1. Stay Active: One of the best ways to explore London and stay healthy is by walking. London is a pedestrian-friendly city with a wealth of beautiful parks, historic neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks. Whether you’re wandering through Hyde Park, strolling along the South Bank of the River Thames, or exploring the charming streets of Notting Hill, walking will not only keep you fit but also allow you to truly immerse yourself in the city’s culture.

2. Balanced Diet: London is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse array of culinary delights from around the world. While indulging in the city’s delectable cuisine is a must, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet. Seek out local markets like Borough Market for fresh produce, and don’t forget to sample traditional British fare like fish and chips or a hearty pie. For health-conscious Gen Z travelers, many eateries in London offer vegan and vegetarian options to cater to your dietary preferences.

3. Stay Hydrated: Exploring a bustling city like London can be exhausting, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and take advantage of the city’s numerous public water fountains. Staying hydrated will help you maintain your energy levels throughout the day.

4. Prioritize Mental Health: Traveling can sometimes be overwhelming, so it’s essential to take care of your mental health. London is home to several serene parks and gardens where you can unwind and relax. The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park and the peaceful St. James’s Park are perfect spots to escape the urban hustle and bustle.

5. Choose the Right Accommodation: Now, when it comes to accommodation, Assembly Hotels is a fantastic choice for Gen Z travelers who want a comfortable and convenient stay in London. Their central locations, stylish design, and commitment to sustainability make them an ideal choice for those who value both comfort and the environment. Check out their website at www.assemblyhotels.com to explore their properties and find the perfect base for your London adventure.

Conclusion: London is a city that never ceases to amaze, and as a Gen Z traveler, you have the opportunity to experience it in your unique way. By staying active, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and prioritizing your mental health, you can make the most of your London adventure while staying healthy and energized. And when it’s time to rest, Assembly Hotels offers a range of accommodations that align with your values and needs, ensuring your stay in London is nothing short of fantastic. So, pack your bags, set out on your London journey, and let this historic city captivate your heart and soul.

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The post Exploring London with Gen Z: Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling” appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

​Product	​Product Name	​Price
​Image via Amazon	Lemond Revmaster Pro
​​Image via Amazon	​CycleOp​s Fluid2
​​Image via Amazon	Keiser M3
​​Image via Amazon	Star Trac NXT Spin Bike

What Is LeMond Revmaster?

The LeMond Revmaster is a stationary bicycle offered by the LeMond brand of quality cycling products. Named for Greg LeMond, the three-time winner of the Tour de France, LeMond cycles have long set an industry standard in quality and durability.

The LeMond Revmaster is a very attractive stationary bicycle with an unobtrusive black and yellow color scheme. The adjustability and the variety of hand positions on LeMond Revmaster mean it will fit riders of all shapes and sizes.

Product Specs  

The LeMond Revmaster measures 42 inches long by 23 inches wide and stands at the height of 46 inches tall. The assembled bicycle weighs 110 pounds, and the maximum user weight is 300 pounds. The bicycle can accommodate riders from 4′ 6″ tall to 6′ 6″ tall.

There are five points on the bike with yellow levers to change the fit of the bicycle. The frame features an X design that is more stable than other stationary bicycles. The water bottle holder fitted on the handlebars allows users to stay hydrated without interrupting their cycling form.

Pricing

The LeMond Revmaster is available online on Amazon and select local retailers that carry sports and fitness equipment for around $​$

How It Compares

We tested the LeMond Revmaster on various factors to see how it performed. Those factors included: price, ease of use, assembly time, design quality, and warranty. We also tested several other stationary bicycles available on the market. Those bicycles included:

• Cycleops 300P
• Keiser M3
• Spinner NXT

Lemond Revmaster Pro

​Image via Amazon

Price (​$$) 

The $​$ price point represents a mid-tier piece of equipment where you can expect quality and durability.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

To get a comfortable, effective workout on a stationary bicycle, it is critical that the user take the time to adjust the bicycle’s fit. A poor fit can lead to discomfort and chronic pain, and long-term problems for the user.

The LeMond Revmaster’s 5 points of change make this one of the most versatile bicycles available on the market. Many stationary bicycles have only one or two change points and do not offer a comfortable fit. The LeMond Revmaster allows riders to dial themselves in for the perfect workout.

The LeMond Revmaster comes in a single large box and assembly is easy. The X frame comes pre-assembled, and home assembly requires screwing on the various components and stabilizers. LeMond provides the tools and bolts necessary for assembly. There is an easy to follow manual, and there are also YouTube videos available to watch. We took under an hour to put this bicycle together with no problems at all.

The design is highly durable and well constructed. This is a stable, functional machine that meets the quality of the bicycles you would find at a professional gym. Our only criticism is that the LeMond Revmaster does not come with a computer installed on the machine.

This means there is not a way to count your calories or monitor your heart performance. The riding action for this bicycle is smooth, the bicycle is stable, and the Kevlar belt instead of a chain makes for a quiet piece of equipment.

The frame has a 5-year guarantee. The parts have a 3-year guarantee. Wear items and labor have a 1-year guarantee. Accessories have a 6-month guarantee.

Pros

• Durable design 
• Heavy duty construction
• Quiet Kevlar belt instead of a standard chain
• Easy to adjust
• Attractive
• Stable

Cons

• No computer
• Short warranty on the accessories and wear items. 

​CycleOps Fluid2

Image via Amazon

The Cycleops  features a gray and yellow color scheme. The unit measures 45 inches long by 17 inches wide and stands at the height of 35 inches. The Cycleops 300p weighs 140 pounds. The unit comes with a Joule 2.0 data manager with functions such as ride reports, history, and workout programs.

Price (​$) 

The Cycleops 300P is available on Amazon and at select retail stores that carry exercise equipment for around $​.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Cycleops 300P does not have the stable platform of the LeMond Revmaster. The Cycleops 300P rocked and was not as smooth overall. The fit change points on the bicycle are good, but the bicycle is not as adjustable as the LeMond Revmaster. The bike was significantly louder than the LeMond Revmaster, and it was difficult to watch television while working out.

The assembly is straightforward, and the unit includes all the tools necessary for the process. The manual is easy to follow, and the instructions are clear. The unit is heavy, however, and we recommend having two people to assemble this bicycle. A single person assembling this bicycle would find it frustrating. With two people, we put the bicycle together in about an hour.

The overall design of this bicycle is awkward and unstable. The bicycle rocks when you ride it, and the drive system is too loud. The computer offers a lot of features, but the display is small. The design is also not as adjustable as the LeMond Revmaster, so it wasn’t possible to achieve a perfect fit.

The manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty on the frame and a 1-year warranty on the electronics and other parts.

Pros

• The computer is capable of measuring power output
• Good warranty
• Adjustable
• Good warranty

Cons

• Expensive
• Unstable
• Noisy
• Not as many adjustment points as the LeMond Revmaster

Keiser M3

Image via Amazon

The Keiser M3 features a sleek design and an attractive red and black color scheme. This is a highly durable stationary bicycle made from corrosive resistant materials that are virtually maintenance free. The riding action is very smooth, and the bicycle is silent enough to use while watching television. The unit also comes with a computer that can track fitness goals and power output. The computer can also track RPM, calories burned, heart rate, trip time, and trip distance. Both the handlebars and the seat are adjustable.

Price (​$$$) 

The Keiser M3 is available for around $​$$ on Amazon or at select retail stores that feature sports and fitness equipment.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The design is sleek, and the color scheme is attractive, but this stationary bicycle does not offer sufficient position changes. The result is that it’s difficult to achieve a comfortable riding position on this bicycle.

This bicycle comes in a box that is 41 inches wide by 41 inches long and 10 inches wide. The assembled bicycle weighs 106 pounds, so it is fairly easy to maneuver. Home assembly entails putting together the base and the handlebars. Assembly is easy, and one person can do the job in around 30 minutes.

The lack of variety hurts this bicycle. The design is very nice, and the materials are strong and durable. However, if you are a tall or a short person, this bicycle does not adjust for a proper fit. We do not recommend that you exercise on a machine that is not a proper fit as it can lead to extreme discomfort.

The bicycle comes with a limited warranty. There is only a 6-month guarantee for the wearable parts.

Pros

• Attractive design
• Easy to assemble
• A good computer with lots of features
• Quiet

Cons

• Expensive
• The bicycle does not come with a good warranty
• The bicycle does not have enough options for body position change

Star Trac NXT Spin Bike

Image via Amazon

The Star Trac NXT 7170 is an unattractive, compact stationary bicycle made from heavy-duty aluminum. The bicycle adjusts to accommodate riders ranging in size from 4′ 10″ to 6′ 10″ with a maximum rider weight of 300 pounds.

Price (​$$) 

The Star Trac NXT 7170 Spin Bike is available at Amazon and select local retailers for around $​$.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

There are three positions where the users may change the fit on this bicycle. Users can move the seat horizontally and vertically, and they can also move the handlebars vertically. However, it is problematic that users cannot move the handlebars horizontally. For an ideal fit, a user’s kneecap should align over the spindle of the pedal when the pedal is in the forward-most position. The user should adjust the handlebars for comfort after achieving the kneecap alignment. Without horizontal change on the handlebars, it is difficult to achieve a comfortable fit.

The bicycle comes almost completely assembled, and there is little for the user to do. This bicycle uses a chain rather than a belt, so there are more inherent problems in maintenance. Overall, the instructions are easy to follow, and an individual can assemble the bicycle in less than an hour.

The lack of variation in the rider’s position means this exercise bicycle will be uncomfortable for many users. The overall design is very rugged, and the aluminum is durable. The overall look of the bicycle is ugly compared to other exercise bicycles we’ve tested in this review.

The Star Trac NXT 7170 comes with a 30-day warranty.

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• The bicycle fit can change to fit riders of different heights
• Durable design

Cons

• Expensive
• There is no horizontal change for the handlebar position
• Poor warranty
• No computer

Conclusion

​Image via Amazon

Cycling is a fantastic way to embark on a home exercise program. Cycling is a no-impact workout that has a strong aerobic component and may also activate several major muscle groups. Stationary bicycles are a popular piece of exercise equipment because they allow users to work out in the comfort of their own home, avoiding inclement weather and the dangers of traffic. A good stationary bicycle must be highly adjustable because without a good fit, riders may experience chronic pain.

Of all the bicycles we tested in this review, the LeMond Revmaster had the greatest fit variation. The LeMond Revmaster has five positions on the bicycle where adjustments are possible, and users may dial in a pro-quality fit. The result of a good fit is that the LeMond allowed for the most comfortable ride. A comfortable ride ensures that users will exercise without developing joint soreness and are more likely to have success in their program.

The Cycleops 300P and the Keiser M3 were both significantly more expensive than the LeMond Revmaster and didn’t offer as much fit versatility. Both the Cycleops 300P and the Keiser M3 included workout computers with their base price. Both of the computers have nice features, but individuals who pick the LeMond Revmaster receive a better bicycle at a lower price even if they purchase a computer separately. The Star Trac NXT 7170 did not offer the fit versatility of the other stationary bicycles we tested.

The LeMond Revmaster offers a pro-quality fit at a very affordable price. The bicycle is stable and silent. An integrated computer to track fitness goals is the only feature this bicycle lacks. However, the price of the LeMond Revmaster is so affordable that individuals can purchase a high quality training computer as an accessory and still spend less than they would on other machines. We felt this was the best performing stationary bicycle of the units we tested, and the LeMond Revmaster receives our highest recommendation.

Final Verdict

Featured image via Amazon

The post Lemond Revmaster Reviews appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

Exercise equipment has evolved and isn’t just for gym rats anymore. There is a machine available today for whoever wants to exercise, whether the user is just starting out, an elite athlete, or somewhere in the middle. Do you have limitations due to age, disability, or just years of avoiding exercise? Planet Fitness has a machine that you may not have tried: the Planet Fitness rowing machine. To compare the Planet Fitness rowing machine with other types of exercise equipment, we’ve reviewed the most common cardiovascular and weight machines. 

The Planet Fitness rowing machine is only available at Planet Fitness, but if you get into rowing there are machines available for your home gym. To try out the Planet Fitness rowing machine, take Planet Fitness up on its offer for a free tour and day pass, which is available at most locations. At the gym, the Planet Fitness rowing machines are in the same class with treadmills, stationary bikes, or elliptical machines. But before taking a trip to the  gym, learn how the usual suspects in exercise equipment – bike, treadmill, and elliptical – stacks up against rowers like the Planet Fitness rowing machine.

What Is a Rowing Machine?

Like all exercise equipment, rowing machines recreate the outdoor exercise experience – in this case, being seated in a boat and rowing across a lake or against a current, up a river. Rowing requires use of the whole body, producing what is called a “full-body workout,” because arms, core (abdomen), and legs are engaged in repetitive but fluid motion. The nearest similar exercise to rowing is cross-country skiing or swimming, both of which are difficult to simulate using a piece of equipment.

Planet Fitness Rowing Machine Specs

The Planet Fitness rowing machine uses resistance in a seated position to work the “posterior chain” or lower body plus core (abdominal area). The machine itself is stationary, uses a pull T-bar, and involves mimicking rowing by pulling the T-bar toward the core, engaging the gluteal, quadriceps, and hamstring muscles as the user pulls forward with arms and pushes back with legs.

Pricing

This product can be purchased at major sporting good stores, starting at around $200 for a cheaper model. We recommend, if purchasing, choosing a more expensive model that is built to stay in one place. Most consumers choose a gym, such as Planet Fitness, to use rowing machines because they require a dedicated room unless the model is foldable. Like foldable treadmills, rowing machines can be stored in order to save space.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar exercise machines that are available at Planet Fitness to compare with the Planet Fitness rowing machine. All of these are on the market and can be purchased, but for most people, using a nearby gym is more convenient.    

• Treadmill

• Elliptical

• Stationary Bike

Rowing Machine

Ease of Use

Like the stationary bicycle, the rowing machine is a matter of sitting down, placing feet in stirrups (pedals), setting the resistance, and going. There are no safety issues, and the only control to manage is resistance.

Health Benefits

Rowing machines work all muscle groups, and regular use of the rowing machine builds the largest muscles in the body–the legs–which creates better circulation through healthier blood vessels, as well as the arms, which tones the upper body for a fit look. The rowing machine not only works all muscle groups, but provides an excellent cardiovascular workout on par with other whole body exercises like running or swimming.

Muscles Effected

The Planet Fitness rowing machine – in fact, all rowing machines – provide a simple workout that exercises triceps, biceps, shoulders, core, quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles. In addition, rowing machines exercise chest muscles through their pulling motion.

Recommended Interval

The Planet Fitness rowing machine requires only three workouts per week, because it builds upper and lower body while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout. Twenty minutes provides a good workout, and the recommended range is twenty to thirty minutes for most users. After building up a level of fitness, the rowing machine can be used for 45 minutes.

Pros

• Full body workout
• Cardiovascular and muscle building
• Easy to use
• A nice change of pace

Cons

• Large machines can take up home gym space

Treadmill

When the treadmill was invented, it changed the exercise game. Running has long been considered the best cardiovascular workout and the most natural. Runners engage the full body, and running is considered among the best cardiovascular workouts. Like swimming, running activates the whole body in a natural way and improves balance. A treadmill machine will recreate running outside quite well, offering the ability to alter incline and speed.

Ease of Use

Treadmills are straightforward: the machine provides a conveyer belt for the user to jog, run, or sprint on. The concept is simple, but for newbie exercisers the machine can be a bit intimidating. Of all the machines, the treadmill is the only one that can injure an unsuspecting user and could cause problems for someone with balance issues. For the vast majority of users, it is safe; but it should be used at low speed the first few times.

Health Benefits

Running is arguably the best cardiovascular exercise but can adversely affect joints, especially knees, over time. A treadmill is a better option than concrete sidewalks or asphalt roads, and about the same in terms of joint wear as trails or grass.

Muscles Effected

Although running on a treadmill mainly exercises the lower body, the natural use of arms and core does make this a full body exercise. The upper body does not get the same workout as the elliptical or rowing machine, but the natural motion of running engages the core and tones the whole body. Running will build the large leg muscles at least as well as the elliptical machine, but is much more effective at keeping up with those smaller muscles that we engage to stabilize.

Recommended Interval

A treadmill program is effective with just three days a week, for 20 minutes. Especially if using interval training such as High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), three days a week is plenty. Some runners enjoy varying the workout to include two HIIT days and two longer days of 30 minutes or more. Often, treadmill user aim for distance rather than time, slowly improving the ability to run farther at the same pace.

Pros

• Comes closest to recreating outdoor experience
• Humans are naturally proficient at running
• Superior cardiovascular workout
• Builds and maintains smaller, stabilizing lower-body muscles
• Running burns more calories

Cons

• Can create joint wear over time
• Can lead to injuries
• Machine should be used with caution

Elliptical

The elliptical machine is a favorite because it is low impact, unlike the treadmill, but involves standing, unlike the stationary bike or rowing machine. Elliptical machines emphasize fluid movement for a full-body workout that includes lower and upper body, and to some extent, the core. Like the treadmill, this is a solid all-around workout. If you sit all day, any exercise in a standing position is a plus. Elliptical machines are one of the pricier options for purchase to use at home.

Ease of Use

The machine uses a simple standing position, not unlike a cross-country ski machine, but is easy to achieve balance. Once standing in the foot pads, which are generous, the user simply accesses the electronic programming module to set incline and resistance. If balance is an issue, the elliptical is not the optimal choice, but for most people it is practical and safe.

Health Benefits

The elliptical machine is an excellent compromise between the treadmill and the stationary bike. Like a treadmill, it offers a strong leg workout and excellent cardiovascular benefits. Like the bicycle, it allows the user to relax and is not as intense as jogging or climbing. But the health benefits are not quite as good as one would get from rowing or running.

Muscles Effected

The elliptical machine focuses on the lower body, uses the upper body through pulling and arm extensions, and requires some use of the core to attain balance. The smaller muscles that are engaged when balancing are only slightly affected.

Recommended Interval

The elliptical machine requires use of the whole body and can give an intense cardio workout, therefore three days a week for 20 to 30 minutes is sufficient to maintain cardiovascular health and muscle mass. Elliptical workouts rival running in terms of calorie burning, so 20 minutes is plenty.

Pros

• Low impact
• Involves upper and lower body
• Easy to get into a rhythm
• Easy to learn
• Can provide an intense cardio workout

Cons

• Expensive for home purchase
• Can get repetitive
• Not recommended for those with balance problems

Stationary Bike

Stationary bikes were developed long before treadmills and are one of the old-school gym staples. Like the rowing machine, the stationary bike attempts to recreate the experience of riding a bicycle outside, up and down hills, and at different speeds. The simple stationary bicycle used by NASA to maintain muscle mass in astronauts has evolved to include recumbent models, “spinning” bikes for intense cardio workouts, and at-home trainers that hook up to your bicycle.

Ease of Use

Any exerciser can use this machine. It is the most accessible piece of gym equipment because it does not require balance and can be used at a very low resistance setting. It is highly recommended for individuals who have never exercised and are building up endurance and fitness.

Health Benefits

Exercise bicycles have health benefits, but the user has to design a program to increase intensity. They are excellent for interval training, such as HIIT methods, but it is easy for the user to stay at a low level and avoid challenges.

Muscles Effected

Bicycles focus on leg muscles. If only one muscle group can be targeted, legs are the best choice because quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles are the largest in the body. Yet today’s machines offer full body workouts, and those are superior.

Recommended Interval

Bicycling is a workout but usually involves long, less intense workouts. Bicyclists who exercise outdoors typically take long rides several times a week. It is recommended that the stationary bike be used at least five times a week, for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Stationary bikes are superior to riding outdoors in terms of creating an intense workout like spinning classes provide. Because leg muscles are the largest in the body, “sprints” on a bicycle can be as intense as other exercise; but most people use stationary bicycles at fairly low intensity.

Pros

• Low impact
• Great exercise for older individuals
• Easy to combine with reading, TV
• Can be designed for intensity

Cons

• Does not provide full-body workout
• Does not engage the core
• Requires no balancing to work smaller muscles
• Can be dull and monotonous

Conclusion

Exercise is the only way to counter our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, and a gym is the logical choice. Using gym equipment creates a regular routine, because machines such as the elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike and rowers are all easy to master, safe, and provide a great daily or alternate day workout routine. In a gym, you are surrounded by other exercisers, and many gyms, including Planet Fitness, cater to new exercisers.

For regular gym use and working the most muscle groups, the rowing machine, treadmill, and elliptical are the best choice. For truly full-body workouts, however, the treadmill and rowing machine are superior. In the case of the treadmill, running is simply a more intense workout than elliptical because it requires balance, acceleration, coordinating both arms and legs for propulsion, and engaging the core to stabilize the body. In the case of the rowing machine, arm and leg muscles are equally engaged and exertion creates an excellent cardiovascular workout.

Ultimately, we recommend rowing and the Planet Fitness rowing machine in particular. Rowing doesn’t stress the joints, and using the machine is 100% safe for all exercisers, no matter the skill level.

The post Planet Fitness Rowing Machine Reviews appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

The original arc trainers, which have been around since 2003, were strictly lower body machines. The Cybex company now manufactures a line of arc trainers that come in two styles: lower body and total body. The total body arc trainers give you a full-body workout similar to the one you get from a cross-country ski machine but with several additional advantages. The 750A by Cybex allows the user to adjust the incline, resistance, and stride rate.

To find out whether the Cybex 750A Arc Trainer is worth getting, we’ve reviewed the product thoroughly here and compared it to some other options on the market.

[amazon box=”B002VL95N4,B01KAGX6XQ,B078HHTS9L,B00PCCBY7Y” template=”table”]

What Is the Cybex 750A Arc Trainer?

The 750A Arc Trainer is manufactured by Cybex, a well-known manufacturer of commercial exercise equipment. This machine is effective, efficient, and ideal for everyone from users wanting a good general workout to someone looking for a very challenging high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout. The 750A Arc Trainer is offered in a total body design, which supports a wide variety of exercises.

The trainer allows the user to get a more intense workout than they would with an elliptical machine or a stair climber. The Cybex company estimates that a 150-pound male user would burn between 300 and 475 calories in a 30-minute sessions, depending on the incline, stride rate, and the resistance selected.

Product Specs 

​The 750A Arc Trainer is a very high-grade commercial exercise machine. These machines are designed for the gym setting rather than for use in a private home. You should expect to find high-quality materials and a solid and very durable design with this machine. The 750A also has several features one would expect on a commercial gym machine. The arc trainer features moving arms with curved multi-grip handles and built-in pulse monitors that help provide a total body workout and add versatility to any training plan.

The 750A Arc Trainer features 21 incline levels that allow for a wide range of workouts that work different muscle groups. The steeper the incline level, the more challenging the workout will be. Additionally, resistance can be adjusted to help each user find the right balance that will give them the workout they are looking for.

With a standard internet connection, the 750A can connect to the Halo Fitness Cloud. This provides detailed information for using the equipment, as well as exerciser insights and preventive maintenance alerts. Connection also enables remote equipment monitoring, which helps Cybex technicians alert you in the rare case of a problem, often before you know one exists.

The Cybex 750A is available with two console options. The 70T console includes an integrated TV with touchscreen functionality and an enhanced exerciser experience, and the 50L console offers simplified interaction and a bright LED display.

The maximum user weight rating for the 750A is 400 pounds, which makes the machine ideal for virtually anyone. The dimensions of the machine fully assembled is 77″ x 36.5″ x 60.5″. Cybex has designed the 750A Arc Trainer with level pedals and a large 24″ stride that allows both shorter users and taller users to experience a similar workout.

​Pricing 

The Cybex company is a commercial gym equipment manufacturer, and the 750A Arc Trainer is designed and marketed for the commercial fitness industry. With that being said, these machines can be purchased for approximately $​ to $​$$, depending on which features the buyer prefers. However, these and many other commercial fitness machines can be found refurbished at substantially lower prices often between $​ and $​$$.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.     

• Schwinn Elliptical Trainer
• Nautilus Home Elliptical Trainer
• Life Fitness E1 Go Cross-Trainer

Cybex 750A Arc Trainer

[amazon box=”B002VL95N4″]

A very high-quality commercial grade exercise machine, the Cybex 750A is the gold standard that all other arc trainers are measured by. The 750A has several high-end features that are manufactured with performance, durability, and user experience in mind.

