Best Center Drive Elliptical 2023
Center drive ellipticals are famous and compete well against front and rear-drive models. It’s because center drive elliptical trainers are available in impressive designs and useful features that give you a dream body that you were waiting for a long time. If you are looking for such a machine for your home gym, then check the following options and choose the best among them.
Table of Contents
Top 8 Best Center Drive Ellipticals in 2023
| Precor Series | • Weight capacity: 422 lbs • Stride length: 0 to 36 " • Resistance: 20 levels | Check Price |
| Bowflex Max Trainer | • Weight capacity: 300 lbs • Stride length: NA • Resistance: 8 levels | Check Price |
| NordicTrack Trainer | • Weight capacity: 375 lbs • Stride length: 38 " • Resistance: 24 levels | Check Price |
| Cybex Arc Trainer | • Weight capacity: 412 lbs • Stride length: 24 " • Resistance : 900 watts | Check Price |
| Octane Fitness | • Weight capacity: 300 lbs • Stride length: 58 " • Resistance : Variable | Check Price |
| ProForm Cardio | • Weight capacity: 325 lbs • Stride length: 10" X 5" • Resistance : 24 digital levels | Check Price |
| Sunny Health & Fitness | • Weight capacity: 260 lbs • Stride length: 7 " • Resistance : 8 | Check Price |
| Schwinn Compact | • Weight capacity: 275 lbs • Stride length: 17.5 " • Resistance : 8 magnetic | Check Price |
Here are the Top 8 Best Center Drive elliptical machines Reviews in 2023
1. Precor Center Drive Elliptical Trainer
Key specification
- Resistance: 20 levels
- Stride length: 0 to 36 inches
- Weight capacity: 422 pounds
Precor Centre Drive AMT 835 is a trustworthy name in the fitness industry. AMT 835 belongs to the brand’s commercial series. The primary attraction of this motion trainer is its Open Stride Technology that allows you to change the stride height between 6.8 to 10 inches. The adjustable stride length is between 0 and 36 inches.
AMT 835 comes with two sets of handlebars that you can choose according to your comfort. It offers 20 levels of resistance so that you can customize the workout programs according to your fitness and expertise level. So, whether you are a beginner or an expert, the Precor motion trainer suits all the users and offers effective workout sessions.
The motion trainer is flexible enough to serve as a treadmill, bike as well as elliptical; all the fitness machines combined in single frame. Plus, it has multiple LCD screens that navigate thorough all your workout related data whenever required. You will find more peace of mind knowing that the trainer is available with a warranty of 10 years.
Reasons to buy
- Adjustable stride length
- Pulse rate sensors on fixed handlebars
- Offers upper and lower body workout
2. Bowflex Center Drive Elliptical Machines
Key specification
- Resistance: 8 levels
- Stride length: NA
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Bowflex M3 Max Trainer offers impact-free workouts and fast calorie burn. This recommendation is one of the best alternatives to the treadmill because it engages both your upper and lower body. Your lower body uses the steeper and the moving arms nourish the upper part.
As M3 is gentle on your joints, there are no chances of injuries or unnecessary strain. It comes with 8 resistance levels and 2 workout programs that are useful to customize your workout. The trainer also includes a chest strap for wireless heart rate monitoring.
Bowflex M3 is an entry-level center drive elliptical trainer that’s available at a marginally lower price tag than other models. However, its built quality is sturdy and durable. Plus, it has high-end features like a burn rate display that shows how many calories you burned every minute.
Reasons to buy
- Combines an elliptical and stepper
- Burn rate display to share every minute calorie burn
- Backlit display to show you the workout-related data
- Includes a chest strap
3. NordicTrack Center Drive Elliptical
Key specification
- Resistance: 24 levels
- Stride length: 38 inches adjustable
- Weight capacity: 375 pounds
NordicTrack Centre Drive FS7i is one of the most balanced trainers that come with a center drive mechanism. It has a 38-inch adjustable stride and a 20-pound inertia-enhanced flywheel that’s responsible to provide you with the required level of resistance. The trainer allows you a one-touch incline of up to 10 percent.
