Vision Fitness Ellipticals are by the same company that makes Horizon and Matrix Fitness. The company that makes it is Johnson Fitness, a long-time player in the market of fitness equipment. Originally Johnson Health Tech., it includes various fitness and wellness brands with multiple sales channels and retail stores. Vision Fitness was one of the first brands to offer suspension ellipticals. They have years of experience under their belt and are a reputable brand. Our team headed to the Vision Fitness headquarters in Cottage Grove, WI to check out their popular elliptical trainers.
The basic features of Vision Fitness Ellipticals are as follows:
All the Vision Fitness Ellipticals offered now come with the suspension design, which seems to be their main feature and offers smoother motion. The main models now available are the S7100 HRT Suspension Elliptical, the S700E Ascent Trainer, and the S60 Suspension Elliptical.
The S7100 HRT Suspension Elliptical is designed for comfort. It comes with PerfectStride technology which brings together an optimum stride motion and a variable stride length. It allows for variable stride motion which is useful because you can adjust it to target different muscles when working out. We found that its features allowed for a natural workout feel without artificial restraint. Its features include:
Some of its features include:
The S60 Suspension Elliptical is self-powered and can support a user weight of up to 400 pounds. It has a lifetime frame warranty, 7 years warranty for parts, and 2 years for labor. This elliptical is supposed to be more accessible than the others. However, rather than being more accessible, it seems to just offer fewer features than the other models without making things less expensive. For example, it doesn’t have an adjustable stride length.
Some of its features are:
Investing in fitness equipment is not just about the product. Once you buy the product, you realize how helpful it is to have a brand ethic that is supportive and helpful. In case of any troubleshooting or maintenance needs, or if you find any problems in your machine, you will want to have available customer support and accessible maintenance. Vision Fitness has good customer service. As a whole, Vision Fitness as a brand has certain features that we found to be worth mentioning.
We visited different fitness equipment stores and spoke to the sales representatives and general managers to get a better idea about the products. The general feedback we got was positive in the sense that the machines are low maintenance.
However, apart from these positive brand attributes, the actual machines were quite disappointing on the whole. We were expecting better from this brand. While Vision Fitness has a longstanding brand reputation, it does not seem to be living up to that reputation in terms of the actual features of its machines and the pricing they come with.
While there seemed to be a lot of advanced features, they were pretty much just more complicated versions of basic features that you find on most fitness machines. They seemed to make the process more cumbersome in just figuring out what is what. For example, having 3 LED windows or having the option to stream entertainment are features that don’t really up the quality or the overall fitness experience while you workout. They also increase the price and make you pay more for all those features.
Even the supposedly more accessible model that is the S60 suspension model just seems to have fewer features while continuing to be expensive. We would have liked to have found a model that offered the important features without all the extras and allowed the user to focus on their exercise without having to focus so much on the elliptical.
We found that Vision Fitness as a brand has positive indicators like good customer support and vertical integration. In terms of their machines, the suspension ellipticals are what they are known for. As of the present, most of their models are suspension ellipticals. We found that the suspension ellipticals make for a quiet workout and in this way bring about a smoother experience. They also have some good features like an adjustable stride and a decent flywheel.
Vision Fitness used to offer commercial ellipticals as well as ellipticals for home and residential use. However, the website now shows only the regular use ellipticals and no commercial ones. Other models might still be selling on e-retail platforms.
Some of the features we liked when we tried out their machines were the adjustable strides and the suspension ellipticals. The warranties were also decent and the machines seemed reasonably durable, though not as solid as more quality brands.
Apart from these features, we found that there were not many features that made their machines stand out to us, as compared to other fitness brands that offer many useful features along with quality and durability. We also found that some of the models had a lot of extra features that were complex but not always very useful. If you want certain good features, you have to buy a complex model and pay a lot for extra features like entertainment.
The models are pricey and don’t seem to offer you your money’s worth. It would have been good if they had different kinds of models – some more advanced and some more basic with more accessible features.
If you are looking for better features along with quality and durability, you could consider Horizon Fitness. It’s a great brand that comes with a reliable reputation. Like Vision Fitness Ellipticals, Horizon Fitness makes its own components for its ellipticals. This vertical integration of Horizon’s manufacturing process is helpful in terms of maintenance and troubleshooting in case there is a problem with the machine functioning or any of its parts.
