Best Protective Covers For Elliptical Machines
The world of exercise equipment can be large and difficult to maneuver. Ellipticals are one of many options that people have in order to provide a boost to their personal fitness. However, these machines require some protection, even while they are located indoors. Nobody wants to get onto a machine that is covered with dust. Spiders and other insects might also try to make their homes around the machine. The way that this can be avoided is to cover the machine.
There are a variety of covers that have been made for all sorts of exercise equipment that would fit ellipticals quite well. We are here to point out some of the best elliptical covers. These can even offer ellipticals cover against weather elements if you are feeling like leaving it outside. We base our rankings on a number of factors, which we will go into more depth on at the end of the article. With all of that out of the way, let’s jump right into our list of the best elliptical trainer equipment covers!
Top Equipment Covers for Ellipticals:
Equip, Inc. Protective Cover for Front Drive Elliptical Machines
The first of the covers that we have picked out is the protective cover for front-drive ellipticals. It comes from a company whose name will become quite familiar by the end of this review – Equip, Inc. This elliptical cover for protection, as the name suggests, is specifically designed for front-drive ellipticals. These can be machines like the NordicTrack Commercial 14.9, Sole E25, and Horizon EX-59, to name just a fraction of those that are available. Made with heavy-duty materials that are meant to withstand the outdoor elements, it will protect an elliptical whether it is inside a gym or sitting outside in a residential backyard. The fabric is a durable polyester blend which is UV/Mold/Mildew/Water-resistant. The thread is coated nylon for heavy duty applications, while the zipper is a #10 size commercial grade YKK zipper with large metal zipper pull. Considering it is designed for commercial use, the YKK zipper most certainly does the job for this portable elliptical cover.
The Front Drive Elliptical cover comes in a variety of sizes in order to accommodate the many different ellipticals on the market. The Small Extra Tall version fits those machines that measure out to be 71 inches (180 cm) long, 28 inches (71 cm) wide and 70 inches (178 cm) tall. The non-Extra Tall version of the Small is only 60 inches (152 cm). The Medium size of this rain cover for elliptical machines fits those that are 76 inches (193 cm) long, 20/29 inches (51/74 cm) wide, and 60 inches (152 cm) tall. Meanwhile, the Large Extra Tall size fits those that are 83 inches (211 cm) long, 31 inches (79 cm) and 70 inches (178 cm) tall. The non-Extra Tall version of the large has the same length and width dimensions, but is only 60 inches (152 cm) tall. Thanks to the drawstring cord and cord lock along the seam, the cover fits nice and snug around all fitness equipment – though it is specifically meant for the front drive ellipticals.
Verdict
The cost of dust protection cover for ellipticals ranges from $189-$209 depending on what sort of size you are looking for. The cover comes in three different colours, though none are particularly flashy. There is gray, black and tan as options. For those who are desperate for some products that are made in the United States, this protective cover for ellipticals will fall under that category thanks to its location of manufacture being Colorado.
Equip, Inc. Protective Cover for Rear Drive Elliptical Machines
In second place is the cover that specializes on the exact opposite end of the machine. It contains a lot of the same features as the number one choice but is more focused on performing well on those ellipticals that have a rear drive system. Some top examples of these ellipticals would be the NordicTrack SE9i, the Life Fitness Platinum Club, and the Precor EFX 245 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer. Again, it is made with the same sort of heavy materials that will protect it from rain, dust, sun or any other elements that will attempt to tarnish your precious piece of exercise equipment. The durable polyester blend is, again, resistant to UV, mold, mildew and water. It has the same nylon coated thread and the same #10 size YKK zipper that is meant for commercial use. Like we said, there really isn’t a whole lot different about the design or general build outside of the fact that it is made for those ellipticals that have a rear-drive system.
This rear-drive elliptical cover also comes in a bunch of different sizes in order to fit any elliptical on the market. The small size fits at 77 inches (195.6 cm) long, 29 inches (74 cm) wide and 62 inches (157.5 cm) tall. That height can slant to 30 inches (76 cm). The Small Extra Tall size fits at 77 inches (195.6 cm) long, 25 inches (63.5) wide and 68 inches (172.7 cm) tall. That height can also slant to 30 inches (76 cm). The Large size fits at 83 inches (211 cm) long, 31 inches (78.8 cm) wide and 64 inches (162.6 cm) tall. The height can slant to 32 inches (81.3 cm). The Large Extra Tall size fits at 85 inches (216 cm) long, 31 inches (78.8 cm) wide and 72 inches (183 cm) tall. The height can slant to 34 inches (86.4 cm). Once again, the drawstring cord and lock along the seam allows the cover to fit tight to the machine it is placed on.
Verdict
The price is also extremely similar to its front drive sibling, ranging from $189-$210 depending on just how large of a cover you are willing to get. Similarly, there are the standard black, gray and tan colouring options that come along with the cover. Once again, the cover is manufactured in Colorado, allowing for those who are desperate for some American-made goods to satisfy that need.
