Hi Folks,

Just purchased an elliptical and cant wait to use it. But didnt realize it has a weight limit of 250lbs. and I am 265. I had a gazelle that said the same thing and used it just fine.

Now my husband is more like 280 at the moment.

How serious are weight limits on machines like this?

I've always suspected that there's at least 25 lbs of leeway on these machines, just because I'm sure the companies would want to err on the safe side. That's always worked for me (but I've usually only risked it on machines I've owned, not wanting to break the equipment of a friend or at the gym).

I actually think there is closer to a 50 lb leeway, they are built stronger but they don't want someone getting on who weighs 250 and breaking the machine. If you are 350 and it breaks, they can then point to the weight limit.