Horizon ellipticals are professionally engineered and designed for suitable body positioning. The pedals are spaced apart in such a way that they minimize stress on the hips and back. Horizon also provides a Digital Pass which allows you to save a lot of money on fitness applications like Peleton, Daily Burn, and Studio. These applications are all integrated with Horizon ellipticals.
The machines offer space for taller people too – they have long and comfortable strides. Working out on these machines feels like you are running or brisk walking because the strides are more natural and less restrictive.
What’s more, Horizon also offers reasonably priced models that don’t compromise on quality and comfort. Its best-selling model is the Ex-59 Elliptical, which seems to be doing really well. It’s affordable without making you give up on good features. The thing about this model is that it is simple to use because of its intuitive controls.
Yet, it’s also got solid components and a durable make. These machines are built to last. They also have convenient additions like a holder for your device, a USB port, and a Bluetooth connection. They’ve got some great warranties that will keep you covered for the long run.
Vision Fitness Ellipticals offer some good features like suspension ellipticals that make for a smoother experience. It’s also nice that these machines don’t make too much noise and allow for a more silent workout. They also have some good features like an adjustable stride and a decent flywheel. They also have some good customer service which is always a plus point. When buying the product, you may not realize it but once you start using it, you will see how important it is to have available customer support.
However, the features don’t really make them stand out when compared to other brands that offer better features for lower prices, like Horizon Fitness. The machines are expensive without offering models that are less expensive and fancy and more accessible.
There are better options that are budget-friendly like Horizon. These brands also offer great warranty protection that is worth paying for so that you safeguard your money and peace of mind.
Using fitness equipment to exercise helps you get into the zone and up your workout game. We cannot underestimate the importance of supportive fitness equipment that makes the workout experience more accessible and convenient. That’s why it’s so important to have equipment that supports you and provides a steady and stable experience while you push yourself to do your best.
In the hectic lives, we live these days, it’s a feat to just get down to doing that workout and making the time for it regularly. You don’t want to make that even harder for yourself by making the workout experience cumbersome and complicated. You want an experience that rewards you for the effort and energy that you are putting in without demanding more effort from you in just figuring it out and getting started.
To keep up your fitness, you need to find ways to make yourself exercise more regularly. A great way to do this is to get the right fitness equipment. It needs to be the kind of equipment that makes the process of working out comfortable but is also inviting and accessible. The more difficult it seems, the less likely you are to go ahead and do that workout. Horizon ellipticals are easy to get started and this makes you want to work out when you see the machines.
Horizon Fitness offers an affordable, comfortable and intuitive model that is a reliable option, irrespective of where you are on your fitness journey. It’s a much better value for your money as compared to the Vision Fitness Ellipticals. If you are looking to make a sensible buy that will not give you cause for regret, it’s worth considering the Horizon Fitness ellipticals.
The pandemic brought us face-to-face with our lifestyles and physical and mental health. Many of us realize that we cannot afford to ignore our fitness anymore. We have also discovered that at-home workouts are a convenient and efficient way to get in our daily dose of fitness. Anyone looking for budget-friendly ellipticals has probably come across the Weslo elliptical. These machines are designed for budget-conscious people and recommended for those just starting out on their fitness journey. They have the bare minimum that you could expect from an elliptical.
While this sounds good on paper, if you actually use a Weslo elliptical regularly, you might not be so sure about the whole budget argument anymore. The budget factor makes sense up to a point. After that, you have to question what you are looking for and what you are willing to give up on for a cheaper option.
We checked out the Weslo ellipticals to see what these budget machines have to offer and found that their quality corresponds with their relatively lower price. Given the limited features and the minimal warranty, Weslo may not be your best option. If you are dead-set on paying the least that you can or are looking for a short-term machine, you could consider Weslo ellipticals. Otherwise, budget options from quality brands offer you good features and a comfortable experience.
The basic features of Weslo ellipticals are as follows:
Weslo ellipticals have a lightweight construction, so they can be shaky and unstable when you use them. They are cheaply made, and this reflects in the quality of the parts, as they tend to wear down faster and don’t have the durability or solidity of the better quality makes. Working out on these machines is not a smooth experience.