Due to variable stride length and incline, you can use FS7i as a stepper, elliptical, and even a treadmill. In other words, this NordicTrack center drive elliptical equals to three machines but never asks much in return. Its price tag is marginally lower than many other variants with similar features.
NordicTrack FreeStride FS7i is better than a treadmill when we talk about the impacts on your joints and other muscles. It also has 24 resistance levels that change the intensity of workouts as per your fitness level. Bring your hands into the movement and you will notice that this fitness machine can target more areas of your body than a treadmill.
Reasons to buy
- Adjustable stride to support a wide range of workouts
- iFit enabled exercising unit
- Multiple inbuilt programs for guidance
- Wireless pulse rate monitor included
4. Cybex Centre Drive Arc Trainer
Key specification
- Resistance levels: Up to 900 watts
- Stride length: 24 inches
- Weight capacity: 412 pounds
Are you tired of treadmills and bikes in the gym? Then, try the new Cybex 750A Arc Trainer that’s one of the best machines to burn your extra body fat. It has all the elements of a climber, skier, and elliptical trainer to offer an enjoyable as well as challenging workout environment.
The trainer comes with a pair of floating pedals and long handlebars that also work as side rails for added balance. It has resistance levels up to 900 watts that allow you to work out at high intensity. Moreover, the arc trainer has 21 inclines that are helpful when you need some strength training.
Cybex 750A trainer is a commercial quality arc trainer that performs well in demanding situations and never malfunctions or seeks early repairs. It’s a perfect fitness machine for gym users, but also a great addition to your home workout schedule. In other words, any of the users can take benefit from the trainer because of its low impact nature, versatility, small footprint, and load-independent mechanism.
Reasons to buy
- Works as a skier, climber, and elliptical
- Engages glutes and quads for effective calorie loss
- Minimal impact on your joints
- 10-years of frame warranty
5. Octane Best Fitness Center Drive Elliptical
Key specification
- Resistance levels: Variable
- Stride length: 58 inches
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Octane Centre Drive Fitness ZR8 is a special elliptical machine that offers impact cardio training and strength workout. While exercising on the Zero Runner, you will get a 58-inch stride length to stretch your legs and boost the cardiovascular system. For upper body workout, you need to leave the machine and use its resistance cords.
What makes ZR8 unique is its distinctive structure that mimics the lower body of humans. This zero runner also has knee joints and hip that makes it similar to us; the human beings. It’s the reason why this fitness machine offers zero-impact workout and provides an experience like you are running in real.
The Octane Fitness runner has durable legs made of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. Its pedals are also low in heft and it’s the primary reason why this machine offers faster cadence. Also, the runner has a pair of grips that allow you to perform better and target more muscles.
Reasons to buy
- Replicates natural human movement
- Maximum stride length
- Makes no impact on your joints
- Includes a pair of resistance bands with 7 connection points
6. ProForm Center Drive Elliptical HIIT Trainer
Key specification
- Resistance levels: 24 digital levels
- Stride length: 10” vertical, 5” horizontal
- Weight capacity: 325 pounds
Do you want to lose fat four times faster? Well, we know the answer because everyone wants to lose extra calories without spending much time in the gym. Its where ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer comes into the picture because it makes the weight loss process fast and effective. You might think that the ProForm Center drive elliptical will be impactful or might lead to strain.
But, the reality differs. it’s a low-impact trainer that never makes jarring effects on your body. Moreover, you can use the fitness machine as an Elliptical Incline and stepper for most of your body muscles.
The HIIT trainer’s performance-oriented nature depends upon its 24 digital resistance levels. It comes iFit enabled and allows you to access the premium training videos for 30 days’ trial. If you like the on-demand workout programs and professional advice on fitness standards, then you can purchase the iFit membership.
