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Outfitting a home gym can be expensive, so saving money where you can is always a plus. Whether that means finding inexpensive equipment, financing, or jumping on sales, there are plenty of different ways to keep cash in your pocket.
Find out in this Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical review what we really think about this affordable cardio machine. Should you add it to your fitness repertoire?
Whether you want to know about the Aukfa’s assembly process, user experience, or resistance levels, we have you covered. Our goal is to give you the information you care about by providing reliable, in-depth reviews on products you’re interested in.
Excellent Elliptical Experts
Our team at GGR is composed of expert product testers and reviewers who really know fitness. We’re certified personal trainers, CrossFit L1-Trainers, and nutrition coaches. Plus, we really know our stuff when it comes to ellipticals. I could tell you the industry standard for just about every spec on an elliptical, which is exactly what you want from someone reviewing these products.
Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical
Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical
Product Highlights
- Affordable, sturdy, and durable elliptical with a precision-balanced flywheel
- Large, 14-inch non-slip pedals contribute to the strength of the steel frame,
- 330-pound user weight capacity
- Transport wheels make this elliptical portable
- LCD digital monitor shows distance, time, calories burned, speed, scan and heart rate zone measured by built-in pulse rate grips
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Compact and lightweight with folding frame design
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight at 73.5 pounds
- Folding frame design
- Affordable
- Quiet and sturdy
- Stationary and moving arms
- Impressive load capacity for size and weight of unit
Cons
- Some reports of poor customer service
- No pre-programmed workouts
- No information on stride length
Bottom Line
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, the Aukfa Elliptical Machine Trainer may be a good option for those in smaller spaces who do not need programmed workouts to stay motivated.
A Quick Look at the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical
After checking out Aukfa on the Walmart website, it seems that they sell a lot of different items housed under this brand (and not just fitness equipment). I’m not sure if it is a white labeling situation, but I suspect it is. This isn’t a bad thing—it just means one place produces a mass quantity of an item, like an elliptical, and a variety of brands then label it as their own.
My Tips:
- Check out the financing options available through Affirm to get this machine broken up into smaller payments.
- Make sure to utilize the transport wheels when moving this elliptical.
Pros:
- Under $350
- 300-pound weight capacity
- Portable and easy to move
- Pulse grips
- 8 levels of resistance
- Fairly simple to assemble
Cons:
- Short stride length
- Not the smoothest operation
- No preset programs
Is the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical Worth It?
Trying to figure out if the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical is the right cardio machine for you? Check out who I think would love this elliptical and who should choose something a bit different.
Great for:
- A budget-friendly cardio machine
- Beginners
- Shorter people
Not recommended for:
- Advanced athletes
- People looking for a higher end option
- Technology enthusiasts
Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical Specs
Footprint |
Weight |
Max weight capacity |
Resistance |
Type of resistance |
Display |
Pulse rate grips |
Pedals |
Low impact |
Bluetooth |
Price |
40.2” L x 18.5” W x 63.8” H |
73.5 lbs |
300 lbs |
8 levels of magnetic resistance adjustments |
Magnetic resistance |
LCD display |
Yes |
14” |
Yes |
No |
Under $350 |
Using the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical
Garage Gym Reviews founder Cooper Mitchell had the privilege of testing the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical. He described his experience on the machine as pretty typical, which isn’t a bad thing. Apparently the Aukfa is a rather bare-bones elliptical, devoid of a lot of extra features, but it definitely gets the job done.
Although I couldn’t find the exact stride length online for the Aukfa, the industry standard for an elliptical is between 18-20 inches. Coop definitely thought the stride length was quite a bit shorter than that.
“It felt like using a stepper,” Coop explained. “The stride length was ultra short, which also meant it didn’t have much distance forward to back or top to bottom. Due to the low ROM, I don’t think it would be as effective as a larger unit.”
This doesn’t mean you can’t get your sweat on with the Aukfa—it is just geared more towards beginners or those who don’t really mind that the stride length is short. If you’re a taller person, you might feel slightly limited with the type of strides you can take.
Coop did say it was a pretty smooth and quiet elliptical, which wins points in my book. This could be a solid option for someone in an apartment or shared space that needs a mostly silent way to stay active.
After examining the pictures, I’m noticing there are dual handlebars, which is a nice addition. Most budget ellipticals only have a set of moving handlebars, but the Aukfa also has a fixed set where you can check your pulse. However, don’t put too much stock into what the machine says your pulse is—GGR Head of Content Kate Meier has tried similar features on other ellipticals and the number is usually much different than the one her Apple Watch gives.
Highly Portable, Compact Elliptical
Compared to other budget ellipticals, the Aukfa has around the same footprint. However, Coop did mention that it was super portable, and he was even able to pick it up (which I don’t recommend doing unless you’re Superman or Coop). It is under 80 pounds, but that is still a sizable amount to pick up for most people.
I do like that there are transport wheels on this elliptical. To move it around a room, simply tip the machine, and wheel it to your desired location.
Construction-wise, the Aukfa is made with typical materials—steel, foam, and a decent amount of plastic. The body of the elliptical that houses the flywheel appears to mostly be composed of plastic. This isn’t surprising information, especially for the price. However, I do think that plastic isn’t as durable over time, so we’ll have to see how it wears.
The Extras
When it comes to extras and technology, the Aukfa doesn’t have much to give. Although you will find a simple LCD monitor and a heart rate monitor on the inner handlebars, that’s about it. There isn’t a water bottle holder (much to my chagrin) or any type of advanced digital monitor with a bevy of preset programs.
