One of the biggest challenges in searching for ellipticals is to choose the right elliptical based on your budget and exercise needs. Schwinn is a brand that is gaining hype for offering ergonomic ellipticals.  There are also many alternatives to Schwinn ellipticals in the market that are equally good. Read on to know more about Schwinn ellipticals and their alternatives. 

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Brad Heath to Rishabh Nambiar

Absolutely fantastic review, thank you.

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Smooth Elliptical Motion

I recently checked out the line-up of Diamondback elliptical trainers at ProSource in Raleigh. In addition, I spent about an hour discussing the pros and cons of their machines with Dan Young, their sales expert.

Diamondback is best known for their exercise bikes, which are very popular and found at numerous sporting goods stores. However, their ellipticals have gotten some serious exposure after the Diamondback 1260Ef received a top rating from a popular consumer magazine.

Note: Check out our Elliptical Trainer Best Buy Reviews.

What makes Diamondback elliptical trainers unique is that they come in both front and rear drive models. The rear and front drives have different feels, with different appeals. Some like the free-floating feel of the rear drive, while others prefer the front leaning motion of the front drives.

Diamondback 1260Ef Front Drive Elliptical

The front drive on the Diamondback 1260Ef design is similar to an Octane, but considerably less money. Moreover, unlike a Sole elliptical, the pedal sits on a wheel located at the front of the pedal, rather than on a rear rail and has a 19″ stride.

What makes the Diamondback 1260Ef stand out is the ability to adjust the elevations, similar to adjusting the incline of a treadmill, allowing you to burn more calories in less time. There are only a couple of other high-end ellipticals that have this feature – Precor and Octane. However, both of those brands cost at least a $1,000 more than the 1260Ef.

It should be noted that the 1260Ef and 1190Er come with an optional light commercial warranty, which says a lot about their durability. See our complete review of the Diamondback 1260Ef Elliptical Trainer

Diamondback 1190Er Rear Drive Elliptical

The rear drive Diamondback ellipticals have a 21″ stride, which is longer than your average elliptical. I felt this gave it a nice smooth stride, and was comfortable for my height. This would be a good fit for anyone above average height.

The foot pedals angle with the motion, reducing the possibility of numbness from long use. Each elliptical comes with wireless heart rate control to give you a more accurate picture of the workout you’re getting.

The main difference is that the Diamondback 1260 has:

• Upgraded console and display.
• No need to plug-in, there is an on-board alternator
• Better selection of programs, including customizable programs.
• Handlebars adjust forward and backwards making it comfortable for different sized users.

Our Diamondback Elliptical Trainers Review

In general, we found the Diamondback ellipticals to all have a smooth elliptical motion. The ellipticals were relatively quiet. I really liked the adjusting elevation feature of the Diamondback 1260. That is a sweet option.

Diamondback has been building ellipticals for the last 9 years. Their models are strong contenders in $1,500-$2,000 price range. Overall, Diamondback ellipticals are a solid value. You can find them at local fitness equipment specialty stores or at Amazon.com

“After 2 years of use the machine developed a irreparable mechanical problem!!!!”

“The machine is sturdy and the controls only take a minute to figure out. It assembled easily, with all tools needed in the box. The unit is quiet enough that I can use it with my 20 month and 2 month old asleep in the same room. The only draw back is the short stride. Great for my wife but took a bit for me to get used to.”

Epinions.com Customer Reviews Superb Workout – Pros: Compact, solid construction
Cons: NoisyAlthough the unit is relatively compact, it is VERY solid. It does not rock or sway even when I’m going at it really hard. The biggest downside to this nifty piece of machinery is the noise. It wasn’t that noticeable in the first 2 months or so, but after that I noticed that the crank mechanism makes a lot of squeaking and creaking noises about 10 minutes into my workout.Great elliptical for the price –Pros: Very compact, fits just about anywhere and is on wheels. Relatively inexpensive.
Cons: Foot pedals cut off your circulation to your feet after awhile.

“Alright, first off, I’m probably bigger than most people that would use this machine. When I got this machine at the first of the year I was 250lbs. Now I’m down to 240lbs after a month. This might be the cause of the problems I have had, but they aren’t serious enough to make the machine bad.”

“The machine does require some maintenance. I had to regrease it after a month and after 2-3 weeks I had to open it up and tighten the bolts holding the pedals on.”

The Most Ergonomic Elliptical Trainers on the Market

Nowadays, most of us try to get into a healthy lifestyle by following a proper eating and exercise routine. So naturally, purchasing fitness equipment has become one of the necessities in almost every household to keep people’s health on the right track.

However, there are very few fitness machine manufacturers that you can rely on for their product quality. Horizon Fitness Ellipticals are among the best picks in terms of quality. We went to visit Horizon Fitness’ North American headquarters recently, which is operated and managed by Johnson Health. Vision Fitness and Matrix Fitness are both owned by the same parent company.

