3 Best Elliptical with 20-inch Stride | With Detailed Buying Guide

This is our review for the Best Elliptical with 20-inch Stride in .

Many factors need to be considered when purchasing an elliptical, with the stride length being one of the most important. This is to prevent you from over-straining your joints while you work out. Plus, it is crucial for comfort. A short stride length will constrain the efficacy and pace of your workout, while one that is too long will overstretch your muscles.

The stride length optimal for each person depends on their height. While most ellipticals operate within the 16 to 18″ stride length range, users over 6′ tall usually become uncomfortable on those machines. For them, an elliptical with a 20-inch stride is ideal. 

Based on our research and after extensively going through many products, we have handpicked the top 3 ellipticals with 20-inch stride. Among these, we found the Schwinn 470 to be the best elliptical trainer with a 20-inch stride. 

The 20″ Precision Path Stride feature offers a workout experience that matches the natural stride of a tall user. A high-quality steel frame and heavy flywheel provide a smooth and sturdy workout, conveying that the elliptical can withstand challenging sessions as well. With an impressive 25 levels of resistance and 29 workout programs, you can virtually experience a different workout each time you step on the elliptical.

Below are our top recommendations: 
Schwinn 470 Elliptical
Schwinn 430 Elliptical
Nautilus E616 Elliptical

We recommend reading this article till the end to understand the elliptical that fits you the best. We have also explained how you can determine your ideal stride length and covered the most frequently asked questions.

Top 3 Elliptical with 20-inch stride Reviewed

The ellipticals listed below can help you achieve your fitness goals. Nevertheless, if you have any medical condition(s), we strongly advise you to seek a qualified physician’s advice.

Schwinn 470 Elliptical – Best Elliptical with 20-inch Stride

The Schwinn 470 is among the best ellipticals to amp up your strength, endurance, and weight loss efforts. It features a 20-inch-long stride and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs, making it ideal for tall users (up to 6’5″). 

It features a unique “Precision Path” Foot Motion technology that helps mimic the lower body’s natural movements, giving a smoother running experience. In addition, large, cushioned footplates offer added comfort, especially during long workouts.

The elliptical offers 25 levels of resistance and a motorized adjustable ramp of up to 10 degrees incline. These help take your workout from easy to challenging and back again quickly. With 29 exercise programs, you can easily design different kinds of cardio-centric or lower body-centric workouts. This also helps maintain compliance because it reduces the boredom you may experience in your fitness schedule.

Another great feature is that the Schwinn 470 gives you a quiet workout experience despite the resistance levels. This is thanks to the high-inertia weighted flywheel that mutes noisy sounds for a peaceful training experience.

The frame is a sturdily built steel structure and is fitted with ergonomically-designed moving and fixed handlebars for better grip and flexibility. 

Bluetooth connectivity lets you track your goals and maintain a record of your workouts on apps like GoogleFit and Apple Health, among others. You even have access to the Explore the World app to spice up your workouts and cruise through hundreds of destinations worldwide from the comfort of your home. 

Other value-added features include built-in speakers, a cooling fan, a water-bottle holder, and transport wheels for portability. All these together make it the best elliptical with a 20″ stride. 

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
29 workout programs for boredom-free, variety-based workouts	Short warranty for electronics
Oversized, cushioned foot pedals for better comfort
Smooth, quiet workout experience
Bluetooth connectivity enabled

Summary of customer reviews

Customers love the Schwinn 470 elliptical as it is an excellent home-based machine with a longer stride and smaller footprint. Users have also given special mention to the quietness of the machine. However, few customers have faced issues assembling the elliptical and with its Bluetooth connectivity.

Schwinn 430 Elliptical

Like the Schwinn 470, the Schwinn 430 Elliptical is also an excellent way for tall users to keep in touch with their cardiovascular fitness and boost muscle strength.

This machine also comes with the “Precision Path” stride technology replicating a natural running motion. Oversized, cushioned foot plates keep the workout low-impact for joints and muscles. 

To add more comfort to your overall workout experience, the elliptical has both moving and fixed handlebars, providing hand placement flexibility. It also offers heart rate monitoring through the sensors on the fixed handlebars. 

A high-speed, high-inertia drive system helps to eliminate noise for a smooth and quiet stride. 

The Schwinn 430 features 20 levels of resistance and 22 preset programs. With an impressive variety of workout options to choose from, boredom remains at bay, and you can enjoy your training hours more. 

The elliptical comes with a Goal Track capability, enabling you to set time, distance, and calorie goals. You can track all your goals and workout data with the help of the DualTrack LCD console. 

The Schwinn 430 also has other cool features, which include built-in speakers, a USB charging port, a 3-speed cooling fan, a tablet holder, and transportation wheels.

Why do we love it	What you need to consider
Gives a  quiet and smooth workout experience	No incline
Smooth, quiet workout experience	No Bluetooth connectivity

Summary of customer reviews

Customers find the Schwinn 430 to be a solid and sturdy elliptical. It comes with clear instructions and is easy to assemble. However, some customers have complained about customer support being unresponsive and have faced issues claiming the warranty.