Refurbished

The Cybex 750A Arc Trainer is designed with commercial use in mind and is priced accordingly. These units can be found refurbished at a substantially lower price, making the 750A quite a bargain considering that it is really three machines in one. 

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Cybex 750A Arc Trainer is very easy to use. The enhanced user interface, adjustable incline, and resistance make personalizing your workout a breeze.

When purchased new, the 750A requires some assembly, which is estimated to take about an hour.

This is where the Cybex 750A sets itself apart from the competition. The materials and construction of the 750A exceed the highest industry standards. This machine looks and feels like high-quality commercial grade equipment.

Cybex offers a 10-year warranty on the frame and a seven-year warranty on the motor. The electronics come with two years of coverage.

Pros

• High quality design
• 21 different incline settings
• Ergonomic multi-grip handles and level pedals

Cons

• Cost
• These machines take two people to move
• Buying refurbished is the only feasible option for most

Schwinn Elliptical Trainer

[amazon box=”B01KAGX6XQ”]

The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer is one of the two standing elliptical models offered by the Schwinn company. This machine is well-constructed and designed with a sturdy frame that is meant to last. It can accommodate users up to 300 lbs. The Schwinn 430’s features include: 22 preset workout programs, a 10 percent incline for improved efficiency, a 20″ stride length, a large LCD display, and compatibility with wireless chest strap heart rate monitoring devices. 

Being priced well under $​ makes the Schwinn a great investment for someone looking for the great workout and ease of use that an elliptical trainer can offer.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer is very easy to use and is designed as a home fitness machine. The user-friendly interface with dual-user LCD display make navigating workouts easy and fun while allowing two users to save information.

The Schwinn 430 does require a rather extensive assembly process that some users report takes well over two hours.

The Schwinn 430 is well-designed and well-constructed. Some users report that the machine does not feel totally stable during use and can squeak during workouts. However, these machines are well-built and will last several years with normal home use.

Schwinn offers a 10-year frame, two-year mechanical and one-year electrical warranty on the 430 Elliptical Trainer. This is good, but it falls short of Cybex’s seven-year mechanical warranty.

Pros

• Very affordable for an elliptical trainer
• Interface can connect to the SchwinnConnect app via Bluetooth
• Wide selection of training programs

Cons

• Noisy
• Some users report feeling unstable at times

​Nautilus Home Elliptical Trainer

[amazon box=”B078HHTS9L”]

The Nautilus E616 is one of the newest elliptical trainers offered by the Nautilus. This option combines cutting edge technology with several great features. The E616 features 29 different customizable workout programs, 25 levels of resistance, and a motorized incline. Additionally, the user interface is Bluetooth compatible. A USB media charging port and an accompanying nutrition app are also included with the purchase of the Nautilus E616.

Being priced right at $​ makes the E616 a value, considering the features and quality design.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Nautilus E616 is very easy to use with adjustable resistance settings and a user-friendly interface. The nutrition app that comes with the E616 is easy to use and offers great nutrition ideas to help users get the most out of their exercise plan.

As with most elliptical trainers, the E616 requires quite a bit of assembly. However, the directions are very well-written. After assembly, the front mounted transport wheels make moving the machine easy.

Overall, the Nautilus E616 is a well-designed elliptical trainer, using high-quality materials and sturdy construction. Nautilus typically leaves out some higher-end features for those that have a more direct impact on the workout, such as HDTV, touchscreen LCD display, and Internet connectivity. 

The 10-year warranty on the frame and three-year warranty on the electronics make this one of the best warranties on home elliptical trainers on the market.

Pros

• Commercial-grade frame
• 29 preset workout programs
• Very quiet when compared to other home elliptical trainers

Cons

• The flywheel is light (17 pounds) and can shake a little during a hard workout session
• Rather extensive assembly is required

​Life Fitness E1 Go Cross-Trainer

[amazon box=”B00PCCBY7Y”]

The E1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer by Life Fitness is the entry-level model in the E Series of elliptical cross-trainers. The E1 Go models are rear-drive designed elliptical cross-trainers that have a compact and sleek design. The console is a more basic interface with an intuitive functionality and a blue LCD screen. The E1 Go comes with 12 built-in workout programs, two customizable programs, and two user profiles. The E1 also provides 20 resistance levels, with integrated resistance controls located on the moving handlebars for fast, efficient changes. The E1 Go has a capacity of 400 pounds, and it is designed with a stride length of 20″. This option also features WhisperStride technology, which is designed to eliminate noise during use.

The Life Fitness E1 Go is reasonably priced, considering this is a high-end elliptical trainer. However, the console is rather basic for the price range.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The E1 features easy-to-adjust resistance levels, and the console is user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through workouts. This trainer is designed to be a “get on and go” machine.

As with most elliptical machines on the market, the E1 Go requires some extensive assembly. The instructions are well-written, making the assembly process smoother.

The LifeFitness E1 Go is a well-designed machine. These machines are ergonomic and sleek but also sturdy and solid. The Flywheel is virtually noise-free, and the console is easy to use. However, we expected to see more features given the price range, such as an adjustable stride length, built-in cooling fan, media connectivity, and transport wheels.

LifeFitness offers a five-year warranty on all parts and a three-year warranty on the console. This length of coverage is somewhat shorter than what we see in comparable machines at this price range.

Pros

• Sleek, ergonomic design
• Very quiet
• Easy to use console

Cons

• Lacks several higher-end features like media connectivity
• Lacks transport wheels, which makes moving harder
• Stride length cannot be adjusted

Conclusion

[amazon fields=”B002VL95N4″ value=”thumb” image_size=”medium” image_align=”center”][amazon fields=”B002VL95N4″ value=”button”]

The Cybex 750A Arc Trainer is a high-quality commercial exercise machine. The Cybex company manufactures products for the commercial gym industry, and the 750A serves that purpose. The 750A features commercial-grade construction and an adjustable incline, resistance, and stride rate. It can also be purchased with two different console choices: the 70T and the 50L. The 70T console features the high-end user interface, HDTV, built-in cooling fan, and multimedia capability.

Overall Rating

​The 750A is not truly intended for the home user, but many of these machines are refurbished after gym use and sold at a substantial discount, making owning one of these machines in your home far more feasible. At refurbished prices, the Cybex 750A is a very high-quality exercise machine at a good price.

Featured image via Amazon

The post Arc Trainer: Complete And Honest Review appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

Outdoor fun just gained momentum by combining the glide of a bicycle and the ease of an elliptical with the workout of a treadmill. Elliptical and ski machines are some of the best workouts you can find but they come with one big drawback: they are indoors only. The ElliptiGo Stand Up Bike just opened up a lot of scenery, fresh air, and miles of roadway to the stationary elliptical machine. 

Take your workout outdoors on the bike path or in the neighborhood by trying out an ElliptiGo. This bike-and-hike hybrid is a blast for all ages. Since ElliptiGo is so new, we’ve reviewed four models for comparison.

[amazon box=”B07BMDS559,B06XRQ1BX6,B01927OAU2,B07C18M422″ template=”table”]

ElliptiGo Stand Up Bike (SUB)

An ElliptiGo is the blend of bicycle and ski machine we’ve all been waiting for, because it offers the great workout of an elliptical machine but without the dull indoor setting. The ElliptiGo is also adds a touch of scooter to the mix, because the driver has a great panoramic view of the horizon as she or he pedals forward.

Using an ElliptiGo is fantastic exercise because it combines comfortable riding position, a full-body workout, and a substantial aerobic challenge without all the negative joint impact. More than that, ElliptiGo provides fun that transcends its novelty. The riding position enables a far better view than either bike or skateboard.

Product Range and Description

The ElliptiGo comes in several models, from the basic SUB that mimics a foldable bike but adds stairstepper-like pedals to the Longstride Family that looks like an elliptical machine on bicycle wheels. We compare the SUB with the ARC 3, ARC 8 and 3C.

The 3C is a Longstride, while the ARC 3 and ARC 8 are compact-stride models that offer a great workout but don’t quite give as fluid an experience as the Longstride. All models offer a blend of running, cycling and cross-country skiing motions, but the SUB offers the best alternative to bicycling by removing seat and neck strain from the equation. We detail the specs of each below.

Pricing

These bikes range from $$$ to $$$$$, with the SUB being the most user-friendly entry model and the Longstride rivaling comfy recumbent bikes in cost.

How it Compares

We picked four models for comparison of price, ease of use, features, design quality, and warranty.

• ElliptiGO ARC 3
• ElliptiGO ARC 8
• ElliptiGO 3C

ElliptiGO SUB

[amazon box=”B07BMDS559″]

Price (​$)

At $$$, the sub is eminently affordable for solving so many bicycling problems.

• Ease of Use
• features
• Design Quality
• Warranty

Easy to get going, this stand-up elliptical machine has shorter range of motion than a standard indoor elliptical machine and thus a choppier feel than the more expensive Longstride models. It is more like a bicycle and less like the experience of running, so isn’t as smooth as models with long wheel bases. Working the quad muscles is easy on this bike but it is a more assertive exercise. 

This SUB is easy to use, but not as relaxing as longer wheel bases like the 3C and beyond. The engineering of this design channels circular energy into forward motion and results in a quiet performance.

The SUB is adjustable in both height and length, and this customizability makes it truly a one-size-fits-all vehicle. It is far more portable than the larger models, and the pedal interaction is similar to shorter elliptical machines. The bike is lightweight, easy to store, and is compatible with indoor stationary trainers. The small wheels and comfy steering make it a straightforward and uncomplicated design that is hassle-free in terms of long-term maintenance.

This bike is designed for short (20-minute) to moderate (40-minute) full-body workouts and meets the needs for fitness at these levels. For an entry-level, easy-to-operate bicycle, the design is ideal. The workout is short and intense, but without any joint impact or neck strain. In terms of burning calories, this is the best designed of the ElliptiGo models. It isn’t the fastest or the most relaxing, but for an intense workout with a panoramic view, the SUB is ideal. The custom pedals require no straps but imitate elliptical machine pads and fit all foot sizes.

The warranty for all ElliptiGo products is the same and offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee and replacement of any manufacturer defects.

Pros

• Affordable
• Intense workout
• Removes cycling neck strain
• Great view
• Easy to operate
• Portable
• For use with indoor trainers
• Adjustable, one size fits all

Cons

• Less relaxing than longer models
• Balance is more challenging
• More of a bike than an elliptical trainer
• Shorter training periods recommended

ElliptiGO ARC 3

[amazon box=”B06XRQ1BX6″]

The ARC 3 adds a little more of a running or skiing experience than the SUB, with a longer wheel base. ARC 3 owners choose this model for a more intense workout with a fairly relaxed ride.

Price (Approximate only) $$

At less than $$$$, the ARC 3 is the most affordable elliptical bike on the market.

• Ease of Use
• features
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The ARC 3 provides an excellent, intense workout and combines the best of bicycling (low impact, great distance) with the best of running and skiing (requires balance, works smaller muscles, aerobically intense). But the ARC 3 – again, like all ElliptiGo trainers – offers something else: scenery enjoyment without having to “look up” if skiing or “head bob” if bicycling. The ARC 3 is a tad easier to use than the SUB, but doesn’t quite meet the mellow and relaxing ride of the Longstride Family series. It’s adjustable, fits anyone, and has killer pedals. Portability beats all models except the SUB.

The features on all ElliptiGos are user-friendly, especially the ability to adjust frame height and stride length. Like its cousins, it is a lightweight bicycle. What makes the ARC 3 and ARC 8 mid-range models different from the SUB or Longstride is the combination of a smooth ride, longer stride, and more security when standing upright and gaining speed. The pedals on these models (3 and 8) have straps for more foot security – because there is more forward to back motion and less up and down motion as in the SUB or a bicycle – yet have the long profile for foot stability.

The ARC 3 optimizes fit, performance, and ease of use in its relatively compact design and adjustable features, and hill climbing is far superior to the long-stride models made for extensive, mostly flat, riding. With the ARC 3 and ARC 8, steeper hills are no problem but speeds of up to 18 mph are possible. As in all ElliptiGo bikes, the size range for riders comes standard with the ARC 3. A pivoting foot platform allows for better positioning and more flexibility in tackling hills. The foot platform straps are standard on this model.

Like all ElliptiGo stand up trainers, the warranty is for full money back within 30 days.

Pros

• Adjustable stride length
• Adjustable height
• Decent hill climber
• Intense to moderate workout
• Great for flats or hills
• Pivoting foot platform
• Affordable
• Fairly transportable

Cons

• Accessories such as water bottle frame extra
• Handlebars need to be removed for most car transport

ElliptiGO ARC 8

[amazon box=”B01927OAU2″]

The ARC 8 is the best marriage of price and relaxing ride, and for most owners, offers a compact bicycle for transport to the bike path or neighborhood workouts.

Price (Approximate only) $$

ElliptiGo promotes this model as “the best balance of performance and price”, and at $$$$ is comparable to high-performing road bikes.

• Ease of Use
• features
• Design Quality
• Warranty

Easy to use on flat and sloping terrains and will climb better than the ARC 3. For longer rides and gaining speed over variable terrain, this is the most practical of the stand-up bike models. As with all these Elliptigo stand up bikes, the stride length and handlebars are adjustable. Seven speeds with thumb-activated shifters add to the overall smoothness of the ride. At the smaller size, this bike is portable when the handlebar is dropped and, like its cousins, can adapt to indoor trainers for workouts in adverse weather. 

Multi-speed, easy shifting, plus a secure footbed make this a well-rounded iteration of the stand up trainer. The workout can range from short and intense to an hour or more (depending on your fitness level). The ARC 8 offers the best balance of features and ride. It requires owners to purchase additional accessories such as a water bottle cage, but offers the one-stop ElliptoGo Enthusiast Accessory Bundle for $264, which includes a bike computer, repair kit, headlight and taillight, water bottle set up, and insulated bottle.

The ARC 8 is lightest of all Elliptigo bikes. The ARC 8 offers the best integration of design specs from a machine that can cruise for up to an hour without exhaustion, to a stand up bike that can negotiate hills and valleys. This optimizes cost in a user-friendly machine. The gear setup meets the standards of high-end road bikes with ease of shifting, and the extreme adjustability of handlebars means the ARC 8 is portable and doesn’t waste storage space. The short chain doesn’t disintegrate into slackness like recumbent bikes, and the simple frame style combines elliptical and bicycle in the best possible combo. 

A 30-day money-back guarantee comes with all ElliptiGo trainers.

Pros

• Best ride of all shorter ElliptiGo trainers
• Great cost-feature ratio
• Climbs hills
• Portable
• Highly adjustable
• Secure footbeds
• Versatile beyond the bike path

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Handlebars need removal for most transport

ElliptiGO 8C

[amazon box=”B07C18M422″]

This entry-level exemplar of the Longstride Family will take your beloved elliptical experience outdoors.

Price (Approximate only) $$$

Longstride bikes cost between $$$$ and $$$$$; the 3C is the entry level model at $$$$.

• Ease of Use
• features
• Design Quality
• Warranty

To use a boat analogy, this is the longer, sit-on-top kayak. Easy to mount, easy to balance, and gives more speed for effort put in than the shorter, smaller bikes. This ElliptiGo is pricey, but the best option for serious fitness. The Longstride family models don’t require as much focus to learn or stay balanced because of the smoothness of the ride.

The 3C offers the same adjustable handlebar, great braking, and versatile steering of less expensive models but has a much longer wheelbase which makes for a more stable ride. This ride is more like running and less like cycling but removes all the joint impact. Riders will love the lightweight frame and adjustable stride length. This model will handle gently rolling hills but balks at anything sudden or steep, and is best used on long, flat stretches. The adjustable features make this model a cut above cheaper ElliptiGos, and the running feel is impressive.

A fitness machine like this needs stability, which the 3C brings. The more expensive Longstride models are all highly adjustable, and accommodates riders from under 5 feet to up to nearly 7 feet in height. The handlebar offers several levels of adjustment, and the ergonomic handlebar styling is helpful as you learn to use the 3C and find your stride. The 3-speed hub allows for speeds of up to 25 mph. This bike is slow to gain speed but easy to maintain speed once a comfortable rhthym is reached. The Elliptigo is also compatible with indoor trainers.

The 30-day money-back guarantee is helpful, because this machine is harder to use than a bicycle and requires some getting used to. We’ve given this category 4/5 stars on all the trainers, because we feel a 90-day warranty would be more appropriate, since it may take some users a bit more time to decide on whether or not this new-fangled contraption will be worth the investment. However, if you get enough use out of it within the 30-day period, you can definitely find time to make that decision!

Pros

• Entry-level price
• Mimics running
• Easy on joints
• Terrific view
• Superior aerobic workout
• No neck strain
• Relaxing ride
• Fastest of all ElliptiGos

Cons

• Learning curve
• Hard to transport
• Requires a garage or carport
• Doesn’t handle steep hills
• Expensive

Conclusion

A decision about which ElliptiGo bike to choose requires asking yourself, “Do I want more of a stair-stepper or a ski machine?” The Longstride will give a long, smooth stride as it advertises, but unless you have a garage, live next to a bike path, and have the funds saved up, it isn’t optimal. The ARC 8 is a great compromise and can negotiate beyond the bike path for possible commuter use (if you can take it inside). 

Of all the ElliptiGo models, we like the SUB best, because it acts more like a bicycle but solves the problem of neck strain and pressure that afflicts older or long-distance riders, while still offering a great fitness and cross-training challenge for weekend warriors and athletes alike.

Featured Image via Pixabay

The post Elliptigo Reviews appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

A fantastic workout is possible on a trainer because they activate all the major muscle groups. The handles allow for a significant upper body workout, and the variety of grip positions help the user localize different muscle groups. Trainers are ideal for both strength and aerobic improvement.

Users see results with as little as 15 minutes of exercise a day. Also, trainers are versatile. Whether you’re following a highly technical program, or you want an exercise machine that allows you to blow off steam after a hard day of work, the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is a piece of exercise equipment you should consider.

What Is Bowflex Max Trainer M3?

[amazon fields=”B01ACRRHQA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image=”1″]

Image from Amazon

The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is the starter model on Bowflex’s popular line of home trainers. As a base model, the M3 does not have many of the features found on the more expensive models. However, this can be an advantage for users unfamiliar with home trainers as it means there are fewer new things to learn. The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is an attractive piece of well-constructed equipment that takes up a relatively small amount of space, and will make a welcome addition to your home.

Product Specs

The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is one of the more attractive trainers available on the market. Its sleek black color scheme with red highlights make it both unobtrusive and quietly elegant. The Bowflex trainer design is highly compact, and the M3 has a relatively small footprint. The machine measures 46.1″ L X 25″ W with a height of 62.9″. The ceiling space required for the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is the user height plus 15″. The machine weighs 143 pounds and features transport rollers to make it easy to reposition. The maximum user weight for this machine is 300 pounds.

Four Horizon Fitness Treadmills to Consider

We put the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 through a barrage of tests to see how it performs. We also compared it to several other similar trainers available on the market. These trainers included the Schwinn AirDyne AD6, the Stairmaster Stepmill 3, and the Keiser M3+. We tested these trainers on factors such as price, ease of use, assembly time, design quality, and warranty. We also noted particular pros and cons specific to each unit.

• Schwinn AirDyne AD6
• Stairmaster Stepmill 3
• Keiser M3+

Bowflex Max Trainer M3

[amazon box=”B01ACRRHQA”]

Click to add text or drag and drop element from right hand panel

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is a very intuitive machine. For your first effort, you mount the non-slip pedals, grab the arm bars, and off you go. The unit features a max interval and a manual workout, both of which can produce a great work out in as little as fifteen minutes. The action is smooth and silent, and it is possible to work out on this machine while watching television. This is a fun workout that leaves the user exhausted and satisfied.

Bowflex has a reputation for ensuring their design quality extends to the assembly process, and the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 was no exception to this rule. The item assembles in about two-and-a-half hours, and we found the included instructions to be very detailed and easy to follow. All the pieces fit together as designed with no need for excessive force. Quality products always go together without significant issues, and that was the case with the Bowflex Max Trainer M3.

Bowflex advertises the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 as a hybrid that combines the best of both worlds from a typical elliptical and a typical stepper. The elliptical component helps eliminate the jerky action you sometimes get on a stepper but allows for an intense calorie burn. Every aspect of this trainer shows attention to detail and superior engineering.

The trainer comes with an industry-standard one-year warranty.

Pros

• Hybrid elliptical/stepper design 
• Very attractive
• Economical unit

Cons

• The warranty is only one year which is less than other Bowflex warranties

Schwinn AirDyne AD6

[amazon box=”B0764VK893″]

The Schwinn AirDyne AD6 is an exercise bicycle equipped with handles to provide an upper body workout. The unit features footrest pegs to isolate the upper body. A fan produces resistance which also keeps the user cool. The unit’s footprint is 46.3″ L X 15″ W and is 25.2″ tall. The unit weighs 116 pounds and has a maximum user weight of 250 pounds.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The machine is easy to use, but we did not find it to be efficient or effective. Although the unit advertises infinite resistance levels due to the use of a fan to capture air resistance, we didn’t find the resistance levels to be high. Also, the fan is too loud to allow users to exercise while watching TV. This is a good machine for a light workout, but not as a primary piece of exercise equipment.

The machine is simple and goes together in about 30 minutes. A little understanding of bicycle technology is helpful as one pedal has a reverse thread.

The fan-based air resistance system was not effective in producing high levels of resistance. The overall machine seemed too lightweight to withstand regular or vigorous use. The machine is not very attractive to look at.

The unit comes with a great warranty. The frame has a 10-year guarantee, with a 2-year warranty on the mechanical parts. The electrical components have a 1-year warranty, and the warranty for labor is 6 months.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Allows for exercise from a seated position
• Fan keeps the user cool

Cons

• The air resistance system provides a low level of resistance
• The fan is noisy
• Overall flimsy construction

Stairmaster Stepmill 3

[amazon box=”B00B1W8N0A”]

The Stairmaster Stepmill 3 is a smaller home version of a stepping machine common to professional gyms. The unit is like having a private escalator in your own home. The stairs run on a track and flip down at the bottom before coming around to emerge at the top of the unit. There are armrests surrounding the unit, but there is no feature to engage the upper body for a complete body workout. There is a large, back-lit LCD digital display that offers 10 total workout programs. The unit is also compatible with Polar heart rate monitors.The assembled unit is 223 pounds and has a footprint of 46″ L X 29″ W and is 73″ high. It has a user weight capacity of 275 pounds, plus a minimum user weight of 125 pounds. Ceiling clearance needs to be approximately 2′ higher than the user height. The stepper boasts heavy-duty construction and is also loud.

The unit is available on Amazon and select local retailers that carry sporting and exercise equipment.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The machine is easy to use, and it outperforms other steppers in that the revolving 6″ stairs give you a superior sensation of climbing stairs. With no means available to engage the arms there is a limited variety of exercise routines available on this machine. This unit makes more sense as a featured piece of equipment in a rehabilitation clinic, and not as the primary exercise machine in a private household.

Assembly is fairly straightforward and takes about 2 hours. The machine is heavy and maneuvering it provides a challenge.

For what it is, the design is good. It is a solid stepper that outperforms other straight steppers by using a 6″ stair track. However, the lack of any means by which to activate the upper body limits the variability of this machine. We grew bored with this machine quickly. Also, the machine is too loud to use while watching TV.

There is a lifetime warranty on the frame, a 5-year warranty on mechanical parts, 2-year warranty on electronics, and a 1-year warranty on labor.

Pros

• Features realistic stepping motion
• Solid construction
• Great warranty

Cons

• No upper body workout option
• Heavy machine with a minimum user weight
• Loud

Keiser M3+

Keiser M3+

The Keiser M3+ is a gym style indoor exercise bicycle featuring a computer console. The bicycle is fully adjustable to fit a wide range of users. The console and fame construction is of corrosive resistant materials and the bicycle boasts a virtually maintenance-free design. This bicycle features a quiet rear belt design that makes it possible to watch TV while exercising. The unit’s footprint is 49″ L X 26″ W and has a height of 45″. The bicycle weighs 85 pounds.