The amenities present in the Horizon head office were remarkable. The office has a large gym where employees can test out the machines they design and market. Who does not know the importance of product testing before it makes its way to the market? Horizons fitness machine manufacturer has set up this gym to try out their products’ efficiency before they sell them on the market. Everyone seems to like trying out the Horizon Fitness ellipticals.

Horizon Fitness adopted a fresh approach to creating the latest iteration of Horizon ellipticals. This involves questioning and communicating with their existing users and potential customers to learn about their top objectives when shopping for an elliptical.

This revolutionary approach has served the company in so many ways to understand the business and fitness equipment markets so well. They built the basis of their Horizon ellipticals with the SIX STAR Certification as a result of these meetings. It was undoubtedly a ground-breaking feature for their product.

Horizon Fitness ellipticals have a number of biomechanical elements that make them seem natural and easy to use. 

What Sets Horizon Fitness Apart?

They Manufacture Their Own Components 

When it comes to the manufacturing of any equipment, the making of parts of the machine and their sturdiness become crucial to determining the product’s durability. There are very few companies that have the capacity to manufacture the equipment components on their own. They purchase most of the equipment components from third-party companies. So, it becomes tricky to pursue the warranty plan if any of those imported components are not working.  

Concerning fitness equipment manufacturers, the same issue prevails here as well. However, Horizon Fitness builds its ellipticals with all its self-produced equipment parts rather than purchasing them from other parties. This setup is known as vertical integration, and it is super beneficial for the product owner in the event of any machine malfunctioning. Added to that, vertical integration helps the machine retain its sturdiness better and also requires less maintenance.

Rachael and Brad in Wisconsin to visit Johnson facilities.

Excellent Customer Service

During our last visit, we were able to observe the call center. They have equipment set up for customer service employees to look at conceptual frameworks while on the phone with consumers. We were glad to discover a well-stocked call center with several competent agents ready to receive income calls, as customer service is an area where many businesses suffer.

To deal with clients, any organization needs well-versed staff and seasoned employees. Customer service is the term for this system. Without customer assistance, no corporation can be considered a viable entity. Customers are so much like God to corporations. It is critical to provide them with decent and professional service as needed when running a firm. Horizon Fitness has scaled up its business by incorporating decent customer service that works day and night to provide its customers with the best solutions. 

Strong Company Culture

Good communication within the office zone is considered to be formed in a positive organizational culture. When an atmosphere of good communication prevails, employees can develop ways of understanding with others, including the board of directors. They can freely express their new ideas and creative thinking. This open company culture aids in the development of trust among staff and customers.

This trustworthiness, as well as the plethora of unique ideas provided by various personnel, aids the organization in determining the best road to ascend. A poorly structured organizational culture, on the other hand, fails to build an effective communion culture. There is a lack of originality and inventiveness in ideas when there is no unrestricted interaction amongst employees.

Keeping these crucial factors in mind, the management of Horizon Fitness has developed a strong and positive company culture within the office and business. It is quite an undeniable fact that when a company chooses to care for its employees on purpose to help the company grow, it is definitely going to care for its customers even more.

The company’s atmosphere that fosters the health and well-being of its employees impressed us. We can provide two examples to help you better understand. The firm has a staff fitness center and organizes company-wide yoga and fitness sessions in the front yard.

Horizon Fitness Elliptical Reviews

Horizon EX-59 Elliptical — $699 (Best Buy Recommendation)
This is one of the better budget elliptical trainers.  It has a 4.5″ Yellow-Green LCD Display, 18″ stride, and 10 levels of magnetic resistance.

Horizon 7.0AE Elliptical – $999
23 lb. flywheel, 20″ stride, 20 incline levels, 7″ LCD touchscreen

Download the Horizon Elliptical Comparison Chart Here

Horizon Fitness Elliptical Optional Interactive Technology

Passport — Passport lets you simulate running or walking famous landscapes throughout the world. Your Horizon Fitness elliptical trainer can connect to your TV and provides high-definition videos on your television. The videos are synced with speed and intensity of your workout. This feature is designed to take the monotony out of exercising in place. There is an additional cost for the Passport box.

Exclusive App Discounts — Horizon offers something pretty special to their customers known as the Digital Pass. After purchasing an elliptical from Horizon, consumers can enjoy some pretty big savings on top fitness apps that work with your machine like Peleton, Daily Burn, and Studio.

SIXSTAR Certification

1. Ideal Pedal Placement 

Exercising with the help of equipment delivers the maximum result to help you pursue your fitness goals. However, faulty or not-so-ergonomic equipment makes your exercise regimen a bit bizarre by causing bodily injury and pain. So, it becomes tricky to stick to your fitness goal for a long time with an injured physical state. 

In the case of poorly built ellipticals, you can experience hip and back pressure that is not at all healthy. It can lead to hip and back injuries. It generally happens when the padel placement of the ellipticals is poorly done. Horizon ellipticals are well-designed and optimally engineered with an optimal pedal placement initiative. To relieve stress and tension on the hips and back, the pedals are arranged with no space between them. This attribute makes the machine ideal for women to use for exercising due to its unique physique.