I am a fan of the textured 14-inch large pedals, as they are supposedly non-slip. There isn’t a ton else to note—this is a budget-friendly exercise machine without any extra bells and whistles. Luckily, if you’re just using this elliptical for a home workout in your living room, you probably don’t mind not having a bottle holder. For me, that is on my must-haves list, because I am chronically dehydrated, but it isn’t a huge deal for most people.
RELATED: Best Elliptical Workout
Aukfa vs Body Rider Fan Elliptical
Body Rider Fan Elliptical
Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer
Product Highlights
- Compact footprint and transport wheels
- No-frills, but efficient workout tracker to monitor calories burned, speed, time, and distance
- Moving handlebars engage upper and lower body
- Instructional workout video included with your purchase
- Well-suited for beginners
- Adjust resistance level by adjusting the friction knob
- Chain-driven fan resistance
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact
- Easily assembled
- Portable
- Alternating handlebars for full-body workout
- Affordable
Cons
- Pedals angle forward, which can cause discomfort
- Resistance not strong enough for seasoned athletes
- Shorter stride
Bottom Line
The Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer is a no-frills, compact, and lightweight cardio machine that provides efficient workouts. The compact size comes with a shorter stride length so it’s not well-suited for taller individuals.
Curious how the Aukfa stacks up to another budget-friendly elliptical? Check out this comparison chart to see the differences (and similarities) between the two.
Machine | Body Rider Fan Elliptical | Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical |
Price | Under $200 | Under $350 |
Product weight | 58 lbs | 73.5 lbs |
Product dimensions | 38.58” L x 9.06” W x 24.8” H | 40.2” L x 18.5” W x 63.8” H |
Levels of resistance | No specific amount | 8 |
Type of resistance | Air | Magnetic |
Weight capacity | 250 lbs | 300 lbs |
Customer Experience
Walmart has an excellent return policy. If you’re not pleased with the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical, you can return it within 90 days for a refund. It is worth noting that you will be responsible for return shipping charges, and that likely won’t be super cheap, since it is an elliptical.
Oddly, there is no mention of a warranty anywhere for the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical. Obviously, it is a budget option, so I don’t expect it to have a 15-year frame warranty. However, I was surprised there isn’t any warranty at all. Even most budget-friendly ellipticals have at least a year warranty, but not this one.
You’ll also have to work with Walmart with any customer service questions or concerns, since I didn’t see any other website for Aukfa or an additional way to contact the brand.
Ordering and Assembling the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical
You can easily order the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical on Walmart.com. Simply click add to cart, and you’ll get free shipping with your order. Unfortunately, it does not come super quick, so expect to wait about two weeks for your order to arrive.
Walmart offers financing through Affirm, and you could pay as little as $23 per month for your new elliptical. This makes this already affordable cardio machine a very accessible option, which I always like to see. There are no professional assembly options available, unless you go through a third party.
Garage Gym Review’s Operations Manager Sam “asSAMbly” Presley assembled the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical and said it was a pretty simple process.
“It came in a small enough box that I was able to move solo,” Sam explains. “There were a few bolts that were tough to line up, but it wasn’t impossible by any means.”
I will add a caveat that if you are not able bodied or are an older adult, I would recommend grabbing an extra set of hands to help you move and assemble the Aukfa.
Customer Reviews
The Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical has a total of 18 reviews on Walmart.com with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. This isn’t a huge sample size, but it is enough to tell me the majority of people were happy with the purchase they made.
Pleased customers mentioned how simple it was to put together, the quietness of the machine, and how inexpensive it was.
Unhappy customers said they had difficulty contacting customer service and did not want to pay to ship back the machine. I can see why they had difficulty contacting customer service—after poking around online, I didn’t find a way to contact the actual brand, so you’d be at the mercy of Walmart.
Final Verdict of Our Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical Review
All in all, if you’re looking for an elliptical for home use that won’t break the bank and is easy to move, go with the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical. I recommend this cardio machine for beginners, shorter folks, and those on a budget. You do need to be aware there aren’t any preset programs to follow, but that isn’t a deal breaker in my opinion.
Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical Rating
Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical
Take a gander at out Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical review to decide if you should add this affordable piece of cardio equipment to your home gym.
Product Brand: Aukfa
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 322.27
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.21
Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical FAQs
Is the Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical Trainer any good?
The Aukfa Magnetic Elliptical is a good elliptical for the price. If you’re a beginner or need something that is more portable, you’ll likely enjoy this budget-friendly cardio machine.
How many levels of resistance do I need on an elliptical?
There isn’t any certain amount of resistance you should look for on an elliptical machine. It all comes down to personal preference and how much of a burn you’re looking to feel. It’s nice to have a variety of levels, but if you’re a beginner, it won’t really matter what the maximum is on the machine.
Are ellipticals the best cardio machines?
No specific type of cardio machine is necessarily the ‘best’. Find whatever type of cardio you actually enjoy doing and get a piece of exercise equipment that fits what you like. If you normally enjoy biking outside, check out grabbing an exercise bike versus an elliptical machine. There is no one right way to do cardio.
What are the best elliptical machines for a HIIT cardio workout?
A variety of popular brands like Bowflex and Sunny Health & Fitness have excellent elliptical machine trainers that can be used for high intensity training. I recommend looking for an elliptical that has preset programs and a high max resistance. More heavy-duty and sturdy cross trainers will withstand the intensity of HIIT better than a compact elliptical.
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