Whether it’s a new pair of pants or a new elliptical, finding the right fit can be tough for fun-sized folks. According to the Center for Disease Control, the average height of males and females in the U.S. is 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 3.5 inches, respectively. (1) And while I’m sure all the best ellipticals easily match the average-sized legs of those lovely people, shorter athletes may need a little help in finding machines with stride lengths that suit their frames. 

After testing over 20 ellipticals, our team of certified fitness professionals and bonafide shorties knows not only what makes for a quality machine, but what makes them suitable for shorter users. Keep scrolling to check out the models we’ve tested that support full-body, low-impact training and have the shorter-than-average stride lengths to match shorter-than-average strides.

The 7 Best Ellipticals for Short People of 2024

Best Elliptical for Short People Overall: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i

Best Compact Elliptical for Short People: ProForm Pro HIIT H14

Best Budget Elliptical for Short People: Horizon EX-59

Best Elliptical for Short People for Streaming: Bowflex M6 Max Trainer

Best Elliptical for Short People with a High Weight Capacity: Niceday Elliptical Machine

Best Under-Desk Elliptical for Short People: Cubii Move

Best Adjustable Elliptical for Short People: NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer

How We Tested and Chose the Best Ellipticals for Short People

After years of pumping the pedals and arms on over 20 ellipticals, our team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, and gym owners knows what features and specs to look for in a quality machine. Using BarBend’s equipment testing methodology, we rated each elliptical on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 categories, including ergonomics, adjustability, durability, and dynamic programming. 

Our tester on the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i.

In determining exactly what constitutes “short,” we turned to a 2018 report from the CDC that lists the average height for men (69 inches) and women (63.5 inches) in the U.S. (1) Broadly speaking, we consider “short” people to be anyone (including yours truly) who falls below these averages. Here are a few of the key elements we prioritized to round out our list of the best ellipticals for short people.

Stride Length: We included traditional ellipticals with stride lengths from 15.5 inches to 18.5 inches, along with some unique vertical and under-desk designs with horizontal ranges from 5 inches to 32 inches. These models can accommodate users from 4 feet 9 inches feet tall to over 6 feet tall. 

Available Programming: For structured and engaging training options, we prioritized ellipticals that are either integrated with the best fitness apps or offer preset workouts.

Durability: The models on our list all earned durability ratings of at least 3 out of 5 or higher from our experienced and certified testing team.

Footprint and Portability: Most ellipticals take up anywhere from 11 to 13 square feet, so we made sure to include ellipticals roughly within that range to suit all types of training spaces.

Value: Our experience testing over 20 ellipticals has given us a sense of what features are available on machines across the average price range of $1,200 to $1,800. On our list, you’ll find the ellipticals that we believe offer the best bang for your buck.

Best Elliptical for Short People Overall: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i

In addition to the -5 percent to 15-percent incline range and 26 resistance levels, the stride length on the NordicTrack Airglide 14i makes it an easy pick for our top spot and ideal for users 5 feet 8 inches and under. (2) The range of the auto-adjustable stride length is less than an inch, but our tester highlighted how the other customizations — a 5 out of 5 — can impact it during use.

Our tester on the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i.

“Depending on your incline or even the terrain of your iFIT workout, the stride length can slightly change as you work,” they said. While some of the best ellipticals with incline can match the 20-percent incline range of the AirGlide 14i, it’s the only one we have tested that features a -5-percent decline. 

Adjusting the incline won’t necessarily increase the difficulty of your workout, but it does allow you to target different muscle groups. You can couple those adjustments with an increase in resistance, but on their own, ramping up the incline can target your quads and glutes, while decline will work the hamstrings and calves.

The 14-inch HD touchscreen on the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i.

All those adjustments can be made via plus and minus buttons atop the moving arms, or you can let iFIT do it for you. We think iFIT is incredible. Sure, it costs an additional $39.99 per month, but its programming consistently earns scores of 5 out of 5 from our testing team. One of those testers, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, used the SmartAdjust feature during a virtual trek to the top of a volcano.

“I was running up the side of a volcano in Hawaii, and my resistance and incline adjusted automatically, so it really felt like I was right there with my trainer,” our tester said. Between the immersive 14-inch HD touchscreen and dual speakers, it wasn’t a surprise that they rated its tech capabilities, along with its durability and ergonomics, 5 out of 5.

[Related: Best Ellipticals for Seniors]

Best Compact Elliptical for Short People: ProForm Pro HIIT H14

The hybrid elliptical/stair stepper design of the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 combines the functionality of two cardio machines, and its vertical silhouette also cuts down its footprint by around 10- to 13-percent compared to large-and-in-charge models like the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i. Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer who measures 5 feet 9 inches, highlighted its unique design when they rated its ergonomics 4 out of 5.

Our tester using the ProForm Pro HIIT H14.