The bicycle is available on the manufacturer’s website and select local retailers that offer sports and fitness equipment.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The bicycle is easy to adjust and features smooth and silent pedal action. The console offers few features, but it’s sleek and easy to understand. There is no way to activate the upper body when using this machine.

The unit comes in a large box with the handlebars, console, and rear flywheel removed. It took about an hour to put together but we recommend the help of a trained bicycle technician.

This is the exercise bicycle you would expect to see at a spinning class in a professional gym. The unit is very rugged and can withstand a lot of abuse. It is a well-designed exercise bicycle; the only drawback is that users do not have ways to target and activate the upper body with this piece of equipment.

The bicycle comes with a 3-year, all-inclusive warranty and a 6-month warranty on the wearable parts.

Pros

• Attractive exercise bicycle
• Low maintenance
• Silent drive

Cons

• Expensive
• Cannot activate the upper body
• Limited console functionality

Conclusion

Busy professionals are often in the market for a good, full-body exercise machine they can use in the comfort of their own home. The aim is a machine capable of activating all the major muscle groups to produce a great workout in a short time. The best machines are durable and attractive, with the greatest flexibility of use. Machines with clunky or loud action are not desirable because they prevent the user from watching television or otherwise multi-tasking during a workout.

The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is a great trainer which features an elliptical and stepper hybrid drive system that offers a workout that’s the best of both worlds. The arm bars allow the user to activate both the upper and lower body, and the programmable workout options make it possible to achieve a tremendous workout in as little as 15 minutes. The machine is compact and light enough to move around and features a very attractive design. The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is available at a very affordable price.

We were less impressed with the Schwinn AirDyne AD6. The Schwinn was a bicycle with handles capable of activating both the upper and lower body, but the air resistance system did not offer sufficient resistance. The unit was too loud for our liking. We had similar concerns about the Stairmaster Stepmill 3 which offered a superior stepping workout but was ineffective in activating the upper body. The Stairmaster was also expensive. Finally, the Keiser M3+ represented a great trainer bicycle but had severe limitations for providing a total body workout.

The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 was our choice for an efficient, top quality workout. The machine was the most fun to work out on and featured the most attractive design. The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is the perfect choice for busy professionals who have a limited amount of time and home space to dedicate to their fitness. It’s a compact, affordable machine capable of providing a gym quality workout in a matter of minutes.

The post Bowflex Max Trainer M3 Reviews appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

One of the most efficient pieces of home exercise equipment available on the market today is the standard stepper. A stepper is a machine that recreates the action of climbing stairs which is both a toning and aerobic exercise. However, standard steppers can be too high-intensity for some users.  

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 features two parallel treadmill tracks that lift as the user exercises at a walking pace. The machine is easy on the joints and allows for an efficient workout. For this article, we subjected the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 to a barrage of tests to see how it performs compared to other high-quality steppers.

What Is a Bowflex TreadClimber TC100?

Bowflex has long been a leading manufacturer of home exercise equipment, and the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is consistent with that tradition. The Treadclimber is a compact machine ideal for small living spaces. It features two parallel treadmill tracks that alternately rise as the user walks. The machine also features a large, easy-to-use interface and display that allows the user to track his or her progress.

​Product Specs

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is a big machine in a small package. It measures 57″ long by 31.5″ wide, and stands at 59 inches high. The minimum ceiling height requirement is the height of the user plus 14.5 inches, with an inch or two extra added on for comfort. The unit comes with integrated transport wheels which make it easy to move after assembly. Assembled, the product weighs 158 pounds. The maximum weight capacity is 300 pounds. The back-lit display features four functions: speed, distance, time and calories. The unit features integrated contact strips to monitor heart rate.

​Pricing 

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is available for around $​$. It is available on Amazon, direct through the Bowflex web page, or at select local retailers that carry sports and fitness equipment.

​How It Compares

For this review, we compared the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 to some other similar machines available on the market using parameters including price, ease of use, assembly time, design quality, and warranty.

• Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber
• Bowflex TC5000 Treadclimber
• Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 

Bowflex TreadClimber TC​​100

​​Bowflex TC100 TreadClimber

​• Combines the motions of a treadmill, a stepper, and an elliptical for an easy, low-impact workout with high-impact results – and all you do is walk

• Just walk and Burn up to two and half times the calories of a treadmill at the same speed*

• 4 Electronic Functions: Speed, Distance, Time and Calories

Price

$$

Ease of Use

The ease of the Bowflex TreadClimber TC​​100 is what makes it stand apart from other steppers or ellipticals. This machine offers a great alternative for users who want to get a workout but who do not wish to run. The dual treadmills only go as fast as a brisk walking pace, and the overall action of the machine makes it very low-impact on joints. This machine provides a maximum workout at what feels like a minimum effort.

Assembly Time

We assembled the product in under an hour. The tread deck came pre-assembled, and we only had to join the upright handrails and connect the monitor. The unit comes with the tools you need to assemble it, and the manual is easy to follow. We recommend assembling the unit in a large space because you need access to all sides of the unit while attaching its components.

Design Quality

The concept of a walking stepper that allows for a high-calorie-burn workout at a walking pace is a great idea. This machine allows for fantastic results even though it doesn’t feel like it overtaxes the user. The walking pace eliminates the heel strikes you get from running on a treadmill, and the result is a low-impact, relaxing workout.

Warranty

Bowflex always covers their equipment with a good warranty, and the TreadClimber TC​100 is no exception. The unit comes with a ​3-year guarantee that covers the entire machine.

Pros

• Small footprint   
• Durable construction
• An easy workout that produces great results

Cons

• Significant investment 
• Low speeds

Where To Buy

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC​100 is available her​​e.

Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber

[amazon box=”B01884ENKM”]

The Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber is the next step up in the Bowflex line of TreadClimbers. The TC200 has a similar footprint to the TC100 at 55″ long by 31.5 inches wide. However, at 62.5 inches tall, it stands higher than the TC100. The result of the higher height is that users will need a higher ceiling for comfortable use. The minimum ceiling height should be no less than 17″ plus the height of the user. Again, the manufacturer recommends a few additional inches of ceiling space for comfort.

The TC200 also comes with integrated transport wheels so it is easy to move after assembly. The assembled machine weighs 202 pounds, and the maximum capacity is 300 pounds. The display is more advanced than the TC100 offering five different workout programs. The unit features integrated contact strips to monitor heart rate and a chest strap.

Price

$$$

Ease of Use

The basic action of this unit is the same as the TC100. Although this is the next tier model, we did not notice an improvement in the actual walking mechanism. The display is highly technical, but the programs took a little time to get used to.

Assembly Time

The unit comes with all the required tools for assembly. The tread deck came pre-assembled, and the user must install the handrails and the display. The display on this unit is more complicated than the TC100, and total assembly time was over an hour. The manual is easy to follow.

Design Quality

The action on this machine is high-quality, and the whole machine is durable and fun to use.

Warranty

The unit comes with a three-year warranty that covers the entire machine.

Pros

• Easy-to-read interface
• Additional workout programs
• Good stepper/treadmill combination action

Cons

• Expensive
• Requires more ceiling height

Where To Buy

The Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber is available from Amazon here.

Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber

[amazon box=”B000BH7C9Y”]

The Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber is a slightly smaller machine than the other units offered by Bowflex. It measures 46″ long by 30″ wide and has a height of 55.25″. The minimum ceiling height is the user height plus 14.5″. It comes with many electronic functions including speed, distance, total steps, time, calories per minute, total calories, climb indicator and heart rate. The unit also includes a wireless chest strap monitor. The assembled weight is 185 pounds, and the maximum user weight is 300 pounds.

Price

$$

Ease of Use

This is an earlier model Bowflex TreadClimber, and the action is not as smooth as what is available on the newer models. You still walk on tracks that alternate incline, but the tread on the new machines feel softer and easier to work out on.

Assembly Time

The tread deck comes preassembled, and the user must put on the rails and plug in the display interface. This machine took us almost two hours to assemble. It did not go together as easily as the other machines we tested.

Design Quality

The basic concept is the same as the other machines we tested, but compared to the TC100 and the TC200, the TC5000 felt wobbly. This could be due to the narrower footprint.

Warranty

The warranty for this unit divides the machine into components. The motor has a 5-year guarantee. The parts and electrics have a 3-year guarantee. The hydraulics have a 2-year guarantee.

Pros

• Smaller footprint, ideal for a cramped living area
• Good action

Cons

• The machine did not feel as stable as the other units we tested
• This machine is subject to a limited availability

Where To Buy

The Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber is available on Amazon he​​re.

Bowflex TreadClimber TC10

[amazon box=”B006FL9GNU”]

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 is another of the earlier TreadClimbers available from Bowflex. This machine has a smaller footprint than the TC100 and TC200 with a width of 30.3″ and a length of 50.6″. It stands at 52.3″ high and requires a minimum ceiling height of the user height plus 14″, with a couple of extra inches for comfort. The machine weighs 185 pounds and has a maximum weight capacity of 185 pounds. The display is simple, large and easy-to-read. The display tracks speed, time, distance, and calories

Price

$$

[amazon fields=”B006FL9GNU” value=”button” link_overwrite=” button_text=”Check Latest Price”]

Ease of Use

Like the TC5000, this machine did not have the smooth action of the TC100 or TC200. The belts occasionally slipped, and we felt that this unit was less stable than the other units we tested.

Assembly Time

The unit goes together in about an hour. The tread deck comes pre-assembled, and the user must install the handrails. The unit includes all tools necessary for assembly. The manual is easy to follow.

Design Quality

The TreadClimber TC10 does not have the polished design of the TC100 or TC200. This is a good machine, but it feels less stable and a little wobbly.

Warranty

The unit has a 2-year guarantee.

Pros

• Economically priced
• Compact unit 

Cons

• Not as stable as other units tested
• Limited availability

Where To Buy

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 is available on Amazon here.

​Conclusion

The Bowflex line of TreadClimbers represents a unique option for a low impact, high-calorie-burn machine. The design takes the best elements from steppers, ellipticals, and treadmills and combines them into an efficient, low impact workout. The TreadClimber workout is very effective, but it does not feel nearly as difficult as an equivalent workout on a stepper, elliptical, or treadmill. We also appreciated how easy the TreadClimber was on the joints as it eliminates the jarring impact of heel strikes.

Of the machines we tested, the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 represented the best intersection of value, features, and quality. At $​$, this was less expensive than everything we tested except the TC10. However, the superior stability and overall action made the TC100 our clear preference. The interface is easy to read and operate, and we found the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 provided a fun and efficient workout.

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 was also a very nice machine, but the $​$$ price tag gave us pause. The additional programming capacities on the TC200 give the user more exercise options, but they also add complexity to the unit. The TC200 also stands higher than the TC100 and requires a higher minimum ceiling height. Users subject to vertigo might not appreciate the additional 3 inches the TC200 lifts them off the ground. We didn’t feel that the additional features of the TC200 warranted the steep increase in cost.

The Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber and the Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 represent earlier efforts from Bowflex. Both machines are subject to limited availability at a price similar to the TC100. We felt that the TC5000 and TC10 felt less stable than the TC100 and that the action of these machines was not as smooth. Bowflex has refined its TreadClimber over time, and the TC100 is a better machine.

​Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars

The concept of achieving an efficient, high-intensity workout at a walking pace is very attractive. With the demands of work and family, most individuals do not have a huge amount of free time to dedicate to their fitness.

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 allows users to get a great workout in the comfort of their own home in just a few minutes a day, all at a walking pace. This machine is great for toning your muscles and increasing your aerobic capacity, all while being easy on your joints. With a small footprint and an economical price, the Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 earns our highest recommendation as a quality piece of home exercise equipment. We give the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 a 5-star rating.

The post Bowflex Treadclimber: Our In-depth Review appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

What Is the Bowflex Max Trainer M7?

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is a combination of cardio and calorie burning in an elliptical-style training machine. It is the sleek new leader in the Bowflex Max Trainer lineup due to its extra training programs and other upgrades.

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 offers zero impact exercising which keeps your joints from becoming sore by allowing your body to stay in contact with the machine. This is a problem with regular treadmills and outdoor running.

This versatile trainer burns more calories partly due to the zero impact design and the moving arm bars that burn 2.5 times more than other cardio trainers.  

Product Specs  

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 has dimensions of 46″ L x 29.5″ W. It weighs 148 lbs and has transport wheels. It also has a water bottle holder with a media rack that is larger than other models in the Bowflex Max Trainer series. It offers four user profiles while other models in this series offer two.

Image via: Pixabay

This Bowflex trainer has 20 resistance levels where other Max Trainers offer 8 or 16 levels. It has a manual mode and the most preset workouts of all the Bowflex Max Trainers. You also get access to four treadmill workouts with the Motion Traxx app.

With the purchase of the Bowflex Max Trainer M7, you get a chest strap for wireless heart rate monitoring. You can also monitor your heart with the contact grip system built into the handlebars. The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is the only one in the series to have wireless monitoring.

You can easily track your stats since the Bowflex Max Trainer M7 automatically sends your workout data to the Bowflex app. The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 coaches and adjusts to your needs due to the all-new performance targeted programming.  

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.    

[amazon box=”B01DMFMDOA, B06XJPWCXC, B074K7QYHL, B017AG7XBU” template=”table”]

Bowflex Max Trainer M7

[amazon box=”B01DMFMDOA”]

Ease of Use

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is easy to mount and dismount. You don’t have to step over any part of the machine mechanics, unlike rear-drive ellipticals. It also feels much like riding a bike standing up with its upright oval-shaped elliptical pattern design. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Assembly Time

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 takes about an hour or more. However, Bowflex offers an in-home assembly option for around $169.00. Still, assembly time can be made easier by following one of Bowflex’s how-to videos. We gave it 3 out of 5 stars.

Design Quality

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7s design is tested for users up to 300 lbs and uses the classic eddy current braking system. A Bowflex representative said if you experience any wobbling, it is likely that the feet or levelers would need to be adjusted.

Although all the Bowflex Trainers have a tablet holder, the Bowflex Max Trainer M7 has a tablet location that blocks none of the display features. We gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

Warranty

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 has a warranty period of three years on parts and 90 days on labor. It is the longest warranty of other Bowflex trainers but is less than comparably priced machines. We gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros

• Compact design takes less space
• Zero impact, high-intensity workout results in 2.5x more calorie burn rate than an average elliptical
• Connect smartphone via Bluetooth and have full control with Max Trainer app

Cons

• Assembly is challenging and may take an hour or more
• The standard three-year warranty has only 90 days for labor
• Relatively expensive

ProForm HIIT Trainer Pro

[amazon box=”B06XJPWCXC”]

The ProForm HIIT (high-intensity interval training) Trainer Pro is a vertical elliptical trainer. It offers a steep elliptical pattern with 10” of vertical motion on each step. This steep vertical elliptical motion activates more muscle groups in both the lower and upper body.

There are 26 resistance settings to help the machine accommodate a wide variety of ability levels. The ProForm HIIT Trainer Pro also offers 34 pre-set workouts to help users focus on weight loss, cardiovascular endurance, and other fitness goals. Certified personal trainers designed these workouts to maximize each training session.

 The ProForm HIIT Trainer Pro features the iFit Coach program. You can select from courses filmed in exotic locations and see your progress on a color screen in front of you. You can also track your workouts and progress using an online account. iFit Coach is linked to GoogleMaps. This allows you to create custom routes that will cause the ProForm HIIT Trainer Pro to alter resistance levels as you travel up and down hills.

 The ProForm HIIT Trainer is also Bluetooth Smart enabled. This means you can connect wirelessly to your smart device to view the course routes and stats. Use of the iFit Coach is available through an ongoing annual subscription. However, the first year is free.

Ease of Use

The ProForm HIIT Trainer Pro is also easy to mount and dismount without having to step over any of the machine mechanics. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Assembly Time

The ProForm HIIT Trainer Pro came with easy instructions for assembly. But with it being roughly 200 lbs, it was rather cumbersome to assemble. We gave it 3 out of 5 stars.

Design Quality

The ProForm HIIT Trainer Pro is tested for users weighing 350 lbs and has dimensions of 39″ L x 29.25″ W x 66.7″ H. The ProForm HIIT Trainer Pro has flywheel weights of 28 lbs and 30 lbs and uses patented Silent Magnetic Resistance systems for a smoother ride. Since this machine is heavier, it has a slight edge on stability. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Warranty

The ProForm HIIT Trainer Pro has a lifetime warranty on the steel frame, five years on parts, and two years on labor. Online customers get a 30-day money-back guarantee. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Pros

• Performs with the smoothness of a health club cross-trainer
• 10″ touchscreen with internet compatibility
• Excellent warranty

Cons

• Cumbersome assembly
• iFit membership needed for certain features

Octane Lateral X Elliptical

[amazon box=”B074K7QYHL”]

The Octane Lateral X Elliptical is a cross-trainer that offers adjustable movement. This means it transitions from a vertical, stepping motion to a lateral motion for a greater challenge. It comes with a streamlined design, contemporary colors, and a quieter stride adjustment motor.

The Octane Lateral X Elliptical can be upgraded with a Smart Console which adds interactive video coaching for CROSS CiRCUIT, along with Workout Booster videos. The CROSS CiRCUIT combines cardio intervals on the machine with strength-training exercises on the floor next to it. Users utilize the PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells which are stored conveniently at the back of the machine for unlimited exercise variety.

 The Octane Lateral X Elliptical has an option to target problem areas with Workout Boosters. These include X-Mode, Glute Kicker, Thigh Toner, Quad Power, and Arm Blaster. These add cross training with various commands every few minutes to keep the heart pumping and muscles pushing.  

Ease of Use

The Octane Lateral X Elliptical has a design that makes it simple to get on and off of the machine safely with its low step-up height and rear access. The upper body gets involved using the MultiGrip and Converging Path handlebars.

Targeting the arms, chest, and back muscles is easy by changing the hand position on the handlebars, which include fingertip controls for stride width and resistance. The Converging Path handlebars follow the natural path of the arms when walking, running, or moving side to side. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Assembly Time

The Octane Lateral X Elliptical is largely built upon delivery. However, two people would be needed to finish the assembly. The instructions included are easy to follow. We gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

Design Quality

The Octane Lateral X Elliptical weighs 465 lbs and is tested for users weighing 400 lbs. It has dimensions of  63″ L x 42″ W x 60″ H. The design allows for forward, backward and side-to-side exercise. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Warranty

The Octane Lateral X Elliptical has a three-year warranty on parts and a one-year warranty on labor. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Pros

• Versatility
• Zero-impact design
• Commercial quality

Cons

• Price

NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS7i

[amazon box=”B017AG7XBU”]

The Nordic Track FreeStride Trainer FS7i has a full range of motion. Therefore, you are not held back by the limits that an average elliptical would set, and you don’t have to force your body to grow used to a preset workout. Most ellipticals have front or rear wheel pedals that move along a preset trajectory while others have an incline system that allows them to change the trajectory with the incline.

Nordic Track FreeStride Trainer FS7i does not work this way; you use your muscles to control the stride path. By moving your arms and legs in a certain way, you can change the trajectory and the ellipse from steep, short, steps like a stair stepper, to long, flat strides like a treadmill.

The Nordic Track FreeStride Trainer FS7i features 24 resistance levels and 35 workout programs that range from beginner to pro levels. It also has a colorful 7-inch web-enabled display that shows different workout stats and allows you to go online during your workout.  

Ease of Use

The Nordic Track FreeStride Trainer FS7i takes a little while to get used to, with the way you use your muscles to control the stride path. However, once you get used to the way you control it by ‘feel’ alone, it is superb.  We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Assembly Time

The Nordic Track FreeStride Trainer FS7i is very easy to assemble. It takes about half the time of other ellipticals. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Design Quality

The Nordic Track FreeStride Trainer FS7i has a center drive design that reduces frame size to about half the length of traditional ellipticals. Centering the drive mechanism in the middle of the machine also creates dependable stability.

The Nordic Track FreeStride Trainer FS7i offers oversized cushion pedals for exceptional comfort allowing for stable, relaxed movement. It has dimensions of 68.4″ L x 28.5″ W x 62″ H and is tested for users weighing 375 lbs. It has a 20 lb effective flywheel and transport wheels. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Warranty

The Nordic Track FreeStride Trainer FS7i has a lifetime frame warranty, five-year parts warranty, and a two-year labor warranty. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

Pros

• Huge range of motion
• Full color, Android-powered touchscreen interface
• Oversized cushion pedals

Cons

• High cost
• iFit subscription not included
• Maximum resistance of 20 pounds

Conclusion

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is a great alternative to other cardio exercise trainers. It maximizes functionality while taking up as little space as possible making it perfect for home use. The four profiles allow for multiple family members to track their progress.

Image via: Pixabay

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is suited to experienced runners, those looking to avoid joint pain, and almost anyone looking to cut calories in a short amount of time. The varying levels of resistance mean you can adjust it to fit whatever level is appropriate for you. Maintenance is fairly low, and it has a decent warranty on parts.

However, labor being only 90 days is a tad disappointing. There are optional warranties available, but with the cost of the Bowflex Max Trainer M7 being rather high; the extended warranties depend on the purchaser.

We gave the Bowflex Max Trainer M7 4 out of 5 stars.

The post Bowflex Max Trainer M7 Reviews appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

What Is the Nordictrack Audiostrider 990?

The Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 has been available for several years now and often ranks near the top of best value rankings in fitness publications. It can fold up to save space in your home and comes packed with a wealth of options and features. This includes an iPod dock, compatibility with the iFit subscription fitness service, and a power-adjustable incline. It lacks a few key features, such as a full-color screen and included adjustable heart rate monitor, but few elliptical machines at this price point have those features. All in all, this is a high-quality, versatile machine that can easily stand up to years of daily use.

Product Specs  

The Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 is a versatile machine that should provide a great workout to just about anybody. Its 18-in. stride is unfortunately not adjustable, but it should be enough for all but the tallest workout warriors. Twenty-two levels of resistance will have users of all kinds sweating, but the front-mounted fan will keep you cool the more you pedal. Its oversized adjustable pedals are easy on the feet no matter which level of incline you’re at. The machine can also accommodate a weight of up to 325 lbs.Enter your text here…

Pricing  

The Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 costs around $900 on Amazon.com, which also offers free shipping with purchase.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar elliptical machines available on the market to see how they compare.  

• Sole E98
• Bowflex Max Trainer M5
• NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i Elliptical
• Nordictrack Audiostrider 990

[amazon box=”B00DR8IYPK, B01EM8ZBRM, B07BBRKZ43, B072C3QYGV” template=”table”]

Nordictrack Audiostrider 990

[amazon box=”B00DR8IYPK”]

Price  $

The Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 costs around $900 on Amazon, as mentioned above.

Features 

With 22 levels of resistance, a power-adjustable incline, an iPod dock, an 18-in. stride length, and oversized, comfortable foot pads, the Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 has all the features you would expect from a solid mid-range elliptical machine. The iFit compatibility is nice, but buyers should keep in mind that the service costs $99 per year and is not included with purchase of this machine. In addition, there is no heart rate monitor included with purchase aside from those in the hand grips.

Display 

The Nordictrack Audiostrider 990’s screen is a simple two-tone display that gets the job done but won’t blow anyone away. It’s fine for the price range, but it pales in comparison to the displays on higher-end machines.

Durability 

The Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 is a well-built machine that’s also surprisingly easy to assemble on your own. Weighing in at a hefty 283 lbs., it can hold users of up to 325 lbs. with no problems. The heavy rear flywheel provides a smooth, sturdy ride that’s also quiet.

Warranty 

Nordictrack offers a lifetime warranty ona the frame, plus two years of coverage on parts and electronics and one year of coverage on labor. It’s a fairly average warranty as far as elliptical machines go.

Pros

• Twenty-two resistance levels
• Power-adjustable incline
• Great foot pads
• Easy set up
• Folds up for storage
• Great price

Cons

• iFit subscription costs extra
• Two-tone screen
• No included wireless heart rate monitor

Sole E98 Elliptical

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Sole earned its credentials selling commercial-grade exercise equipment to hotels and gyms, and their E98 model elliptical trainer is a direct reflection of that history. This high-end machine comes with a premium price tag, but it is also one of the most ergonomically minded machines on the market. Its pedals come with a 20-in. stride length and a slight tilt, reducing strain on the ankles and knees for maximum comfort. At 34 lbs., the flywheel is Sole’s heaviest, resulting in a smooth, quiet ride. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, which allows users to download data to their favorite fitness apps. Unfortunately, users can use fitness apps to download new workout programs, although the E98 does allow them to create a save new programs directly on the machine.

