We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Elliptical stride inch?

Fatimah1104
Fatimah1104 Posts: 27 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Okay so I'm 5"11 and saw a good looking ellipitcal for under 500 bucks with a 13" stride. Would this be a pain in the butt for me? The weight capacity is fine at 325 pounds but should I be concerned about that stride inch? It's for home use. Thanks. Looking to buy online today or tomorrow...

Replies

  • Athena98501
    Athena98501 Posts: 716 Member
    Okay so I'm 5"11 and saw a good looking ellipitcal for under 500 bucks with a 13" stride. Would this be a pain in the butt for me? The weight capacity is fine at 325 pounds but should I be concerned about that stride inch? It's for home use. Thanks. Looking to buy online today or tomorrow...

    That sounds quite short, after comparing it to mine (Diamondback 1260ef). It has a 19" stride (looked it up), which is comfortable for me, and I'm short. For someone who is taller, I'm guessing that one with the shorter stride would feel more like a stair-stepper type of experience (but obviously with less pure up and down motion).

    I did some research before I bought mine, and reviews basically said that lower-end machines don't tend to last more than a couple of years. I bought the machine that consumer reports had given the highest recommendation. The one I got is mid-range to high-end, but if you can afford it, it's definitely worth it.
  • tajmel
    tajmel Posts: 401 Member
    I can't say anything about 13" specifically, but I've used ellipticals with long and short strides, and the short stride ones drive me nuts.

    This website says you should get a 20"-21": http://www.allellipticals.com/stride-length-of-elliptical-trainers.html
  • Fatimah1104
    Fatimah1104 Posts: 27 Member
    What's the importance of the stride inch and why did it drive you nuts? I wish I could afford a high end 20 inch stride but I can't and I don't really have time for the gym right now with two small kids and scarce babysitter so I was hoping the 13 inch wouldnt be too much of a hassle...
  • Fatimah1104
    Fatimah1104 Posts: 27 Member
    the 13 inch is in my budget but if its gonna be a pain in the butt then im just gonna hold off until a year or two before i can aford a 20 inch in my home
  • Athena98501
    Athena98501 Posts: 716 Member
    the 13 inch is in my budget but if its gonna be a pain in the butt then im just gonna hold off until a year or two before i can aford a 20 inch in my home

    You might be able to find a deal on Craigslist. :-) I had bought mine from Amazon for about 30% off retail (plus free shipping).
  • dabrass2002
    dabrass2002 Posts: 7
    I was told by a sales rep that the longer stride the better. The 13 inch may feel more like a stepper.
  • PixelTreason
    PixelTreason Posts: 226 Member
    I'm 5'9" and my elliptical has an 18 inch stride - and I wish it was longer!
    13 inch seems like it would be quite uncomfortable.
  • mygrl4meee
    mygrl4meee Posts: 943 Member
    I had bought an Elipitcal for less than 300 at kmart and I really can't remember how many inches the stride was but I am about 5'10 or so and it worked great for me. I used it most when I had it in my living room but honestly I crave the gym time so I sold it. If its set up. You could use it for a few moments to see how well you think it will work for you.
  • BenisaMartim4
    BenisaMartim4 Posts: 6 Member
    I have a Golds Gym brand and it drives me nuts. It takes steps too close together. I always told my husband that the stride felt 'off' to me. I guess it is just a short stride model. I am 5'9". I think I would like it to go almost twice as far as it does.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories