Shopping for an elliptical cross trainer but not sure where to start? Elliptical machines have come a long way over the years with more toys, features, and design options than ever before.

That’s good news, but it can also be bad if it ends up confusing you with all your options.

Don’t worry though – when you know what to look for, you can easily spot a high-quality elliptical machine and find the best elliptical machine for your home.

So, with that in mind, here are 6 must-have features to consider when shopping for an elliptical exerciser:

# 1 step

Stride length is the maximum length between the pedals. A longer 18 to 20-inch stride will work your lower body muscles more fully and feel much more natural.

A shorter stride of around 14-17 inches can be uncomfortable and unnatural for many people. Not surprisingly, cheaper ellipticals (like those found in many department stores) usually give you a 14- or 15-inch stride, giving you a less effective workout.

So look for a stride of around 18 to 20 inches. Some home ellipticals also give you different steps or adjustable steps so everyone in the family can choose the step that feels best for them.

# 2 Inclination

The incline is similar to the incline of a treadmill. Changes the slope of your elliptical path. The advantage of this is that you end up working different muscle groups and getting a better cross-training workout overall.

Not all ellipticals have inclination included. However, if you want the most effective workout, the incline is a great option.

# 3 Console

There are a variety of different consoles in home elliptical trainers today, and much of this is up to you as to what type of look you prefer. However, you want to look for some specific features here.

First of all, you want a backlit console. Non-backlit consoles often come on cheaper machines and can make your workout stats nearly impossible to read.

Also look for a console that provides constant feedback on your workout stats – it doesn’t flip back and forth, which can be annoying.

The console should also have an easily accessible start and stop button for safety reasons.

# 4 resistance

Resistance is not the same as incline. Resistance makes pedaling harder, allowing you to add some calorie-burning intervals to your workout.

Most elliptical machines today come with resistance. However, you need to make sure you get multiple levels of resistance, so you have room to grow.

For example, a machine with 20 resistance levels is better than an elliptical with 12 resistance levels. You don’t want to hit the highest resistance level in the first month.

Keep in mind that as you exercise, your fitness levels will improve greatly as your body becomes stronger and in better shape. So you need to make sure you have plenty of room to grow with your coach when it comes to stamina.

# 5 arm bars

Most elliptical home trainers these days also incorporate bars for the upper body arms.

However, you also want to look for things like padded arm bars or arm bars with resistance controls, so you don’t have to reach for the console to change settings.

# 6 toys

These are the fun things. Today’s elliptical trainers come with all kinds of extras that can make your workouts more fun and enjoyable.

For example, you can get iPod docking slippers and speakers so you can play your favorite songs. You can find consoles with built-in web browsers or tablet mounts on top of the console, so you can surf the web or watch movies while you exercise.

You can also find tracking options online so you can track your workouts over time and see how far you’ve come, which is super motivating.

The great thing about toys is that they are what often get us excited about exercising and using the elliptical. But when you see how far these toys can take you, it’s also really inspiring to see how much you can accomplish!

So those are 6 must-have features when buying an elliptical.

Keep these things in mind, and you’re guaranteed to find a high-quality elliptical that can keep you strong and healthy for years to come!