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Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross Trainer Review

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:55:30 +0000

Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Advanced Workout Console

One of the famous brands when it comes to exercise machines and elliptical is the well appreciated Life Fitness. They are not famous without a reason and you can get to know the reason behind their fame with the Life Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Advanced Workout Console. If you are the type of person who just wants to get and go, then this machine should be on the top of your workout machine list. Know the reason why it remains on the top by checking at the product specifications.

Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer Product Specification:

Manufacturer: Life Fitness
Console: 4″ x 6″ blue and white custom etched LCD with instructional message centre
Programs: 10 programs: manual, hill, random, EZ Resistance™, Sport Training™, Fat Burn, Cardio, Heart Rate Hill™, Heart Rate Interval™, Extreme Heart Rate™, goal workouts (calories, distance, target heart rate), and 2 x custom
Feedback: Level, Time, Speed / RPM, Distance, Calories, Watts, METs, Pace, and Animated Symbols
Heart Rate Measurement: Hand grips and receiver
Resistance: Eddy Current
Resistance Range: 1-20
Stride Length: 20 Inches
Dimensions Open: L165 x W68 x H157cm
Product Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs (135 kg)
Power Method: Mains
Usage: Home
Warranty Details: Home warranty: 3 years parts and 3 years labor.

The first thing that I noticed on the Life Fitness X1 elliptical is the stride length. While most elliptical have a 19” stride length, this machine has 20”. That makes the machine more user-friendly and guarantees a much smoother ride. Experts would agree when I say that the longer the stride length would equate to a more elliptical pattern resulting to a smoother action as well as proven to be kinder to your joints. Even at full speed, this machine is easier to use because of the long stride. Longer stride would also mean that it is suitable for taller individuals but in this case, it is perfect no matter what height you have.

If your goal is to have a total body workout then the X1 may stop you from that search as it is specially designed to fulfill that need. The best part is it makes burning calories easier because of the elliptical action of the pedals together with the shape and the position of the handles that was designed to synchronize the upper and lower body movement. With this machine, you don’t have to spend on other exercise machines as it already targets a whole body work out.

Life Fitness is famous for smooth and natural performance and this is exactly what you will get with the X1 elliptical cross trainer. The machine carries the signature Link6 drive system of Life Fitness. That only means that you can expect to have a stride that feels as comfortable and good as walking. This is great for low-impact workouts but then again with the wide variety of workout program on this machine, your workout can be as high impact and as rigorous as you want it to be. It also has heart monitoring features that uses the Lifepulse digital hand sensors or you can also chose to use the Polar wireless chest trap.

No matter what shape and body size you have, you can expect the Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross-Trainer to be accommodating. This is because of its oversized pedals that are optimally spaced to lessen the lateral hip shifting that can cause a stress on the lower back. Since it can accommodate varying body size and shape, another great feature is the ability to save and create custom workouts for different users. Plus it comes equipped with an Ergogrip that will work to your advantage.

The cons on this machine is it’s so big and heavy that moving it around can be a challenge. It would require two individuals just to move it. And the price would make you think twice especially if you will not be using the elliptical on a regular basis.

Life Fitness X1 Elliptical at a glance…

Pros:

User-friendly
Smooth and natural performance
Gives total body workout
Wide variety of work out program
Accommodating to all sizes and body shapes
Ability to save different profiles for each user
Ergogrip

Cons:

Hard to store and can’t be moved around easily
Price
Bulky machine

If you are serious about getting a total body work out and is really a big fan of elliptical then the X1 elliptical would be considered as good buy for you. On the other hand, if you are not a regular user of elliptical, then you are better off purchasing a cheaper machine.

Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross Trainer Review is a post from: Elliptical Reviews

Precor EFX 5.23 Cross Trainer Review

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:32:22 +0000

It’s not hard to explain why many love the Precor EFX 5.23 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer. With the high quality and superior quality of this machine, you will not be surprised to find many loyal owners of Precor. They would not trade this machine for any other elliptical on the market even if it is expensive.