Team member Rachael taking a closer look at Horizon Fitness treadmills.

2. Optimal Handlebar Spacing

Ergonomic design planning is important for any kind of fitness machine. This is even more crucial for ellipticals, as the whole body of a user gets in motion while exercising. So, every component of this fitness machine requires special attention to ensure that ergonomic demands are met properly.

If the handlebar spacing is not correct, a user may experience pain after a vigorous session of exercise. The handlebar spacing needs to be optimal to suit both short and tall people. If a tall person gets to exercise with minimal handlebar spacing, it will exert pressure on his or her hands and shoulders, which will lead to muscle soreness.

On the other hand, if a short user has to deal with a wide handlebar space, he or she will not even get to use the handlebars. So, the result of the exercise will not be fruitful. Keeping these crucial factors in mind, Horizon Fitness has come up with an optimal handlebar spacing idea to provide optimal grips within reach and distance to the users.

3. Straight-up Body Posture

When we are exercising on an elliptical, we tend to lean forward, and that keeps us from using the handlebars properly. This also aids in post-workout back pain in users. Once the pain starts to bother you, you start to skip the exercise regimen daily, and your fitness goal plan does not succeed. So, using properly planned and ergonomically designed fitness equipment is as important as your exercise routine.

The ergonomic design on Horizon ellipticals improves comfort by keeping your body upright. We have discovered that when we use a front-drive elliptical, we invariably bend forward to reach the handlebars. That is why we frequently skip the bars and instead imitate running.

4. Long, Natural Elliptical Stride

Optimal stride length is critical for ensuring not only progress is in your fitness journey, but also maximum physical safety. The only factor that can accurately determine an individual’s ideal stride length is his or her height.

Horizon ellipticals have long and natural strides. They help to minimize user fatigue by mimicking a natural and organic movement motion.

5. Low Pedal Placement

Pedals placed low to the ground are easier to step on and off.

6. Smoother Momentum

The large drive pulley ratio creates a smoother and more efficient motion.

Horizon Fitness Ellipticals

The new generation of SIXSTAR Certification Horizon ellipticals are a vast improvement over their previous generation of crosstrainers. The new elliptical machines appear more stable, durable and provide a more natural elliptical stride.

Horizon EX-59

Our team has its own opinion stating the pros and cons of using the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer. However, it is also important to know about customers’ reviews of the same product. Customer feedback is even more vital to know because they use the products for several days and then review them. This helps us to understand the product’s potential from a practical perspective. 

The EX-59 garnered overwhelmingly good reviews on Amazon.

“As if you were running on air.”

Consumer Magazine Feedback

In addition, a well-known consumer journal gave the Horizon EX-59 elliptical trainer high marks. For ergonomics, usability, workout range, the convenience of use, and craftsmanship, they gave it a “Very Good” assessment.

The Horizon Fitness EX-59 is one of your finest options if your budget is about $700.

Horizon 7.0 AE

The 7.0 AE delivers the same high standards of performance and quality, the convenience of use, and the low-maintenance that we have grown to expect from the manufacturer, Horizon. Looking at the specifications and functionalities of the 7.0 AE, one would predict a significantly higher price. The 7.0 AE elliptical boasts features like:

• A 23-pound flywheel
• 20-inch stride
• 20 levels of the slope
• 7-inch LCD touchpad
• Bluetooth
• 325 lb. weight limit

Horizon Fitness Ellipticals – Our Opinions/Overall Review

Overall, Horizon Fitness has made some significant improvements to their line-up in the last few years, and offers some of the best values in their price range.  See a complete comparison chart of all Horizon Ellipticals here.

Go to Horizon Fitness to learn more!

Sold Through Wal-Mart

Gold’s Gym is another famous fitness brand, though you may know them more popularly because of their multiple gym clubs. They are not a well-known equipment manufacturer, primarily because Icon Fitness manufactures all of the equipment sold under the name of Gold’s Gym. Icon Fitness has an excellent reputation in the fitness industry since it also builds gym equipment for NordicTrack, ProForm, Weslo, etc. They are renowned for their superior quality ellipticals. 

In the case of Gold’s Gym, Icon bought the right to use their name for their fitness equipment and then decided to sell it through Walmart. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that Gold’s Gym does not have any relationship with the production of this equipment. This system isn’t new; even popular companies like Reebok have also been engaged in similar contracts.

Things You Should Know About Gold’s Gym Ellipticals

Before purchasing a Gold’s Gym elliptical, here are a few factors you should keep in mind:

Research and Development

Research and development play a major role in manufacturing a piece of gym equipment as people use it daily, and it is essential to get all the features right. Icon Fitness is known for conducting good research before manufacturing its products. However, if Gold’s Gym funded these activities, the results would have been much better as they have the capital to do so.