“The 5-inch horizontal stride definitely feels shorter than the 20-inch standard I’ve experienced with other ellipticals, but the 10-inch vertical climb makes up for it with a comfortable, stepper-like sensation,” they said. “I also liked that the foot pedals were oversized and well-cushioned, and the multiple handlebars had a nice sense of padding, too.”

On its own, a 5-inch stride length would be comically short — imagine taking 5-inch steps as you walk — but the H14 is one of the best compact ellipticals we’ve tested because the vertical aspect of the design can pump up the intensity.

The 14-inch HD touchscreen on the ProForm Pro HIIT H14.

Speaking of intensity, whether you fire up a studio class or are climbing mountains in Norway, its iFIT integration enables automatic resistance adjustment to match your class, hike, or run. On the H14, the 14-inch HD touchscreen brings its library of over 17,000 workouts to life. iFIT programming is a favorite among our testing team and consistently earns a 5 out 5. 

“I’ve found the elliptical series to be really engaging,” our tester said. However, access to all this streaming goodness will set you back an additional $39.99 per month. “If you aren’t planning on subscribing to iFIT, I think you’d be better off with a less tech-centric elliptical, though.”

With so many moving parts, assembling the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 was a bear for our tester and their experience putting it together earned it a 2 out of 5. “You definitely need an extra set of hands, as well as a clear schedule,” our tester noted. “If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of the $199 white-glove assembly package.”

[Related: The 8 Best Commercial Ellipticals]

Best Budget Elliptical for Short People: Horizon EX-59

The Horizon EX-59 is roughly $200 less than the average elliptical we’ve tested, and can still give you a heck of a sweat with 10 levels of resistance. It also has an 18-inch stride length, which should suit athletes between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 8 inches (2) Anyone shorter than 5 feet 4 inches may want to test out an elliptical with an 18-inch stride length at a gym or retailer to make sure it will be comfortable during a workout. 

Our tester on the Horizon EX-59.

At this price, our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored its value 4 out of 5 and added, “I think this is a really good elliptical for the price.”

[Related: The 7 Best Ellipticals Under $1,000]

While more tech-savvy ellipticals can reach or surpass $1,800, the glimmer of touchscreens integrated with fitness apps isn’t a must for everyone. The tech onboard the EX-59 earned a 3 out of 5 from our tester, but still includes a few key elements. “The Bluetooth speakers are actually really clear, plus that 4.5-inch display is pretty intuitive,” they noted. “That’s where you can track your metrics, like time, steps, and calories, but also where you choose your workouts.”

Those preset workouts include standard options, like intervals, weight loss, and distance, and our tester thought they added to their workout experience — a 3 out of 5. “The programs are a little basic for more experienced individuals, but I still feel they have some merit, especially for beginners just getting started in home gym training,” they said.

Our tester gripping the handles on the Horizon EX-59.

Its 14.3-pound flywheel is a bit lighter than we typically recommend, but the 300-pound weight capacity is in line with pricier machines. “We usually like to see 16- to 20-pound flywheels, but I still thought it was super smooth and didn’t feel any shifting or wobbling,” they said, rating its durability 3 out of 5. 

Horizon’s lifetime frame warranty is another indication that they believe in its durability, but the flywheel itself is curiously not covered at all.

[Related: The Best Budget Home Gym Equipment]

Best Elliptical for Short People for Streaming: Bowflex M6 Max Trainer

Even though you’ll be supplying the screen, the M6-specific adaptive training and scenic workouts on offer from JRNY make the Bowflex Max Trainer our top pick in this category for streaming. For roughly half the monthly subscription cost of fitness apps like iFIT ($39.99) and Peloton ($44), JRNY ($19.99) uses your metrics and workout history to tailor training that suits your fitness level. 

Our tester on the Bowflex M6 Max Trainer.

As Bowflex’s proprietary fitness app, JRNY also serves up workouts to match the unique vertical orientation of the M6 Max Trainer. BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, says that the M6’s workouts are not for the faint of heart.

“This machine is designed for HIIT training and the JRNY workouts reflect that,” she said. Coupled with its five preset workouts, she rated the dynamic programming available on the M6 Max Trainer 4.8 out of 5.

The Console of the Bowflex M6 Max Trainer.

However, she called out the lack of a built-in screen when she scored its value a 3.5 out of 5. “I think it’s a little pricey for a machine that requires you to bring your own device,” she said. “On the other hand, the high-intensity interval workouts are usually 15 minutes or less and they really are killer.”

Since you’ll be setting your own device on the media shelf, you’re free to pull up any of your favorite streaming apps if you need a show or movie to distract you from all that calorie torching. Another reason we like JRNY is that the money you’ll save with its low monthly cost can be put towards subscriptions for streamers like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.

The flywheel on the Bowflex M6 Max Trainer.

