The best alternative to an elliptical machine depends on your fitness goals. If you want a full-body workout, a rowing machine is an excellent choice. For low-impact cardio, an exercise bike may be better, while a treadmill is ideal for walking or running.
Ellipticals are versatile, but they are not the best fit for everyone. This guide compares the best elliptical alternatives based on joint impact, calorie burn, muscle engagement, space requirements, and overall value.
We’ll also identify options for weight loss, low-impact exercise, full-body workouts, home gyms, small spaces, and beginners so that you can choose with confidence.
Quick Comparison
Each cardio machine has its own strengths. Some are better for burning calories, while others are easier on your joints or fit better in small homes. Use this quick table to compare your options before choosing.
| Machine | Best For | Joint Impact | Calories Burned | Full Body | Space Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowing Machine | Overall fitness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Medium |
| Exercise Bike | Low-impact cardio | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | Small |
| Treadmill | Walking & running | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | Large |
| Stair Climber | Lower-body strength | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | Medium |
| Air Bike | HIIT workouts | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Medium |
| Walking Pad | Apartments | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | Very Small |
In general:
- Choose a rowing machine for the best all-round workout.
- Choose an exercise bike if you want low-impact cardio.
- Choose a walking pad if space is tight.
- Choose an air bike for tough, high-intensity workouts.
What Makes a Good Alternative to an Elliptical Machine?
A suitable alternative should give you similar cardio benefits while still fitting your body, goals, and home. If you want a machine similar to an elliptical, look for one that gets your heart rate up without being too hard on your joints.
A good exercise machine like an elliptical should offer:
- Cardio benefits for heart health and fitness
- Low-impact movement to reduce stress on knees and ankles
- Muscle engagement in the legs, core, or upper body
- Weight-loss potential through steady calorie burn
- Ease of use for beginners
- Home suitability for your space
- Good value for your budget
Here are some good recommendations.
1. Rowing Machine: Best Alternative for a Full-Body Workout
A rowing machine is often the best elliptical alternative for a true full-body workout.
Like an elliptical, it can raise your heart rate without heavy impact, but it also works more muscles with each stroke. Your legs, back, arms, shoulders, and core all help drive the movement.
A rowing machine is great because it:
- Trains nearly every major muscle group
- Burns plenty of calories
- Builds strength and endurance
- Stays low impact on your joints
Best for:
- Weight loss
- Home gyms
- Total-body fitness
If rowing sounds like the right fit for your home gym, check out our picks for the best rowing machines in Australia.
2. Exercise Bike: Best Low-Impact Alternative
An exercise bike is one of the best choices if you want a low-impact substitute for an elliptical.
Like an elliptical, it gives you a solid cardio workout, but it may feel easier on your knees because you stay seated while you exercise.
An exercise bike is great because it:
- Feels comfortable on the knees
- Works well for beginners
- Makes it easy to adjust intensity
- Suits longer, steady cardio workouts
Best for:
- Low-impact exercise
- Beginners
- Longer home workouts
If cycling sounds like the right fit for your home gym, compare our picks for the best exercise bikes in Australia.
3. Treadmill: Best for Walking and Running
A treadmill is a good choice if you want an elliptical running equivalent that feels more like outdoor exercise. You can use it for easy walking, faster running, or incline training to make your legs work harder.
A treadmill is great because it:
- Supports walking and running workouts
- Lets you adjust speed and incline
- Can help strengthen bones through weight-bearing exercise
- Burns plenty of calories
Best for:
- Walking workouts
- Running
- Incline training
Treadmills do have more impact than ellipticals, so they may not suit people with sore knees, hips, or ankles. Still, if running or walking suits your goals, our list of the best treadmills in Australia may help.
4. Stair Climber: Best for Building Lower-Body Strength
A stair climber is a good option if you want to strengthen your legs while also doing cardio. It feels tougher than an elliptical because you lift your body with each step instead of sliding smoothly.
A stair climber mainly works your:
- Glutes
- Hamstrings
- Quads
- Calves
- Core
Best for:
- Lower-body strength
- Functional fitness
- Tough cardio workouts
It can also help with everyday activities like climbing stairs, walking uphill, or carrying groceries. But it might feel harder on your legs and joints than an elliptical.
5. Air Bike: Best for High-Intensity Workouts
An air bike is a great elliptical alternative for short, tough workouts.