 Also, most of the Gold’s Gym ellipticals are from NordicTrack and ProForm, which are rebranded as Gold’s Gym. This reflects that not much effort has been put into manufacturing and producing Gold’s Gym ellipticals. Therefore, there is a lack of trust in co-relating the brand with proper research and development. 

Parts

 When you buy a piece of fitness equipment for your gym or your home, you look at the manufacturing of parts. Some of the best elliptical manufacturing companies design all of their parts in-house, which acts as a promise of quality. This process is called vertical integration and is an important feature that defines the quality of the final equipment.

Like some fitness companies out there, Gold’s Gym ellipticals purchase all of their parts from third-party companies, which are then brought together and built into a piece of equipment by Icon Fitness. Therefore, buying a warranty plan for Gold’s Gym ellipticals is tricky. All the parts are sourced from different companies, and they have varying manufacturing dates, which creates complications when getting a warranty plan for your machine.

You can choose those companies that employ vertical integration if you want to have uniformity in the parts of the ellipticals. Two great options are NordicTrack or ProForm ellipticals as all of their components are manufactured by their parent company and then joined together to build the final equipment.

Also, the consumers have received several complaints regarding the parts of the Gold’s Gym ellipticals as they are cheap and do not have the best quality. These parts can cause a lot of trouble, and there is a high possibility that you may incur costly repairs a few years down the line. 

Customer Service

Customer service is that feature that sets a company apart from its competitors as it increases trust in the consumer. A company will fail to survive without proper customer service. Companies invest in onboarding people who can represent the company in answering any question that a customer may have.

The customer service of Gold’s Gym fitness equipment is quite tricky to understand. You will always be confused about the correct person or company to contact. Since Gold’s Gym fitness club isn’t connected to Gold’s Gym equipment, you will have to reach the company that manufactures the ellipticals, which is a challenge. 

It would be best to reach out to either Walmart or Icon Fitness. You may have to go back and forth between the two parties, which could cause you to become frustrated and ultimately give up the equipment. 

Durability

Durability is another essential factor to consider if you are buying a piece of fitness equipment. You want your equipment to be rock solid and sturdy to have the best workout experience. It is important that the equipment is heavy enough to stay in place while you are exercising so that you don’t fall and hurt yourself. 

There have been many complaints about the Gold’s Gym Elliptical regarding its durability. It is not sturdy enough, and hence there is a high chance that the machine will shake or tremble when you use it. Also, this machine is pretty lightweight, and therefore, using it is a big challenge. 

Gold’s Gym ellipticals are also made out of cheap components, so the machines do not last as long as they are expected to. 

Golds Gym Ellipticals vs. Other Elliptical Brands by Icon Fitness

As you already know, Gold’s Gym Ellipticals are nothing but ellipticals manufactured by other companies and then rebranded as ‘Gold’s Gym‘. Therefore, it is important to consider whether you should go for a Gold’s Gym elliptical or buy ellipticals from other popular companies like NordicTrack or Weslo.

 The quality of Weslo ellipticals isn’t up to the mark. They will not be an excellent alternative for Gold’s Gym ellipticals as they are made of cheap and non-durable parts, and the machines are pretty lightweight. This is one of the primary reasons they come with a 90-day warranty period, which is negligible in the fitness equipment industry.

However, if you consider the models from a bit superior brands, like the ProForm or NordicTrack, it is the right way to go. They are almost equally priced, but you will buy directly from the company, which will help build trust, and you will know who to reach out to in case of concerns.

If you wish to buy a Gold’s Gym elliptical, it will help if you do so from the nearest Walmart store. You can go to the store and buy the elliptical, and they will offer you free delivery. However, if you order online, you will have to pay a delivery charge of around $50 to $70. Therefore, you should only go with Gold’s Gym ellipticals if you have the time to go to the store and pick one for your home or are willing to pay a high delivery fee.

Gold’s Gym Ellipticals Product Review

Golds Gym Stride Trainer 380 Elliptical 

According to the trials and reviews we have received, the Gold’s Gym elliptical is not worth the price. The stride length is quite restraining, and it is pretty difficult for someone to work out on these ellipticals if they are taller than 5′. Also, the elliptical is relatively lightweight as its ways around 100 lbs which is not ideal for fitness equipment. 

Another problem with the 380 elliptical is that the components used in making the elliptical are pretty cheap, and it ends up giving you a substandard workout. Also, the warranty coverage of the entire equipment is not comparable to others in the industry.

