Yosuda EM1 Magnetic Elliptical Machine Review | Budget-Friendly

Dimensions/Storability

The Yosuda Elliptical’s greatest strength is its compact size. Its dimensions are 48.27” x 24.43” x 64.62”. When the pedals are moving, it requires 60”. I recommend giving yourself a little extra room, too, just in case.

With any elliptical, you need to consider the pedal movement in addition to the stationary dimensions.

The pedals reach a maximum height of 18”. I recommend having a ceiling height of 22” plus your height for this elliptical. That means a 6-foot exerciser will need a ceiling height of about 8 feet.

Since it has two transport wheels, I can roll the Glide Select Elliptical as needed. It weighs only 109 lbs, so it’s not too heavy, especially compared to other ellipticals.

Rolling the Glide Select on a hard floor for a short distance isn’t too much trouble.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

The elliptical has simple training options built into its console. You can set a target for time, distance, and calories, or you can quick-start your workout. All you have to do to get started is pedal.

There are only three buttons, so you press “set” to increase the units of your target (example: 1 minute for a time target).

For additional workout options, you should download the FED Fitness app. This app is free for one year with your purchase of the machine. It’s easy to make an account and navigate the app.

Once you have the app paired to the console via Bluetooth, place your phone in the phone holder. It doesn’t matter that your phone covers up the console screen because you’ll be able to see all your metrics on the app. I found the metrics to be very accurate for the elliptical.

The FED Fitness app includes a variety of trainer-led video classes for the elliptical and other cardio machines.

You don’t have to use the app to use the elliptical. It’s perfectly fine to use the Glide Select without ever connecting the app. However, if you want additional training content and to store your workout history, it could be a good option.

Console

Another thing that makes this Yosuda elliptical nice is that the console is battery-powered. You do not need to plug this elliptical in. It’s ready to go whenever and wherever you are. The console tracks your time, distance, calories, speed, and total mileage (odometer). As you are training, you can set the console to scan through these metrics.

There are three buttons on the console: “set,” “reset,” and “mode.” I don’t love these types of consoles because they are less intuitive. However, the user manual provides all the guidance you need to set up a workout.

Given that FED Fitness provides a compatible app for this elliptical, you need a phone holder. There is one on the console.

It works great, but it will not hold a larger device, like a tablet.

The elliptical also has a cup holder towards the bottom of the upright. It’s plastic and less structured than I prefer, but it will hold a standard-sized disposable water bottle.

For heart rate monitoring, you can use the built-in pulse grips on the stationary handles. Though the console is Bluetooth, it does not allow you to pair a Bluetooth heart rate monitor to the console.

Though the Yosuda EM1 is light on features, it keeps your fitness streamlined and simple. Many exercisers feel bogged down by extra high-tech features that they don’t need. Fewer features equals less to break, which is great for durability.

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Build Quality

The assembly process for the Yosuda Long-Stride Elliptical was simple enough that I could do it on my own. That said, the box did not survive the assembly. I tore it to pieces to get access to all the various parts.

I had the hardest time attaching the stabilizers. I recommend propping the elliptical body up on one of the included cardboard supports as suggested by the product manual. It made it much easier.

Be sure to check that all the bolts are properly tightened, as the elliptical will make more noise if you don’t.

Yosuda did a good job of making an entry-level elliptical that’s perfect for beginners, from assembly to training.

Frame

I’m pretty sure that the frame is steel, but it’s fairly lightweight. As I mentioned earlier, this machine only weighs 109 lbs. With the stabilizer feet properly adjusted, it felt pretty sturdy. Our floors are uneven, but the elliptical didn’t rock while I was training.

This elliptical feels like it’s the perfect size for someone like me, and I recommend it for petite exercisers.

Pedals

The functional space within the pedals is 15” x 5”. This size should accommodate most shoe sizes. The pedals are not cushioned or adjustable, but I was generally comfortable while using them. I recommend using a shoe with a higher heel and more cushioning to avoid any foot numbness associated with elliptical training.

The pedal positioning felt fine for me: both the stride length and width worked.

Yosuda states that the stride length is 20”, and my measurements are pretty close to that. If you are taller, this stride length may feel a little short, but it’s a pretty standard stride length for an elliptical.

At their lowest point, the pedals are 10” off the ground. You can use the elliptical handles to help yourself on and off the machine.

The best part about this elliptical is how smooth and quiet the stride is.

Handles

I’m thankful that the Yosuda has both moving and stationary handles. You can get an upper-body workout in addition to a lower-body workout when you use the moving handles. However, the stationary handles allow you to isolate your lower body, and they provide stability for getting on and off the elliptical.

Since I’m only 5’4”, the height of both sets of handles works really well for me.

When I was training on the Glide Select Elliptical, I did not feel like I had to twist my body too much to move my arms through the full handle range of motion. That’s something I always look for, as it can cause back pain. I think this elliptical has comfortable geometry for more petite exercisers.

The handles were not too thin or too thick. They have a soft covering, making them comfortable to hold, even during long training sessions.

Flywheel and Resistance

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced elliptical user, the Yosuda EM1 Magnetic Elliptical has enough resistance for a great workout. It uses magnetic resistance, and there are sixteen levels. To adjust the level, just turn the dial. It clicks through each level.

While the easiest levels are very light, the highest levels create a very taxing pedaling experience.

A rear drive powers this elliptical. That just means that the flywheel is behind the pedals. It weighs 15.4 lbs, and despite being relatively light, it allows the pedals to move smoothly.

Warranty

The Elliptical is covered by a one-year warranty. This warranty applies to manufacturing defects. It does not cover normal wear and tear. I prefer a longer warranty, as this one is rather short. It’s just something to consider when deciding if this elliptical is right for you.

Should You Buy the EM1 Long-Stride Elliptical

This is a great elliptical for anyone who wants an entry-level cardio machine with good magnetic resistance. As a smaller person myself, it’s always nice to find an elliptical that works really well for petite users. Many ellipticals have strides and ranges of motion that are too much for me, but not this one!

Since the Glide Select Elliptical is so quiet and portable, it’s easy to store in a living room, bedroom, or home office. You don’t need a dedicated gym space for this one. The console is battery-powered, so you don’t even need to plug it in.

You can train with the simple onboard programs or pair the FED Fitness app. The app provides training guidance and stores your workout history.

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Yosuda Long-Stride Elliptical Q&A / FAQ

Is 30 minutes a day on the elliptical enough to lose weight?

Training on the elliptical for 30 minutes per day can be an effective way to lose weight. To ensure that your routine leads to the best results, incorporate different types of workouts: steady state and HIIT. You should also evaluate your diet, as it can have a greater impact on weight gain or loss than exercise alone.

Can you lose belly fat on an elliptical?

Yes, you can lose belly fat from training on an elliptical. However, it’s important to realize that you cannot choose or target your fat loss. Many people do not lose belly fat first but lose it from other parts of their bodies instead.

Is 30 minutes on the elliptical better than walking?

Thirty minutes on the elliptical can be better than walking because the moving handles help your arms get a better workout. Ellipticals with multiple resistance levels help you increase the intensity of your workout for a higher calorie burn without forcing you to move faster.

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