WHY IS MY ELLIPTICAL CROSSTRAINER WOBBLY

There are several factors that can cause an elliptical to wobble or rock from side to side during use. If you are having an the issue with an inexpensive elliptical machine, it could be because of its design. Many of the elliptical crosstrainers in this category just don't have a large enough footprint or have enough weight to stabilize the machine, especially during rapid strides. Placing the elliptical on a solid floor with no carpet under it will minimize the rocking, but there is no way to compensate for design flaws, such as a weak frame structure.

In order to be stable the elliptical must be level on a rigid floor. Most crosstrainers have adjustable leveling feet that must be adjusted to give the machine a four point simultaneous contact with the floor. Once they are adjusted properly, the leveling feet jam nuts must be locked in place. If the elliptical is relocated, even within a room, the leveling feet must be checked and readjusted if necessary.

Another common cause of wobbling is that the frame bolts were not sufficiently tightened during the assembly of the elliptical, or that some frame bolts that have become loose over time, due to the flexing of the elliptical's frame during use. This is easily addressed by double checking all of the units hardware but pay special attention to the bolts at the bottom that fasten the elliptical's console support mast to the base. You may also have broken welds on the frame assembly.

If you have a larger, high end product like a Precor EFX 546 or a Life Fitness Cross-trainer X3 and your elliptical still wobbles it may be because of your carpet. Even larger, heavier ellipticals rock if they are on a plush carpet or if the carpet underlayment is too giving. If this is the case, to stop the elliptical from rocking, relocate it to a room with a different type of flooring or place an appropriate size piece of plywood under the entire unit. For cosmetic purposes, the plywood can be hidden under a vinyl treadmat, the type frequently placed under treadmills.