The machine seems awkward, and it tends to rock a little. You may even feel doubtful about its ability to support your weight. It’s not a supportive option, especially for heavier or taller users. It has a maximum of 250 pounds, and the stride is suited for shorter people. They are also noisier than other quality machines and are more prone to breaking down over time. The handlebars, too, are not very comfortable to grip for long.
Weslo elliptical offers rear-drive elliptical trainers. Their most available model is the Weslo Momentum G 3.2. Their elliptical trainers have a shorter stride of 12″ and should be able to withstand a weight of up to 250 pounds. Their machines have a 90-day warranty on parts. The consoles are basic and do not compare with those of more quality elliptical trainers. The models have small LCD screens with basic workout details and Easy Pulse heart rate monitoring. They come with transport wheels, which help in moving them.
Most of the Weslo models don’t seem to be available anymore. While their website doesn’t seem to be displaying any Weslo models, e-retailers are still selling some of them.
Weslo elliptical trainers are not built well and are made with low-quality parts. They wear out soon with regular use. The machines lack basic amenities for comfort, like a cooling fan and a holder for a water bottle. The console is limited and does not have any audio or entertainment. There is a minimal warranty of just 90 days on parts and labor.
Even if you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, it makes sense to pay attention to the quality of the machine you will be using. Using unsteady and poorly built equipment is not a great idea as a fitness beginner because you are still finding your groove and you risk straining your body. You also want the fitness experience to be more comfortable because you are just starting to develop the habit of fitness.
Many of us are keen to develop fitness as a lifestyle habit these days. Yet, despite the increased awareness, so many of us find it challenging to do so. What prevents us from developing fitness as a regular lifestyle habit and exercising every day? It’s not just about motivation. On an everyday level, what makes the difference is how the experience of working out feels or how much it appeals to us at that moment. To encourage yourself to get up and get that workout done, you need to ensure that the workout experience is something that you look forward to and enjoy. It needs to feel like a comfortable and supportive experience so that when you look at your elliptical trainer, you really want to work out. As a beginner, when you’re just starting, you’re all the more likely to lose motivation or get discouraged if working out is not convenient or if your fitness equipment is not comfortable.
However, at the end of the day, these budget models are on the market for a reason. If cost is simply too much of an issue and you cannot afford to think about other factors, you would do well to consider getting a Weslo elliptical. They are also an option to consider if you are at a stage where you cannot make any long-term commitments to regular workouts on an elliptical and are only prepared for a short-term commitment to working out on the same.
If you will be traveling or staying somewhere for a brief period and are determined to work out in that time, you could go for the Weslo. Otherwise, there are better options for a budget-conscious consumer that don’t make you compromise on the essential factors.
Weslo ellipticals are built by Icon Fitness, which is also the maker of NordicTrack and ProForm. NordicTrack and ProForm offer budget-friendly machines that have more durable components and construction. They have great deals and offer you a much better value for your money. What’s more, both the brands offer free shipping.
Although they might not be as cheap as Weslo, they offer warranties that are much better than the 90-day warranty offered for Weslo ellipticals. These warranties safeguard your money in the long run and vouch for the machine’s quality.
NordicTrack offers a Studio Elliptical amongst its budget options. This is a front-drive elliptical which comes with some really cool features. These include:
ProForm budget models include the ProForm Hybrid Trainer, which has a 2-in-1 design of a bike and an elliptical, allowing you to transition between the two modes.
These models offer you comfort, durability, and quality features within a more affordable price range.
If you want a great, reliable option and a safe bet, consider Horizon Fitness. Horizon Fitness makes its own parts and components for its ellipticals. There are not many fitness brands that do this. This vertical integration of Horizon’s manufacturing process is helpful in terms of maintenance and troubleshooting in case there is a problem with the machine functioning or any of its parts.
Horizon also provides a Digital Pass that allows you to save a lot of money on fitness applications like Peleton, Daily Burn, and Studio, all integrated with Horizon ellipticals.
Horizon ellipticals are suitable for taller people, too – they have long and comfortable strides. Since the strides are more natural and less constricting, using these machines makes you feel like you are actually running or brisk walking.