Price  $

The Sole E98 costs about $2,500 on Amazon, with expert assembly available for about $75 more.

Features

With 20 automated incline levels, an included heart rate monitor strap, Bluetooth connectivity, and an audio jack and included speakers for your MP3 player or phone, this elliptical has a ton of high-end features. It also boasts the ability to create and save new exercise programs from the display, although it only comes loaded with 10 programs to start. The biggest downside to this machine is its fixed 20-in. stride length. Most users will be fine with 20 in,, but at this price, it would be nice to see an adjustable stride length.

Display 

The Sole E98’s 10.1-in. display is big and bright, and the adjustable console ensures that you’ll always have the perfect viewing angle. The display also includes a tablet holder so that you can read and watch streaming media on your iPad or other device as you work out.

Durability

Rated for a maximum user weight of 400 lbs., the Sole E98 is a sturdy machine. In fact, it’s built for light commercial use, which means it should be able to stand up to years of daily use in your home with no trouble at all.

Warranty

Sole’s manufacturer’s warranty is one of the best in the elliptical market. Buyers get a lifetime of coverage on the frame with five years of coverage on parts and electronics and two years on labor.

Pros

• Ergonomically designed foot pedals
• Massive 34-lb. flywheel
• Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• High price tag
• Can’t download new workout programs
• Fixed 20-in. stride length

Bowflex Max Trainer M5

[amazon box=”B07BBRKZ43″]

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is a mid-range exercise machine from a trusted home fitness brand. Its unique design means it’s not quite an elliptical trainer, but it actually burns calories at a higher rate than traditional ellipticals. Its 16 different resistance levels will provide an intense workout to beginners and seasoned gym rats alike, targeting both the upper and lower body efficiently while remaining low-impact. It’s easily compatible with a smartphone or iPod, and it can save information for up to two different users. In addition, a purchase nets you eight free weeks with Daily Burn, a workout subscription service with over 600 different videos available to stream.

Price  $

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is available on Amazon for around $1,200, with expert assembly available for free. Given that this machine can be difficult to put together, we recommend taking advantage of that offer.

Features 

With nine workout programs and 16 levels of resistance, this machine should put any workout warrior through their paces. It burns calories almost twice as fast as a traditional elliptical thanks to its unique motion, which engages the arms while putting the legs through their paces in a hybrid motion that straddles the line between an elliptical and a stair-stepper. With Bluetooth connectivity, two available user profiles, and wireless and contact heart rate monitoring, it’s packed with the kind of features you would expect from a mid-range machine.

Display   

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5’s display is not its strong suit; it’s small and limited but gets the job done. Better is the tablet holder attached to the display, which lets you read or watch streaming video as you work out.

Durability

At 173 lbs., this is a sturdy, high-quality machine that’s much lighter than many ellipticals in this price range. Bowflex makes high-quality machines that last. The only downside here is that if it should happen to break, chances are that the warranty will be long expired.

Warranty

Bowflex’s two-year warranty covers the entire machine, but all coverage also expires after that two-year period. Compared with a company like Sole that offers lifetime coverage on the frame, this warranty pales in comparison.

Pros

• Great workout
• Excellent added features like Bluetooth and two user profiles
• Free trial subscription to Daily Burn

Cons

• Small, mediocre display
• Poor warranty

Nordictrack SpaceSaver SE9i Elliptical

[amazon box=”B072C3QYGV”]

The Nordictrack SpaceSaver SE9i Elliptical is another mid-range home elliptical machine from Nordictrack, albeit slightly more expensive than the Nordictrack Audiostrider 990. Much of that price is reflected in the 7-in. high definition touchscreen display, which tracks stats, features 30 built-in workouts, can access iFit, and can even browse the Internet. It’s a high-end feature that makes this machine a bargain. In addition to the display, the SpaceSaver SE9i has an automated incline, 24 resistance levels and adjustable pedals. Unfortunately, the stride length is fixed at 18 in. with an 18-lb. flywheel, resulting in a ride that might not be as smooth or as challenging as some other machines on this list. If you plan to store your elliptical when you’re not using it, though, this model can easily fold up and be rolled into a closet.

Price  $

The Nordictrack SpaceSaver SE9i sells for around $1,500 on Amazon, with expert assembly available for a tiny fee of around $7.

Features

This machine’s 30-workout programs should be more than enough for most users, but with an iFit subscription, you can download near-unlimited workouts to supplement them. Keep in mind, however, that an iFit subscription costs around $90 per year. In addition to its plethora of workout options, the SpaceSaver SE9i also features a built-in fan to keep you cool, an included heart rate monitoring chest strap, and an auxiliary audio port so you can plug in your phone or mp3 player and listen to music or podcasts through the ellipticals twin speakers.

Display   

The SpaceSaver SE9i’s stellar 7-in. high definition touchscreen is a major draw of this elliptical. You can use it to adjust incline and resistance, select a workout program, see your workout stats, or simply read the news on your favorite website using a built-in browser. Compared to the simplistic screens of the other machines on this list, the SE9i’s takes the cake.

Durability

This is a high-quality machine, but the 18-lb. flywheel sometimes means that the ride isn’t as smooth as it is on some of the SE9i’s competitors. However, its weight capacity of 325 lbs. is fine for most users.

Warranty

Nordictrack’s great warranty extends to this machine, as well. It includes a lifetime of coverage on the frame, plus five years on the parts and electronics and two years for labor.

Pros

• Excellent touchscreen display
• 30 pre-programmed workouts
• Heart rate monitoring strap included
• Folds up for easy storage

Cons

• Light 18-lb. flywheel
• iFit subscription costs $90 per year

Conclusion

It’s easy to recommend any of the machines on this list for different reasons. If you want commercial quality at home, the Sole E98 is an expensive, but excellent, machine. If you want a great workout with an innovative design, Bowflex’s Max Trainer M5 might be the machine for you.

The Nordictrack Audiostrider 990, meanwhile, is an excellent mid-range elliptical machine at a bargain price. It doesn’t have the stellar display of its cousin, the SpaceSaver SE9i, nor does it come pre-loaded with 30 workouts. It does, however, cost a whopping $600 less on average than the SE9i. Of its few drawbacks, the simplistic screen only matters if you love having the latest technology at your fingertips at all times, and the lack of a heart rate monitor can be easily remedied with a separate purchase. Unless you need all the bells and whistles that a more expensive, high-end machine can provide, you can’t go wrong with the Nordictrack Audiostrider 990. It’s an easy recommendation.

Final Rating: ****

The post Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 Reviews appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

Indoor spin bikes are an increasingly popular way to get a high-intensity, low-impact workout at home. These bikes mimic the feeling and motion of a real road bike, right down to the seat. There are tons of options available to workout warriors in the market for one of these bikes. You can find barebones options for as little as $$ and high-end bikes that push the $$$ barrier. The right choice for you will depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you want a great bike that offers a high-end experience on a mid-range price though, the Nordictrack Grand Tour might be the bike for you.

In the article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of the Nordictrack Grand Tour and compare it to other consumer-grade spin bikes you might be considering. Which one will come out on top?

[amazon box=”B00LAESVPG, B00K1NY4QC, B015EPNGQK, B071VZWT57, B0193V3D9Q, B07372RL1X” template=”table”]

What Is the Nordictrack Grand Tour?

Nordictrack is a trusted home fitness brand, and the Nordictrack Grand Tour is the original spin bike in their Grand Tour line. It provides a realistic-feeling biking experience indoors, in part thanks to the ability to make adjustments to the incline level without taking your hands off of the handlebars. It feels much like changing gears on a road bike. 

It also comes with a top-notch display screen, which is a huge plus for a spin bike, most of which don’t have a display. The Nordictrack Grand Tour’s display features a touch screen that allows users to access the internet, watch streaming video, and more while they work out. The display also features a whopping 32 pre-programmed workouts, a built-in speaker system so you can listen to music and podcasts, and all the vital workout information you would expect. The bike also comes packed with two three-pound hand weights so users can get an upper-body workout while they bike. 

The NordicTrack Grand Tour also features iFit compatibility, which allows users to track their workout statistics over time and even download new workouts. The service is subscription-based, though, so you’ll have to pay for these features. All in all, the Nordictrack Grand Tour is a bike that comes at a mid-range cost but offers a premium experience at home.

Product Specs  

The Nordictrack Grand Tour measures 62″ high, 23.5″ wide, and 62″ long, with a maximum user weight of 350 pounds. Its 16-pound flywheel seems light, but the bike features magnetic resistance that provides a smooth ride with a great road feel, regardless. It offers 24 resistance levels that can be controlled on the display console, and -10 to 10 degrees of incline. 

The seat is larger than what you’d find on most other spin bikes and has a comfortable cushion that makes prolonged use tolerable. The foot pedals are ergonomically designed and extra wide, and there’s a workout fan to keep you cool while you sweat. The full package has all the features you could ask for from a spin bike and more, providing enough options for anyone to get a workout they’ll enjoy.

Pricing  $

The Nordictrack Grand Tour costs around $950 on the Nordictrack website, which places it on the high end of mid-range spin bikes.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar spin bikes available on the market to see how they compare.

• Keiser M3 Plus Exercise Bike
• Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus
• Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II Exercise Bike
• NordicTrack Grand Tour

NordicTrack Grand Tour

Ease of Use 

The Nordictrack Grand Tour’s display is easy to navigate, so it’s a breeze to select the workout you want and get started. Thanks to the 7-inch touchscreen, you can even find spin workout videos to follow along with.

Assembly Time

As long as you have someone to help you with the heavier, bulkier parts, the Nordictrack Grand Tour is easy enough to assemble at home. The instructions are clear and concise, and the project shouldn’t take you too long.

Design Quality  

The Nordictrack Grand Tour has a huge number of features for a spin bike of any price, much less one that costs under $1,000. With 32 pre-programmed workouts, 24 levels of magnetic resistance, adjustable seat and handlebars, an internet-enabled touchscreen display, and iFit compatibility, it will be hard to find another spin bike on the market with as many bells and whistles. Best of all, it all rests on a sturdy package that feels great to ride.

Warranty

Nordictrack offers a solid warranty on the Grand Tour, with a lifetime of a coverage on the frame, three years for parts, and one year for labor.

Pros

• Stellar 7-inch touchscreen display
• 32 pre-programmed workouts and 24 levels of resistance
• Great price for the number of features

Cons

• iFit is a subscription service that costs money to use

Keiser M3i Exercise Bike

[amazon box=”B00LAESVPG”]

The Keiser M3 is a high-end spin bike that features a gym-quality build that will provide a tough, energizing workout. Keiser’s Eddy Current magnetic resistance system is this bike’s best innovation: it provides 24 levels of whisper-quiet resistance. It’s highly configurable; its seat, fore, and aft handlebars are all fully adjustable so users can get the most comfortable possible ride. It features an on-board LCD display that shows all of the workout data you’d expect, but it lacks the impressive touchscreen display of the Nordictrack Grand Tour.

Price  $

The Keiser M3 costs around $$$ on Amazon, with expert assembly available for an additional charge of around $.

Ease of Use

The M3 offers a remarkably smooth and quiet ride thanks to its magnetic resistance system, and the display console is simple to navigate and read. It doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as the Nordictrack Grand Tour, but it’s simple to get a great workout on it.

Assembly Time   

Keiser’s products are easy to fit together and come with a set of simple, clear instructions. The bike is also surprisingly light because its magnetic resistance system means it can get away with a light 8-pound flywheel, so you won’t even break a sweat assembling it.

Design Quality        

The M3 is incredibly well-designed and provides a near-silent ride with a fantastic road feel. The only knock against this spin bike in the design department is its display which, while functional, pales compared to the Nordictrack Grand Tour’s. Since this bike costs so much more than that one, the lack of a truly great display is disappointing.

Warranty 

Keiser’s warranty is acceptable but not outstanding: ten years of coverage on the frame and three years for the parts.

Pros

• Whisper-quiet ride
• 24 levels of resistance
• Smart ergonomic design

Cons

• Display isn’t a standout
• No pre-programmed workouts
• Expensive

Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus

[amazon box=”B00K1NY4QC”]

The Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus is another high-end spin bike, this one with a heavy 37-pound flywheel that provides a very smooth and quiet ride. Its aluminum frame is rust-proof and surprisingly light, and the belt needs virtually no maintenance and should last for years. This bike, unfortunately, doesn’t come with a display console; you’ll have to spend another $ for the back-lit display. It also has no pre-programmed workouts, but if you’re looking for a sturdy yet light gym-quality spin bike, this one will suit you.

Price  $

The Schwinn AC Performance Plus costs around $$$ on Amazon, with expert assembly available for an additional fee of around $60.

Ease of Use

With no display console, this bike is about as easy as it gets: just hop on, adjust the magnetic resistance level to your liking, and start riding. If you opt for the display console, you’ll be able to track your workout statistics with ease.

Assembly Time

This bike arrives largely pre-assembled and takes mere minutes to put together. As long as you have someone to give you a hand if you need to lift the bike, you’ll have no trouble assembling it.

Design Quality

This bike is incredibly sturdy and well-made, yet still only weighs 112 pounds. Impressively, it has a 350-pound weight limit. The biggest knock against this bike is its lack of a display console. Having to pay $ for a display on a bike that already costs over $$$ is a big issue with the AC Performance Plus.

Warranty  

Schwinn’s warranty is comparable to Keiser’s: ten years of coverage on the frame, two years for parts and electronics, and one year for labor.

Pros

• Heavy 37-pound flywheel
• Lightweight yet sturdy construction
• Magnetic resistance system

Cons

• Expensive
• Display console costs $200 extra

Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II Exercise Bike

[amazon box=”B015EPNGQK”]

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II is an entry-level spin bike that lacks many of the high-end features you see on the other bikes on this list. That doesn’t matter much when the workout is so good, though. It uses a chain and flywheel system that’s surprisingly quiet thanks to its massive 39.6-pound flywheel, and it even allows users to pedal forward or backward. Its seat and handlebars are also adjustable although the handlebars unfortunately only move up and down. It also lacks a display console although that’s a forgivable sin on such an inexpensive spin bike.

Price  $

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II costs about $$ on Amazon, with expert assembly available for around $ more.

Ease of Use

With no display console, the Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II is the definition of simplicity. It’s easy to adjust resistance and brake instantly, and all you have to do is start pedaling to get a great workout.

Assembly Time

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II comes nearly fully assembled upon delivery, making it a snap to put together on your own. It is heavy, though, so you should have a friend on hand to help you with the heavy lifting.

Design Quality  

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II lacks any of the bells and whistles of its higher-priced competitors, including a display console of any kind. It does have some excellent features like a heavy flywheel and the ability to pedal backward. For the price, this sturdy and heavy spin bike is of excellent quality.

Warranty  

Phoenix offers only a one-year limited warranty on this product, which pales compared to the other warranties on this list.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Sturdy build with a heavy flywheel
• Ability to pedal backward

Cons

• No display console
• Poor warranty

Conclusion

It’s hard to go wrong with any of the bikes on this list. The Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus and Keiser M3 are expensive, but they will provide you with years of high-intensity, low-impact exercise. If you love a premium feel to your exercise equipment and want a great-looking machine with the newest fitness technology on board, one of those two spin bikes will be a great choice for you. If you prefer an entry-level machine that lacks bells and whistles but still boasts an excellent workout, the Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II is a good match for you. It can’t compare to the higher-end models, but if all you want is a bike that will make you sweat, it will do the trick.

For sheer value, though, it’s hard to beat the Nordictrack Grand Tour. Not only does it cost hundreds of dollars less than the Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus and Keiser M3, but it also boasts one of the best displays in the spin bike world. With internet access for streaming video and web browsing and compatibility with iFit, this bike makes it easy to track your progress toward your fitness goals and have fun doing it. Not only that, but it’s one of the few spin bikes with pre-programmed workouts on board.

It also boasts a ton of resistance and incline levels and highly customizable seat and handlebar settings so any workout warrior will be able to get the workout they want. The cherry on top is the high-quality construction, which compares well with the higher-priced spin bikes on this list. With the Nordictrack Grand Tour, you can get a high-end workout experience at home for nearly half the price of the nearest competition.

The post Nordictrack Grand Tour Reviews appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

[amazon box=”B073VS7G6M,B001U1NO74,B00MZCKWIQ,B002CVU2HG” template=”table”]

What Is the Peloton Bike?

The heart of Peloton bikes is the 21.5” HD touchscreen that connects to live cycling classes taught by expert instructors.  If staying motivated is a concern, Peloton’s top NYC instructors will provide you with real-time metrics and encouragement throughout your ride, helping you to finish strong. Besides live classes, Peloton bikes also offer thousands of on-demand rides that are available 24/7—so you can exercise when your schedule permits.

Through Peloton’s subscription, riders can take a variety of different classes. Metrics classes focus on the numbers with a specific resistance and cadence cues given by the instructor while rhythm classes use the beat of the music to help riders stay motivated. These classes are fun—but challenging—workouts that celebrate holidays, music genres, and more and live DJ classes make riders feel like they are dancing on their bike.  

If you are new to indoor cycling, Peloton bikes have beginner classes designed to help build proper form and ways to build endurance. For more experienced cyclists, Peloton bikes offer challenging rides designed to refine and sharpen your biking skills in both studio and outdoor settings.

Product Specs of Peloton Bikes

When you clip into a Peloton bike, it immediately connects you to Peloton’s network of live real-time classes and on-demand videos. Your workout metrics and data are seamlessly tracked and stored, so you can monitor your performance over time and customize your workouts to meet your fitness goals.

A near-silent belt drive that is strong (and built to last) gives riders a quiet and fluid ride, allowing them to focus on how their body is handling endurance and form—and not the bike. The magnetic resistance system provides a gradual incline feeling that allows the rider to transition naturally.

With a depressed ergonomic center and high-performance profile, the Peloton bike seat is fully adjustable and supports cyclists of all levels and body types. Delta LOOK-compatible pedal clips support a wide variety of cycling shoes. Its padded handlebars support riders in and out of the saddle (all while perfectly framing the touchscreen).

Pricing for Peloton Bike

Peloton bikes are available for purchase at online or at Peloton retail showrooms. All Peloton packages have the same bike, regardless of whether you purchase the basic starter level ($2,245) or the family level ($2,694), a 1-year limited warranty, and include the $250 delivery and setup cost in the retail price.

The price difference between Peloton bikes packages is based on the number and type of accessories you want to add onto the bike (such as cycling shoes, headphones, weights, etc.). And, while delivery and setup are included in the price, state and local taxes not; neither is the $39 a month subscription that allows you to stream live classes or access on-demand videos.

How Peloton Bikes Compare

To help you fully evaluate Peloton bikes, we chose a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.

• LeMond Revmaster Pro
• Horizon iC7
• Sunny Health Spin Bike

Peloton Bike

[amazon box=”B073VS7G6M”]

The Diamondback Fitness 510Ic exercise bike comes with several exciting features. The user can choose any of its 12 workout programs it and regulate the intensity with 16 resistance levels. People with heart conditions can monitor their heart rates as they utilize four cardiovascular programs.

The machine weighs about 104lb when unpacked. It’s suitable for users of up to 300lb weight and between 5’3″ and 6’5″ tall.

This spinning bike displays vital workout data on an LCD screen. It monitors the heart using sensors installed on the handlebars. You can view the workout time, heart rate, cadence, distance covered, and burned calories.

The size of the console allows you to grasp the details at a glance. You don’t need to strain the neck or interrupt the exercise to read it. As you work out, the machine generates electrical energy that powers the screen.

Price (​$$$) 

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

Peloton bikes are great for riders of all levels. For those new to indoor cycling, Peloton offers a 101-bike demonstration and beginner classes that have been specifically created for first-time cyclists. For experienced riders, Peloton offers a variety of class types, instructors, and playlists—with advanced training materials available.

Peloton’s delivery team professionally assembles all bikes. The only assembly you will have to do is decide where in your home you would like Peloton to set up your bike.

Peloton bikes have industrial-grade bearings, petals, and crank arms. A study carbon welded steel frame is powder coated (making it sweat-proof) and a commercial-grade magnetic resistance system makes it easy to see why Peloton bikes are club-quality.

Peloton bikes have a 30-day money-back guarantee (minus shipping and handling). Due to the weight of Peloton bikes, they charge returns a $250 fee to cover shipping (depending on where you live, the fee might be higher). Also, Peloton provides 12 months of coverage for the bike’s parts, electronics, and labor.

There are two (2) extended warranties are available, with the longest bringing coverage to 39 months for an additional $230. Keep in mind that for your Peloton warranty to remain valid, you will need to keep the bike in the same place that Peloton’s professional team performed assembly.

Pros

• Stream live classes in real-time
• 24/7 access to on-demand video classes
• 21.5” touchscreen and stereo speakers
• Webcam lets rider connect with the instructor and classmates
• Peloton bikes are Bluetooth-enabled, so riders can track progress and statistics
• Customer service is available either by phone or online chat on Peloton’s website
• Peloton bikes can accommodate riders sized from 4’ 11” to 6’ 5”
• Takes up minimal floor space (dimensions are 49” length x 24” width)

Cons

• Requires a strong Wi-Fi connection
• Included warranty only includes parts and labor for only for first 12 months
• Peloton class subscription is an extra $39 per month

LeMond Revmaster Pro

[amazon box=”B001U1NO74″]

The LeMond Revmaster Pro is a good option for outdoor cyclists that want to take their workout routine indoors. With a narrower crank design that mimics the geometry of a road bike, Cam handles, and wide seat and handlebar ranges, the LeMond Revmaster Pro bike gives riders a custom fit to maximize muscle involvement.

Price (​$$) 

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

Thanks to its many adjustable components, the LeMond Revmaster Pro is a bike built for many indoor cyclists—from beginners that want to get in shape to expert athletes training for a race. The bike is quiet and has a smooth ride thanks to an impressive flywheel.

Unlike Peloton bikes (which are fully assembled by Peloton’s professional delivery team), the LeMond Revmaster Pro requires self-setup. The bike is pre-assembled before delivery, and final setup steps are laid out in easy-to-understand instructions. Final assembly time is estimated at one hour or less.  

Triathletes gravitate toward the LeMond Revmaster Pro because it allows the cyclist to exercise in an upright position or pedal stretched out and low. Electroless nickel plating combats corrosion, and a two-piece bottom bracket cartridge makes maintenance and service quick and easy.

To ensure customer satisfaction, all LeMond Revmaster Pro bikes are tested before final packaging. However, if you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, the LeMond Revmaster Pro has a 30-day return and exchange policy. If your return is within 15 days of the receipt of the bike, you can get a full refund of purchase amount less applicable shipping and handling costs.

If the return exceeds the 15-day window—but is within 30 days of receipt of the product—you will receive a full refund of the purchase amount less a 20% restocking charge and shipping/delivery/installation costs if applicable. Exchanges will receive full in-store credit or exchange for a similar bike with the 20% restocking fee waived.

Extended warranties for the LeMond Revmaster Pro are available for purchase directly through the manufacturer Johnson Fitness & Wellness.

Pros

• A Kelvar belt provides a smooth and quiet ride
• BMX custom cranks and bottom bracket can withstand more force
• Easy to adjust brake, resistance, and seat options
• Electroless nickel plating is stronger than stainless steel and corrosion resistant

Cons

• Easy to follow setup instructions
• The tablet holder is not included
• Included warranty and exchange policies are minimal

Horizon iC7

[amazon box=”B00MZCKWIQ”]

For riders that crave the feel of the open road—but want the convenience of an indoor bike—the Horizon iC7 bike offers a happy medium. The bike’s 44-pound flywheel provides riders the smooth ride of an indoor bike with the challenging resistance that comes from biking outdoors. Cyclists of all levels appreciate the micro-adjust feature on the resistance knob, allowing for precise control over how difficult it is to pedal and stop.

