Most adults are comfortable using an elliptical stride length of 18 to 20 inches. However, the ideal stride depends on your height, leg length, workout style, and the type of elliptical you choose.
Choosing the right elliptical stride length can make your workouts more comfortable and effective. A stride that’s too short or too long can make exercise feel awkward and less natural.
In this guide, you’ll find a comprehensive sizing chart by height. You’ll also learn how stride length affects comfort, whether longer is always better, and how it compares with other key elliptical features.
Quick Answer
Most adults are comfortable using an elliptical with an 18 to 20-inch stride length. However, the right size depends on your height and leg length. A stride that’s too short can feel cramped, while one that’s too long may feel awkward and put extra strain on your hips.
Use the table below as a quick guide when choosing an elliptical. It’s a great starting point, but you should also consider your workout goals and try the machine if possible.
| Your Height | Recommended Stride Length |
|---|---|
| Under 160 cm | 16–18 inches |
| 160–173 cm | 18 inches |
| 173–183 cm | 18–20 inches |
| Over 183 cm | 20–22 inches |
- Quick Answer
- What Is Elliptical Stride Length?
- Why Stride Length Matters
- How to Choose the Right Elliptical Stride Length
- Does Stride Length Affect Calories Burned?
- Does Stride Length Affect Weight Capacity?
- Should You Choose a Fixed or Adjustable Stride Length?
- Is Stride Length or Flywheel Weight More Important?
- How to Choose the Right Elliptical
- Common Mistakes When Choosing an Elliptical
- Final Verdict: Which Elliptical Stride Length is Best for Me?
- Related Questions
What Is Elliptical Stride Length?
Elliptical stride length is the distance your feet travel from the front of the pedal path to the back during each step.
It should feel similar to your natural walking or running stride, so your movements stay smooth and comfortable. If the stride is too short or too long, your workout can feel awkward and less effective.
While features like touchscreens and workout programs are nice extras, stride length has a much bigger impact on your comfort and exercise experience. Choosing the right stride length helps you move naturally and enjoy longer, more comfortable workouts.
Why Stride Length Matters
Choosing the right stride length does more than make your elliptical feel comfortable. It also helps you get the most out of your elliptical workout. Here’s why it matters:
- Comfort: A stride that matches your natural movement reduces awkward stepping and helps every workout feel smoother.
- Joint Health: The correct stride length can reduce unnecessary stress on your knees and hips, making exercise more comfortable, especially during longer sessions.
- Muscle Activation: A longer, natural stride engages more muscles in your legs and glutes for a more effective workout.
- Workout Quality: When an elliptical feels comfortable, you’re more likely to exercise longer and stay consistent.
Overall, choosing the correct stride length helps you enjoy the full-body, low-impact benefits of using an elliptical trainer.
How to Choose the Right Elliptical Stride Length
The best elliptical stride length depends on more than just your height. Your fitness goals, experience level, and space all play a role in choosing a machine that feels comfortable and supports your workouts.
1. Your Height
Your height is the best place to start when choosing an elliptical. A stride that matches your natural movement will feel more comfortable and reduce unnecessary strain.
While the recommendations below suit most people, you should also consider your leg length and workout style:
| Your Height | Recommended Stride Length | Best For |
| Under 160 cm | 16–18 inches | Ideal for shorter users. Common on compact ellipticals and provides a comfortable, natural stride without overreaching. |
| 160–173 cm | 18 inches | A great all-round choice for most home users. Suitable for walking, general fitness, and weight loss workouts. |
| 173–183 cm | 18–20 inches | Ideal for longer workouts and regular exercise. Offers a smoother, more natural stride for average to taller adults. |
| Over 183 cm | 20–22 inches | Best for taller users or anyone wanting a running-like motion. Often found on premium home and commercial ellipticals. |
2. Your Fitness Goals
Think about how you plan to use your elliptical:
- Walking: A shorter stride is usually comfortable.
- Weight loss: An 18- to 20-inch stride suits most users.
- HIIT: Choose a smooth, natural stride that supports faster movements.
- Running simulation: A longer stride better mimics running mechanics.
- Athletic training: Taller users often benefit from 20 inches or more.
If your goal is to mimic running mechanics or improve running endurance, choosing a longer stride length becomes even more important. Learn more in our guide on whether an elliptical can improve running performance.
3. Your Experience Level
- Beginners: An 18-inch stride is comfortable for most people.
- Intermediate: Choose a stride that matches your height and workout style.
- Advanced: Longer strides can provide a more natural and challenging workout.
4. Available Space
If you’re short on room, a compact elliptical may be a better fit. Keep in mind that smaller machines often have shorter stride lengths, so make sure the stride still feels comfortable for your height before buying.
Does Stride Length Affect Calories Burned?
Yes, but only indirectly. A longer stride length doesn’t automatically burn more calories. Instead, it allows a more natural movement that can engage larger muscles in your legs and glutes. When more muscles are working, your body may use more energy during your workout.