TUYU Rear-Drive Exercise Elliptical Machine Dust-Proof Cover
Our first non-Equip cover on the list is still a solid cover for any piece of exercise equipment. While the cover itself is described as being meant for treadmills instead of elliptical machines, it works just as well thanks to the large design. It is made with a high-density Oxford cloth. This cloth has multiple advantages such as a light texture, excellent water resistance, good durability and a soft feeling to the hand. The side of the cover actually has a zipper in order to make both the assembly and disassembly process much easier for anyone who decides to use it.
The TUYU exercise machine cover only has one size, which might seem like a downside to some. And it might be, depending on how big or small your personal elliptical happens to be. However, its dimensions comfortably fit most treadmills and should fit almost every one of the ellipticals you can find just as well. It measures in at 77 inches (196 cm) long, 29 inches (73.7 cm) wide and 62 inches (157.5 cm) tall. This cover for elliptical exercise machine is most appropriate for front drive ellipticals.
Verdict
The one definite advantage the TUYU exercise machine cover has over the aforementioned Equip covers is the price. For those that don’t want to spend around $200 on one of these elliptical dust-covers, the TUYU cover comes in at about $50. The cover also comes with some rather strong guarantees of quality. TUYU offers a 12 month replacement guarantee and 24 hour customer service if you have any sort of complaint about the cover.
PRO Bike and Elliptical Cross Trainer Ripstop Cover
2 used from $38.66
Up next we have the PRO Bike cover. Another cover that is not specifically meant for ellipticals, but will most certainly do the job to protect them if you decide to use it. Like the TUYU cover, it is made with Oxford fabric with double stitching and heat sealed seams. This makes it extremely resistant to any outdoor elements like rain, snow, ice, wind or the sun. And if it can protect against all of that, dust is no challenge. Specifically, the Oxford fabric is of the “RIP-STOP” variety. It is specifically made from a combination of extra strong nylon and polyester threads which are woven into a square pattern. While not indestructible, the material most certainly does a good job of minimizing damage to the material. There is a PU coating along the cover in order to provide some excellent waterproofing and UV protection for the elliptical underneath.
There are 3 different sizes that come with the PRO Bike cover. The XXL size claims to be able to hold “2-3 bikes”, and measures in at 82 inches (208 cm) long, 44 inches (112 cm) wide, and 44 inches (112 cm) tall. The XL size has room for “1-2 bikes” and measures 82 inches (208 cm) long, 30 inches wide (76 cm) and 44 inches (112 cm) tall. The Large size of the cover can hold “1 bike” and measures to be 77 inches (195 cm) long, 25.5 inches (70 cm) wide, and 39 inches (100 cm) tall. This elliptical exercise machine cover is appropriate for both rear and front-drive ellipticals.
Verdict
The price for the PRO Bike cover is still rather cheap compared to the Equip prices. The smallest of the sizes costs around $40, while the XXL size costs just around $50. In terms of a guarantee on quality, on the Amazon page, the company offers refunds or replacements if there are any problems with the cover. Overall, a pretty good deal for the price you would be paying.
Equip, Inc. Recumbent Bike and Elliptical Machine Protective Cover
And so we return to the Equip, Inc. domain of elliptical covers. However, this is not one of the covers that are specifically designed for either front drive or rear drive ellipticals. Instead, it is designed in order to fit snugly on stationary bikes. Fortunately, it will still do the job when you want to use it with an elliptical. The stationary bike cover isn’t a whole lot different than the elliptical covers in terms of the design and make-up of the materials. It provides protection from weather, dust, household dirt, and pet hair, which makes it ideal for both outdoor and indoor use. The YKK zipper makes an appearance once again in all of its commercial glory.
Sadly, there aren’t quite as many size options with the stationary bike cover from Equip, Inc. as there were with the elliptical covers. There is the Standard size, which is 59 inches (150 cm) long, 27 inches (69 cm) wide and 50 inches (127 cm) tall. Then there is the Large size, which measures out to be 67 inches (170 cm) long, 27 inches (69 cm) wide and 52 inches (132 cm) tall. The drawstring cord and lock along the seam allows the cover to fit tight to the machine it is placed on. It is appropriate for both front and rear drive ellipticals.
Verdict
Since Equip, Inc. has returned to the list, so have the large prices. It prices just around $189. It comes in the same black, gray and tan colours that are the standard from Equip, Inc. covers. Once again, for those who are looking for products that are made in the USA, you need look no further than here.
Equip, Inc. Upright Stationary Bike and Elliptical Protective Cover
Now we’re starting to feel like a broken record. Equip, Inc. clearly has a firm grasp on how to make protective covers for exercise equipment. Even those that are supposed to fit other types of equipment do an excellent job of fitting on ellipticals. Once again, the same durable cover that will protect against UV, mold, mildew, weather, dust and just about every other element that you can think of. Another Equip, Inc. cover and another commercial grade zipper makes an appearance. It is suitable for all the premium brands of exercise equipment that we listed for the ellipticals earlier, like NordicTrack Life Fitness, Schwinn and so on.