Price (​$$) 

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

ViaFit connectivity makes it easy to track your workout while the multiple programs offered on the innovative console will keep you engaged and motivated to reach your fitness goals. The 4” LCD console provides real-time workout feedback, helping the rider to track time, distance, calories, speed, RPM, and heart rate. A Polar® wireless receiver tracks the rider’s heart rate.

Setup and assembly of the Horizon iC7 take approximately one hour. It requires no additional tools to set up the bike: simple instructions and tools are included in the box.

The Horizon iC7 features a road-style saddle that is highly adjustable and multi-position handlebars that can be adjusted vertically. Also, the Horizon iC7 comes with pedal cage toe straps but can be swapped out with your pedals for a more personalized ride.

Johnson Fitness, the manufacturer of the Horizon iC7 bike, provides a 5-year warranty on the frame, a 3-year warranty on parts, and a 1-year warranty on labor.

Pros

• Smooth, quiet pedal stroke due to magnetic resistance brake system
• Tension control knob can be micro-adjusted for precise resistance
• Handlebars and seat are all highly adjustable
• ViaFit connectivity simplifies workout tracking
• Bottle holder makes hydration quick and easy

Cons

• The console is not Wi-Fi enabled
• The tablet holder is an additional cost

Sunny Health Spin Bike

[amazon box=”B002CVU2HG”]

The Sunny Health Spin Bike makes it easy to get a good workout at home at an affordable price. The bike itself is easy to set up and store, so you can turn your home into an indoor cycling studio—and back—in no time flat. Whether you are new to indoor cycling or a seasoned pro, the 40-pound flywheel and heavy-duty steel frame and crank help to ensure optimal durability for your Sunny Health Spin Bike.

Price (​$) 

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Sunny Health Spin Bike has a fully adjustable seat and handlebars, ensuring rider comfort across multiple different positions and workouts.

Setup and assembly of the Sunny Health Spin Bike take one hour. No additional tools are needed to set up the bike: everything is included in the box.

The Sunny Health Spin Bike is equipped with a quiet and smooth felt fabric brake pad system, allowing the rider to create a more (or less) intense workout using the resistance and tension systems. The handlebars are padded and slip free, providing extra safety while also being easy on the hands (no more calluses!).

The Sunny Health Spin Bike has a one-year limited warranty on the frame and 90-day limited warranty on all other parts.

Pros

• Quick and easy to set up and assemble
• Sturdy and solid construction with a 40-pound flywheel
• Compact design makes the bike easy to store

Cons

• No mile or calorie counter
• No water bottle holder
• Tablet and holder are additional costs
• Brake pads require routine maintenance with silicone lubrication

Conclusion

So, is a Peloton bike worth the investment? It depends.

If you are an avid cyclist, a high-end indoor bike can easily cost thousands of dollars—and that’s without the ability to stream live classes and access on-demand materials. Peloton bikes are club-quality bikes that are long-term investments: The company seeks customer feedback to create new and innovative workouts that will keep riders subscribing for years to come. And, for those who go cycling classes at local gyms, the cost-savings of Peloton bike will be recouped even quicker considering one in-person class at an elite studio is $35-$40.

If you’re new to indoor cycling—or are undecided on the Peloton bike videos—sign up for a 1-week subscription to Peloton’s mobile application and combine with a bike at your local gym before making the leap. Just keep in mind that the mobile app doesn’t give you access to certain features, like real-time statistics and performance tracking.

If you invest in a Peloton bike, know you are joining a group of dedicated fans who wish they had taken the leap much earlier. Despite having a high initial cost, if used consistently over many years, Peloton bikes are a great fitness investment—which is why we give them five stars. Investing in a Peloton bike is the equivalent of adding an elite indoor cycling studio to your home and a great way to achieve your health and wellness goals.Featured image via Amazon

The post Peloton Bikes: Our Complete and Honest Review appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

Whether you are a walker, jogger, or intense runner, Horizon Fitness offers a variety of treadmill models for your exercise goals. In this article, we will discuss the details of Horizon Fitness treadmills and cover the various features of each model. We hope that this review enables you to select the right one for you.

[amazon box=”B07K1WHGWW,B07C85924P,B07CG675F5,B07K2411NW” template=”table”]

What Is Horizon Fitness?

Horizon Fitness is a treadmill brand that offers a variety of treadmill options that are durable, space-saving, and contain a range of amenities. The treadmills come at a variety of price ranges, and the company offers excellent customer service from Wisconsin to help with anything that you might need.

Product Specs

While different Horizon Fitness Treadmills have a range of features, the brand offers some features that are consistent across all models.

First, Horizon Treadmills are easy to assemble, and users typically only need 30 minutes to set up their machine. Also, all Horizon Fitness Treadmills have hydraulics that allows the treadmill deck to move upright to save floor space.

They operate quietly with Johnson Drive motors, which enable you to exercise without disturbing your household. Also, the motors have lifetime guarantees that give you peace of mind in their longevity.

Further, each Horizon Fitness Treadmill has three-zone suspension, which makes exercise more comfortable and also promotes endurance. To increase the difficulty of your workout, you can also use Horizon Treadmill’s power incline, which has a maximum capacity of 10, 12, or 15 percent. To top it off, each Horizon Treadmill has speakers, a reading rack, a fan, and a bottle holder to make your workout more comfortable.

Pricing

Horizon Fitness Treadmills are available to a variety of customers with their diverse price range. They can accommodate any budget that you have, depending on which features you want.

Four Horizon Fitness Treadmills to Consider

We picked a few Horizon Fitness treadmills available on the market to see how they compare.

• Horizon Elite T7-02
• Horizon Fitness 7.0 Advanced Training Smart Treadmill
• Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmills
• Horizon Adventure 5

[amazon link=”B07K1WHGWW”]

[amazon box=”B07K1WHGWW”]

The Horizon Elite T7-02 is a 2018 treadmill that is an enhanced version of the 2016 Horizon Elite T7 model and mixes affordability with “Passport ready” status. It is designed for walkers, joggers, and high-intensity runners.

A Passport ready treadmill uses a Passport Player to simulate outdoor exercise, play videos, and display Virtual Active videos on your home TV. The video program adapts to your speed, and the treadmill will incline to match the scene you are seeing.

• Built-in Programs
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Horizon Elite T7-02 comes with 42 preset workout programs, the ability to track your workouts through ViaFit Connect’s mobile app, a chest strap for heart rate monitoring, and a large data display to monitor your distance, incline, speed, calories, heart rate, and laps completed. If the machine is connected to your mobile device, it will automatically share your workout information.We have given it four out of five stars for its many features, but we wish that it had a touchscreen to make the user experience even easier.

Like all Horizon Treadmills, the Horizon Elite T7-02 model takes about thirty minutes to assemble. Also, it has a foldable frame to allow you to easily fold up the running deck so that you can utilize the extra floor space.When folded, the Elite T7-02 takes up 44″ x 35″ of floor space and is 69″ high. When unfolded, the Elite T7-02 takes up 73″ x 35″ and is 60″ in height. We have given this model five out of five stars for its easy and fast assembly time.

This Horizon Treadmill option has a high quality motor that provides up to 3.0 CHP (continuous horsepower) while operating quietly and not disturbing others. It has a maximum incline potential of 15%, and it has extra impact deflection to make running less jarring to your body.Further, the treadmill has music speakers, a plug-in port, a cooling fan, and a water bottle folder. If you accidentally slip during a workout, this treadmill has a safety key to stop the track immediately. For its high-quality design, we have given the Horizon Elite T7-02 treadmill five out of five stars.

The Horizon Elite T7-02 has a five-year warranty, provided by the manufacturer, on treadmill parts and suspension. Also, the treadmill comes with a one-year warranty on labor and a lifetime warranty on the frame and 3.0 CHP motor. We were impressed with its lifetime warranty on frame and motor, and we have given it five out of five stars for its long-term coverage.

PROS

• ViaFit Connect syncs the treadmill data with your mobile device 
• Variable Response Cushioning that features three firmness zones and provides more support
• A high quality motor that has a lifetime guarantee

CONS

• The Virtual Active workout DVDs and Passport Play cost extra
• Lack of sound absorption, which does not dampen the sound of your footfalls
• No touchscreen on the main display

[amazon link=”B07C85924P”]

[amazon box=”B07C85924P”]

The Horizon Adventure 3 Treadmill is designed for walkers and was released in 2014. It uses ViaFit Connect to track your data and sync with your mobile phone. It has a track length of 55″, which is perfect for walkers. Further, it offers Passport to display high-definition video on your TV, which matches the speed and intensity of your workout.

• Built-in Programs
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Horizon 3 model has built-in speakers, ViaFit Connect to track your fitness data, and 30 built-in workouts. It has a top speed of 12 MPH, and the Passport’s high-definition video adjusts to your speed and intensity to enhance your workout. We have given it four out of five stars for its built-in programs, features, and capabilities.

Like other Horizon Fitness Treadmills, the Adventure 3 model takes about 30 minutes to assemble. It can be easily folded to conserve floor space. When folded, it takes up 45″ x 34″. For its assembly time, we have given it five out of five stars.

The Horizon Adventure 3 has variable response cushioning with three firmness zones and creates a soft landing area along with a firmer area for takeoff. It has a 5.75″ display screen to show time, distance, incline, speed, calories, heart rate, and laps completed.It has an incline up to 12%, and it has a 2.5 CHP motor, which operates quietly and contains enough power for long and frequent walks. We have given the design quality a three out of five stars for its smaller display screen, which is not a touchscreen, and its lack of variety in its design for walkers primarily.

As mentioned in the descriptions of the other Horizon Treadmill models, the Horizon Adventure 3 has a five-year warranty, provided by the manufacturer, on treadmill parts and suspension. Also, the treadmill comes with a one-year warranty on labor and a lifetime warranty on the frame and 2.5 CHP motor. We have given it five out of five stars.

PROS

• ViaFit Connect to track your fitness data and sync to your phone
• 30 built-in workout programs
• Variable response cushioning with three firmness zones

CONS

• A small display screen that is not a touchscreen
• Contact grip heart-rate monitoring not very accurate
• Customer reports of lack of stability

[amazon link=”B07C7ZYHWH”]

[amazon box=”B07C7ZYHWH”]

The Horizon Elite T9-02 was released in 2018 and stands out with its 62″ running track, 3.25 CHP belt motor, and sleek aluminum rails. It contains 40 preset exercise programs, and it has a built-in workout library that creates virtual reality exercise environments. It operates at a maximum speed of 12 MPH, and it has an incline capacity of 15%. Further, it has a chest strap for wireless heart rate monitoring.

• Built-in Programs
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Horizon T9-02 Treadmill is Passport ready, which is compatible with Virtual Active video, and it also has Bluetooth connection capabilities for automated workout logging. It has 40 workout programs, heart rate monitoring through a chest strap and heart rate sensors, an iPod-compatible port and speakers, and a USB charging port. For all of its advanced features and capabilities, we have given it five out of five stars.

Like other Horizon Treadmills, the Elite T9-02 model takes about 30 minutes to assemble. It can be easily folded to conserve floor space. When folded, it takes up 47″ x 39″. When unfolded, the workout surface measures 62” x 20”. For its assembly time, we have given it five out of five stars.

The Horizon T9-02 has aluminum rails for durability, variable response deck suspension, a shelf for a tablet computer or a book, a foldable frame to save floor space, and transport wheels. The suspension system has multiple levels, which minimizes strain on joints and enables you to endure longer workouts.The 8.5″ LCD monitor has backlighting and data fields that display time, distance, speed, incline, heart rate, and laps completed. The Treadmill has a water bottle holder, a cooling fan, and a safety key system. We have given the design quality five out of five stars.

As mentioned in the descriptions of the other Horizon Treadmill models, the Horizon Elite T9-02 model has a five-year warranty, provided by the manufacturer, on treadmill parts and suspension. Also, the treadmill comes with a one-year warranty on labor and a lifetime warranty on the frame and 3.25 CHP motor. We have given it five out of five stars.

PROS

• 40 preset workout programs with the option of creating customizable workout programs
• Variable response deck suspension
• Wireless heart rate chest strap

CONS

• Passport Player costs an additional fee
• Large workout space when unfolded
• No touchscreen

[amazon link=”B07K2411NW”]

[amazon box=”B07K2411NW”]

The Horizon Adventure 5 Treadmill is a 2015 model that is designed for runners. It has a 2.5 CHP drive, a 60″ x 20″ running surface, and 35 built-in programs. Further, it uses ViaFit Connect to track your workouts, and it has an energy saving function that shuts off the console after 15 minutes of idleness.

• Built-in Programs
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Horizon Adventure 5 Treadmill utilizes ViaConnect to track your fitness progress, it has Passport video workouts, it has a 2.5 CHP motor that is quiet and powerful, and it has built-in speakers. Further, it can incline up to 12%, which can be adjusted manually or via the preset programs.Its 35 programs have nine options for calorie burn, 10 for distance, 10 “step” programs, and three interval training workouts. Also, you can customize two programs for your personalized workouts. We have given it five out of five stars.

Like other Horizon Treadmills, the Horizon Adventure 5 model takes about 30 minutes to assemble. It can be easily folded to conserve floor space. When folded, it takes up 50″ x 34″. When unfolded, the workout surface measures 60” x 20”. For its assembly time, we have given it five out of five stars.

The Adventure 5 is well-designed with a long track length, variable response cushioning to reduce the possibility of knee injuries and boost your performance, a 7.5″ display screen with soft blue lighting, and a USB port. It also has a reading rack and cup holders. We have given the design quality four out of five stars.

As mentioned in the descriptions of the other Horizon Treadmill models, the Horizon Adventure 5 model has a five-year warranty, provided by the manufacturer, on treadmill parts and suspension. Also, the treadmill comes with a one-year warranty on labor and a lifetime warranty on the frame and 2.5 CHP motor. We have given it five out of five stars.

PROS

• Energy saving feature that turns off the console after 15 minutes of idleness
• Variable Response Cushioning with three firmness zones
• 60″ track lengths ideal for runners

CONS

• Contact grip pulse monitoring is not as accurate as a chest strap
• Not very stable
• Not very responsive customer service

Conclusion

Image via Pexels

Overall, we have rated Horizon Fitness Treadmills as four out of five stars. They offer a variety of models for walkers, joggers, and runners, and whatever your workout goals and budget, you can likely find the right fit for you.

To summarize our findings above, the Horizon Elite T7-02 model is great for walkers and runners alike, and it is a higher priced model with a powerful and high-quality motor. The Horizon Adventure 3 model is a cheaper model that is designed for walkers.

The Horizon Elite T9-02 has a longer running track and a powerful motor. It is a newer model with a lot of features that account for its high price. Finally, the Horizon Adventure 5 has a large running surface and fewer capabilities than the T9-02 model with a lower price tag.

We hope that you find the right model for your household, and we think your new Horizon Treadmill will enhance your weekly exercise routines.

Featured Image via Pixabay

The post Horizon Fitness Reviews appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

Everyone is busy, and for those individuals who want to get in shape but don’t have the time to go to a professional gym, a home trainer is a great option. Ellipticals allow low-impact exercise that eliminates undue strain on joints. A home trainer is superior to a treadmill as they often have an upper body attachment that creates a workout similar to cross-country skiing. Machines like the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 allow users to get a great workout in a minimal amount of time.For this review, we’ve subjected the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 to a variety of tests. We’ve assessed this machine in terms of its durability, construction, aesthetic elements, workout potential, results delivered, and price. We know that space in primary living areas is always limited, therefore, the overall size of any piece of exercise equipment will always be a big determining factor, too. Our conclusion is that if you’re in the market for a home trainer, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 provides the perfect combination of durability and effectiveness while also being compact and affordable.

What Is the Bowflex Max Trainer M5?

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is an elliptical training machine featuring multiple-position hand grips. The machine allows you to engage your arms, legs, and core in a full-body workout. The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 boasts a 14-minute max interval workout that will help you achieve your fitness goals quickly and efficiently. There is also an attractive, easy-to-read display featuring speed, time, and other information critical to monitoring the intensity and duration of every workout you tackle.

Product Specs

The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is much more compact than other trainers in its class. It measures at 46.1” x 25” on the floor with an overall height of 62.9”. The minimum ceiling height for this trainer is the user height plus 15”. The assembled product weight is 143 pounds, and this includes integrated transport rollers to make the machine easy to maneuver around your home if needed. The maximum user weight for this trainer is 300 pounds.

Pricing

It is possible to purchase the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 for around $1,600. The unit is available from online retailers such as Amazon and the Bowflex web page. The trainer is also available at select local retailers of sporting and fitness equipment.

How It Compares

To fully and fairly test out the Bowflex Max Trainer M5, we compared it to several other trainers in its class. For comparison, we selected the Bowflex Max Trainer M7, the Nautilus E618, and the SOLE Fitness SC300 Hybrid Stepper/Elliptical Machine. These machines are all ellipticals that feature hand bars for activating the upper body and core to create a full-body workout. The machines featured a wide variety of design and engineering features which differed in terms of performance.

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Bowflex Max Trainer M5

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Price 

$$

(Approximate): $1,600

Ease of Use

The blue back-lit display is easy on the eyes, and the numbers are large enough to read even during an exceptionally difficult workout. The machine itself has virtually zero impact on joints and is great at activating all the muscle groups the user wishes to target.

Assembly Time

Some listings indicate a four-hour assembly time is required, but for us, that was not the case. The machine arrives virtually complete, with minimal steps remaining, and we could follow the included instruction manual with no difficulty.

Design Quality

As we expect from Bowflex, the M5 trainer is a well-designed and well-engineered product. From its ease of assembly to the proven ability to withstand prolonged use, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 can keep pace with any trainer on the market. Also, to our eyes, it was the most attractive elliptical we tested.

Warranty

Again, keeping with the standard set by Bowflex, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 comes with a solid 2-year warranty.

Pros

• Low-impact, high-intensity workout
• Attractive and durable machine
• Great warranty

Cons

• Significant investment, though not out of the range of competitor pricing
• Shorter users might have difficulty reaching arm grips

Bowflex Max Trainer M7

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The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is a similar machine to the Bowflex Max Trainer M5. It measures 49″ x 30.5″ on the floor and is 65.5” high. Just 15” plus the user height is the required ceiling space, and maximum user weight is 300 pounds. The M7 is essentially one level up from the M5 in the Bowflex line of elliptical trainers. Like the M5, the M7 features hand bars that can activate the full body in an intense and efficient home workout. The display system on the M7 is an oversized, high-contrast, dual back-lit LCD/LED screen that gives an abundance of readings that enable you to monitor your workout effectively.

Price

$$$

(Approximate): $2,200

The unit is available online through the Bowflex web page and at select sport and fitness retailers.

Ease of Use

The M7 is a more deluxe model than the Bowflex Max Trainer M5, and as a result in this case, it’s not as easy to use. The digital display offers an almost overwhelming flow of information, and we found we were referencing the manual continually to get everything we could from this machine. The display is nice, but we preferred the setup and display flow on the M5 machine.

Assembly Time

Added size and features resulted in an increase of assembly time when compared to the Bowflex Max Trainer M5. Like the M5, however, the unit has a good design, and it comes with a clear and easy-to-follow instruction manual.

Design Quality

We didn’t find the M7 to be as attractive overall as the Bowflex Max Trainer M5, and this is a consideration because this unit is likely to occupy a prominent space in your home. This trainer is certainly stable, solid, and well equipped to handle long-term, heavy usage. The additional readout features will be attractive to many users.

Warranty

The M7 is even better than the M5 in this category, offering a 3-year warranty.

Pros

• Deluxe model offers plenty of additional features
• Durable, sturdy design
• Great warranty

Cons

• Bigger than the M5
• More expensive

Nautilus E618 Elliptical

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Like the models from Bowflex we tested, the Nautilus E618 Elliptical is an elliptical machine with armbars and grips capable of activating muscle groups in the full body. The machine measures 50” in length by x 21.5” wide with a height of 33.5”. The maximum rated user weight is 350 pounds. The required ceiling height for this unit is the tallest user’s height plus 21 inches. The unit comes with an LCD display, but we found the readouts to be too small for our liking. We found the elliptical action to be acceptable, but overall, this unit felt less stable to us than the Bowflex units we tested.

Price

$

(Approximate): $1,300

The Nautilus E618 unit is available through Amazon and other online retailers and at local stores that sell sport and fitness equipment.

Ease of Use

The machine requires a greater ceiling clearance because it puts the user higher above the floor. The result was that we didn’t feel as stable as we did on either of the Bowflex machines. Also, the display had a lot of information but we found it difficult to read.

Assembly Time

This machine lacks the superior engineering found on the Bowflex models for quick and efficient assembly. The included manual was unclear and frustrating for our reviewers.

Design Quality

The Nautilus takes up significantly more floor space than the Bowflex Max Trainer M5, and yet it still doesn’t seem as stable. The overall elliptical action of the trainer was effective, but we felt the overall aesthetic of the machine was lacking, too.

Warranty

Nautilus offers a 15-year warranty on the frame, a 5-year warranty on the electronics, and a 2-year warranty on the labor. This is a great, fully comprehensive warranty.

Pros

• Great warranty
• Good overall elliptical action
• Low price

Cons

• Machine felt unstable compared to others tested
• Hard to read the display
• Overall, not as attractive a design as competitors’ elliptical trainers

SOLE Fitness SC300 Hybrid Stepper/Elliptical Machine

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The SOLE Fitness SC300 Hybrid Stepper/Elliptical Machine is a trainer that offers 20 levels of incline to adjust the steepness of the workout. This trainer is 18” x 56” and stands 60” tall, with a 350-pound maximum user weight. The machine features a large digital display that seems more suited to a treadmill than an elliptical and wasn’t to our liking. There are also two static handles mounted somewhat awkwardly in front of the display with thumb toggle controls on the top.

Price

$

(Approximate): $1,300

This trainer is available on Amazon or from the manufacturer and select local retailers of sport and fitness equipment.

Ease of Use

This machine had the least appealing and useful display of all the machines we tested, and we didn’t like the static handles with the thumb toggle controls. Also, the incline feature on this elliptical seemed unnecessary and didn’t measurably improve the difficulty of our workout.

Assembly Time

This machine took us the longest to assemble of all the units we tested. We would recommend paying the additional fee for professional installation on this unit.

Design Quality

The unit is narrow and top-heavy, making it the least stable of all the elliptical trainers we tested. We didn’t like the hand grips as we don’t feel they provided much variety in hand positions.

Warranty

The SOLE Fitness SC300 Hybrid Stepper/Elliptical Machine features a great warranty. There is a lifetime guarantee on the frame a five-year guarantee on the electronics, a five-year guarantee on the parts, and you receive two years of labor coverage as well

Pros

• Great warranty
• Incline feature 

Cons

• Difficult to assemble
• Unit feels unstable
• Hand grips provide limited variation

Conclusion

A good elliptical trainer should allow the user to achieve a tremendous, full-body, low-impact workout in the comfort of his or her own home. Multi-grip handles attached to the trainer allow the user to activate the core, upper and lower body to achieve a tremendous workout in a minimal amount of time. Trainers typically take up less space than a home gym and engage users aerobically. A good control display can help motivate the user to get the most out of every workout.The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is a compact, stable unit with an effective and smooth elliptical motion. We liked the variety of the hand grips, and the 14-minute interval workout is as efficient a full-body workout as we’ve encountered. The control and display panels on this unit were very intuitive and easy to read. Also, the price point on the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 was very competitive and represents good value for money spent.

Three Other Worthy Competitors for Best Trainer in this Class

The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is slightly larger and considerably more expensive than the Bowflex Max Trainer M5. The M7 offers additional features to the M5, but with the additional features comes an additional level of complexity. The design, engineering, and durability of this unit were up to the Bowflex standard, but we preferred the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 for affordability and ease of use.The Nautilus E618 Elliptical had effective elliptical action, but the overall design of the machine meant that it had to occupy a greater amount of floor space. Even though the Nautilus E618 Elliptical is longer than either of the Bowflex models we tested, it requires the user to operate at a higher position. The result was that the machine did not feel stable. The display was too small for our liking, and the machine required a greater ceiling height than the others tested.The SOLE Fitness SC300 Hybrid Stepper/Elliptical Machine had an incline feature we didn’t like and featured a display that reminded us of an “off-brand” digital watch more than typical, high-quality trainer displays. The lack of a variety of grip positions on the hand grips didn’t impress us, and we weren’t fans of the static bars in front of the display screen with the thumb toggle controls. Overall, this was our least favorite of the trainers we tested.The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 represented the best combination of features, quality, and competitive pricing among the trainers we tested. We loved the compact nature of this trainer, and the included workout programs were as effective in activating full body muscle groups as anything we tested. The control panel was easy to operate, and the display contained easy-to-read, relevant information. The Bowflex Max Trainer M5 also looks good and will make a great centerpiece in any home fitness area.

