The Smooth Elliptical Trainer Stride Selector is a tool that guides our customers to the most appropriate elliptical machine based on one of the most important, yet most often misunderstood features... stride length.

The ideal elliptical trainer stride length for each person is one that feels natural and comfortable, yet provides an effective workout; and that is determined primarily by the user's height. The suggested elliptical machine stride lengths provided by the Smooth Stride Selector are based only on rear-drive ellipticals, which is the only type of elliptical trainer that Smooth Fitness manufacturers and sells.

Rear-drive ellipticals provide the most-effective workouts because they have a true "elliptical" motion; whereas front-drive elliptical (commonly referred to as "shuffle trainers" in the fitness industry) are more linear and provide a less effective motion, this recruits fewer muscles at a lower intensity level, thereby reducing the number of calories that are burned in the same amount of time as a rear-drive elliptical trainer. If you are considering purchasing a front-drive elliptical machine, you should add at least 4" to the suggested stride length based on your height.

Of course, aside from stride length, there are other factors that will drive your elliptical trainer purchasing decision; such as your current conditioning level, budget, space, user weight, etc. If you have any questions, please call one of our fitness consultants at 1-888-211-1611.