Precor EFX 5.23 Cross Trainer Product Specification:

Magnetic resistance
Eddy current brakes
14 pre-set programs
2 user ID’s
20 resistance settings
18” stride
LED display console with graphics
Adjustable incline from 13-35 degrees
Warranty: 10 yrs. parts, 1 yr. labor

If you’re in the market for a truly powerful lower body and cardiovascular workout then the Precor EFX 5.23 might be the elliptical for you. Many would agree when I say that this is one of the best high quality elliptical machines that are available in the market. This will not come as a surprise because Precor is a reputable brand that is well known for their superior quality and excellent craftsmanship on their elliptical.

With the 8 pre-set programs and 16 levels of resistance, this elliptical gives you the flexibility and the challenge that you are looking for an exercise routine. You may be a beginner or an advanced user but this machine will still give you that sweat and keep your fats burning. It is also a solid machine with a maximum user weight limit of 300 lb.

The machine also comes with the patented CrossRamp technology that is only native to Precor products. What it does is it allows you to incline the level from 15-25 degrees which results for you to be able to work out different muscles. Although some would say that the 8 pre-set programs is pretty basic and does not give enough choice for exercise routines.

This elliptical trainer also allows you to go in a forward and backward motion. While going through the motions, the machine will still be able to maintain the resistance level that you had chosen. This feature provides you with even more variety and is also great in toning all of the lower body muscles. So if our target is your lower body work outs then don’t hesitate on checking out this machine. The drawback is that it does not offer upper body work out which is lacking in almost all Precor elliptical machine.

The Precor EFX 5.23 elliptical cross trainer is expensive and some critique would say that for its price it should offer more work out options as well as upper body work out. But the reason why you would consider buying this machine is because there aren’t very many elliptical trainers that are really up to the challenge of commercial grade. It conveniently combines the stamina and a quiet ride of what they call as high quality gym equipment. You get all of that plus the sleek design and elegance on a home elliptical trainer with EFX 5.23.

Pros:

Gives a powerful lower body and cardiovascular workout
Superior craftsmanship and high quality
Durability
Solid machine
Gives flexibility and variety on workout
Passes commercial grade standard
Quiet
Sleek design and elegance

Cons:

Lacks upper body workout
Lacks workout programs and features
Price

With the price of the Precor EFX 5.23 Cross Trainer, you will expect for it have a total body work out and more features but sadly, it is lacking in this machine. However, if you really want a durable and high quality machine that can last decades and give you more value for your money then this is one of the best buy for you.

Precor EFX 5.23 Cross Trainer Review is a post from: Elliptical Reviews

Life Fitness x5i Elliptical Review

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:26:03 +0000

If you have a lot of money to spend on an exercise machine, then you may want to check out the Life Fitness x5i elliptical. The price tag is considered to be on the high end but the price is trivial when it comes to its great features. From the popular Life Fitness, this machine is a considered as one of the better big boys when it comes to elliptical machines.

Life Fitness x5i Elliptical Product Specifications:

Maximum User Weight: 350lbs (158kg)
Unit Length: 83″ (211 cm)
Unit Width: 26″ (66 cm)
Unit Height :63″ (160 cm)
Unit Weight : :250 lbs (113 kg)
Power Requirements: Plug-in (All major voltage configurations)
Safety: CE, CSA, FCC, GS/TUV, UL
Warranty : Lifetime warranty on frame; 3-year on parts; 1-year on labor (warranties outside the U.S. may vary)
Frame: 2″ x 4″ (5 cm x 10 cm) robotically-welded steel frame
Pedals: 15-3/4″ x 7″ (40 cm x 18 cm) oversized FlexPedal™ with Lifespring™ technology
Resistance System: Eddy current
Minimum Step-up Height: 10″ (25 cm)
Stride Length : Manual Adjustable (18″ – 24″)

If you are wondering what the difference is between the Life fitness X5i and the X5 version, then you’ll be happy to know that the X5i is an upgraded version of the X5. With the X5i, you get an additional feature of wireless heart rate control and the addition of 6 or more programs as well as 4 personalized programs.

With this version, you can also expect to use some of the simple and easy to use heart rate control work out programs together with the wireless heart rate monitor. These added features gives experts more reason to put this elliptical on the list of the top exercise machines.

