Elliptical Trainer Stride Length: What Is It And Why Is It Important?
Buy an elliptical? If so, you’ve probably come across the term “stride length” in your research and wondered what it means. There is a lot of different sales literature out there on stride length, but this article will break it down for you and leave all the hype behind.
Basically, the stride length is the farthest distance between the pedals of the elliptical when using the elliptical.
Ellipticals offer a range of different stride lengths, from 13 inches to 23 inches. Some machines even offer adjustable stride where you can choose from several different stride lengths by adjusting a few settings on the machine.
So why is stride so important?
Basically, stride is important because it can make the difference between a comfortable workout that burns a lot of calories and an uncomfortable, jittery workout that burns few calories.
Too short a stride length will give the elliptical motion a bouncy and jerky feel. It also makes for an unnatural feeling ride.
Shorter steps don’t force you to use your leg muscles to their fullest. So you’re also burning far fewer calories than you could on a longer-stride machine.
With all of this in mind, it’s not hard to see why the cheapest (under $600) ellipticals typically come with shorter stride lengths.
They may seem like a good deal, but you’re not really getting the best bang for your buck. And in the long run, you’ll wonder why you don’t see faster results.
Longer strides feel more natural, more like the “running” motion that elliptical trainers were originally designed for. They use more leg muscles and you will subsequently get better calorie burning and weight loss results.
What is the ideal stride length?
Most people of average height find that between 18 and 21 inches is perfect for them. If you’re under 5’3″, you’ll probably want to go with an 18-inch step. If you’re taller (over 6 feet), you’ll probably be more comfortable with a 20- or 21-inch step.
And if there are multiple users in your home, you may want to opt for an adjustable step so everyone can find the most comfortable elliptical motion for themselves.
Those are some of the basics of stride length, and what to know before choosing an elliptical.
Keep in mind that there are other important factors to consider as well, besides stride length. For example, a heavy flywheel, adjustable pedals, and incline are also factors that make up a quality elliptical.
You also want a lot of resistance levels, so you don’t max out the first month of training and have nowhere to go! Keep these things in mind when you shop, and you’re more likely to find an elliptical you love—and use for years to come!