Its below-average footprint puts it among the best compact exercise equipment we’ve tested, but Meier noted that, while the vertical design can streamline your workout, moving it around can be awkward. “It’s a pretty compact machine, so it’s great for small spaces,” she said. “But finding the right balance to use the wheels was tricky.”

Best Elliptical for Short People with a High Weight Capacity: Niceday Elliptical Machine

Not only does the Niceday Elliptical Machine support users up to 400 pounds — 100 pounds higher than the industry standard — but the 15.5-inch stride length can be a good fit for users between 5 feet and 5 feet 4 inches tall. (2) We’d recommend anyone outside of that range try to test out a machine with a similar stride length at a gym or local retailer before bringing this one home.

According to BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, it’s also a well-rounded machine for just $499. Eleven of 13 categories earned a 3.5 out of 5 or higher from the 5-foot-3 Meier — including its durability — easily making it one the best ellipticals for heavy people that we’ve tested.

“It uses steel for the base and arms, so when they say that the weight capacity is 400 pounds, I believe it,” she said. She did notice just a touch of instability, though. “I cycled through all 16 resistance levels and I did feel a tiny bit of shifting side to side, but not much. One of the arms was kind of wobbly though.” 

That could have something to do with the 16-pound flywheel, which is at the low end of the 16- to 20-pound range we usually recommend for home ellipticals.

Meier thought its durability was even more impressive given its compact footprint, which is roughly 3 to 6 feet smaller than average and earned a 4 out of 5. “For those in tight quarters, some of the appeal for this machine comes with the ability to use this wherever you have space,” she said.

Because it rings up at around $700 less than the average range for most ellipticals, the relative lack of razzle dazzle should be unsurprising, but Meier also noted it’s not completely devoid of technology. “There isn’t any programming on this elliptical, or Bluetooth connectivity that would allow you to pair with an app,” she said when she rated its tech capabilities 3 out of 5. “But it can track your metrics like time, heart rate, speed, and calories. if you’re looking for a simple, super-quiet elliptical, this could be the right fit.”

[Related: Best Ellipticals for Seniors]

Best Under-Desk Elliptical for Short People: Cubii Move

Under-desk ellipticals can help you work a bit of cardio into your workday and we think the durability and adjustability of the Cubii Move separates it from the pack. In addition to its six levels of resistance, we like that its pedals are angled upward to better accommodate the seated position. 

Our tester using the Cubii Move under their desk.

Other models typically lack variable resistance, but the Move offers six levels that can be adjusted with a resistance knob reminiscent of the best exercise bikes. While we were impressed by this inclusion, our tester didn’t feel the range offered much of a challenge. “I just left it on the highest resistance for my whole workout,” they said. “I wasn’t expecting an intense workout or anything, but I didn’t think the resistance was that special.”

For our 6-foot tester, the angled pedals were a tad uncomfortable. For shorter users, however, they might be just right. “The angle of the pedals was kind of high for me,” they said, rating their elliptical workout experience a 3.5 out of 5. “Instead of engaging my quads and calves, I had to roll my ankles forward to get it moving.”

Our tester checking their metrics on the Cubii Move.

At just 9.7 inches high, it should easily slide under most desks. Because of the force applied to them while you pedal, many under-desk ellipticals tend to slide away during use. However, our tester — a certified personal trainer — noted its stability when they used it in their office. 

“It has a floorplate on the base that helps make it a bit more sturdy and actually work up a sweat,” they said. “I wouldn’t try a HIIT workout or anything, but it’s great for working at a desk or watching TV.”

[Related: The 6 Best Under-Desk Ellipticals]

Best Adjustable Elliptical for Short People: NordicTrack FS10i Trainer

If your quest to find the best at-home cardio machine has you debating stepper vs. elliptical vs. treadmill, we have good news. The NordicTrack FS10i won’t make you pick a favorite. Okay, it will, but you’ll do so just by changing the path of your stride. As you move, the cross trainer will respond to your stride, efficiently combining the functionality of three machines into one.

BarBend lead video reviewer Jake Herod on the NordicTrack FS10i.

If you want to see it in action, check out BarBend video reviewer Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, putting it to work in his video review below. “It operates as a stair master, elliptical, and even a treadmill — all based on your specific stride,” he explains. “It’s going to change in a matter of seconds…and it’s a pretty smooth process.”

It may take a few workouts to get used to, but another of our testers, a certified personal trainer, rated its adjustability and ergonomics both 4 out of 5. “The overall stride length is 32 inches, but it depends on how you’re using it,” they said. “It also has integrated resistance and incline controls, but in iFIT classes, those can be changed automatically, too.”

BarBend lead video reviewer Jake Herod choosing an iFIT class on the NordicTrack FS10i.

