The stride length is the longest distance between your feet in the elliptical motion. This is the most essential feature to appear at when you are thinking about purchasing an elliptical machine because you want to select the stride length that fits your body type. Think about when you walk or run. Your stride length gets longer as you begin to run, so generally shorter stride lengths are not as comfortable for the typical person. Choosing the correct stride length for your personal machine can be tough if you haven't been on many different ellipticals or paid attention to the stride length of the machines you like. If you have ever chatted with individuals about which elliptical machines they think to be the very best, you will usually get various answers. Not all elliptical machines fit everybody the same. Unlike purchasing a treadmill or other pieces of workout equipment, an elliptical machine needs to fit your body type just right or it will really feel uncomfortable or jerky. An elliptical machine might feel ideal to someone else but really feel horrible to you. If you feel uncomfortable on a machine, it is most likely because the stride length does not fit your body appropriately. Some elliptical machines provide an adjustable stride length. This is a more expensive feature but its great if you are going to have a number of users of various heights, or you will be alternating from walking and running speeds. Nevertheless, usually 1 size fits all will do if you get the stride length close enough to what is needed for your body type. There is no require to pay for the adjustable stride length functions when you can get the stride length close to the needs of all users. Most people are able to adjust to the really feel of an elliptical machine over time. Also, you will typically be moving at greater speeds in order to keep your heart rate at an optimal level so the need to vary your stride lengths during a workout is not required. Stride Length and User HeightLet's review some helpful information that may help you select your stride length. sole elliptical machines Comprehend that this decision is going to be directly related to your height. You don't have to get it exact. Just follow the rules of thumb outlined below and you will be able to identify a stride length that will function nicely enough for your body. A difference in an inch is not going to be noticeable and you will adjust. You can also go with what you know. If you know the stride lengths of machines you really feel comfortable on, stick with that. Users Below 5'4"Shorter elliptical users will be able to exercise comfortable on an elliptical stride length of 18" or less. Users In between 5'4" and 5'8"Any stride length bellow at 16" or much less will most likely be uncomfortable for people of average height. We suggest you stick with ellipticals with a stride length of 18". The closer you are to 5'8" you are, you may want to think about up to a 20" stride. I am 5'6" and I really feel great on machines with a stride length in between 18" and 20". Users Above 5'9"The taller you are, the more you will want to think about getting a machine with a longer stride length. If you are closer to 5'9" you will most likely be ok even with an 18" stride, even though we do suggest you try at least a 19" stride. The taller you are, you ought to attempt a 21" plus elliptical stride length. A longer the stride length may price you a little more cash but you cannot cut corners here. If you choose the right stride length, no matter the flywheel position or the price of the elliptical trainer, you ought to encounter a much more efficient and comfortable workout.