It uses fan resistance, which means the harder you pedal and push, the harder the workout gets. This makes it perfect for HIIT, where you switch between hard bursts and easier recovery periods.
An air bike is great because it:
- Uses fan resistance
- Works your upper and lower body
- Suits short, intense workouts
- Helps improve conditioning
Best for:
- Athletes
- CrossFit-style training
- Conditioning
- HIIT workouts
If your goal is weight loss or hard conditioning, you may also read our article on air bike vs spin bike.
6. Walking Pad or Folding Treadmills: Best for Small Homes
A walking pad or folding treadmill is a smart elliptical at-home alternative for small spaces.
These machines suit simple walking workouts and are often easier to store than a full-size treadmill. Many models are quiet enough for apartments and can slide under a bed, desk, or sofa.
A walking pad or folding treadmill is great because it is:
- Foldable or compact
- Quiet for home use
- Easy to store
- Useful for under-desk walking
Best for:
- Apartments
- Remote workers
- Beginners
If space is your primary concern, read our guide to the advantages and disadvantages of folding treadmills.
Which Elliptical Alternative Is Best for Weight Loss?
The best elliptical alternative for weight loss depends on what type of workout you can stick with.
The machine that burns the most calories is not always the best choice if you hate using it. For most people, a good weight-loss machine should raise your heart rate, feel safe on your joints, and be easy to use often.
Here is a simple guide:
| Goal | Best Choice | Workout Type |
| Burn the most calories | Air Bike | Short, hard workouts |
| Sustainable cardio | Rowing Machine | Full-body cardio |
| Everyday exercise | Exercise Bike | Steady, low-impact sessions |
| Walking workouts | Treadmill | Walking, jogging, or incline training |
| Beginner-friendly workouts | Walking Pad | Simple, easy walking |
The best option is the one you will use regularly. If you enjoy the workout and can repeat it most weeks, it will usually be better for weight loss than a machine that feels too hard or boring.
Are Ellipticals Still a Good Choice?
Yes, ellipticals are still a great choice for many people. This article looks at elliptical alternatives, but that does not mean ellipticals are bad.
In fact, they are popular for a reason. They give you a steady cardio workout without the hard impact of running.
Ellipticals still do well because they offer:
- Joint-friendly exercises for knees, hips, and ankles
- Smooth movement that feels easy to control
- An easy learning curve for new users
- Beginner-friendly workouts at lower resistance levels
- Home cardio without needing much skill
They can also be useful if you want a simple machine for warm-ups, longer cardio sessions, or low-impact fitness. While rowing machines, bikes, treadmills, air bikes, and walking pads all have their own strengths, ellipticals remain one of the best all-round cardio machines for many users.
If you are still interested in an elliptical, check out our selection of the best elliptical cross trainers in Australia.
Choose the Best Elliptical Alternative for Your Goals
There is no single “best” elliptical alternative. The right machine depends on your goals, space, budget, and training preference.
If you want the best overall option, choose a rowing machine. If you need low-impact cardio, an exercise bike is a great pick. For weight loss, an air bike or rowing machine can work well. If you enjoy walking, go with a treadmill. For small spaces, a walking pad is hard to beat.
Before you buy, explore our linked buying guides to help you compare features and choose with confidence.
Related Questions
1. Which is better: a treadmill or an elliptical?
A treadmill may burn more calories if you run or use incline training, while an elliptical is usually easier on your joints. For a full comparison, read our guide on elliptical trainers vs treadmills.
2. Is a rowing machine better than an elliptical?
A rowing machine may be better if you want a full-body workout because it trains your legs, back, arms, shoulders, and core. Still, an elliptical may be better if you want a simpler, more upright cardio workout that feels easier to learn.
3. Which is better: an exercise bike or an elliptical?
An exercise bike is often better if you want seated, low-impact cardio that feels gentle on your knees. However, an elliptical may be better if you want to stand and use more of your body during the workout. You can read more in our elliptical vs exercise bike comparison.
4. Can walking replace an elliptical workout?
Yes, walking can replace an elliptical workout if your goal is general fitness, daily movement, or beginner-friendly cardio. However, an elliptical may offer more resistance and upper-body movement, so walking may not feel as intense unless you increase speed, distance, or incline.
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