Reasons to buy
- SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance
- Smooth and zero impact movement
- 7-inch backlit display
- Take less space as compared to regular models
7. Sunny Health & Fitness Centre Drive Climber Stepping
Key specification
- Resistance levels: 8
- Stride length: 7 inch (horizontal)
- Weight capacity: 260 pounds
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3919 offers the motion of both a stepper as well as elliptical, which is helpful for a full-body workout. It’s specially made for home users but has incredible durability and excellent features that keep you active as well as healthy. The fitness machine has a steel tubing frame, but the flywheel covers and resistance elements are made of ABS.
Due to steel construction, the unit is corrosion and rust-resistant. It’s an elliptical stepper, so you will train in a vertical motion. The fitness machine does not have an incline, which could be a disappointment for users looking for some strength training.
SF-E3919 comes with 8 levels of magnetic resistance, which is manual. Hence, the machine never seeks a power resource to operate. Its LCD screen is divided into several sections that track and share time, distance, speed, time, pulse, calories lost, and RPM. Keep in mind that there are no pre-installed workout programs in this machine.
Reasons to buy
- Offers lower and upper body workout
- Multifunctional performance monitor
- Transportation wheels
- Device holder to add some entertainment to your workout
8. Schwinn Centre Drive Elliptical Machine
Key specification
- Resistance levels: 8 magnetic
- Stride length: 17.5 inches
- Weight capacity: 275 pounds
Schwinn Centre Drive A40 is easy to use, entry-level elliptical for beginners, and home users. The “no-nonsense” fitness machine has quality built that justifies its price tag, which is comparatively lower than other variants available with similar features. Designed with perimeter weighted flywheel and 8 magnetic resistance levels, the compact elliptical offers quiet and smooth workout sessions.
The fitness machine has a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds, which is lower than expensive options. However, it might be a suitable investment for average-sized users. The machine has a stride length of 17 inches, which is fixed.
The A40 has ergonomically placed fixed and moving handlebars. The heart rate monitors are integrated on the fixed ones while the moving pair is helpful when you need to train your upper body. You can check heart rate and other workout related data on its LCD.
Reasons to buy
- Seven inbuilt workout programs
- Large LCD console to track your progress
- Moving handlebars for upper body workout
- Fixed handlebars with integrated pulse monitor
- Operates smoothly at low sound level
Frequently Asked Question of Center Drive Elliptical
What is the center drive elliptical?
The center drive ellipticals come with flywheels located on any of the sides; front or rear. These machines keep the user’s weight centered, which improves the workout experience.
What is a better center or front-drive elliptical?
As you can understand from the name, a Front-Drive Elliptical keeps its flywheel in the front and rolling tracks on the back. Depending upon the stride and available incline, such machines are similar to stair climbers and offers vertical motions. On the other hand, center drive ellipticals keep the user upright, and hence, you don’t have to lean on its handrails.
Flywheels are located on either side of a center drive elliptical, which makes it compact and suitable for home users. So, if we talk about the results of center drive elliptical vs front drive; the former is better because it offers natural movement and keeps you impact free.
Buying Guide of Center Drive Elliptical
Center drive elliptical machines offer an efficient workout for your body, but you should invest on one of the best models. We will look at a couple of factors that you should consider before investing in such a fitness machine.
Resistance: Do you need an effective workout every day? If yes, then we recommend that you choose an elliptical that comes with some levels of magnetic of manual resistance. It’s the reason why we have mentioned the resistance level in all the above reviews. You should try to choose maximum levels available within your decided price range or budget.
Stride: One of the most important factors while buying an elliptical is its stride length. To rank as one of the best centers drive ellipticals, it must have a stride length of at least 18 inches. A lower stride length will reduce efficiency while a better number will improve your comfort.
Summary
Today, we discussed some of the latest additions under the category of best fitness center drive elliptical machines. Any of the above-mentioned options can provide you with effective training sessions that also at the comfort of your residence. Choose one of the best ellipticals that suit your budget, has the required stride length and resistance levels.
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