Final Verdict for the Bowflex M5

The post Bowflex Max Trainer M5: Honest and Complete Review appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

We all know that working out can be intimidating, especially when you have no idea what you’re doing.

Body weight exercises are confusing enough, not to mention those huge hunks of metal that people call gym equipment.

Well, fear no more because we’re about to break down every piece of gym equipment known to man so you can bust yourself into shape like a boss.

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You Go-Getter, You

First off, congratulations on taking the first step to getting swole, as the kids call it nowadays.

It’s easier than ever to binge-watch every season of SVU, or The Price is Right until our eyes fall out, but nope you’ve beaten the odds and made the decision to get off the couch, shake off that delicious Dorito dust, and begin your fitness journey!

Kudos to you, friend.

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It’s important to realize that the only true way for you to feel at home at the gym is to actually go to the gym.

Once you’ve learned all you need to know from this run down, you’ve gotta lace up those crisp tennis shoes you bought in 2014 and go throw some weights around. Deal?

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The Bad Boys Of Cardio

Image: by MabelAmber, via Pixabay

First off, cardio sucks.

No one needs to sit here and lie about how fantastic and fun running or climbing stairs is, because it really isn’t.

But it sure as hell is a lot less torture and a little more enjoyable when you get used to controlling your breathing and resisting panting like a hyena. 

Also, this type of gym equipment is the most straightforward to use.

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Stair Master

Nothing compares to the workout that you get when you’re battling a relentless Stair Master. It’s just you, your wobbly knees, and a killer playlist that can help you drive those knees high and not give up the fight.

The Stair Master is notorious for being the most dreaded of gym equipment. Sure, we would rather take the elevator up to the second floor instead of facing 15 individual steps. Sure, even the most in-shape person is winded after a few flights of stairs.

Yes, you will feel winded almost the entire time you’re on the Stair Master, and honestly, you may feel like you’re losing the battle, but you’re #winning the war.

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You’re the Master of the Stairs

Don’t let this machine intimidate you. At the end of the day, we all know how to climb stairs, some of us do it every day, while others only have to fight that uphill battle once in a while.

Whatever your circumstance, we’ve all got the power to conquer the stairs, so don’t get too caught up in the exercise of it all. Stand tall, move your arms, and put as much of your foot as possible on each step!

Treadmill

Out of every cardio machine, the treadmill seems to be talked about a lot. That’s because when people think about cardio, they think “running. Well, they’re not wrong, the treadmill can be either the bain of your existence or a catapult to being heart healthy and confident with your fitness.

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Ah yes, the treadmill. Yep, you read that right. People avoid the treadmill because it’s intimidating at first. Alas, just as how all humans are unique, so is every treadmill.

Different Treadmills, Still a Killer Workout

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Still, the most common treadmills are those that have the curved running surface and those that are flat. First off, it’s important to realize that when you’re running on the treadmill, you need to set your incline to 1%.

Contrary to popular belief, treadmills are actually built a decline, so bringing that incline up to a 1% ensures you’re running on a truly flat surface.

The curved surface treadmills are generally used for sprints, and something you definitely want to make sure you’re comfortable with before going too fast. Of the treadmills that are built with a flat running surface, one takes the crown above the rest.

The Life Fitness treadmill is a crowd favorite for a slew of reasons:

Okay, I know what you’re thinking- this treadmill can’t be real. But it is, tried and true, one of the best out there.

Many other treadmills don’t average your mile time, show you videos of parks, or accurately sync information to your smartwatch.

In the age of technology, this treadmill truly helps make running easier and takes a little pressure off of the newbies.

The Hunt is On

Unfortunately, it’s hard to track down exactly where one might purchase a reliable one of those bad boys, so for now, we linked a more affordable, and equally tech-savvy treadmill for you to bring into your own home.

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Elliptical

If running isn’t really your style, you should definitely give the elliptical a try. The machine itself looks like it would be confusing to use, but it’s extremely simple. Hop on, start pedaling, and you’re off to the races!

Image: by tanjashaw, via Pixabay

The elliptical is hands down THE most versatile of the “bad boys of cardio.” They give you the option of choosing the resistance that you’d like to combat, enabling you to torch tons of calories a minute.

Bad Knees? This is the Bee’s Knees

Ellipticals are also super low impact, so if you have bad knees, this might be a better idea than the traditional run on a treadmill.

There are also options to spin the pedals both forward and backwards to target certain muscles in your legs while still getting a true cardiovascular workout.

Bikes

We gave the stationary bike a spin and had a great time.

This machine almost brings back some nostalgia because having a bike, and being able to go out and enjoy bike rides, is somewhat of a luxury nowadays (RIP to all the childhood bicycles sold at garage sales without explicit permission from the child).

When people think of the bikes at a gym, they often think of 100 sweat-coated stationary bikes crammed together in a mirror-lined room, manned by soccer moms and sorority girls, pedaling away to blaring pop music.

That’s a pretty inviting picture, huh? Yeah, we don’t think so either. In reality, stationary bikes are fairly versatile machines.

Winter, Spring, Fall, Bike Through it All

One of the perks of stationary bikes is sweet, sweet location—indoor and air-conditioned.

On top of this, the bike offers the option to both stand up and sit down, making it very easy to transition from a leisurely ride to an all-out, screaming, uphill sprint in your own Tour de France. (We don’t suggest screaming, as it can draw some concerned attention, but sometimes you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.)

Ultimately, stationary bikes are a great option for anyone who wants to sit down while still getting their heart pumping.

This is another machine that requires you set a resistance, much like shifting gears on an actual bike, but this makes for a truly customizable workout.

You can even watch Netflix while getting your cardio in. Imagine if every time you watched Netflix you were doing cardio; We don’t know about you, but that’d basically make us Lance Armstrong.

Rowing Machine

Another piece of cardio equipment that is often forgotten is the rowing machine. Not all gyms have a rowing machine, which could be why it is not widely known or used.

However, this machine affords you to get a stellar full-body workout while sitting down.The rowing machine is another low impact type of cardio machine that is still a full body workout. 

The motion of rowing, like you would perform if you were on the rowing team or “crew,” is condensed into a neat machine that will let you reap all the benefits without stepping foot on the water.

Hittin’ All the Right Muscles

This machine works your arms, shoulders, legs, core, and gives you a nice little cardio workout. And by “nice little cardio workout,” we mean it’s actually pretty hard and not that fun.

But there’s good news! Rowing workouts are usually short intervals, repeated until your heart’s content. So, while it may be hard, you have plenty of breathers.

Plus, many row machines include games to make the experience more fun, which makes your workout even more interactive and breaks up the monotony. (This is probably because even the makers of the row machines can’t deny rowing sucks sometimes.)

Multi-Purpose, Multi-Directional,

Multi-Dimensional, Multi-Intimidating

There’s a lot of huge gym equipment out there that looks pretty intimidating, but this is mainly because these machines are made to be versatile.

When you, the newbie in the gym, are left to decide exactly what to use the equipment for, it’s easier to stick to a less intimidating machine you already know how to use or just walk out of the gym.

But, before you decide you’ve learned all you want to learn from this article, wait! You might be missing out on the one thing you needed to step your gym game up to a whole new level.

Well-rounded workouts are often the best way to maintain interest in working out, spicing things up and working different muscle groups.

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The Legend, The Myth, The Smith Machine

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The Smith Machine looks a little daunting at first, but its main purpose is to help you get in a good squat or bench press, letting those buns and guns do the heavy lifting without the pressing concern (yes, pun intended) of being crushed under the weight.

Always Supporting You

If you ever need something to hold you up, look no further than the Smith machine. It’s all metal, built to last and gives you the sense of security you need when you’re performing exercises with a heavy barbell.

Overall, you’re doing most of the heavy lifting, and it’s just there to give out the support you need, kind of like a loving mother or your own personal cheerleader.

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This machine is a built-in spotter, so you can feel safe knowing that you’re doing the exercises with a little less risk involved. Disclaimer though- form will always be an important aspect in working out, even with your built-in spotter.

All-in-One Total Body Workout Equipment

The steel frame in this all-in-one workout equipment ensures that it is meant to last. Every piece of equipment is made to take a beating and will last for years to come.

Donned with a wide array of pulley systems, barbells, weight plates, grip attachments, and even a free weight rack, this is the big boy in the gym.

Without the proper knowledge of what this steel framed equipment can do, one can be overwhelmed by the sheer possibilities and head for the hills.

Arms-Ageddon Serious In Here

Most of the gym equipment that is geared towards working out your arms can be replaced with dumbbells (a.k.a. free weights or barbells), which is great for those times when every single arm machine seems to be occupied by buff, grunting, frat guys who do arm day every day.

However, using these machines does tend to help you keep your form, which makes replacing these machine workouts with barbells easier because you’ll know what the workout should feel like.

There are machines like the chest press, bicep curl, row machine, and lat pulldown machine. These machines are perfect for ensuring that you isolate whatever targeted muscle group that you would like to work out, as opposed to dumbbells, which can easily be misused due to their free range of motion and lack of stability.

Chest Press, Less Stress

The chest press is one of the more widely known exercises to perform. This is probably because every movie about a high school football team or champion boxer seems to include this exercise in the plan to getting ripped.

One crowd favorite is the sitting chest press because it gets rid of the intimidating barbell and replaces it with handles that are attached to a weight pulley system.

This weight pulley system has a range of weights from 10 pounds all the way up to 200 pounds attached to each arm, which means that in total one can chest press 400 pounds if they would like to.

This gym equipment targets the pectoral and the bicep muscles while allowing you to sit down and really focus on exactly what you would like to work out.

Get Low and Let Row

Utilizing the seated row machine, instead of avoiding it because it seems a little scary, is definitely a good move. It will help you gain stability in your abs and can even target your back muscles.

The seated row machine is a popular work out that also targets not only the biceps but also the triceps due to the pulling motion that is required to operate it.

Let’s Build Some Phat Lats (Lat Pulldown Machine)

A hidden gem in the gym is the lat pulldown machine. Using this machine can help you take the first steps towards building strength to do wide armed pull-ups, and helps both your biceps and your back get toned.

The lat pulldown machine helps work on the shoulders, which a lot of people have trouble working out because they don’t know what exercises to perform.

All of these machines that target the arms are helpful pieces of machinery because they allow the user to determine exactly what weight they would like.

They also allow you to choose between weights that increase by 15-pound increments instead of having to put two dumbbells back every single time you pick up the wrong weights.

Curls for the Girls (Guys too!)

Sometimes free weights give you too much freedom to decide how to use them, and this is where the bicep curl machine steps in to tell you exactly what to work out and how.

The bicep curl machine is a beneficial piece of gym equipment because it forces you to isolate your bicep muscles, as opposed to when you do a bicep curl on your own.

Free weight bicep curls give you free range of motion to not necessarily isolate the biceps.

This can be due to lack of proper form or using the incorrect weights.

Don’t Be Scared to Go Low and Slow

All of the gym equipment that comes with weights attached can be wholly intimidating, but you’ll look like a friggin’ badass when you master the techniques and kick fear to the curb.

Starting off at low weights and increasing the weight by 5-pound increments is a good way to gauge exactly where your strength lies and to push yourself in a safe manner.

Remember, going to the gym can actually be fun when you start to see those gains.

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Tomatoes, Tomatoes – Just Go Get Fit

Like we said, any of these exercises can be replaced by dumbbells or barbells, but at the end of the day if you’re a newbie it might be safer to use the machines because they force you to practice proper form as well as giving you the versatility of choosing weights in smaller increments. These are also just totally convenient.

Why make going to the gym any more complicated than it has to be?

Leg Day Is Every Day

Actually, you really shouldn’t work out any one muscle group every day, but you kind of need your legs to get around so don’t go askin’ us too many questions.

All in all though, the most intimidating of gym equipment has to be the leg machines. If you get past the stigma, however, these artfully crafted pieces of machinery can have those glutes, hammies, quads, and calf muscles poppin’.

There’s everything from the leg press, the leg curl, the leg extension, and a whole slew of squat machines that are totally awesome. As long as you use them correctly, you diminish your chance of injury as well as increasing your confidence and your strength.

Squat it Like it’s Hot

The Squat machine is the holy Mecca for girls in their 20’s and have become a seemingly hot spot on college campuses. They offer you the ability to customize your squat weight, as well as fully isolating your glutes and your quads to skyrocket your strength.

So Many Options!

There are multiple squat machines like the free motion squat machine and the standing-up squat machine that also help you perform your weighted squats without having to use a barbell, especially if one isn’t available to you.

Here’s a quick run-down of how to use a few of our favorite machines:

These also have the ability to increase your weight by various increments, to really test your limits. You can safely test yourself by adding 5 to 10-pound weight increments after a few reps.

Leg Press, Building a Bad Ass (Or a Good Ass Depending on How You Look at it)

The heavens must have opened up and dropped this amazing machine from the sky because the leg press 10/10 one of the most popular machines in the gym. We’ve waited hours before one opened up and, honestly, it’s totally worth it.

Don’t assume your capabilities when it comes to the leg press, especially if you aren’t used to using the proper form.

It’s really important to not overextend or lock your knees, just for safety purposes, because the weight can easily come back down and cause injury.

So, when using gym equipment like the leg press, it’s super important to focus on form and safety.

Abs-Olute Insanity

There are three notable pieces of equipment that are specifically geared towards working out the abs.

There’s the ab crunch machine, the rotating ab flex, and a stand-alone device that allows you to either do hanging ab workouts or propping yourself up on your elbows to do ab workouts.

Easy Peasy, Give Those Obliques a Squeezy

These particular pieces of gym equipment are relatively easy and straightforward to use. They can also help catapult you into getting that six or eight pack that you always desired (and I’m not talking about beer).

They bring variety to the bland sit-ups and crunches that we’re used to; they are less impact on your back and neck, as well as they provide a little bit more resistance by adding weight so that you can push your abs to the next level.

And who the hell doesn’t want a rockin’ bod to match their rockin’ personality?

Do You Even Bench, Bro?

Last but certainly not least, and arguably one of the most versatile pieces of gym equipment that you will ever encounter is the bench.

You can use it for basically anything from bent over rows, chest presses, bicep curls, step ups, seated v leg lifts, normal leg lifts, or just to sit your butt down after you’ve done a kick-ass workout.

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The bench is one of the most underappreciated, widely used pieces of gym equipment that you’ll find. It’s reliable, sturdy (hopefully), and simple to utilize.

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What Can’t It Do?

It offers you the option to adjust the back and the seat in order to fully maximize your work out.

There are also options to have your bench set at an incline so that you can work out your abs by doing sit-ups and on an incline.

You can also use the bench for tricep dips and a whole slew of other workouts.

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Overall, if you’re looking for a straight-up rock star to hold you up while you’re feeling down (or hitting a couple dips), your best bet would be to get a bench press because they’re just so many ways to use it.

It may seem like the bench is one of the most boring pieces of gym equipment, but it is a hidden gem in a sea of hunks of metal and sweaty teenage boys.

So, if you wanna get one piece of equipment that won’t let you down, it is absolutely a bench. You can work out literally every single part of your body using a bench, and call it a day.

You’re Finally Ready To Crush That Workout!

After Go all is said and done, just knowing the ins and outs of each piece of gym equipment allows you to be light years ahead of the other newbies around.

You can walk into the gym with confidence knowing that you at least know the concept of how to use each piece of equipment and can start your journey to becoming the fit God that you deserve to be.

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Go Ahead and Make that Gym Equipment Bow Down

Now, do you remember our deal? Because we gave you all the information, so now you gotta lace up those sneakers and go hit that cardio machine. Show those “bad boys of cardio” who really is the baddest around (hint hint it’s you).

Aim for that summer bod, because honestly, summer is way closer than you think it is. Don’t wait till tomorrow, go today! This is the time to be your fit of self; your body will thank you.

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Now get out there and crush it!

Featured image by 12019, via Pixabay

The post How To Dominate Every Single Piece Of Gym Equipment During Your Next Workout appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

What is the Nordictrack Audiostrider 990?

Image from Amazon

The NordicTrack Audiostrider 990 is a rear-drive elliptical. The motion it provides is closer to an actual walking or jogging motion than other models in its class. It comes with iFit Coach, an application that works with your phone or tablet, plus pre-programmed training workouts. It also comes with several settings to create “power incline,” and multiple levels of resistance to maximize your workout. It folds up for easy storage when not in use.

Product Specs

The Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 has 22 resistance levels and various incline levels up to 8 degrees. It has 24 installed workout programs, and it compatible with the iFit Live program. It has a holder for your phone or tablet. It is a rear-drive machine with a maximum user weight of 325 lbs. This training machine carries a lifetime frame warranty and 1-year parts & labor warranty. It has oversized cushion pedals, a Coolaire fan, and it is foldable, reducing the space it requires by three square feet.

How it Compares

We picked a few other Nordictrack machines in their product line to see how they compare to the Nordictrack Audiostrider 990.

• NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i Elliptical Trainer
• NordicTrack C 1650 Treadmill
• NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill

Nordictrack Audiostrider 990

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• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 has consistently been praised as easy to use, from its easy-to read-console to its oversized pedals for smooth, comfortable workouts.

The Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 can be assembled in as little as 15 minutes. It has only three steps once you pull it out of the box.

For the price level, the design is top notch. It weighs less than other elliptical machines, but it offers steadiness during workouts, and the heavy flywheel adds to its stability.

The Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 has a 1-year labor and parts warranty and a lifetime frame warranty. This may not be the best protection plan of all those provided on NordicTrack products, but the 990 still boasts an excellent warranty.

Pros

• The power incline gives you a more powerful workout than resistance alone
• Adjustable, oversized pedals provide flexibility and less stress on the hip
• Exercise motion closely resembles natural stride
• Easy assembly, with the unit taking only minutes and three steps to put together
• Folds to save space when not in use
• iFit compatible for more workout programs, plus Google Maps to workout anywhere in the world

Cons

• The iFit live subscription is a costly add-on annually
• Dual-color console instead of a multi-color console
• The heart rate monitor isn’t wireless
• The parts-and-labor warranty could be extended to two years, as for the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i, to give consumers more confidence in the workmanship of the machine
• Renaming the machine to the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i might confuse some consumers, who may believe it’s a different machine entirely

NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i Elliptical Trainer

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The Nordictrack Spacesaver SE9i has 24 resistance levels and various incline levels up to 10 degrees, which is a slightly higher incline maximum than the Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 provides. It has 30 workout programs and is iFit Live compatible. It has a holder for your phone or tablet. It uses rear-drive technology and accommodates a maximum user weight of 325 lbs. It carries a lifetime frame warranty and two years of coverage for parts & labor. It has a wireless heart monitor and takes up even less space when folded than the Nordictrack Audiostrider 990.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

Like its Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 cousin, the Spacesaver SE9i is easy to use. The easy-to-read console and oversized pedals give it flexibility that consumers enjoy.

Assembly time for this elliptical is measured in minutes; not hours. Like the Nordictrack Audiostrider 990, it requires just three steps for assembly right out of the box.

This elliptical’s design quality is superb. It weighs less than other ellipticals but is steady and is packed with technology. The heavy flywheel gives this elliptical machine stability for harder workouts, which is impressive given the total weight of the machine and its folding, space-saving design.

The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i has the same lifetime frame warranty as comparable models, but a slightly better 2-year labor-and-parts warranty. This is very much like NordicTrack’s other excellent warranties. Standing behind its products has become a hallmark of the brand.

Pros

• The power incline gives you a more powerful workout than mechanical resistance alone
• Adjustable oversized pedals offer flexibility, less stress on the hips
• Motion required closely resembles the natural human stride
• Easy assembly: the unit takes just minutes to put together in three steps
• Folds to save space when not in use
• iFit compatible for more workout programs and use Google Maps to workout anywhere in the world
• Has a multi-color console and a wireless heart monitor

Cons

• Is it more expensive, but offers only slightly better features than the Nordictrack Audiostrider 990
• Using the iFit live application requires a costly annual subscription
• Limited incline compared to other ellipticals in its class

NordicTrack C 1650 Treadmill

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The NordicTrack C 1650 is the top treadmill in its C series. It’s a folding treadmill with a 10” web-enabled color touchscreen. It has 34 pre-programmed workouts plus access to iFit Coach. The motor produces 3.5 horsepower and it has a lifetime warranty, as does the frame.This model carries a 5-year warranty on parts and electronic components. It also has a heart rate monitor with a Bluetooth wireless option and an adjustable tablet holder. It has smaller rollers than some machines, which could spell trouble and extra maintenance if you are a strong, aggressive runner. For walkers or light runners, this model could be an excellent choice.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

Like most NordicTrack equipment, this treadmill is easy to use. The console screen is easy to read, and the unit is Bluetooth-compatible.

Assembly of this treadmill can be time-consuming and burdensome, as opposed to other NordicTrack ellipticals and treadmills that can be assembled quickly and easily.

Parts and electronics are covered by a 2-year warranty, while both the frame and the motor carry a lifetime warranty. NordicTrack is known for having some of the best warranties in the industry, and getting a lifetime warranty on a treadmill motor is an excellent benefit.

The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i has the same lifetime frame warranty as comparable models, but a slightly better 2-year labor-and-parts warranty. This is very much like NordicTrack’s other excellent warranties. Standing behind its products has become a hallmark of the brand.

Pros

• Has a long track that measures 20 by 60 inches
• Has an excellent lifetime warranty on the frame and motor
• Has 34 pre-programmed workouts and a 10″ full-color touchscreen
• Foldable treadmill for saving space
• Custom cushioning can be turned on or off for either shock absorption that’s easier on your joints or “feeling the road” for a more realistic outdoor experience
• Has a 3.5 horsepower motor

Cons

• Small rollers mean potentially greater maintenance needs for those who run more often than a few times a week
• Assembly is not easy, and the process can be time-consuming and burdensome 
• iFit use requires a costly subscription
• Expensive for a treadmill that isn’t designed for the most intense, heavy-impact running

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill

[amazon box=”B0193V3DJ6″]

This treadmill by NordicTrack is one of the most affordable models they make. It’s a foldable treadmill with a 2.6 horsepower motor, and the maximum speed provided is 10 mph. It has 20 pre-programmed workouts and a 5” display screen.This exercise machine is compatible with the iFit Coach and has a heart rate monitor, but it does not have any wireless heart rate monitor options. This treadmill comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and 25 years on the motor, plus a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. In some reviews on the web, this treadmill only gets 2 or 3 stars out of the maximum five. Even with its inexpensive price, this machine isn’t a good enough value for us to recommend it strongly to consumers.

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

Consumers report this treadmill is easy to use and similar to other NordicTrack machines.

Like the NordicTrack C 1650, the assembly can be rough and time-consuming.

There is no cooling fan and the unit lacks storage space. The motor is loud when it runs, and there is no wireless heart rate monitor option.

Warranty coverage is perhaps the best feature of this treadmill. The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 25-year warranty on the motor.

Pros

• The Flex Select cushion allows you to choose either shock-absorption to go easy on your joints or “feeling the road” for a more realistic outdoor experience
• The price is definitely an attractive feature if you’re looking to save money but still get a treadmill that works for you
• Even though this is an inexpensive treadmill, it still has 20 pre-programmed workouts
• This treadmill folds when not in use to save space
• This treadmill is probably best for people who want a treadmill for walking when the weather is bad outside

Cons

• The motor is loud while its running, which can be annoying to some consumers
• The console doesn’t have much storage space, but it does have two cup holders — an unnecessary feature since this treadmill is not built for intense workouts
• This machine doesn’t have any cooling fans, which a severe inconvenience if you enjoy cool air flowing while you work out
• This machine isn’t built for serious runners at all, but instead is best for people who want to walk

Conclusion

Overall, the Nordicktrack Audiostrider 990 gets a rating of 4.5 on our scale of five stars. For the price, consistently under $1000, it is probably one of the best buys on the market. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9I or their C 1650 Treadmill, but it has enough to keep most people extremely satisfied with the quality of their workouts.