Nautilus E616 Elliptical

The Nautilus E616 Elliptical is our final pick. What strikes you first about it is its unique design. The makers have taken stability very seriously and included 20” dual stride rails to give you a sturdy feel and better balance while working out.

The elliptical also features a high-speed, high-inertia drive system with a weighted flywheel. This offers an easy start-up and a smooth, comfortable, and quiet workout experience.

You can choose the intensity of your workout with the 25 levels of resistance provided and an incline of up to 10 degrees. This helps you to get a challenging workout while targeting different muscle groups of your body. 

The elliptical has a durable steel frame body that can withstand your most challenging training sessions. It is also fitted with ergonomic moving and fixed handlebars, providing easy hand placement and extra support while working out. 

The Nautilus E616 helps you create limitless training options with over 29 preset programs that focus on interval training and weight loss. You can set up your time, distance, and calories workout goals and track all your metrics on the console. 

The Dual Track console lets you stream your favorite movie, video, or show while working out. Bluetooth connectivity helps to link your workouts with various fitness apps. You can also choose scenic workout routes through the Explore the World app.

Some other features of the Nautilus E616 include a cooling fan, transportation wheels, USB charging, and an MP3 input port.

Why do we love it
25 resistance levels and 10 degrees incline provide intense workouts
29 preset programs offer a variety of workout options
Durable steel frame body

Summary of customer reviews

Users endorse the Nautilus E616 as an easy-to-use elliptical. It is super quiet and sturdy in operation. The elliptical offers a variety of challenging workouts that exceed customers’ expectations. However, many customers have raised issues regarding Nautilus’s slow and poor customer service. 

What exactly is an elliptical stride length?

Elliptical stride length is defined as the longest distance between two pedals, measured primarily from the front foot pedal’s toe up to the heel of the backpedal. It varies from one machine to another (typically in the range of 14 to 22 inches). 

Why is it important to determine stride length before exercising?

It is essential to determine the correct personal stride length of the elliptical before purchasing because it contributes to the effectiveness of your workout. Using an elliptical with a stride length that is short for you can make your workouts uncomfortable and put a strain on your lower back, and make you feel cramped.
However, a stride length that is too long for you can cause knee pain due to muscle hyperextension.

What is the best elliptical stride length for you?

Stride lengths for home ellipticals usually tend to vary, with compact ellipticals having a shorter stride length, while the bigger ellipticals have a larger stride length. 
Given below is a table with the best stride length for people based on their height: 

User Height	Optimal Stride Length
Under 5’	11”-14”
5’0”-5’3”	14”-16”
5’4”-5’8”	16”-18”
5’9”-6’0”	18”-20”
Over 6’	20”-22”

Buying Guide: What to look for in an elliptical for tall people? 

Before you purchase an elliptical with 20-inch stride for yourself, here are a few things you must consider: 

Stride length

Choosing an elliptical whose stride length matches your height or the height of the tallest person in your home is crucial. This ensures comfortable workouts and avoids unnecessary strain on the back, hips, and knees joints. 
Check out the table above to see the ideal stride length per your height. 

If you have multiple family members of varying heights, consider buying an elliptical with an adjustable stride. This will ensure that it can be used comfortably by everyone at home. 

Weight capacity

When comparing ellipticals, it’s also a good idea to consider the machine’s weight capacity. Opt for an elliptical with the highest weight capacity (preferably 300 lbs minimum user weight). This usually translates into ellipticals having a durable and sturdy frame. 
Also, always ensure that the elliptical’s weight capacity is more than the heaviest member of your family. 

Flywheel

The weight and design of the flywheel determine the effectiveness of your workout. The general rule is that the heavier the flywheel, the better the workout experience. 
Choose an elliptical with a flywheel of 15 pounds or heavier.  

Warranty

The manufacturer’s warranty is another crucial factor when buying a long-stride elliptical. 
Any machine is prone to wear and tear, especially if used regularly. That is why buying one with an extended warranty is sensible. Also, a longer warranty indicates that the manufacturer is confident about the product’s longevity, design, and usability. 
Having a long warranty often means expensive equipment. We have reviewed the best ellipticals under $500 to ensure you get value for money for your machine, including a good warranty. 

Conclusion

Having an optimum stride length that matches your requirement is an absolute must. If you’re taller than 6 feet, buying an elliptical with 20-inch stride ensures you experience quality workouts without straining your joints and muscles. 

There are various options available today. However, as per our research, the Schwinn 470 is the best elliptical as it offers endless workout options with its 29 workout programs and 25 levels of resistance. It also has a unique 20-inch precision path stride that gives you a natural stride experience. It is also made up of a high-quality steel frame and equipped with a heavy flywheel that offers you a smooth, sturdy, and comfortable workout. 

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in the article above is for educational and informational purposes only. It shouldn’t be considered health or medical advice. Please consult a doctor or a qualified health professional if you have any medical/health conditions questions.