Review: Reasons Why You Should Not Buy Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 380 Elliptical

While the price might be a profitable factor for you to buy the Golds Gym ellipticals, there are several reasons why they are not a good buy. Some of these reasons are:

• Small Stride Length: The stride length of these ellipticals is 14 inches which are quite small and restraining. This might work for someone who has a height under 5 feet, but the workout can be a little messy for someone taller. The motion will be oval and not elliptical, which is not a good workout. As per industry standards, a 20-inch stride is ideal as it accommodates people of varying heights.
• Lightweight: A good elliptical needs to be heavy and rock-solid to bear the weight of the user. However, Gold’s Gym ellipticals are pretty light as they are believed to weigh around 100 lbs. The weight of an average user who uses an elliptical is 250 lbs, and a machine that weighs 100 lbs will not be able to stabilize the weight of the user. It is almost impossible for the machine to remain stable while someone works out using it. Therefore, it is ideal to buy an elliptical that weighs around the user’s weight.
• Cheap Components: What makes an elliptical great is the parts that are used to make it. Golds Gym is not directly responsible for producing these ellipticals, and hence not a lot of money is spent on the engineering of the parts. Therefore, the compiled machine is of a substandard quality which does not provide a good workout experience to the users. Also, the elliptical motion of the machine gets disrupted, which is not a sign of a good machine.
• Short Warranty Coverage: The low warranty period confirms that even the manufacturer is unsure about the machine’s warranty. A 90-day warranty does not provide assurance that the parts will be repaired or replaced. It would be better to throw the machine away if it needs any major repair as none of the repairs are covered under warranty.

The other models like the Maxx GameFit Elliptical have features like video games that you can play during the workouts, and you can consider some of their high-end models as they are not that bad. The Stride Elliptical Trainer 500 has an adjustable incline ramp, but it has not received good reviews on Walmart from the people who have bought it. Some of their models are comparable to models of ProForm and NordicTrack and that is because a similar technology is used to make all of these machines.

An Overall Review

The price is the main reason why you should consider the Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 380 Elliptical Trainer. On the other hand, the lack of quality can deter utilizing it regularly, primarily if you’re used to the high-quality machines at your local gym.

There are a lot of favorable customer ratings; however, as you reach into this pricing bracket, you’re more likely to have service troubles. Our suggestion is to start with the Stride Trainer 380, however, compare it to other, more expensive equipment to see if it meets your requirements. You want an elliptical that you’ll use that won’t break down due to mechanical problems. You can go with either an elliptical by ProForm or NordicTrack if you are looking for a good elliptical at reasonable prices.

Quality German Engineering

Kettler Elliptical trainers are made by a German company that also makes exercise bikes, toys and patio furniture. All of their products are quality built, which is typical of German engineering. Although Kettler is well-known in Europe, their fitness equipment has limited distribution in the US.

It is easy for me to review the Kettler elliptical trainers, since I worked for a company that private labeled one of their models. And I must say it was a well built machine. Besides being solid and durable, it was relatively problem free, which is important. You don’t want to mess with getting fitness equipment repaired.

For those that have been researching online for an elliptical trainer, you may have come across the Smooth CE, which has been Smooth’s largest selling elliptical trainer for a number of years. Recently they have been getting their ellipticals built in Taiwan (CE 2.1, EVO Rev 400 and the CE 7.4).

I have personally tested the CE and it has two important features going for it. First, the 48 lb. flywheel. There is no erratic or jerky motion with this machine. You will particularly notice when you stop exercising and the elliptical actually slows done, rather than immediately stopping. Second, the Kettler elliptical trainers take up a very small footprint. For example, the Kettler Ergometer XTR2 Crosstrainer is 57″ x 22.5″. Compare that to some other brands. With the case of Kettler, less is more.

Fitness Source Review – Kettler Elliptical Trainers

Having seen first hand how reliable the Kettler Elliptical Trainers overall this machine offers a good value. They are not only built to last, but have some of the smoothest elliptical motion in the $1,000 – $2,000 price range. We do recommend that if you want heart rate control, you buy the extra wireless chest option. You really don’t want to use the ear clip. That is a ridiculous way to measure your heart rate.

We find that the console and display have something to be desired. Many companies have made vast improvements in displaying feedback information. The Kettler consoles are small and the displays are basic.

Also, in our review of Kettler we find the stride a bit small if you are over 6′ tall. We would recommend you try one out first before you buy. You can find dealers at http://www.kettlerusa.com/page119.html.

The warranty is reasonable at this price range with 3 year on parts and electronics and 1 year on labor.

For Kettler Fitness Equipment in the UK click here.

“Best Buy” from a Leading Consumer Magazine

It is hard keeping up with all the different elliptical trainer brands, and since I am one individual I have to be selective in determining which models to review. However, when a leading consumer magazine gives a “Best Buy” I take notice and offer my feedback.

I journeyed to the big city, Raleigh, and checked out several LifeCore ellipticals at U.S. Fitness Products. Clint Arms, the general manager was very accommodating in discussing the features of the LifeCore elliptical trainers.

Note: You can purchase the other at LifeCore Ellipticals direct at the Lifecore Store, all prices include free shipping.

LifeCore fitness initially offered some very impressive compact rear drive elliptical trainers, now they are expanding their line-up with equally impressive center drive machines that are light commercial grade.Their ellipticals do not include a lot of bells and whistles. What you get are some of the best crosstrainers built in their price range.

