If you want to get some workout done but only have a low-ceiling room to place it, then you might have a hard time finding a good one like an elliptical. Even if some of the ellipticals you see in the gym are huge, there are also a bunch that you can easily throw in a low-height room and exercise comfortably. Just keep an eye out for the word “Step-up height” or “Step-on height” and you’ll find a good one that matches what you want! (how? explained below!)
Key Takeaway Getting an elliptical for a low-ceiling room can be a bit tricky, especially if you are tall. But you can find out if you can work out on an elliptical in a small room with some simple calculations. Add your height with the step-up height + 4 to 6 inches and you can find out if it’s okay for your room. Later on this page, we explained it in detail with examples, so check that out. |
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Here are some of the best ellipticals for low ceilings you can find on the market right now. All of them are good enough for general use and also great for small space use, so check those out!
Specifications
- Step-up height: 14 inches
- Weight capacity: 375 lbs
- Item weight: 231 lbs
- Resistance levels: 20
- Dimension: 82L x 31W x 71H inches
- Footprint: 82L x 31W
- Elliptical height: 71 inches or 5 feet 11 inches
Warranty: Lifetime for the frame, 5 years for the electronics and parts; and 2 years for labor
Key Features
- Power incline: This Power Incline feature of this machine helps you add variations to your indoor workouts. There are 20 levels of incline that allow you to work on your muscles on different levels.
- Adjustable foot pedals: The foot pedals are adjustable so that you can make your footing according to your liking and comfort. The clever 2 degrees slopped pedals were designed in a way that you can continue working out without a sore knee and ankle.
- Bluetooth connectivity with built-in console speakers: As a premium elliptical in this category, you might expect it to come with some additional features; it does. You are getting a 7.5 inches display, Bluetooth connectivity, speakers, a fan, a water bottle holder, and more.
- Built-in programs: You’ll also get a bunch of built-in programs with this elliptical. There are 6 standard programs, 2 cardio programs, and 2 custom programs.
Heart rate monitor: Like most workout machines nowadays, this E35 elliptical also has a heart rate measuring option. There are heart rate monitors on the handlebars; a heart rate chest strap is also included for better measurement.
Reason to buy
If you are looking for a premium-quality home elliptical for your low-ceiling apartment or basement, this E35 might be the one for you. With 14 inches of step-on height, it’s perfect for a 6 feet tall person even if it’s an 8 feet ceiling room. This Sole E35 will rock even if it’s a large gym room. It got all the best qualities of a top-notch elliptical and with the low step-on height, you can drag it into a low-ceiling room.
Reason to avoid
It’s a fantastic elliptical with killer features and a low step-up height. However, premium stuff (elliptical in this case) comes with a premium price. This Sole Fitness E35 might be hard to get if you are looking for a budget-friendly one for your low-height basement. Also, this thing is heavy, dragging around a 230 pounds machine might be a workout session on its own, although it comes with wheels at the bottom.
Specifications
- Step-up height: 13 inches
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Item weight: 66 lbs
- Resistance level: 8 (fan flywheel)
- Dimension: 48L x 28.5W x 59.5H inches
- Footprint: 48L x 28.5W
- Elliptical height: 59.5 inches or 4 feet 11.5 inches
Warranty: 1-year warranty
Key Features
- Two in one trainer: You can use this workout machine both as an elliptical and a trainer bike. It’s a great trainer for small places because you can sit down while doing your workouts.
- Great value for the money: Despite being a two-in-one workout machine, this Body Rider workout machine comes at a very reasonable price. The fan flywheel mechanism allows this machine to be within an affordable budget.
- Adjustable bike seat: You can adjust the seat of this dual-purpose workout machine according to your comfort. The flexibility to adjust the seat vertically and horizontally in 7 user profiles ensures you can do your workouts smoothly.
- Adjustable handlebars: Not only the seat, but you can also adjust the handlebars. There are 3 height options for handlebars adjustment.
Covered fan flywheel: The fan flywheel is safely covered with protectives. As it’s a fan flywheel machine, you can control your workout speed manually, similar to manual treadmills.
Reason to buy
The Body Rider BRD2000 is a budget-friendly dual-functional trainer. You can use this as an elliptical and also as an upright bike. Not only that, it’s affordable, lightweight, and easy to move. With a 13 inches step-on height, it meets your requirement to fit in a low ceiling room. Also, this 5 feet machine fits perfectly in a low-ceiling room. Transporting or moving it is no big deal as it weighs only 66 pounds. So, if you are looking for an affordable elliptical for a low-ceiling room, the body Rider BRD2000 is perfect.
