Sunday, April 18th
2021 Elliptical Machine Reviews
ProForm
- Cost: $599 to $1,799
ProForm is one of two brands in the Icon Health and Fitness company, along with well-known NordicTrack. In business for more than four decades, this retailer has a lot of expertise within the fitness equipment world. You'll also see some similarities between the features of ProForm machines and NordicTrack models, with ProForm tending to be on the less expensive side.
Equipment Overview:
- Stride Motion: Flywheel and magnetic resistance (varies by model)
- Price Range: $599 to $1,799
- Different Models: 9
- Financing Available: Yes
- Resistance Levels: 16-26 (varies by model)
- Return Policy: 30 days
- Warranty: 10 years on frame, 1-2 years on parts/labor (varies by model)
- Shipping: Free
Live Coached Workouts Through IFit
A major selling point that ProForm and NordicTrack share is the iFit platform. You've probably seen live streamed workouts for treadmills and indoor cycles, and iFit delivers the equivalent for elliptical machines. During live sessions, iFit trainers can even control your elliptical's resistance to give you the ultimate in customized workouts (we're not sure if that's cool or creepy, but hey!). That platform also gives you access to cross-training workouts for stretching and flexibility, strength training, and much more. Some ProForm ellipticals include a certain length of iFit membership, so be sure to look for that in the details of the machine(s) you're considering.
Free Ellipticals? Yes!
ProForm also uses the benefits of iFit to offer free elliptical machines. Yes, you read that correctly: the Carbon E7 and Carbon HIIT H7 won't cost you anything as long as you pay for a 3-year iFit family membership. Okay, true, you'll pay $1,403 over that three-year period (at $39/month) and you'll need to qualify (because it's technically considered financing) but that's less expensive than many gym memberships.
Hybrid Elliptical/recumbent Bike Options
You'll continue to find novel options at this retailer. Consider the Hybrid Trainer XT, which combines the best features of both an elliptical machine and a recumbent bike. If you like being able to add some variety to your cardio workouts - or if you anticipate needing to sit down from time to time, while still getting exercise - this is a great model to consider. We were surprised to see that the Hybrid Trainer XT was available for the comparatively low price of $599.
Space-saving Models Available
If floor space is a concern, the two HIIT ellipticals are a good fit. These machines use a motion that is more similar to a step machine than a traditional elliptical, using a 10" vertical stride and just a 5" horizontal motion. Because there isn't as much front-to-back movement, you can fit these machines in a much smaller workout space.
Check Availability And Delivery Timeframes
Be sure to keep an eye on availability when browsing ProForm machines. Although an elliptical may be listed as in stock on the main product page, that doesn't mean it'll ship out right away. For example, the Carbon E7 had a 10-day shipping delay at the time of this review, the Pro 9.9 had a delay of nearly two months, and both the SMART Pro 12.9 and 16.9 were completely out of stock.
Good Customer Reviews
Overall, ProForm elliptical machines get good reviews from customers. The machines themselves aren't quite as bulky or sturdy as the highest-end models you'll find with other retailers, but they still perform well under normal home-user conditions.
Solid Rating From The BBB
Icon Health, ProForm's parent company, also has a strong reputation. The BBB gives the business a perfect "A+" rating, which means they've done a satisfactory job of responding to customers when issues arise. And, given that there were more than 2000 complaints registered with the Better Business Bureau, that's good to know. All issues we saw were answered quickly and professionally by Icon Health's representatives.
Affordable Price For Advanced Tech
ProForm is a good place to shop if you're looking for a variety of elliptical machine styles. And, with live workouts being the hottest trend in fitness, ProForm equipment definitely can hook you up through the iFit platform. You might have to exercise some patience while waiting for the one you want to be available for delivery, but most customers would tell you it's worth the wait.
More Elliptical Machine Reviews
The 9 Best Elliptical Machines
Where Can You Buy the Best Elliptical Machines?
On the market for more than two decades, these versatile pieces of workout equipment are some of the most popular in fitness centers and home gyms alike. Why? First of all, many people prefer the motion of an elliptical trainer over treadmills because of the decreased impact on joints. Not everyone can hop on a treadmill and run a 5K with painful knees and ankles; using an elliptical machine gives you a high level of cardiovascular exercise without as much strain.
Another advantage of using an elliptical trainer is the ability to get a full-body workout. Although using the handles is optional, most exercisers like to use the push-pull motion to strengthen muscles in the arms, abs and back at the same time as the lower body. Who wouldn't benefit from the efficiency of working out multiple muscle groups at once?
Elliptical Machine FAQ
Continued from above...
Plus, many elliptical machines can be used in different ways: some combine a traditional elliptical system with a recumbent or upright bike, while others let you change the stride motion to more closely resemble a stair stepping machine or even a treadmill. This flexibility makes it likely that you'll use your elliptical trainer for a long time, because you can change the workout to match your mood, your physical capabilities at the moment, your fitness goals, or the other users in your household.
And, if you think that elliptical machines have been left out of the live streaming workout craze, think again! Some of the most advanced models offer large touch screens that can deliver real-time coached workout sessions - and may even allow a trainer access to change your resistance levels or incline during the workout! Even if your elliptical doesn't come with that built-in feature, almost all brands and models have a tablet holder, allowing you to choose your own workout platform and go for it (or just binge a few episodes of your favorite TV show: your choice!).
When choosing the right elliptical machine for your home gym, how can you tell which retailer should get your business? Here are several factors to keep in mind as you shop:
- Selection. How many elliptical trainers does the store carry? The broader the selection, the more likely you'll be able to get exactly what you want without paying for features you don't need.
- Price. Speaking of features, how much will you spend for an elliptical machine at the retailer you're browsing? Is shipping included? Will you have to pay extra to get a more up-to-date console or a different frame color?
- Availability. Home fitness equipment is more popular than ever, and many businesses are feeling the strain of keeping up with demand. Are the ellipticals the retailer advertises actually in stock? Be sure to check delivery timeframes: some stores show that certain models are available for purchase, but when you add one to your cart you might spot some fine print that says that delivery may take up to three months!
- Return Policy. What happens if your elliptical machine is delivered and it doesn't fit where you planned to put it? Or your significant other is too tall (or too short) for the stride length? Not every retailer will allow you to send it back for a refund.
- Reputation. What do other people say about their experience, both with the elliptical machines themselves and with the company overall? Customer reviews and a rating from the Better Business Bureau are two reliable ways of determining how well a retailer is living up to shoppers' expectations.
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best retailers of elliptical machines available today. We hope this information helps you pick the right equipment for your home gym!
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