LifeCore LC985VG

The LifeCore LC985VG Elliptical Trainer is what put LifeCore on the radar. It received a “Best Buy” rating from a leading consumer magazoine whose name I cannot mention. As a “Cnsumer” can you guess?

The LC985VG has adjustable foot pedals where you can shorten or lengthen your stride. This feature allows you to adjust the pedals to your exact comfort level.In addition, all the pivotal joints use sealed bearings rather than bushings, which reduce wear and tear and potential mechanical problems.

An indication of the quality of this very reasonably priced elliptical is the 5-year parts warranty.

I found the LC985VG to be extremely quiet with a very smooth motion. Part of that can be attributed to the use of bearings in the pivotal joints. My only comment is the suggested user weight. It is rated up to a 300 lbs. user. The LC985VG only weighs 125 lbs. Do the math. Also the stride is 17.5″. I would not recommend this elliptical for tall individuals. Regardless, the LC985VG is a value buy for a compact budget elliptical.

Our Review – LifeCore Elliptical Trainers

The LifeCore center drive ellipticals are heavy duty crosstrainers that provide a superior workout. The models that allow you to adjust the stride add a new dimension to crosstraining.

Their compact LC985VG elliptical is a small machine that feel like a big machine. This is in an entirely different realm from the cheap compact models you find in the mass merchant stores.

When I asked the store manager that sold LifeCore Ellipticals about their service record, his comments were, “They are built rock solid and the company keeps them simple. There have been virtually no service issues.”

If you are looking for a no frills elliptical that focuses on quality and durability, than LifeCore is a definite consideration.

Customer Review

I took a chance a purchased (3) Lifecore 1000z for my training studio. The 985VG felt good also but did not have a commercial warranty. They are GREAT! My clients love them and I love the size. They are “very sturdy” for any elliptical let alone a compact one. I’ve told all of my friends and those who bought are just as happy as I am. I’ve had them for over a year without any problem and alot of use. If you get a

Beyond the Hype:  Top Innovation from a Trusted Brand!

With any type of fitness equipment there is going to be some hype. However, none see to be as hyped than the BowFlex machines. Their commercials run continually and suggest extraordinary results. They show ‘before and after’ photos of select customers, which makes you believe you are going to see miraculous changes.

So if you are considering buying a BowFlex MAX Trainer, it’s important to separate the hype from the actual benefits. Recently, our team visited the Bowflex headquarters in Vancouver, Washington. We got to test out first-hand a lot of their new equipment. There are definite benefits to working out on a BowFlex machines. This is why there are so many positive reviews from customers.

Plus, Bowflex recently added a new elliptical line up with some interesting technology features that you may really enjoy. Read on to learn more.

Check out our Comparison Chart of all Bowflex machines here.

Bowflex MAX Trainers

The MAX Trainers combine the motion of a stair climber with an elliptical trainer.  There are no moving belts on this machine so it will remind you a lot more of a typical elliptical.  The upright design lets you combine the benefits of its two root machines with High Intensity Interval Trainer (HIIT).

Here are the main benefits of the Max Trainers from Bowflex:

• Combination elliptical trainer and stairclimber.
• Interval training – Transition easily from high to low intensity to maximize your workout.
• Easy to mount/dismount – This machine is easier to step onto than a traditional rear-drive elliptical.
• Compact design – The MAX Trainers have a length of around 46″ so it will save you space over the longer traditional elliptical designs.
• Easy to assembSle – Customers report that it doesn’t take an advanced degree to assemble this machine.
• 3 model options – The MAX Trainers come in model options so you can get the right features for your goals and budget.

Features of Bowflex MAX Trainers

One of the main competition options for the MAX Trainer machines is the HIIT Trainer series from ProForm. Check out our ProForm review to learn more.

Individual Max Trainer Reviews

Max Trainer M6

Max Trainer M9

Max Total 16

Final Thoughts on Bowflex

Bowflex certainly offers some innovative features on their MAX Trainer machines.  With these machines, you will enjoy the lower impact workout, intense cardio capability, and the ability to tone your lower body.

The BowFlex MAX Trainers are popular for two reasons: because of all the hype, and because they get results.  If used regularly with sufficient exertion, you will burn calories and tone your lower body muscles.  Overall, the feedback from customers is various positive, and that alone is a good endorsement.

We appreciate the effort that Bowflex is putting in to provide more options to their loyal customers.

To learn more, shop directly on Bowflex.com.

A Strong Reputation for Quality

I recently had the opportunity to test out the new Spirit elliptical trainers at Superior Fitness Systems in Cary, NC. Spirit is best known for creating the concept of wireless heart rate control. They have been in the treadmill business for a number of years, and until recently were building their machines in Arkansas.

I actually had dinner with the founder of the company. He sold out about three years ago to Dyaco International. In the process their treadmills went from being rather boring to extremely stylish. They entered the elliptical business about two years ago.

