRAINER | 93 | 62 | 64 | 12 |
| PROFORM ENDURANCE 520 E ELLIPTICAL CROSSTRAINER | 63 | 65 | 67 | 19 |
| MATRIX E30 ELLIPTICAL | 58 | 29 | 65 | 20 |
What are the Dimensions of a Compact Elliptical?
Compact ellipticals can either be rear or front drive only that they are smaller in structure and with shorter features. Most are front drive and the drive wheel projects upwards in a rectangular shape to save on space. They are built for low-impact workouts for high intensity interval workouts. The dimensions are given as follows;
- Length: 52 inches (132 cm)
- Width: 29 inches (74 cm)
- Height: 66 inches (167 cm)
- Stride length: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
- Step-up height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
| Brand | Length | Width | Height | Stride Length |
| SCHWINN Fitness 411 Compact Elliptical Machine | 53.8 | 24 | 62.5 | 18 |
| Bowflex Max Trainer M9 | 49 | 30.5 | 65.5 | |
| Proform Pro HIIT H14 | 29 | 66 | 52 | 10 |
| Bowflex Max Trainer M6 | 46 | 26 | 64.2 | 16 |
| PROFORM CARDIO HIIT TRAINER L6 | 51 | 70 | 63 | 10 |
| Sole Fitness E25 | 66 | 24 | 71 | N/A |
Is an Elliptical Bigger than a Treadmill
Both the treadmill and elliptical are built for home use where space is crucial. These machines both consume the same space because they are almost the same size. Treadmills can also be folded to save on space when not in use. Only a few models of ellipticals can fold to create a smaller setup. Generally, treadmills are bigger than ellipticals.
A standard treadmill is 77 inches (196 cm) long, 35 inches (89 cm) wide and 55 inches (140 cm) high. But there are rear drive elliptical trainers that are longer than the average treadmill at 80 inches. In addition, ellipticals are taller than treadmills because they average lengths of around 65 inches while treadmills only reach 55 inches (140 cm).
Clearly, there is a lot to learn about elliptical trainers and we have tried to cover as much details as possible. If you have time to spare, make a tape measure or ruler your best friend and try taking the measurements of your machine. With time, you will fully understand the size specifications of many things around you.
The dimension of stuff has been an interest of mine ever since I was a child. What I believe is most fascinating about the dimension of stuff is how extremely long, tall and wide some objects are both on earth and in the universe.