An unfortunate downside about the Upright Stationary Bike protective cover is that it only comes in a single size. This Standard size is 49 inches (124.5 cm) long, 23 inches (58.4 cm) wide and 58 inches (147.3 cm) tall. While this indoor elliptical cover should fit a fair amount of the ellipticals on the market, the fact that there is only one size is rather disappointing. It significantly narrows the potential for tight, comfortable covers on your ellipticals at home. It is most appropriate for rear drive ellipticals.
Verdict
Once again, we get to another unfortunate part of the Equip, Inc. theme. The price. Again, it falls just at $189. Normally we can see a decent amount of the value based on the ability of the covers to fit just about any elliptical on the market. However, considering that there is only one size for this protective elliptical cover, the price just seems to be too high for what you are paying for. Perhaps it is that extra shine of being able to say you bought a product made in Colorado.
Equip, Inc. Protective Treadclimber and Elliptical Machine Cover
We end our list of the best equipment covers for ellipticals in the same way that we started- with Equip, Inc. This cover is more focused on treadclimbers, as the name suggests, but can still work for ellipticals. It is made from the same water-resistant, heavy duty fabric that you’re sure to be familiar with at this point. What else can we say about zipper? It is like a boomerang – it just keeps coming back.
There are two different size choices that one can pick from with the treadclimber cover. The Medium measures at 57 inches (144.8 cm) long, 31 inches (79 cm) wide and 56 inches (142.2 cm) tall. The Large size measures at 64 inches (162.6 cm) long, 31 inches (79 cm) wide and 62 inches (157.5 cm) tall. It is appropriate for those ellipticals that have a center drive.
Verdict
The price issue is still present for the treadclimber cover, though it is mildly better if one decides to purchase the medium size cover for their elliptical. That would only cost them $179, instead of the standard $190 that is slapped on all the other Equip, Inc. covers. While this is better, it isn’t that much better. Fortunately, this elliptical trainer sun protection cover doesn’t share the problem as the Stationary Bike cover in that it only has one size.
Benefits of Using A Cover on Ellipticals
Elliptical covers can certainly benefit the owners of these ellipticals. For those who store them outside (perhaps on a balcony, front porch or some other location), they can save a lot of time and effort for having to move back and forth between the inside and outside. A lot of the covers are water resistant, though not waterproof. They will certainly keep the occasional drizzle out, but any extended storm or rain will absolutely penetrate the cover and get through to the elliptical underneath. So we recommend not letting you piece of potentially expensive exercise equipment sitting out in the middle of the natural elements, even with a cover.
Even for those who do not store their ellipticals in the outside world. The covers work just as well inside. Dust can be easily cleaned off from the covers. After all, it is much easier to clean dust off of covers rather than having to go through and wipe off every separate part of the elliptical itself. This can be applied to other indoor dangers too, like spider webs, coffee spills or even worse; kids. It should keep all of those and more at bay.
Buyer’s Guide
Here we are going to go over some of the aspects that you should look at when trying to find one of these elliptical covers.
The price. Obviously, you will want to look for a cover that will be affordable. There are the more expensive versions of the covers from Equip, Inc., as well as the less expensive versions from other companies like TUYU and PRO Bike.
The material. All of the covers that we have listed are made from some sort of heavy-duty, durable material. This is important, as you want to make sure that your cover lasts and does the job well. If you want to know how well it does protect, checking reviews is a good place to start.
The size options. This is really important, as having a cover that is too small is a waste of time and money. You’ll want to make sure that whatever cover you buy will fit the elliptical you have, and hopefully fit it well. Take the measurements of your own elliptical and compare it to what the covers are supposed to fit.
FAQ
Q: Why should I buy an elliptical machine cover?
A: If you just look up at the benefits of using such a cover, that will certainly help answer this question. They will help protect it against elements of both the inside and outside world. If you want your elliptical to remain nice and shiny without any deterioration from the elements, a cover is the place to look.
Q: Is there a difference between elliptical covers and bike covers?
A: Technically, yes. Bike covers are more focused on containing bikes (either stationary or outdoor) and their general shape. Elliptical covers are designed more to fit the specific shape that a great number of ellipticals have. However, both are generally usable on the other if the cover is big enough.
The Conclusion
That wraps up our list of the best covers for elliptical machines. Remember to do your own investigation into these additions to your exercise equipment, with this list as more of a guide. After all, we don’t know every situation for every person out there. Now get out there and get exercising!
Sayed Hamed Hosseiny
Hi, my name is Sayed Hamed Hosseiny. I am a professional health and fitness trainer with nearly 20 years of experience using ellipticals, rowing machines, and spin bikes. I also have my own EU-based Rock Fitness Pro fitness brand where I design, import and sell exercise equipment such as rowing machines and spin bikes. I and writers on my team also often receive fitness equipment to review and evaluate their functionalities and performance from tens of different exercise machines manufacturers. Fitness equipment tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on this website are my opinion (and opinions of my fitness expert colleagues) based on tens of criteria. I never accept payment to write reviews of products or say positive things about fitness equipment products. If brands are interested to have me review their rowers, ellipticals, or spin bikes, they can get in touch with me via email provided on the contact page and send a sample of their product.