As with most American fitness equipment companies that transferred their manufacturing to China, the first generation of products had problems. Those issues have been worked out, and now Spirit is once again making quality treadmills and elliptical trainers.

Like so many other fitness companies, Spirit is relatively new to the elliptical trainer business. But they have a reputation for building solid and durable treadmills, and those design techniques appear to be applied to the construction of their ellipticals.

I had just come from Dick’s Sporting Goods, where I tested a Sole Elliptical Trainer. It was difficult to tell the difference between the two brands. And since they are both built by Dyaco, it is obvious that they are basically the same machines being sold to different retail segments. You’ll find Sole at large sporting goods merchants, while Spirit ellipticals are sold through the fitness specialty store. You will get a better deal at the larger sporting stores, while the fitness stores have more knowledgeable employees.

I asked the salesperson about the Spirit Ellipticals. He mentioned that the Spirit appealed to the shopper who wanted quality, but couldn’t afford the big ticket price of the Precor (They had 6 Precor models.) I asked about the service record. He said that with the first few machines that came in there was some minor squeaking that was easily fixed. Since then they were relatively problem free.

Fitness Source Spirit Elliptical Trainer Review

I tested both the Spirit XE295 and the Spirit XE400. Each had a very smooth elliptical motion and was very quiet. They appear to use a heavy flywheel, that was apparent when you stopped the machine and gradually slowed down. The XE400 has a foot pedal angle adjustment feature. You have the ability to angle the pedal up about 5 degrees. The logic behind this design is that not everyone walks the same, and some tend to walk with an inward slope.

Like the Sole elliptical, the Spirit has a 20″ stride length, which makes the elliptical motion very comfortable. I can’t imagine how some companies sell 14″ or 16″ strides, and then suggest they can accommodate people over 6′ tall. The Spirit and Sole ellipticals utilize four wheels, rather than two, on the rear rails. These are the wheels that ride back and forth with the elliptical motion. You can tell the difference. It provides for a very stable feel, and reduces side to side foot pedal motion. This is a feature generally found on more expensive models.

Overall, I would say that the Spirit ellipticals are a good value, as are Sole. One difference is in the warranty. On most models Spirits has a 10 year parts and 1 year labor warranty. The parts coverage is very generous. Sole offers a 5 year parts and 2 year labor warranty, and the 2-years service coverage is also generous.

So which should you buy? If you are going to buy online I would purchase a Sole elliptical from their site. They have good prices that include shipping, and best of all you save on taxes. If you are going to buy locally you may want to purchase a Spirit from a fitness specialty store. You get their expertise and they will give you personal attention. But check out the local Dick’s and compare prices.

Also See:

Spirit XE195 Elliptical Review

Spirit XE295 Elliptical Review

Spirit XE400 Elliptical Review

Spirit XE500 Elliptical Review

Spirit XE700 Elliptical Review

A Spirit Elliptical Trainer offers you an excellent cardio workout. In addition to the physical benefits to exercise, there are mental benefits as well. Follow the link to learn more.

Exercising regularly is proven to benefit your mental well-being as well as your physcial.

Be Cautious with this Company…

Yowza was a small company located in Florida that used to be at the top of our recommendation lists.  However, lately, we’ve noticed some troubling things from Yowza.  It seems like the company wasn’t what it used to be and we no longer felt confident in recommending their products.  Now, it seems, they’ve gone completely OUT OF BUSINESS.  You’d be better off going with a more stable brand like NordicTrack, ProForm, Sole, or Bowflex.

The Yowza Elliptical was manufactured in Taiwan, which is a very important factor as it’s where most high-end elliptical trainers are now built. Practically all fitness equipment is now built overseas, primarily in China and Taiwan. However, there tends to be a real difference between the quality control of the two locations.

Yowza Elliptical Reviews

Select Yowza Ellipticals were fitted with the Cardio Core Training which specifically targets, strengthens and trims your stomach muscles. Pick a model below with the to be sure you get a full body work out

Yowza Miami – $2,799
Included Features: Cardio Core Training, Variable Motion, Bluetooth & Intelligent Weight Management

Yowza Navarre Elite  – $2,599
Included Features: This is a Hybrid Exercise Bike & Elliptical w/ Intelligent Weight Management and Cardio SureTraining

Yowza Jupiter Plus– $1,299
Included Features: Surefit pedals, Variable Incline, Cardio Sure

Yowza Sanibel – $1,699
Included Features: Cardio Core Training

Yowza Pompano $949
Included Features: Cardio Core Training

Yowza Jupiter Pilot – $999
This machine has a 18″-22″ Stride

Yowza Captiva – $1,899
Included Features: Cardio Core Training & Variable Motion

Yowza Naples Plus – $2,399
This is a Hybrid Exercise Bike & Elliptical

Yowza Naples Elite – $2,599
This is a Hybrid Exercise Bike & Elliptical w/ Intelligent Weight Management

Download the Yowza Elliptical Comparison Chart Here

Learn about the patented Cardio Core Training and the Variable Stride technology.