Here’s how it works:
- Longer stride → encourages a fuller range of motion.
- Greater muscle activation → works more muscles with each step.
- Potentially greater calorie burn → especially during longer or higher-intensity workouts.
That said, calorie burn also depends on factors like your workout intensity, resistance level, exercise duration, and body weight. Choosing the right stride length helps you stay comfortable, so you’re more likely to exercise longer and get the most out of every session.
Does Stride Length Affect Weight Capacity?
Many people assume that a larger elliptical with a longer stride can support more weight. However, that’s not always true.
An elliptical’s weight capacity depends on the overall quality of its construction, not its stride length alone. Important factors include:
- Frame construction for strength and stability
- Steel quality for long-term durability
- Bearings for smooth, reliable movement
- Engineering and design to support the maximum user weight
When comparing ellipticals, always check the manufacturer’s weight limit instead of judging by size or stride length. To learn what weight capacity to look for, read our guide on average weight limits for elliptical machines.
Should You Choose a Fixed or Adjustable Stride Length?
The best choice depends on how you plan to use your elliptical.
A fixed stride length is a great option if only one person will use the machine and your preferred stride matches the design. An adjustable stride length offers more flexibility, making it ideal for shared households or users who want to vary their workouts.
| Feature | Fixed Stride Length | Adjustable Stride Length |
| Price | Usually more affordable | Usually more expensive |
| Reliability | Simple, durable design | More moving parts to maintain |
| Best For | Single users | Multiple users |
| Workout Variety | One stride length | Change stride to suit different workout styles and users |
If your household includes users of different heights, an adjustable stride can provide a more comfortable workout for everyone.
Is Stride Length or Flywheel Weight More Important?
Stride length isn’t the only specification that affects your workout.
Stride length determines how comfortable and natural the elliptical feels, while flywheel weight affects how stable the pedals move. Both are important, so it’s worth understanding the difference before buying an elliptical.
| Feature | Stride Length | Flywheel Weight |
| Main Purpose | Comfort and fit | Smoothness and stability |
| Affects | Natural movement | Pedal momentum and feel |
| Best For | Matching your height and leg length | Creating a smoother workout experience |
For a complete guide, read our article on choosing the best elliptical flywheel weight to understand how both features work together for a better workout.
How to Choose the Right Elliptical
Before buying an elliptical, look beyond the price and compare the features that will have the biggest impact on your workouts. Use this simple checklist:
✔ Stride length that matches your height
✔ Flywheel weight for a smoother ride
✔ Weight capacity that safely supports the user
✔ Resistance levels to suit your fitness goals
✔ Footprint that fits your available space
✔ Warranty for long-term peace of mind
Once you’ve decided on the ideal stride length, compare our recommended elliptical cross trainers in Australia to find a model that matches your height, budget, and fitness goals. It can help you narrow your options and buy with confidence.
Common Mistakes When Choosing an Elliptical
Choosing the wrong elliptical can make your workouts less comfortable and enjoyable. Avoid these common mistakes before you buy:
- Buying solely on price instead of choosing the right features.
- Ignoring your height, which can lead to an uncomfortable stride.
- Assuming longer is always better, even if it doesn’t suit your body.
- Ignoring flywheel weight, which affects how smooth the machine feels.
- Forgetting weight capacity, which is important for safety and durability.
- Not testing the machine if possible to see how natural it feels.
Taking a little extra time to compare these features can help you choose an elliptical that you’ll enjoy using for years.
Final Verdict: Which Elliptical Stride Length is Best for Me?
Choosing the right elliptical stride length helps make every workout more comfortable and effective.
As a general guide, choose 16–18 inches if you’re under 160 cm, 18–20 inches if you’re an average-height adult, and 20–22 inches if you’re taller. If multiple people will use the machine, an adjustable stride offers the most flexibility.
Also, remember to consider the flywheel weight, weight capacity, resistance levels, and space before making your decision. By matching the elliptical to your height, fitness goals, and home, you’ll enjoy smoother workouts, better results, and a machine you’ll be happy to use for years.
Related Questions
1. Can shorter people use a 20-inch stride?
Yes, some shorter people can comfortably use a 20-inch stride, especially if they have longer legs or prefer a bigger range of motion. However, many users under 160 cm may find a 16- to 18-inch stride feels more natural and comfortable.
2. Does stride length affect the knees?
Yes, the right stride length can help reduce unnecessary stress on your knees by allowing a smoother, more natural movement. A stride that’s too short or too long may cause awkward stepping and discomfort during longer workouts.
3. Is stride length more important than resistance?
Stride length is usually more important because it determines how comfortable and natural the elliptical feels. Resistance adds workout intensity, but even the best resistance system won’t make up for an uncomfortable stride.
4. Is a longer stride always better?
No, a longer stride isn’t always better because the best length depends on your height, leg length, and workout style. Choosing a stride that matches your body will provide a more comfortable and effective workout.