Considering the upgrades on technology offered each year and the easy, natural feel of using the Nordicktrack Audiostrider 990, the quality is unmatched. Unlike other folding elliptical machines, the Nordicktrack Audiostrider 990 has a heavy flywheel and tight construction to keep the machine stable no matter how hard you work out. There are several reasons why this particular elliptical consistently makes the top “Best Buy” and “Top Picks” lists year after year. It is simply the best bang for your buck. When compared to other elliptical exercise machines, it is one of the top models you can purchase.

The post Nordictrack Audiostrider 990 Reviews appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

Diamondback Fitness exercise bikes are pioneers in the BMX bike and indoor fitness equipment world. They were established in 1977 in the United States, and they are sold in the United States, Canada, and parts of the UK. They sell high quality bikes for affordable prices, and they are meant for fitness rooms and single family households.

In this review, we will discuss Diamondback Fitness bike features and review four bike styles for you to consider. If you are on the market for a new at-home fitness bike, then we hope that this review helps you in your selection!

What Is Diamondback Fitness?

Diamondback Fitness makes a variety of bike styles, from upright bikes to recumbent bikes and indoor cycle trainers. They are known for quiet operation, and they are made from steel frames that add to their durable nature. Their bike frames have limited-lifetime warranties with a typical weight capacity of 325 pounds. They also have built-in workout programs, between eighteen and thirty-five options, depending on the type of bike you own.

Product Specs

Diamondback Fitness bikes have relatively heavy flywheels, which provide heavy drives for smooth rides. All Diamondback Fitness bikes have heart rate monitors, which can be operated using contact grips and wireless monitors on advanced models. Further, the bikes are adjustable to the user with movable handlebars and adjustable seats.

Many Diamondback Fitness bikes have speakers for MP3 players, holders for tablet computers, and magazine racks which can fold. Diamondback Fitness bikes also have water bottle holders, and they operate with self-generating power to save you on energy costs.

Pricing

These bikes vary in price, depending on the type and model you purchase. They typically range from about $700 to $1500, depending on the product.

Four Diamondback Fitness Bikes to Consider

We picked a few bikes available on the market to see how they compare.     

• Diamondback Fitness 510Ic Adjustable Indoor Cycle

• Diamondback 910Ub Upright Bike

• Diamondback 510Sr Recumbent Bike

• Diamondback 910Sr Recumbent Bike

Diamondback – Comparison table

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Diamondback Fitness 510Ic Adjustable Indoor Cycle

This bike has been rated a “best buy” by a leading consumer magazine for the past four years running. It has a lot of features, with 16 levels of resistance, and it is an affordable workout machine that is operated using a solid, 32-pound flywheel. It uses technology to make your workout easy and engaging, and it can adjust completely to your body specifications.

[amazon fields=”B007DMA6GG” value=”button”]

Price

The Diamondback Fitness 510lc Adjustable Indoor Cycle costs between $800 and $1,000, depending on the promotions or deals that are available.

Ease of Use

The 510lc is great for single users, with complete rider customization settings so that you can establish perfect cycling geometry. You can create customized rider settings and change the seat height, saddle positioning, handlebar height, and handlebar positioning.

Further, it has computer controlled, smooth resistance that sets your workout parameters at the touch of a button. It has sixteen pre-set levels of resistance so you can keep track of your intensity levels instead of haphazardly turning knobs.

Assembly Time

The bike typically takes about 30 minutes to assemble and adjust upon delivery, as you will need to fix the seat and handlebar to your specifications. You will need to plug it in to operate, and it is powered by a standard AC adapter that plugs into the machine.

Design Quality

The design quality of all Diamondback Fitness bikes is well-renowned as great, and this Diamondback has been rated “best buy” for over 40 years by a leading consumer magazine. It uses technology to make your workout efficient and productive, with 12 different workout programs and four heart rate controlled programs.

It comes with a computer screen that provides rider data on an easy-to-read LCD screen and gives details on your workout. It will give updated information about your ride profile, speed, distance, elapsed time, heart rate, watts, and cadence.

Warranty

Diamondback offers a limited lifetime warranty on their bike frames, and you can opt to purchase “Diamond Warranty Boost” at about $160 for five years of extended coverage. We have rated the warranty as three out of five stars, as additional coverage costs an extra fee.

Pros

• 16 levels of resistance
• Computer controlled magnetic resistance
• Heavy duty 32-pound flywheel

Cons

• Diamond Warranty Boost costs extra
• Best for a single-ride use, not easily adjustable for constant rider changes
• Contact heart rate sensors, not as effective as a heart rate monitor

Diamondback 910Ub Upright Bike

The Diamondback 910Ub Upright bike offers premium comfort and convenience and takes your workout to the next level. It includes 32 levels of resistance, 35 workout programs, and one-touch resistance controls.

It has a built-in wireless heart rate sensor, and it is designed as a smart trainer with all the features to give you an effective workout. It has an LCD control console, and an integrated media center so you can stay entertained as you ride.

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Price

This bike costs between about $800 to $1,100, depending on the promotional deal offered.

Ease of Use

This upright bike conforms to your body because it has a quick and easy fit system. You can adjust the riding position in its height and fore/aft positioning. Further, you can fine-tune your handlebars and also change the adjustable console so that it is sitting in the best viewing angle.

It has a multi-media system that is compatible with any standard USB connection. It lets you view, listen, and charge while you ride. You can also crank your tunes through the built-in sound system, or you can rest your tablet in a holder on the bike.

It uses quickset, one-touch resistance keys so you can access your favorite programs easily and change your resistance levels with ease. It offers 32 workout programs that include heart rate controlled training, custom programs, and fitness tests. We have rated the ease of use for this bike as five out of five stars.

Assembly Time

This bike usually takes about half an hour to assemble upon delivery since you will need to adjust the bike to your specific needs. It is powered by a standard AC adapter that plugs straight into the machine (which is included in the box). We have rated the assembly time as five out of five stars.

Design Quality

The bike has multi-speed personal cooling fans and multiple heart rate sensors. The bike can detect your heart rate in any riding position through various contact sensors, and it also has polar compatible wireless heart rate receivers so that the bike can track your heart rate with no need for you to hold onto contact sensors.

Further, it has a numeric keypad that offers easy access to enter workout data, and it has a frictionless braking system that contributes to the smooth ride. We have rated the design quality as five out of five stars.

Warranty

Diamondback offers a limited lifetime warranty on their bike frames, and you can opt to purchase “Diamond Warranty Boost” at about $160 for five years of extended coverage. We have rated the warranty as three out of five stars, as additional coverage costs an extra fee.

Pros

• 32 workout programs
• Quick-set, one-touch resistance keys
• Integrated media center

Cons

• Does not come with a heart rate chest strap
• Extended warranty costs an additional fee
• Not suitable for riders shorter than 5’2″

Diamondback 510Sr Recumbent Bike

The 510Sr is full of various features and is perfect for anyone looking to begin, maintain, or build a cardio workout. It is ideal for injury recovery or women in pregnancy, as well as seniors.

It has an ergonomic design, an adjustable seat and handlebars, 20 set workout programs, integrated heart rate sensors, and variable speed cooling fans. You can choose to burn more calories with heart rate training, where the bike will maximize your calorie burn by detecting your heart rate and helping you reach your target heart rate zone.

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Price

This bike costs between $600 and $900, depending on the promotional deals offered.

Ease of Use

The Diamondback 510Sr Recumbent Bike provides you with progress updates, workout options, and more with an LCD screen. It gives you real-time rider data, such as time, speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. Plus, your setting and workout program can be easily changed at the touch of a button.

The bike comes with “creature comforts,” such as fans, a built-in media center with a headphone jack, and onboard speakers. It also has a foldable magazine rack that makes this bike fun and easy to use.

Assembly Time

The bike arrives about 80% assembled in the box, and it requires some light assembly that should not take more than one hour. All the necessary tools and instructions are included in the box.

Design Quality

We appreciate the intricate design of this machine, which allows you to optimize your workout for your specific goals. It has target heart rate programs to ensure you have an intense exercise, and it has quickset program keys to start your favorite workout routine with a single button.

It also has a scrolling message center to guide you through program set-up, along with 20 workout programs for a wide variety of workout options. It has frictionless breaking for a smooth and quiet ride; it is electronically controlled, and it uses magnetic resistance.

Warranty

Diamondback offers a limited lifetime warranty on their bike frames, and you can opt to purchase “Diamond Warranty Boost” at about $160 for five years of extended coverage. We have rated the warranty as three out of five stars as additional coverage costs an extra fee.

Pros

• Great for users recovering from injury, pregnant women, and seniors
• 20 workout programs
• LCD screen to provide real-time data for your workout

Cons

• Not suitable for users shorter than 5’4″
• Extended warranty costs an additional fee
• Heart rate monitor not always accurate, according to some users

Diamondback 910Sr Recumbent Bike

The 910Sr Diamondback Fitness recumbent bike allows you to ride in comfort and make appropriate adjustments to fit your riding style perfectly. It has 32 programs, 32 levels of resistance, frictionless braking, and a wireless heart rate receiver. It has additional toe straps to keep your feet on the pedals, and it has easy-touch controls to change your workout.

[amazon fields=”B003Z9P382″ value=”button”]

Price

This bike costs between $950 and $1,200, depending on the promotional deals available.

Ease of Use

This model is built to be smooth and quiet, with no clunky clutches, loud fans, or loud resistance systems. It has a built-in Polar wireless heart rate receiver to monitor your heart rate while you exercise, and it indicates which “training zone” you fall within during your workout. It has a numeric keypad to give you easy access to workout data, and it has one-touch keys to set programs or resistance.

Assembly Time

The bike typically takes about 30 minutes to assemble and adjust upon delivery as you will need to fix the seat and handlebar to your specifications. You will need to plug it in to use it, and it is powered by a standard AC adapter that plugs into the machine (comes with the order).

Design Quality

This model is highly adjustable, with changeable handlebars and seat positioning. Further, it has heart-rate contact sensors and one-touch program keys to access your favorite workouts and different resistance levels.

It has a scrolling message center to guide you through set-up, and it has onboard speakers to play music from your iPad, iPhone, iPod, or other MP3 devices.

Warranty

Diamondback offers a limited lifetime warranty on their bike frames, and you can opt to purchase “Diamond Warranty Boost” at about $160 for five years of extended coverage. We have rated the warranty as three out of five stars as additional coverage costs an extra fee.

Pros

• 32 levels of resistance
• Frictionless breaking and quiet technology
• One-touch, easy-to-use operating system

Cons

• Not suitable for people under 5’2″
• Extended warranty costs extra
• Heavy machinery, over 150 pounds

Conclusion

The type of Diamondback Fitness bike you choose depends on your fitness goals. The 510lc Adjustable Indoor Cycle is great for people that want a heavy flywheel and lots of resistance. The 910Ub Upright Bike is optimal for those that want a lot of features and an integrated media center to deliver a great workout plus entertainment.

The 510Sr Recumbent bike is ideal for those recovering from injuries, pregnant women, or seniors that want to improve their cardio. Finally, the 910Sr Recumbent bike has 32 levels of resistance and is a quiet ride for a variety of programmatic workouts.Customers have highly rated all the models discussed above, so you honestly cannot go wrong with your choice. Whichever you choose for your workout goals, we hope that you are happy with your Diamondback Fitness selection.

The post Diamondback Fitness Reviews appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

If you would like to take your aerobic workouts a notch high, you should get yourself an exercise bike. This article focuses on Diamondback Fitness exercise bikes. We have selected four machines and made a comparison for you.

Continue reading to learn more about these fitness machines and where you can buy one. Let’s begin with the fundamentals of exercise bikes.

[amazon box=”B007DMA6GG,B003Z9JGPI,B003Z9P2P6,B003Z9P382″ template=”table”]

What Is a Diamondback Fitness Bike?

An exercise bike sometimes called an exercise bicycle, or a spinning bike resembles an ordinary bicycle.

A typical Diamondback Fitness Bike consists of a saddle, pedals, handlebars, and a display where the user views the workout progress.The user assumes the position of a bicycle rider and pushes the pedals in the usual way, but the machine is immobile. The device allows you to control the pedal resistance to vary the intensity of the exercise.

Product Specs  

The Diamondback Fitness bike has tons of features that make your exercise so natural. The machine lets you control the cycling resistance to suit your level of fitness. You can program it to simulate different terrains.

It gathers data regarding your workout and displays it on an LCD screen between the handlebars. You can view the time spent, distance covered, calories burned, heart rate, and so on.

Pricing  

Diamondback Fitness bikes cost around $700 to $1300. The difference in prices depends on factors like the features of the product. The retailer may also set a different amount from what the manufacturer recommends.

You can find Diamondback Fitness exercise bikes on the manufacturer’s website or the leading online stores like Amazon.Four Diamondback Fitness Bikes to Consider

We selected a few Diamondback Fitness bikes available on the market to see how they compare. Our selection included:

• Diamondback Fitness 510Ic Adjustable Indoor Cycle
• Diamondback 910Ub Upright Bike
• Diamondback 510Sr Recumbent Bike
• Diamondback 910Sr Recumbent Bike

We based our review on the features of the machines, price, ease of use, assembly time, design quality, and warranty. From these parameters, we defined a few pros and cons related to each exercise bike and concluded with a verdict.

Diamondback Fitness 510Ic Adjustable Indoor Cycle

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The Diamondback Fitness 510Ic exercise bike comes with several exciting features. The user can choose any of its 12 workout programs it and regulate the intensity with 16 resistance levels. People with heart conditions can monitor their heart rates as they utilize four cardiovascular programs.

The machine weighs about 104lb when unpacked. It’s suitable for users of up to 300lb weight and between 5’3″ and 6’5″ tall.

This spinning bike displays vital workout data on an LCD screen. It monitors the heart using sensors installed on the handlebars. You can view the workout time, heart rate, cadence, distance covered, and burned calories.

The size of the console allows you to grasp the details at a glance. You don’t need to strain the neck or interrupt the exercise to read it. As you work out, the machine generates electrical energy that powers the screen.

Price (​$$) 

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The Diamondback Fitness 510Ic is a user-friendly piece of gym equipment. It has a sturdy framework which keeps it steady regardless of the workout intensity. There is minimal risk of falling even on an unleveled floor, thanks to its leveling mechanism.

An LCD screen enables you to check the status of your workout including burned calories and heart rate without pausing the exercise.

You can adjust the saddle height and horizontal position to match your height. The handlebars are also adjustable for different torso sizes and arm length.

The cycling is smooth and quiet, and you can transition to various resistance levels without difficulty.

Some users feel that the saddle is uncomfortable.

If you can follow the manual issued with the machine, you shouldn’t have difficulties in assembly. The job can take you about one hour.

Adjusting the handlebar horizontal-position requires removing and replacing four bolts. Transitioning between different users can be a pain.

With a steel frame, the Diamondback 510Ic is a solid exercise bike engineered to last. It remains stable whether you are working out, whether seated or standing. It comes with levelers for keeping it steady on uneven ground.

It has an adjustable seat and handlebars for the user’s convenience. The handlebars have a firm grip, and the user can hold or lean on them as appropriate. The seat can be uncomfortable for long sessions.

Diamondback Fitness offers a limited lifetime warranty for the frame and brakes and 3-year warranty for parts and electronic components.

Pros

• Many workout modes
• Quiet operation

Cons

• The user’s hands have to be on the handlebars for the heart monitor to work
• Adjusting the handlebars is quite involving

Diamondback 910Ub Upright Bike

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The Diamondback 910Ub is a reliable upright exercise bike with a solid frame and superior features. It has a small footprint (about 39″ x 23″ x 58″) and supports users up to 352lb.

The structure consists of a high-tensile steel frame, adjustable handlebars and seat, and pedals with straps. The bike doesn’t wobble while in use, so the user can focus on the working out without the fear of falling.

The Diamondback 910Ub offers 35 workouts and 32 levels of resistance. It runs on stretch-resistant power belt that doesn’t need maintenance. It has a 14-lb flywheel, a little light for spin bikes but sufficient for the upright model.

Price (​$$) 

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The 910Ub model features a smooth pedaling motion with no noise. The seat and the handlebar have versatile adjustment mechanisms to suit different users and workout postures.

The console of the Diamondback Fitness 910Ub features several accessories. Apart from the performance monitor LCD, it includes a 2-speed fan and two speakers. You can use them with your portable music player if you don’t like using the headset.

The LED screen is angle adjustable and offers a clear view. The console helps the user to monitor the distance calories shed, power, speed, RPM, time, and heart rate.

The package comes with manuals for assembly and maintenance. Most of the work involves fixing the handles, seat, pedals, and the console to the mainframe. You don’t need to have training for the job, but it can take time.

Although the seat is rather hard, it offers superior adjustability. Its adjustment knob is oversize for an excellent grip and easy turning. The sear bars are square to ensure that they don’t get misaligned during a workout.

The handlebar has a rubber padding for comfort and grip. You can adjust if forwards and upwards to the most comfortable position. It also has an area for resting the arms.

This bike has a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and brakes and a 3-year warranty for parts.

Pros

• Multiple adjustments for the seat and handlebar
• Compatible with Apple devices, MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets
• Numerous workout drills (35 onboard, 32 resistance levels)

Cons

• Uncomfortable seat
• Short power cord
• It has to stay connected to a power source to keep your workout data

Diamondback 510Sr Recumbent Bike

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The 510Sr model of Diamondback fitness bike comes with 20 workout plans and 16 resistance levels. It features quiet pedaling and frictionless braking.

The machine’s seat and its back-rest are adjustable for superior comfort. You can also tilt the handlebar according to your torso and arm length. Its dashboard has a fold-out rack where you can read a book from as you work out.

As you generate heat during an exercise, fans with variable speeds help to cool your body. Apart from displaying your workout data, the console allows you to play your favorite tunes to make the whole exercise fun.

The machine’s dimensions are 64 x 23 x 50 inches, and it weighs 125 pounds when assembled.

Price (​$$) 

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The 510Sr is ideal for people looking to tone up their bodies or enhance cardiovascular health. Its height-adjustable features like the seat and the handlebar can accommodate users from 5’3″ tall.

Whether you are a senior, expectant mother, or you’re recovering from injuries, the 510Sr has a workout for you.

It has a cup holder, magazine rack, cooling fans, audio jack, and speakers. Heart monitor sensors collect your workout data and display it on the easy-to-read console.

The instructions provided in the manual are straight-forward. You can complete the initial setup in about one hour.

The exercise bike has a durable frame and parts. You can adjust most of the features to suit your body size and preferences.

Diamondback Fitness’s limited warranty plan covers the bike’s frame for a lifetime and parts for three years.

Pros

• Durable
• Sleek design
• Quality parts

Cons

• The saddle is a bit uncomfortable
• The heart monitor can be misleading

Diamondback 910Sr Recumbent Bike

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The ergonomic design of the Diamondback 910Sr bike distributes the user’s weight evenly to prevent posture-related aches. The seat, handlebar, and the console are all adjustable for maximum comfort.

Users can manipulate the bike easily using the intuitive console that includes a couple of buttons and a back-lit display. The LCD screen displays workout data including time, speed, calories, and heart rate.

The 35 workout programs and 32 resistance levels it presents can accommodate the fitness level of every user.

This model comes with a wireless heart monitor. It eliminates the need for the user to keep the hands on the handlebar for the machine to collect data.

Price (​$$$) 

• Ease of Use
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The LCD screen features quick-set program buttons and a user-friendly message center. It provides real-time feedback about the exercise.

The user stays comfortable due to the ergonomic design of the bike. It has an adjustable handlebar, seat, and seatback to suit people of different heights.

You can spend up to one hour assembling this bike, but that’s little time considering the machine’s sophistication. It comes with a manual containing straight-forward instructions.

The product has a solid design. The architecture allows for comfort and many workouts for beginners and fitness experts.

Diamondback Fitness offers a limited lifetime warranty for the frame and three years for parts.

Pros

• Solid design
• Wireless heart monitor
• Adjustable seat back
• iPod support

Cons

• Uncomfortable seat

Conclusion

If you are looking for an exercise bike that won’t fail you, buy a Diamondback Fitness model. The company has a reputation for building superior fitness products that provide value.

Diamondback Fitness bikes have solid frames and parts. Their ergonomic designs and multiple workout programs make them suitable for most adults including seniors and the pregnant. Anyone above 5’3″ can adjust the machine according to their height.

Different resistance levels make these exercise bikes ideal for novice and advanced fitness aficionados. They come with many accessories that make aerobics more exciting.

The main complaint by different users is the seat, but it doesn’t seem to be an issue with everyone.

The company offers a limited lifetime warranty for the frame, three years for parts, and 30-day money-back guarantee. Diamond Fitness is a 4-star brand.Featured image via Amazon

The post Diamondback Fitness: Our In-Depth Review appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

What Is a NordicTrack Freestride Trainer?

NordicTrack Freestride Trainers are prime examples of the newest trend in home gym equipment. The alternative motion machine brings the best of treadmill, elliptical and stair-stepper options into a single workout. These trainers all boast center drives and inertia enhanced flywheels, along with 20+ digital resistance levels to keep your workouts challenging. Additionally, they utilize upper-body grips for total body workouts. Most have adjustable inclines and all include auto-adjustable stride technology to ensure your workout keeps up with you.

Product Specs  

All NordicTrack Freestride Trainers use center drives, meaning their mechanics are positioned in the center of the machine — not the front or the rear — so they’re more compact than standard elliptical or treadmill exercise equipment. That alone makes them ideal for home use.

Every model includes multiple resistance levels that you can adjust with the touch of a button. And, all are constructed using a Freestride suspension system, which relies on belt technology to ensure little to no impact and smooth transitions. Pre-programmed workouts are a standard inclusion, but Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities allow for additional guided fitness options, and the built-in addition of NordicTrack’s Auto Breeze Workout Fan will help you keep your cool while you sweat it out!

Pricing  

NordicTrack has been a reputable name in home fitness for more than 25 years, thanks to the manufacturer’s use of high-quality design materials and innovative technology. Pricing for NordicTrack Freestride Trainer models range from around $1,299 to $3,799, depending on which model you choose, but it’s a solid investment if you’re looking for sturdy home gym equipment.

NordicTrack Freestride Trainer Options

We decided to compare a few NordicTrack Freestride Trainer options to give you a better idea of what will best suit your fitness style and pocketbook.    

• NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS5i
• NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS7i
• NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS9i
• NordicTrack X11i Incline Trainer

NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS5i

The FS5i is the base-level version of the Freestride series, but its value and quality far exceed a regular base-level product. Made with a 7-inch back-lit display for following on-board workouts with ease, an integrated tablet holder, Bluetooth technology and 22 digital resistance level options, it’s nowhere near ordinary.

image via: nordictrack.com

Price

$$$

Ease of Use 

The FS5i is a beginner-friendly model that offers 32 different pre-loaded workouts, along with the capability of streaming live and online workouts on your tablet or iPad should you want more guided options.

The integrated tablet holder, digitally amplified speakers and auxiliary music port all make it easy to jam out to your favorite tunes while getting in touch with your inner fitness beast. The 32-inch adjustable stride allows for easy workout changes mid-stream, but some consumers have noted the motion is far less smooth than an elliptical.

Assembly Time

Assembly at home statistically takes about 60 to 75 minutes as NordicTrack has streamlined and simplified the process. We suggest using two people for assembly due to the weight of the machine and its parts. If you feel really confident and have a little extra time, however, then one person can get the job done. For those not so confident in the at-home-assembly department, a professional assembly option is offered at the time of purchase.

Design Quality

The FS5i model in the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer series is the most budget friendly of the group, but don’t let that fool you regarding equipment quality. The flywheel on this model weighs in at 16 pounds, which is on the lighter side as far as elliptical machines go, so it’s perfect for beginner and intermediate fitness levels, but for those wanting a super high intensity workout it may not be the best fit. Regardless of fitness level, the solid steel construction makes this a durable option for most fitness levels.

Warranty    

This model comes standard with a lifetime frame warranty, a 5-year parts warranty and a 2-year labor warranty from NordicTrack. Extended warranty plans for preventative maintenance and standard service can also be purchased through iCON for an additional charge.