Reason to avoid
As you know, budget items might not give you the best results all the time. This is also true for this BRD2000 elliptical. This workout machine costs way less than many other ellipticals out there. And the features in this machine might not be top of the class but it’s not that bad either. Also, the fan flywheel and the light weight of this machine can be considered a negative side of this machine that you can put in a small space. You might want to take a look at some of the other ellipticals on our list if you want better quality over price.
Specifications
- Step-up height: 12.6 inches
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
- Item weight: 60.8 lbs
- Resistance level: 8
- Dimension: 28L x 17W x 57H inches
- Footprint: 28L x 17W inches
Elliptical height: 57 inches 4 feet 9 inches
Key Features
- Compact workout machine: This is a compact workout machine, great for the low-ceiling room. Setting up this compact elliptical from Sunny Health & Fitness is a piece of cake; takes only a few minutes.
- Great value for the money: As a compact and basic elliptical, it comes at a very affordable price.
- Heart-rate monitor: You’ll find standard heart rate monitor sensors on the handlebars. You can measure your pulse along with distance, calories, and workout time.
- Transportation wheels: Carrying this 60 pounds machine is no big deal as there are wheels at the bottom.
Floor stabilizer: This is a pretty basic elliptical that doesn’t weigh too much like some of the other pro machines. Less weight might create unstable positioning sometimes, and to prevent that it has floor stabilizers.
Reason to buy
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 is a value-for-the-money workout machine, which is perfect for a low-ceiling room. With a 12.6 inches step-up height, you can comfortably work out in an 8 feet room if your height is 6 feet or even 6 and a half feet. As a compact machine, this elliptical with only about 60 pounds weight, so it’s super easy to move it; you can do it alone. This is a straightforward exercise machine with a reasonable price. And you are getting a good deal for the money if you ask me. Large non-slip pedals, 8 levels of resistance, and convenient features give you a good enough workout experience. So, if you want a compact and affordable elliptical for a low-ceiling room, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 is the right choice for you.
Reason to avoid
This is a nice and compact machine for the price but at the same time, a budget elliptical might not give you the same performance as a premium one. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 is a great machine for the price but if you are looking for superior quality, there are some better ones available. Also, the weight limit is only 220 pounds, so it might not be an option for overweight users. Even within the weight range user with the floor stabilizers, this machine might get a bit shaky while use. So, if you want to avoid that, you might want to consider a well-built machine like the next one on our list.
Specifications
- Step up height:
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Item weight: 106.9 lbs
- Resistance levels: 13
- Dimension: 55.25L x 38.0W x 52.5H inches
- Footprint: 55.25L x 38.0W inches
- Elliptical height: 52.5 inches or 4 feet 4.5 inches
Warranty: 1-year full warranty
Key Features
- Low-impact recumbent cross trainer: This one might not look like your typical elliptical. It’s a recumbent cross-trainer elliptical, which is super effective for low-impact workouts.
- Height adjustable cushioned seat: The adjustable seat allows you to do your workouts comfortably, according to your height. As this trainer was made with low impact and comfort in mind, this is an effective feature to have.
- Adjustable handle: You can also adjust the handle size according to the comfort or workout motion you want.
- Adjustable back support: The back support also can be adjusted according to your comfort. The seat and the back support are cushioned which adds an extra level to your comfort.
Free TeeterMove app: Many workout machines on the market have dedicated apps nowadays. However, their apps come with some kind of subscription or membership that you have to buy desperately. But not with this one, you simply can download the free TeeterMove app from the Google Play store or Apple store and enjoy.
Reason to buy
As a recumbent cross trainer, the biggest plus point for this Teeter FreeStep elliptical is the low-impact workouts. This is great for you if you have any joint complexities such as injuries, operations or so. However, as a recumbent machine where you’ll be seating while working out, the machine won’t take much height to fit in a room. With about 4 feet 5 inches in height, you can place this machine in a 7 feet-height room and still can exercise easily. If you are okay with a cross-trainer elliptical instead of a typical one, this Teeter FreeStep Trainer is the perfect option for you.
Reason to avoid
Quality, performance, and build wise the Teeter recumbent trainer is pretty good. However, if you want a typical elliptical machine, this one might not be a good choice for you. Also, this is not a budget-friendly option either. If you want something within a budget, you can go for Sunny Health & Fitness. And if you want a quality elliptical with all the proper features and shape, you can take a look at the next one on our list, It’s a good one.
Specifications
- Step-up height: 10.75 inches
- Weight capacity: 300
- Item weight: 145 lbs
- Resistance levels: 10
- Dimension: 74L x 25W x 64.5H inches
- Footprint: 74L x 25W inches
- Elliptical height: 64.5 inches or 5 feet 4.5 inches
Warranty: Lifetime warranty for the frame, 1-year for the brake, parts, and labor
Key Features
- Different built-in workout programs: This workout machine comes with a bunch of preinstalled workout programs. You’ll find 7 built-in programs including calories, distance, weight loss, intervals, and manual programs.