Using fitness equipment to exercise helps you get into the zone and embrace your inner fitness enthusiast. However, poor quality equipment can make exercising feel inconvenient and clumsy. Especially if you are just starting, it is a risky idea to use poor quality equipment because you are all the more prone to injuring or straining yourself. That’s why it’s so important to have equipment that supports you and provides a steady and stable experience while you push yourself to do your best. Using a poorly constructed elliptical can give you hip and back strain that can be detrimental over time.
Horizon ellipticals are professionally engineered and designed for optimal body positioning. The pedals are positioned to reduce stress on the hips and back.
It offers a great budget model that doesn’t compromise on quality – the Ex-59 Elliptical. Despite being a low price model, it’s the best selling model. It has simple, intuitive controls and reliable components.
Its features include:
There are better options that are still budget-friendly. NordicTrack and ProForm have great durable models with a reasonably lower cost. Although you may have to pay a little more, it’s worth it in the long run because these machines are built to last. There’s no point in trying to save a few hundred dollars and then having to shell out much more when your machine breaks down. These brands also offer better warranty protection, which is worth paying for to safeguard your money and peace of mind. Weslo elliptical trainers come with a 90-day warranty for parts and labor. Should it stop functioning after 90-days, your money is down the drain.
What’s more, these quality alternatives also ensure that you don’t give up on comfort. In our hectic lives these days, it’s a feat to just get down to doing that workout and regularly making the time for it. You don’t want to make that even harder for yourself by making the workout experience uncomfortable. You want an experience that rewards you for the effort and energy that you are putting in.
However, if cost is a deal-breaker for you, then Weslo ellipticals might still be well worth your consideration.
Fitness is a long-term commitment. But there are scenarios where you may find that you are only ready for a short-term commitment, and you are not sure if you can go beyond. In such cases, you can go for the cheaper budget models like Weslo ellipticals.
Horizon Fitness offers an affordable, comfortable and intuitive model that is a reliable option, irrespective of where you are on your fitness journey. It’s a much better value for your money, and the price difference between the Ex-59 model and the Weslo models is not much. If you are looking to make a sensible buy that will not give you cause for regret, it’s worth considering the Horizon Fitness budget models.
The resistance mechanism and settings of an elliptical trainer is very important in achieving your fitness goals. Treadmills use speed and incline to control the intensity of your workout. Elliptical trainers utilize resistance and the force required to move the foot pedals and the upper handle bars. This resistance is applied against certain muscle groups in both your upper and lower body. It causes you body to expend energy which results in burning calories and to some extend, building muscle mass.
You want an elliptical whose settings vary enough that it can handle a range of exercises from very easy to strenuous. This is particularly important if there are multiple users at different levels of fitness. You also want a machine that offers a range of resistance in small increments, so when you go from one level to the other there is not a very noticeable difference.
Elliptical trainer have many of the same types of programs that are utilized in treadmills, like hill training, cardio workout, fat burn, etc. For example, with a hill training program the level or resistance will vary from easy to hard, as if you were walking or running up and down hills. With heart rate control the resistance is determine by keeping your heart rate at a targeted zone.
All elliptical trainers use some form of magnetic resistance, where a spinning flywheel spins within a magnetic field. The stronger the magnetic field the more resistance to the foot pedals and handlebars. (Check out this guide to elliptical parts if you need clarification.)
Budget and mid-range machines utilize a manual or motorized brake system. There is a magnet caliper or fork with magnets attached. Resistance is generated by adjusting the distance of the magnets to the flywheel. The closer the magnets to the flywheel the greater the resistance to the flywheel and the cranks. The distance is either controlled by a motor or by hand.
More expensive units are built with eddy current brake systems. Resistance is controlled by the current fed to the electromagnet from the console. The stronger the current, the greater the resistance to the flywheel and cranks. The benefit of this type of brake system is there are no moving parts, which means there are no parts that can wear out. This resistance system is low maintenance with a low probability of any malfunction. It is also extremely accurate and very quiet. Motorized and manual systems are less durable and tend to be noisier. You will find the eddy current system on most commercial grade ellipticals.