Pros

• Beginner fitness-level friendly
• Safe low-impact workouts
• Comprehensive warranty options standard

Cons

• Heavy and difficult to move once assembled
• The 32-inch stride may prove short and choppy for taller users

NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS7i

[amazon box=”B017AG7XBU”]

The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS7i is the mid-range option in the series. It has a 38-inch adjustable stride, as opposed to the 32-inch in the entry level model, and includes a 7-inch HD touchscreen and 1-year iFit membership standard for extra daily workout options to keep your routine fresh. The incline capability goes from 0 to 10 degrees in range, and the flywheel weighs in at a more realistic 20 pounds for a smoother, more natural motion.

Price

$$$

Ease of Use 

The added stride adjustment in the FS7i is far more user-friendly for those with longer legs, and the handlebar incline and resistance controls make for smoother workout adjustments without ever breaking stride. The variety of pre-loaded and online accessible workout options is a definite bonus, and the increased machine capacity allows for users up to 375 pounds.

Assembly Time

Similar to others in the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer line, assembly at home statistically takes about 75 to 90 minutes. Again, we recommend highly that two people perform the assembly because of the trainer’s weight. However, one person can accomplish it alone. For those not so confident in the at-home-assembly department, a professional assembly option is offered at the time of purchase.

Design Quality

With the FS7i flywheel weight at 20 pounds, motions have a much smoother and more natural feel than with the FS5i. The solid, steel design of the machine makes for a durable, long-lasting option for almost any fitness level.

Warranty    

The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS7i model comes standard with a lifetime frame warranty, a 5-year parts warranty, and a 2-year labor warranty. Extended warranty plans for preventative maintenance and standard service also can be bought through iCON for a separate charge.

Pros

• Heavier flywheel provides smoother motion
• Compact size compared to most cardiovascular equipment
• 35 pre-loaded workouts plus 1-year membership access to iFit workouts included

Cons

• Heavy and difficult to move despite transport wheels
• Consumers reported tendency for increased machine noise levels during higher intensity workouts

NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS9i

[amazon box=”b00wtjrf2g”]

Talk about an upgrade! The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS9i model takes all the included benefits of the FS7i model and an additional 10 degrees of decline, plus 26 digital resistance levels as opposed to the previous 24. An included 10-inch HD touchscreen plus a pivoting integrated tablet holder will thrill those who thrive on multi-tasking during workouts.

Price

$$$

Ease of Use 

With a longer stride than the FS5i, the addition of 10 degrees of decline to workout options, and an upgraded 10-inch touchscreen, the NordicTrack Freestyle Trainer FS9i edition could be viewed as the Cadillac of multi-workout home cardio equipment.

Easy-to-adjust increased resistance levels, along with all three training modalities, make this trainer hard to beat in terms of great workout options for almost any fitness level.

Assembly Time

Home assembly usually takes about 75 to 90 minutes, similar to other NordicTrack Freestyle Trainer models. Again, we recommend you get a friend to help you with assembly — two sets of hands are better than one! Anyway, the machine and its parts are heavy, but you can get it put together alone if need be. For those not so confident in the at-home-assembly department, a professional assembly option is offered at the time of purchase.

Design Quality

The compact, solid-steel frame design, paired with the NordicTrack Freestride suspension system that uses belt mechanisms to ensure the smoothest workout with the least amount of impact possible, means a durable machine with workout flexibility for any fitness level.

Warranty    

As with all NordicTrack Freestride Trainer machines, the FS9i model comes standard with a lifetime frame warranty, a 5-year parts warranty and a 2-year labor warranty. Extended warranty plans for preventative maintenance and standard service can be bought for separate charges through iCON.

Pros

• Increased touchscreen size makes online workouts more engaging
• Addition of 10-degree decline expands the number of muscle groups you can tone
• Additional resistance levels for higher workout intensity

Cons

• Consumer reported heavy and difficult to move once assembled
• Higher priced than most other home gym cardio equipment options

NordicTrack X11i Incline Trainer

[amazon box=”B013EYG8H2″]

The X11i Incline Trainer from NordicTrack is a treadmill innovation that boasts 12 speeds, incline options that range from -6% to 40% for serious muscular engagement and a patented rapid response motor to ensure consistent power throughout workouts.

Price

$$

Ease of Use 

As far as incline trainers go, the NordicTrack X11i is one of the best. Its incline range that includes a -6% decline allows for more toning workout options than flat level training, and its 40% incline capability burns calories at five times the normal rate. The 44 pre-loaded workouts give an array of fitness regimen options, and the increased track length over most typical health club treadmills (22” versus 20”) ensures plenty of extra workout space.

Assembly Time

Throughout NordicTrack’s track record in the home fitness industry, it has worked to streamline the assembly process and the time it takes to get it ready to go. Full assembly of the X11i Incline Trainer generally takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Design Quality

Standard One-Touch controls, EKG pulse grips, and 2.5-inch precision balanced non-flex rollers in the deck construction make the design and durability of this incline trainer hard to beat.

Warranty    

NordicTrack’s standard warranty offerings are some of the best in the industry, and the X11i is no exception. It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, motor and deck. It also includes a 6-year parts and electronics warranty, and has 3-year labor coverage. Extended warranty plans for preventative maintenance and standard service can also be purchased.

Pros

• Increased calorie burn, thanks to additional incline capability
• Fairly easy to assemble solo
• Large variety of pre-programmed and online workouts keeps things interesting

Cons

• Impact on joints during workouts is increased more than other Freestyle models
• Heavy and difficult to move once assembled
• Slightly higher priced than many treadmills on the market

Conclusion

To sum it up, the NordicTrack Freestyle Trainer series definitely gives you the best bang for your buck. Its pricing is more expensive than what you’ll pay for other brands and models, but the NordicTrack’s alternative motion technology that melds three workout types into one, paired with the vast amount of pre-programmed and online workout options that are included, make your investment more than worth it.

When it comes to your health, you shouldn’t look to cut corners That’s why we think, if you can afford it, the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS9i is the best 5 star trainer you can find. Besides, technically, by buying an at-home trainer from NordicTrack, you’ll probably save money compared to what you would have spent on a health club membership and travel fees per year!

The post Nordictrack Freestride Trainer Reviews appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

[amazon box=”B071VZWT57,B00LAESVPG,B007DMA6GG,B00K1NY4QC” template=”table”]

What Ss the NordicTrack Grand Tour?

The NordicTrack Grand Tour indoor bike was designed by the NordicTrack company and is the first model of their Grand Tour bike series. The NordicTrack Grand Tour not only enables its users to “bike” indoors, thus giving their muscles a full workout, but it also allows them to perform activities such as watching YouTube while exercising. We will now go into the particular specifications and features of the NordicTrack Grand Tour indoor bike.

Product Specs: NordicTrack Grand Tour: Incline, Decline, and Dimensions

One of the features of the NordicTrack Grand Tour that make it stand out from many other indoor bikes is that both its incline and decline can be adjusted from zero to ten degrees during a workout. The user does not have to move their hands from the bike’s handlebars in order to make the adjustments since the controls for making the adjustments are on the handles. The bike is 62 inches high, 62 inches long, and 23.5 inches wide. It can service users that weigh up to three hundred fifty pounds. Its flywheel weighs sixteen pounds.

NordicTrack Grand Tour: Touchscreen Features & Dumbbell Weights

The NordicTrack Grand Tour has a built-in adjustable tablet holder as well as a seven-inch touchscreen on which users can surf the web, watch YouTube,  read emails, and perform other activities online. There are 32 workouts built into the bike, created by professional personal fitness trainers. The console for the touchscreen has a CoolAire fan that can cool the user down during workouts. The console also includes a built-in dual 2-inch speaker system that the user can plug an iPod device into in order to listen to music.

Users can also use the touchscreen with iFit Coach to watch workout videos and to keep track of their nutrition, sleep, exercise, and daily activities. Users can use the touchscreen with Google Maps to go on virtual bike rides through different locations. The bike will adjust its incline and resistance to imitate riding through the terrain that the user is exploring. Below the console are two dumbbell weights that each weigh three pounds that allow users to exercise their upper body along with their lower body. The NordicTrack Grand Tour can also work with Bluetooth Smart Technology.

NordicTrack Grand Tour: Other Features

The NordicTrack Grand Tour has both a cushion seat and a water bottle holder for comfort and convenience. The warranty for the bike’s frame is lifelong. The warranty for the parts lasts three years while the warranty for the labor lasts one year. The bike comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.     

• Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle
• Diamondback Fitness 510lc Indoor Cycle
• Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus

NordicTrack Grand Tour NTEX76016

[amazon box=”B071VZWT57″]

• Performance
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

This bike enables its user to work out the upper body as well as the lower body and has several technological bonuses.

The user can easily assemble the bike at home with the instructions provided with the bike.

The adjustable incline and decline, along with the bike’s computer technology, allow the bike to fit the various needs of its users.

The lifetime warranty for the frame is very convenient to the user. The three-year warranty for the parts and the one-year warranty for the labor is sufficient.

Pros

• Can be assembled at home            
• Has computer technology that allows users to entertain themselves and to watch workout videos
• Has both an adjustable incline and an adjustable decline

Cons

• Has a smaller console than its successor, the Grand Tour Pro
• Cannot carry as much weight as the Grand Tour Pro
• Has fewer resistance levels than the Grand Tour Pro

Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle

[amazon box=”B00LAESVPG”]

The Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle bike features a Bluetooth wireless computer that can connect to phones and tablets. It has a height of 45 inches, a length of 49 inches, and a width of 26 inches. It includes adjustable fore-and-aft handlebars, adjustable Shimano Combo pedals, and a four-way adjustable seat. It also includes an Eddy current magnetic resistance system that took ten years to develop as well as 24 gears for adjusting the intensity of workout sessions.

The bike will usually not require maintenance because its moving parts do not touch each other. It can hold users that weigh up to three hundred pounds and has a flywheel that weighs approximately eight pounds.

This bike is significantly more expensive than the Grand Tour bike.

• Performance
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The bike has adjustable parts and includes 24 gears for adjusting workout intensity.

It comes assembled which is convenient for users.

This bike is designed in a way that helps the user avoid having to do extensive maintenance, and it includes Bluetooth wireless technology. 

The warranty on the frame of the bike is ten years while the warranty on the parts of the bike is three years. 

Pros

• Has 24 gears for adjusting workout intensity
• Has adjustable handlebars, adjustable pedals, and a four-way adjustable seat
• Includes Bluetooth Wireless Technology 

Cons

• Is significantly more expensive than the Grand Tour bike
• Warranty for frame lasts for ten years, not for a lifetime
• Does not include dumbbells

Diamondback Fitness 510lc Indoor Cycle

[amazon box=”B007DMA6GG”]

The Diamondback Fitness 510lc indoor bike features sixteen levels of resistance that are controlled by the bike’s computer. It also features a blue LCD display screen and a flywheel that weighs thirty-one or thirty-two pounds. It has 14 workout programs that imitate various kinds of terrain and that include eight preset programs and four cardiovascular programs.

The LCD screen will display data that includes distance covered, calories burned, time, cadence, and heart rate. The console of the bike does not require batteries since the energy from the pedaling powers the console. The Diamondback Fitness 510lc has both an adjustable seat and adjustable fore-and-aft handlebars. It includes a water bottle holder and can carry users that weigh up to three hundred pounds.

This bike is quite a bit cheaper than the Grand Tour bike and much cheaper than the Keiser M3i bike.

• Performance
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

The bike has quite a few workout programs and includes cardiovascular programs. However, it does not include computer entertainment.

Assembling this bike will take between 20 minutes to two hours.

This bike is designed to not only help athletes but also to help heart patients. However, its computer technology does not have entertainment features. 

The warranty will cover the frame and brakes for five years and will also cover the electronics and parts for three years.

Pros

• Assembly will require two hours at most
• Has fourteen workout programs that include four cardiovascular programs
• Is cheaper than both the Grand Tour bike and the Keiser M3i bike

Cons

• Does not include entertainment features or dumbbells
• Does not come already assembled like the Keiser M3i
• Has significantly fewer built-in workout programs than the Grand Tour bike

​Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus

[amazon box=”B00K1NY4QC”]

The Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus indoor bike features an aluminum frame that will not suffer from rust. It also features a six-magnet brake system in which the magnetic brakes do not come into contact with the flywheel, thus reducing the need for bike maintenance. The bike can carry users that weigh up to three hundred fifty pounds, and its flywheel weighs 37 pounds.

The bike has a Carbon Blue belt drive that has soft nylon teeth that help to smooth and quiet down exercising. The belt drive is made of polyurethane and has a carbon fiber core. These traits enable the belt drive to last for years. It features ErgoLoop performance handlebars, aero bars, and double-link pedals joined with Shimano SPD clips; all these mechanical features enhance the performance of the bike. The handlebars and seat of this bike are adjustable for many positions.

This bike is the most expensive one in this list. It is significantly more expensive than the NordicTrack Grand Tour and the Diamondback Fitness 510lc.

• Performance
• Assembly Time
• Design Quality
• Warranty

This bike does not feature computer technology. However, the Carbon Blue belt drive helps to smooth the exercising.

Assembling this bike will take up to two hours.

The bike is designed in a way that will smooth and quiet down the exercising and will also help the user avoid maintenance as much as possible.

The warranty lasts for ten years for the frame, two years for the mechanical parts, and one year for the labor.

Pros

• Its heavier flywheel enables more resistance for users who prefer higher resistance
• Its aluminum frame will be rust-free
• It is designed in a way to reduce the bike’s need for maintenance

Cons

• Does not include computer technology
• Is significantly more expensive than the NordicTrack Grand Tour and the Diamondback Fitness 510lc
• Does not include dumbbells

Conclusion

What is our verdict on the NordicTrack Grand Tour indoor bike? Unlike the other indoor bikes, the Grand Tour has a lifetime warranty for the frame and includes dumbbells for upper body workouts. It is compatible with Bluetooth technology like the Keiser M3i, but it can also work with iPod devices and comes with its own entertainment features. It is more expensive than the Diamond Fitness 510lc, but it also has more workout programs and a greater weight capacity.

Like the Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus bike, it can carry users that weigh up to three hundred fifty pounds. However, it is far less expensive than the AC Performance Plus especially when considering the fact that it comes with its own computer while the AC Performance Plus does not. It has both an adjustable incline and an adjustable decline that can be modified from zero to ten degrees. Its 16-pound flywheel is heavier than that of the Keiser M3i but lighter than that of the AC Performance Plus. This means that its resistance is in between that of the Keiser M3i and that of the AC Performance Plus.

The NordicTrack Grand Tour shares advantageous features with the other products we compared, but its most noteworthy features are its adjustable incline, its adjustable decline, its extensive computer features, its inclusion of dumbbells, and its lifetime warranty for its frame. The fact that it has all these features and yet is less expensive than the Keiser M3i and the AC Performance Plus makes it an even more remarkable product. And so, we give the NordicTrack Grand Tour indoor bike five out of five stars. For more information on this product, go to fitnesstechpro.com.

More Info

For more information on the NordicTrack Grand Tour indoor bike, check out these helpful pages:NordicTractTopFitness

 Featured image via NordicTrack

The post NordicTrack Grand Tour: Our In-Depth Review appeared first on Fitness Tech Pro.

In this article, we’ll explore the NordicTrack Freestride Rider and compare it to other elliptical machines on the market to help you make a confident choice.

What Is a NordicTrack Freestride Trainer?

The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is a 3-in-1 machine that provides the user the ability to perform stepping, elliptical, and treadmill functions all on one machine. The natural motions used when operating the machine can be switched with ease to engage different muscle groups during the same workout. The machine features a zero- to-32-inch adjustable stride that allows the user to alter the stride naturally without having to push any buttons. This machine also packs a 10% incline feature to add greater difficulty and resistance to our workouts.

Product Specs

The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer has a variety of features to keep you moving and motivated during your workout. There is a 7-inch interactive coaching touch screen, through which you can enjoy interactive personal training sessions. The stride is auto-adjusting and 32 inches, with the machine sporting a 10% incline-matching tech. A key feature of the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is the iFit Coach experience. The screen displays images such as Hawaiian beaches to motivate us through the workouts, with live interactive coaching adding to the experience. 

The interactive technology brings access to a variety of world-class trainers available to guide you through your workouts. Your trainer can digitally adjust your incline, speed, and decline to provide the best workout possible. Beyond elliptical training, the “LIVE” feature also provides a number of additional workout options. These include yoga workouts and dumbbell routines you can use the screen to perform without even being on the elliptical machine. These additional workouts add value to the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer, expanding its operating functionality beyond any single training style or discipline. 

Pricing

The original manufacturer’s price for the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is $2,699, which we see as relatively high for a single unit, particularly given that many such machines are available in gyms with highly affordable membership fees. However, it appears the price today is just under $2,000, making it more accessible. Further, the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer can be purchased through a payment plan with a 0% APR for some 36 months, if you qualify. Spread over the duration of 36 months the cost of the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is far more manageable, and around the price of a premium gym membership. 

How It Compares

We picked a few other elliptical trainers on the market to see how the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer compares. Here, we’ll run through their prices, ease of use, style, design quality, and warranties. 

• Bowflex Results Series Elliptical Trainer

• SOLE Fitness Elliptical Machine

• Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer

NordicTrack Freestride Trainer

The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is a 3-in-1 machine that features elliptical, treadmill, and stepping functions. For stepping routines, there is a 0- to 32-inch drop which naturally adjusts to the preferences of the exerciser. In terms of technology, the machine features a 7-inch smart HD touchscreen, pivoting integrated tablet holder, an auxiliary music port, and two 2-inch, digitally amplified speakers.

Price

The price for this hybrid elliptical ranges from around $2,000 to $2,700, depending upon the seller from which the machine is purchased. At the time we wrote, some buyers could take advantage of 36-month, 0% APR financing on the machine at a price of $1,999.

Ease of Use

The zero to 32-inch step of the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer adjusts naturally, and so its ease of use is significant. No button pushing is necessary. The three distinct applications of the machine also add to the ease of use, as we can choose which workout style and features we prefer at any time.

Style

The styling on the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is advanced, with the machine having a streamlined look with non-aggressive colors so that it won’t ruin the aesthetics of the room you place it in. The branding marks and logos are not too prominent for appeal, either, making the overall look and effect more welcoming.

Design Quality

The machine features three types of functionality, which is unusual for an elliptical machine. Further, it has an “auto-breeze” workout fan, soft-touch upper body grips, and over-sized cushion pedals for added comfort. 

Warranty

NordicTrack products come with a 30-day trial period, during which time the machine may be returned. When the machine is returned, there is a 10% restocking fee unless the machine is defective, in which case it will be replaced without the 10% restocking fee.

We found detailed warranty information on the machine to be lacking. Although the purchaser is encouraged to purchase an extended 3-year warranty, the price is not prominently listed. The prospective customer is provided a phone number to call to speak to a representative about warranty information.

Pros

• 3-in-1 functionality: stepping, elliptical and treadmill training
• Comes with a 1-Year NordicTrack iFit membership
• NordicTrack name and quality 

Cons

• Somewhat costly
• Relatively large

Bowflex Results Series Elliptical Trainer

The Bowflex features a color screen, multiple customizable workout options, and a futuristic design.

Price

The price on the Bowflex Results Series Elliptical Trainer is just under $1,800, which is right in line with that of the NordicTrack elliptical we reviewed here. The Bowflex model also comes with free shipping.

Ease of Use

There are a variety of workout features available through the Bowflex, including the “burn” meter which allowed us to customize our workouts, in addition, you can save your favorite workouts “on the fly” and come back to repeat them later. The speed and incline controls are integrated into the handles for increased convenience. 

Style

The style of the Bowflex Results Series elliptical trainer is futuristic and sleek, featuring black and silver with a red brand badge on the front of the console for a bit of color. 

Design Quality

The design quality of the Bowflex is substantial, with a 22-inch stride length, and a minimum ceiling height of the user’s height plus 29 inches. It features a full-color, 9-inch back-lit LCD screen with 11 simplified push-and-go workout programs to get you into your routine quickly and easily.

Warranty

The Bowflex warranty for most of its machines lasts 3 years on parts and 90 days for labor, while an additional three years of each form of protection can be purchased for $169 (or and five years of each for an additional $219). These options make the potential value of Bowflex markedly greater for the customer because lengthy warranties are often not offered on other elliptical machines.

Pros

• Digital display for interactive workouts 
• Saved workouts
• Futuristic design

Cons

• Ability to set stride length
• Relatively tall for some homes

SOLE Fitness Elliptical Machine

The SOLE Fitness elliptical machine features a 20-inch maximum stride length, a 7.5-inch display, a sound system, a built-in fan, 15-inch pedals, and a water bottle holder. The machine has a low drop, so an unusually high ceiling isn’t necessary. 

Price

The price of the SOLE Fitness elliptical machine is right in line with other machines reviewed at just under $2,000, with free shipping included. As with the other units reviewed, there is the option to purchase the machine and have a professional assemble it:  For a fee just over $90, you can have it assembled and cross that task off your list. 

Ease of Use

Simply stepping upon the SOLE is quite simple, and getting started is as simple as getting moving. The machine features numerous fitness programs you can set to allow for a pre-programmed workout to be enjoyed. 

Style

The styling of the SOLE elliptical is strong, with a modern, almost futuristic look that is almost entirely black with maroon accents. The screen is nicely situated, and all the handles are well designed.

Design Quality

The overall design is attractive and sleek. However, the LCD screen could be upgraded into a more modern HD display of larger size.

Warranty

The warranty on the SOLE Fitness machine truly sets this particular brand apart from the competition. While many manufacturers offer very limited warranties or extremely narrow warranties on labor, the SOLE warranty includes a lifetime warranty on the frame, a 5-year warranty on electronics and parts, and two years of labor coverage. 

Pros

• Outstanding warranty
• Low drop
• Wide pedals and a pulse grip

Cons

• Elliptical-only functionality
• Weighs 230 pounds

Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer

The Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer is more of an entry-level trainer; it offers only elliptical functionality. The screen is reminiscent of those on early electronics from the late 1990s with a blue-hued screen and display. The machine has advanced programming features to vary the difficulty of workouts. The screen displays calories burned, along with workout difficulty level at any point in your climb.

Price

The price of the Horizon Fitness elliptical trainer is markedly lower than the competition at just under $1,400, with the cost of assembly being just under $100 as with the competition. 

Ease of Use

The machine is quite easy to use but its features and video screen are relatively uninspiring, and the pre-programmed features are also lacking. 

Style

The style of the Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer is somewhat lacking. The machine is a light gray color with a mixture of darker grays and blacks, and it has a very “plastic-like” appearance. The machine will not blend in neutrally, either, as it has a bright blue flair of color on the back and front.

Design Quality

The design quality on this particular machine is relatively simple and unrefined, with a very old-style screen. Given the advanced and futuristic look of the other machines reviewed, the Horizon Fitness Elliptical trainer is lagging behind the competition in this respect. 

Warranty

We could find no warranty information readily available for this Horizon elliptical machine, although the manufacturer invites the client to make a phone call to inquire about the potential warranty options that are available.

Pros

• Low price
• Comfortable workouts
• Balanced flywheel 

Cons

• Dated display
• Uninspired design
• Warranty information not readily available

Conclusion

The many options available on the market for elliptical machines highlight the growth of the home fitness market. Whether we prefer to train with free weights, exercise bikes, elliptical machines, or ropes, it is now possible to purchase equipment that will work well in our homes. If you are looking for lower-impact cardio workout options, the NordicTrack machine is functional, stylish, and economical.

Final Verdict: 4 stars

(within our 5-star rating system)

The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS7i is a highly advanced piece of equipment. It is the only model we reviewed for this article that can function not only as an elliptical machine but also a stepping machine and a treadmill.  This exceptional versatility, plus the interactive HD screen, set the NordicTrack Freestride above and beyond much of its competition. In our view, this is a highly recommended piece of home workout equipment, particularly given the 36-month, 0% APR financing offer available.

For more information on dumbbells, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes, multi-gym units, and rowing machines, check back with us. We frequently post new articles and updates to help you choose the best workout equipment and other products designed to keep us all fit and healthy.

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