Elliptical trainers with adjustable incline are hard to find because for years, Precor has owned the patent for the innovative technology. Few machines are able to get around the CrossRamp incline patent that allow for the smooth incline of the Precor elliptical machines and use power resistance instead.
Typically, most elliptical machines are engineered to use resistance training to allow the targeting of various muscle groups. Squatting while exercising on a elliptical machine will give you the similar effects as an adjustable incline elliptical machine so don’t worry about trying to find a machine with incline. Incline is nice if you have the money for a quality machine, but the choices are limited. Try to keep from limiting your choices to online adjustable incline ellipticals because there are plenty of great non-incline elliptical trainers that you may find to be perfect for your home. Your primary focus should be on finding a machine with the right stride length and the right “feel good” fit for you.
But if you are considering an incline elliptical trainer or just want to research it, just keep in mind that there are only a few, and the price gap is huge. There are a few cheap machines, like the Reebok or NordicTrack, that offer some degree of adjustable incline but may not have the quality you may be looking for. Finding a decent quality machine, with power incline, at an affordable price is nearly impossible. This characteristic of the marketplace makes shopping for an elliptical machine very difficult and means most consumers will have to make sacrifices in quality, budgets, or features.
Adjustable incline ramps allow users to target different muscle groups and increase their elliptical workout intensity. Resistance and incline together can really simulate hills better than any other program.
All ellipticals with power incline mentioned below have moving upper body handle bars except for the Precor models. All Precor home ellipticals with power adjustable incline have stationary handle bars. They recently released a commercial grade model with moving handle bars and an adjustable incline ramp, which has been a first for the company.
Power Incline Ellipticals Models
NordicTrack Audio Strider 990
NordicTrack CX 1055
NordicTrack CX 985Reebok 1000 ZX
Reebok RL 900 (no longer sold)Vision Fitness X6250
Vision Fitness X6250HRTPrecor EFX5.17i
Precor EFX5.21i
Precor EFX5.23