In his review, Herod also highlighted how the three-in-one design of the FS10i can help you make the most of iFIT’s library of 17,000 workouts. Each one of them is at your fingertips on the 10-inch HD touchscreen, so it may be a while before you run out of options. “You’re never going to get bored or run out of possibilities when it comes to workouts,” he said.

To access all those workouts, you’ll have to drop an additional $39.99 per month on top of the $1,999.99 for the FS10i. iFIT’s programming is the belle of the fitness ball among our testers, though, and consistently earns scores of 5 out 5 for its elliptical and treadmill workouts. 

Read our full NordicTrack FS10i Freestride Trainer Review.

Benefits of Ellipticals for Short People

From their relatively small footprints to the full-body burns they make possible, elliptical trainers offer many benefits for short athletes. 

The 32-pound flywheel on the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i.

Our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, lays out what exactly these classic cardio machines bring to the table. “Ellipticals are a wonderful option for individuals who want to increase their cardio exercise volume but need a low-impact way to do it,” she says. “Compared to other forms of low-impact cardio, like cycling and rowing, ellipticals keep the user in the upright position, making them ideal for individuals who struggle with back pain, too.”

Accessible Low-Impact Cardio: Because different ellipticals are designed with different stride lengths, short people can access the kind of low-impact workouts that Capritto says set ellipticals apart. “For those who need low-impact exercise options, ellipticals sit near the top of the list. These cardio machines provide a full-body workout without putting undue stress on the joints.”

Total-Body Workouts: While treadmills and exercise bikes can get your heart pumping, the upper-body engagement made possible by these machines makes them unique among cardio fitness equipment. “Ellipticals (at least the ones with moving arms) provide a whole-body workout, so they’re an excellent option for people who need to maximize their exercise time,” Capritto says.

Compact Footprint: Capritto notes that while ellipticals generally take up less floor space — a bit less than the average loveseat — than other cardio machines, there are models to fit every space. (3) “Ellipticals come in a wide range of sizes; higher-end models typically weigh more and are harder to move,” she says. “Many ellipticals come with mounted transport wheels for added portability.”

How Much Do The Best Ellipticals for Short People Cost?

No matter the length of your stride, the ellipticals on our list run the gamut from budget-friendly to high-end options. The average range among all ellipticals we have tested is around $1,200 to $1,800 and, as you’ll see, the range for these models stretches even further.

What to Consider Before Buying The Best Ellipticals for Short People

As our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, points out, becoming familiar with the available features of ellipticals is step number one. “Ellipticals, even the simpler, budget-friendly models, are machines with many components, so potential buyers should be aware of what’s considered standard, better, and best when it comes to elliptical specifications.” If you’re still wondering what to consider before buying an elliptical, take a look at a few of these key factors.

Stride Length 

The first stop in the specs list for shorter users should be the stride length. What exactly is the stride length? ​​According to Sunny Health & Fitness, an elliptical stride length refers to the distance between the pedals when they are farthest away from each other. (2) This is important because the stride length should closely match your walking stride, which depends on the length of your legs. While this chart may not be gospel for every person, take a look to get a sense of the length that may best suit you.

Available Space 

Most ellipticals gobble up around 11 to 13 square feet of floor space, making them a tad smaller than the average loveseat. (3) In addition to pulling out your measuring tape, ask yourself if you could fit a small couch in the spot you’re eyeballing for your elliptical. 

The handles and console on the Horizon EX-59.

Capritto says that checking that the machine’s dimensions match your space is one of the first considerations to make. “This is a good place to start, because you’ll be really frustrated if you buy an elliptical that doesn’t fit in your intended space or, if you need to be flexible with your space, isn’t easy to move.”

Budget 

Along with fitting into your training space, a new elliptical needs to fit into your budget. The average price range for most high-quality ellipticals is roughly $1,200 to $1,800, but the options on our list span an even wider range. Whether it’s incline, tech capabilities or portability, consider which features and specifications are most important for your fitness goals. 

[Related: The 5 Best Ellipticals with Incline]

Once you identify those, familiarize yourself with just how much ellipticals that meet your criteria tend to cost.

Programming Options

As Capritto notes, a huge driver of the cost of these exercise machines is the available programming they support. “Check the specs for tech features that match your nonnegotiables, like Bluetooth compatibility or a touchscreen display. Many ellipticals integrate with fitness programming, too,” she says. “NordicTrack and ProForm ellipticals, for instance, can stream iFIT programming. If you don’t want to pay for a fitness subscription, you may want to look for an elliptical that has built-in workouts.”

Best Ellipticals for Short People FAQs

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021b, September 10). FASTSTATS – body measurements. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/body-measurements.htm

Sydney Bueckert Fitness Trainer CES. (2021, May 19). What is the ideal elliptical stride length to best fit you?. Sunny Health and Fitness. https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/blogs/products/best-elliptical-stride-length 

Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/

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