The Stride length of this elliptical which is manually adjustable from 18”-24” is one of the biggest advantages of this machine. Most elliptical offers a 19” stride but with this machine, you can adjust the stride with your comfort in mind. This is a perfect machine for a family who is into exercise because your whole family will be comfortable using it because they can easily adjust the stride.

For example, if you are 5’3” in height and your husband is a 6 footer, both of you can be comfortable using the machine because you can easily adjust the stride basing on your own stride length.

The Life Fitness X5i elliptical also promotes a completely natural stride. This is an important factor when buying for an elliptical because this will make your work out easier. Just imagine struggling on sticking with your workout routine because using the machine itself is a struggle.

Not a good scenario, right?

If your answer is yes then you will love this machine because using it feels like a natural movement and eliminates the struggle factor.

Another important factor when choosing an elliptical is the noise. This is one thing that I had checked on this machine and so far it gained my respect. It was real quiet. This is something that is hard to find with big exercise machines. And according to some owners of X5i, even at two years of daily use, it still maintains its promise of a quiet machine.

This elliptical is one great machine except for the fact that it is so bulky and could be hard to store. It may eat up a lot of space in your home. You also can not move it easily alone and may need 2-3 persons to move it to another location. Then off course, there is the issue of the price. It will really hurt your pocket but for many fitness buffs, it’s worth every penny because of its amazing feature.

Pros:

More advanced version of elliptical machine
Has wireless heart control
More workout programs to chose from
Adjustable stride resulting to a more comfortable use
Guarantees a natural stride
Quiet

Cons:

Price
Bulky
Hard to Store
Heavy machine

The Life Fitness x5i Elliptical is an expensive machine but worth every penny as the whole family will be able to use it comfortably. It is not recommended however if you only have a small space in your home as it will eat up too much space.

Life Fitness x5i Elliptical Review is a post from: Elliptical Reviews

Smooth Agile DMT Elliptical Review

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:50:42 +0000

To call the Smooth Agile DMT elliptical an elliptical may be a little deceptive, truth be told it is more like a number of ellipticals built into one. Allowing for the standard types of workouts you would expect on a normals elliptical, the Agile Dynamic Motion Trainer allows users to truly work both their upper and lower body to a degree not seen in many other machines.

The dynamic motion spoken about in the machine’s name refers to the fact that users can choose between 12 distinct motion patterns. They range from a standard “elliptical” motion seen in the other machines termed as ellipticals, to full agile motion. If you are not familiar with the term, think of a cross between an elliptical and skier, a much more free form of motion.

If you look at the picture to the right you will get an idea of scale. The model standing by the machine is not that big, but this machine truly is. The Agile DMT lives up to that size as a smooth, solid and overall versatile machine.

Smooth Agile DMT Elliptical Specifications

Stride Legnth: 12 varying movement patterns, varying length
Type of Resistance: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 20
Dimensions: 73″ x 31″ x 65″
Product Weight: 390 lbs
Max User Weight: 400 lbs
Display: LED
Programs: 9
Warranty: Lifetime Frame and Braking, 5 years parts and labor and 2 years in home labor.

All the features your would expect on a machine selling between $3,000 and $4,000 and so much more. Articulating pedals are common at this price range but are a great feature to relieve stress on joints and allow normal movement. Built in shock absoption within the pedal system allows for smooth reduced impact motion changes which has no hint jerkiness.

The combination of 20 resistance levels with 12 unique and different motions leads to a vigorous workout and rapid fitness change. Customers find that the Agile DMT offers a combination of features which helps them achieve what they could not on other machines. One customer had this to say:

“This Agile is amazing. Don’t be nervous about the price tag, it is worth every penny. I have been using my Agile for 3 months now and have drops 3 dress sizes and feel great. This machine is changing my life! Thank You Smooth!!”

Do More With Less Time

A big comment of a lot of the users owners of this machine is that it totally eliminates any need or desire to go to the gym. Cariovacular, strength, and weight loss are all targeted by the Agile DMT. A strong performer when it comes to packing a lot of workout into a little time, this is an elliptical not only designed for the ultra fit, it can also be adjusted to help even the most out of shape individual realize their fitness goals.