Cardio Core Training

What has really distinguished a Yowza Elliptical from the competition is their innovative Cardio Core technology. They refer to it as a counter rotational core motion. Unlike the usual upper body handlebars that go back and forth with the elliptical motion, you have a two T-shape handlebars that swing left and right with the pedal motion. This simulates a twisting motion as you work out and seriously targets your stomach muscles.

Most elliptical trainer manufacturers claim their machines work both the upper and lower body. This is just NOT true. The majority of the resistance is absorbed by the lower body, while the upper body goes along for the ride.

With the Cardio Core design the motion is similar to doing stomach crunches on the ground. You really feel it in your abs.

This is one one of the only ellipticals available that actually works your upper and lower body. AND it’s the only crosstrainer that specifically targets, strengthens and trims your stomach muscles!

When I first used the Cardio Core feature it felt a bit awkward, since I’m used to the typical dual handlebar motion. However, after awhile I got into the swing of the counter rotational motion and found my rhythm. Now, if I owned one of these machines, I probably would alternate between using the Cardio Core handlebars and using the stationary handlebars. I’m not sure you can maintain the Cardio Core handlebars for extended periods unless you look like the model on their site!

Over the last couple of years the ellipticals with the Cardio Core Training has been their hottest selling items. In fact, Joe Alter, President of Yowza recently said they’ve sold around 10,000 units with Cardio Core and that they make up about 95% of their sales.

Considering you cannot go to a local store and try out these ellipticals, I asked if there have been any people that were dissatisfied with the Cardio Core feature. Since it’s such a different motion than people are used to. Joe mentioned that customers have been overwhelmingly positive about this new technology. You can find the Cardio Core training on the following models:

• Yowza Miami
• Yowza Islamorada
• Yowza Captiva
• Yowza Sanibel
• Yowza Pompano

Variable Motion

With the Variable Motion feature you have 12 different motions that start at 18″, and depending on the model, increase up to 32″. As you move up the levels of motion you go from a standard elliptical stride to a motion that forces you to raise your legs. There are a number of benefits to the Variable Motion:

1. The higher the level the more intense of a cardio workout you get.
2. It breaks-up the repetitive motion you typically get reducing strain on joints.
3. It allows you to target different lower body muscles.
4. It accommodates users of different size and height.
5. It capitalizes on the muscle confusion theory. Changing the shape and intensity of the motion helps to prevent your body from getting acclimated to any one particular motion.

You can find the Variable Motion feature on the following models:

• Yowza Miami
• Yowza Islamorada
• Yowza Captiva

Other Features

Rear Drive Design — There is a controversy over which is a better design – front or rear.  The advantage to the rear drive design is that there are less moving parts.  One of the disadvantages of a front design is that the pedals run on wheels over railings.  The wheels can wear and the railings can rust resulting in obnoxious noises.  I lubricate my front drive elliptical regularly.

Sure Fit Pedals — The Yowza Elliptical has a unique sure fit pedal design, which not only pivots with the motion, but it has a rubber shock absorption to minimize the impact. This is a really great pedal!

Built-in Fan — The fans are directed at your core where they can do the most good.

Speakers and either iPod Docking Station or BlueTooth — Speakers with MP3 input is becoming standard on elliptical trainers, although many manufacturers use very cheap components and drivers. Joe Alter made it a point to tell me that they installed quality products in their sound system. The Yowza Miami utilizes Bluetooth 4.0.

Sealed Bearings — The Yowza elliptical has a sealed bearing at the pivotal points. There are no bushings, which are more likely to wear out.

Sold Factory Direct — I know, countless manufacturers claim to sell factory direct and they do.  The problem is they also sell through third parties, like large sporting goods chains or fitness specialty stores. Consequently, they cannot undersell their retailers. And the retailers have to set a price that covers the cost of the machine, their overhead and provides a profit. Yowza is a pure play factory direct seller. They only sell through the Internet and directly to the end user.

New! Hybrid Exercise Bike and Elliptical Trainer — For those that have trouble standing while exercising or struggle with an elliptical, Yowza developed the Naples. This machine allows you to site and still get an intense workout and includes the cardio training. See our complete review.

Our Review of the Yowza Elliptical

Back when I went out to see the new line-up of Yowza ellipticals, I was expecting to see your typical run of the mill machines. However, what I saw was a series of ellipticals that were as good, and often better in quality than the competition. More importantly, I saw innovative features that were very exciting and appealing.

In the four years that Yowza Fitness has been selling ellipticals, their products have had a very impressive service record. While their models with the Cardio Core Training have proven to be very successful and popular with their customers.

However, recent issues with the company make us question the service you’ll receive from Yowza now-a-days.  You would be better off going a more stable brand like NordicTrack, ProForm, Sole, or Bowflex.