Proform ellipticals are made by Icon Health and Fitness, the same company that makes fitness equipment from brands like NordicTrack, FreeMotion Fitness, Weider, and HealthRider. In fact, the company is a multi-billion dollar business and a formidable force in the fitness equipment industry.
Price and Guarantee
Proform elliptical machines are generally considered to be in the middle range of fitness equipment. Prices range from $500 to $1,000, although some online sites offer discounts. For example, the Stride Select retails for the discounted price of $499 while the Proform 880 trainer retails for $800, not including shipping and handling.
On the downside, many reviews point to the relatively short warranties offered by the manufacturer. Generally speaking, the elliptical is only covered under warranty for a maximum of 90 days against defects in materials and workmanship, of which the Proform 1280 is one.
Therefore, Proform offers affordable fitness equipment, although the guarantee is not something to be happy about.
Features and Benefits
As you’d expect from a wide range of ellipticals, features vary between models, and so do the benefits. However, keep in mind that all these machines will always provide the most important benefit: aerobic and cardiovascular exercises.
Many reviewers also point out our other fitness equipment benefits including full body workouts, better body posture, toned glutes and thighs along with cross training benefits. For example, the Proform 1280 has a tilt feature that allows users to cross the train.
And speaking of features, many Proform elliptical trainers have the following common features:
or Reflex Step Technology, which is the company’s term for the articulating footplate. On the Proform 880 and Proform 1080S, this is simply a curved pedal that flexes with every step you take.
o Silent Magnetic Resistance that uses a magnetic pull mechanism to create resistance. Supposedly contributes to a quiet workout.
o EKGT grip pulse sensors that monitor heart rate on contact.
o Positions of the pedals that allow you to personalize the training.
o Motorized brake system
o Built-in workouts
o CD players and speakers
This Proform elliptical review will acknowledge that the machines have many features. This should explain the product’s popularity despite consumer concerns about safety and durability.
Main strengths and weaknesses
On the one hand, the Proform elliptical’s main strengths are its affordable prices, entertainment options, and overall popularity. Take the Proform 1080S, for example, with its built-in CD player at an affordable price of $750.
On the other hand, the main weaknesses center around the average ratings, sometimes even below average, of the reliability and quality of practically all Proform elliptical trainers. In fact, Consumer Reports says that Proform ellipticals and treadmills had problems from the get-go.
In conclusion, this Proform elliptical review gives an average rating for fitness equipment. Users can afford the feature-rich machines, but have to deal with the very short warranty and sub-sterling quality.