As is expected, the Agile DMT is smooth, reliable, durable and a joy to use. It delivers an unparalelled workout as well as unparalleled comfort. The articulating, cushioned, shock absording pedals are great. The thumb control of resistance and motion is a great feature which allows you to focus on your workout and not on making sure the machine keeps up with you. The simplified display is easy to read, realitively attractive, and presents a very clean and structured machine.

Complaints of this machine; many people will say cost, but you do in deed get what you pay for. For all the features you get with this machine, the price tag is something that should be expected. The only other major issue most people encounter is assembly. You can have this machine assembled for you, it will cost you more money, but for most people it is worth every penny to not have to give up 8 hours, bruise your fingers, and have to keep calling customer service for technical questions.

True To Name, Dynamic

My favorite thing about this machine is that it fits everyone and can take an out of shape individual who hates to work out, and work them into the best shape of their life. Allowing users to focus on their workout and forget the machine, the Agile DMT delivers the features that will perfect workouts and deliver results.

Above all,the Smooth Agile DMT elliptical is aimed at providing a workout tht covers it all, strength, cariovascular, and general fitness. It hits all of its marks and does so in a very nice package.

Smooth Agile DMT Elliptical Review is a post from: Elliptical Reviews

Life Fitness Club-Series Elliptical Review

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:51:06 +0000

When it comes to ellipticals there are 2 brands that stand above the others, both in perceived value as well as in cost.

Life Fitness is one of the two, providing remarkable perceived quality and a sense of style other machines just can’t afford to include. At roughly $4,000 the club elliptical offers a lot of features albeit at a high price.

For those who can afford it, the life fitness club model is an extremely smooth model which reminds users of the look and feel of a club machine.

Besides general clean styling, the Club is characterized by its easy to read LED console which makes you forget that you are working out on your 3 season porch and not in the middle of a room full of sweaty people.

Life Fitness Club-Series Elliptical Specifications

Stride Length: 18″
Type of Resistance: Alternator
Resistance Levels: N/A gradual adjustment
Dimensions: 83″ x 28″ x 61″
Product Weight: 235 lbs
Max User Weight: 350 lbs
Display: Led
Programs: 18
Warranty: lifetime frame, 3 years parts and electronics, and 1 year labor

With an alternator resistance the Life Fitness Club offers an amazing range of possible resistances and offers extremely quiet functionality. Designed to spare not expense, the club has come of the best programs which I have seen on any elliptical, even though the club series does not feature an LCD screen.

Top Quality Machine

When it comes to programs, Life Fitness provides some of the most enjoyable and imaginative fitness machine programs on the market. The list of 18 programs includes one that allows a user to simulate various terrains around the world called Around The World. Inventive as well as thorough, the line up of programs shows where a small portion of the price tag comes from.

Alternator resistance, not found on lower priced machines, not only allows for a gradual increase in resistance, but also provides a smooth transition which will not interfere in your workout. This style of resistance also contributes to the machines overall smooth motion and quiet operation.

More than just a collection of unique features, the Life Fitness Club-Series is a great overall machine offering quality construction and quality materials throughout.

However, there are gripes about this machine which go beyond the price tag. Personally, at $4,000 I was very disappointed that this machine has the same warranty found on many $1,000 Ellipticals.

It would have been nice to at least see a warranty which matches the ones offered by Sole’s more expensive ellipticals. My only other concern is that despite the fact that other Life Fitness machines to offer adjustable strides, the club does not.

An 18″ stride length is uncommon among more expensive machine and may be restrictive to true runners who may have a longer stride and higher speeds.

Club Quality Made For The Home

Overall? I believe that the Life Fitness Club-Series is one of the best ellipticals on the market. Other machines in the Life Fitness home elliptical line may be more enjoyable for many people with improved display and adjustable stride.

Despite price tag the club series comes recommended as a quality machine for those who are interested even though I tend to agree that it may not be the best “value” on the market.

Life Fitness Club-Series Elliptical Review is a post from: Elliptical Reviews