- One-touch resistance change with easy-to-use control: The console is pretty straightforward and super easy to use. You can see your workout data using the three monitors on the console.
- SixStar aluminum frame: The strong and sturdy aluminum frame can hold up to 300 pounds weight. And its build quality is also pretty sturdy and solid.
- Built-in speakers with device and cup holder: This elliptical gives you the opportunity to connect your Bluetooth device with it and use the speakers. You can connect your smartphone or tablet and enjoy music or movies while working out.
Easy portability with transportation wheels: Moving this 187 pounds machine might sound exhausting but it isn’t. The transportation wheels in this elliptical make moving or storing it much easier and smoother.
Reason to buy
The Horizon Fitness EX-59 is a decent choice if you want a good-performing elliptical for your low-ceiling house. With the 10.75 inches step-up height, you can easily put it into an 8 feet height room and have a safe workout session. Also, no worries if you are a big guy, the aluminum frame of this machine can hold up to 300 pounds. The ergonomic handlebars take care of the upper body workouts and the other handlebars are for the pulse sensors. It’ll get you entertained, you can connect your Bluetooth device and enjoy music or watch movies using the built-in speakers. There’s also a USB outlet to keep you recharged. So, you can get this Horizon Fitness EX-59 as your workout partner if you are looking for a quality machine for your house.
Reason to avoid
This is an ideal home workout machine but it comes around the $700 to $800 price range. So, if you are running on a tight budget, this Horizon Fitness elliptical might be a pass for you. In that case, you can go for the budget options on our list, such as the Body Rider BRD2000 or the Sunny Health & Fitness.
Best Elliptical for Low-ceiling Buying Guide
When looking for an elliptical for a low ceiling, the most important factor is the step-up height of the machine. Now, what is the step-up height you might ask?
The elliptical step-up height is the highest point the foot pedal reaches while the machine is functioning. That means it’s the highest position your foot will get when you do workouts on this machine. It’s an important factor when we are talking about getting an elliptical inside a small-height room. Basically, one can tell if you are going to hit your head on the ceiling or have a good workout by looking at the step-up height, your height, and the room height. And this is how it works…
# Your height + Step up height + 6 inches < ceiling height
You add your height with the step-up height of the elliptical plus 4-6 inches (safety space between your head and the ceiling). If it’s lower than the ceiling height of the room, then all’s good. But if it’s greater than the ceiling height of the room, then most likely, the elliptical isn’t safe for you to work out in that room.
You add your height with the step-up height of the elliptical plus 4-6 inches (safety space between your head and the ceiling). If it’s lower than the ceiling height of the room, then all’s good. But if it’s greater than the ceiling height of the room, then most likely, the elliptical isn’t safe for you to work out in that room.
For example, let’s take John, who is our imaginary friend here. John is 6 feet tall and he wants to buy an elliptical but the room he picked for the workout has a bit low ceiling. Let’s say the room is 8 feet, and the step-up height is 15 inches. Now, the calculation will be something like this,
6 feet/ 72 inches + 15 inches + 6 inches = 93 inches
And 8 feet = 96 inches,
So, John can fit that particular elliptical inside his room, as the result is lower than his room height. So, any more step-up height than 15-16 inches can be a little too close for his room. Usually, most elliptical on the market has a step-up height between 12 to 15. And as long as the room height is 8 feet and higher, it should be fine; but any lower can be tricky.
So, when it comes to choosing an elliptical for your low-ceiling room, all you have to check is-
- Step-un height
- Your height
Room height
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use an elliptical with a 7-foot ceiling?
Whether you can use an elliptical in a 7-foot ceiling room depends on the step-up height and your height. Add your height, step-up height, and 4-6 inches for clearance to find out if you can use it. However, in general, using an elliptical in a 7-foot room can be difficult for an average-height person.
What is the step-up height for the elliptical?
The step-up height for the elliptical is the height between the floor and the point the foot pedal reaches. The average step-up height of an elliptical available on the market is 12-16 inches. It’s a great indicator of whether you can use this machine in a low-ceiling room.
Where should an elliptical be placed in the house?
An elliptical can be placed anywhere with a solid floor, and enough room to fit in with some clearance space. An electric line, enough light, and a window can be also good for overall safety and comfort. The most popular places for an elliptical are a basement, living room, garage, or any other free space.
Conclusion
An elliptical can be a great addition to your home gym, even if it has a low ceiling. And above-mentioned ellipticals are some of the best in this category you can find. Also, if you follow the buying guide, you can get the perfect one for yourself (just remember the step-up height). So, don’t let the low ceiling be an excuse for getting better and healthy; get yourself an elliptical now!