elliptical stride length

[Susank41]

For those of you with ellipticals I am curious about the stride length. I am ready to purshase one and have 2 picked out. One stride is 20in and the other is 18 in. I am 5'1" and have read reccomendations that I would be better of with the 18. I have tried both of these lengths and they both feel perfectly fine to me. I am leaning towards the 20 but wondered if any of you could offer any advice on this before I buy.
Thanks!!

 

[Miss Lee]

How exciting!! I LOVE my elliptical! I have an older Precor, the 5.23, and I think the stride length is around 19" or 20". I'm 5'5" and my DH is 6'4" and the stride length seems fine for both of us. If both models feel good to you, then I'd go for the one that you like best overall. If you plan to share it with multiple users who are taller, then I'd consider the one with the longer stride. Whichever one you choose, I promise you're going to LOVE it! And if you really want to rock that new elliptical, I strongly recommend audio guided MP3 workouts. I prefer Cardio Coach, and they will make the time fly by!

ETA that if possible, I recommend spending a good 20 min or so on both models just to be sure of the stride. These machines are a big investment and you want to make sure you choose the one that fits your body. Again, according to the charts I should've gotten the 18" but I'm perfectly happy with the longer stride and have never regretted my purchase.

 

[Susank41]

Thanks Michele! I am hoping my dh will use it and that is why I was leaning toward the 20 in. I have many itreads I use when on the treadmill and plan to get some for the elliptical. I will for sure check out CC. thanks!

 

[Miss Lee]

Hi Susan! I think I was editing my post while you posted . Yeah, by all means, if your DH is taller and you feel comfortable with the longer stride, then that's the one I'd get. Just make SURE you feel comfortable because if your DH is anything like mine, he won't use it very often.

I have a few iClimbs with Keith Irace but I MUCH prefer Cardio Coach. I think Sean is more fun.