"Pro form 900 elliptical trainer review"
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Proform 900 elliptical trainer review.
The ProForm 900 Cardio Cross Elliptical Trainer is quite a versatile elliptical trainer. Besides the
numerous features and programmes contain in this elliptical trainer, the Proform 900 Cardio
Cross Trainer has something most elliptical trainers in this price range don’t have. That’s
adjustable peddles.
The ProForm 900 Cardio Cross Trainer ($499.00) has 5 different foot peddle adjustments that allow the
user to work different muscles as well as adjust to different heights for the user. I like an
elliptical trainer that works with an individual as opposed to working against the exerciser.
By using adjustable peddles, the ProForm 900 Cardio Cross Trainer allows the user to work
different parts of the body.
As well as having adjustable peddles, the ProForm 900 Cardio Cross Trainer uses reflex step
technology. Basically, reflex step features precision arched peddles that react twice with
each stride. As you step down, the peddle flattens to absorb impact and then springs back
to it’s original shape.
The result? An extremely comfortable exercise motion that basically propels you to your next
stride. A very interesting innovation.
Comparable to the gym models in comfort and features.
Now, Proform is owned by the Icon Fitness conglomerate and it's mass produced. For an elliptical trainer under $500, the proform 900 elliptical trainer will do the job - Provided you are not over 6 feet tall and under 200 pounds.
Why? To tell you the truth, any elliptical trainer you get for under $500 will have a very limited elliptical stride and the materials, and construction process will be somewhat sub standard.
The proform 900 elliptical trainer is an Icon product and for better or worse, you can get some of the bells and whistles of higher end models, but, without the construction process - Hence the lower price.
I'm not saying the Proform 900 elliptical trainer is a bad elliptical, I'm saying for the price, it's pretty good. Remember, any elliptical under $500 is going to be cheap. I'm trying to recommend a cheap elliptical that has to most for the less.
Size
Length: 4.8' (48 In)
Width: 1.9' (23 In)
Height: 5.1 (62 In)
Weight: 110 pounds
The size of the ProForm 900 is a relatively small elliptical trainer but with a larger frame
than most elliptical trainers in this price range. Is a larger frame necessary? A larger frame
is necessary to get a larger arc in the elliptical stride.
Usually a larger frame means a larger arc. By employing a larger elliptical orbit, the
exerciser gets a full stride. The more expansive the stride, the more beneficial it is to the
user.
Of course, as with most elliptical trainers with larger frames, taller individuals seem to
benefit more so than smaller individuals. Not so with the ProForm 900. Why? Adjustable
peddles.
By using adjustable peddles on a larger frame, the ProForm 900 Cardio Cross Trainer allows
users of different heights to benefit from elliptical training. Simply adjust the peddles and
off you go.
At 110 pounds, the ProForm 900 is very portable and comes with transport wheels at the base of
the elliptical trainer. If you want to transport the elliptical trainer to the living room or
bedroom, simply tilt and roll the elliptical trainer to it’s destination.
Quiet operation
Very quiet
The ProForm 900 is very quiet. Because of the electromagnetic resistance, you won’t even know
you are on the trainer. Considering the price, this is a very quiet elliptical trainer.
Adjustable resistance/peddles
Electromagnetic variable resistance
5 different adjustable peddles
The ProForm 900 uses an electromagnetic variable resistance system. The resistance system has
10 different resistance settings that allows the user to choose what kind of workouts to use
for their fitness needs. Very quiet and very reliable.
The adjustable foot peddles allows the user to adjust the elliptical stride to match their
height. The peddles also adjust to work different parts of the body.
Elliptical stride
The orbital arc on the ProForm 900 is larger compared to other elliptical trainers in this
price range. By using a larger orbital arc, the ProForm 900 is able to accommodate the taller
individuals. The good thing about the ProForm 900 is that the adjustable peddles can be
adjusted to accommodate the smaller individual.
The ProForm 900 also uses reflex step technology. Reflex technology serves to smooth out the
elliptical stride. It does this by absorbing energy from each stride then pushes you to your
next step.
Display/control panel
Large LCD screen
Speed
Distance travelled
Time
Calories burned
The display/control panel is a large, easy to read LCD screen. The LCD screen allows you to
easily and readily see how you are doing in terms of you speed, distance, time and calories
burned.
There are plenty of feedback indicators to help you assess your current workout condition.
Programmes
6 preset programmes
2 heart rate controlled programmes
With the ProFrom 900, you simply pick a workout, enter the length, and off you go. Of course
you can also use the heart rate controlled programs. Simply hold on to the front handle bars,
get your pulse and hit one of the heart rate controlled programs. This way you are always
exercising in your target heart range and maximizing your calorie expenditure.
You will never get bored of the ProForm 900.
Frame
Sturdy and durably constructed
Compact, solid construction. Made from solid steel
Maximum user weight: 250 pounds
A tough elliptical trainer. However, please remember that this is a light elliptical trainer and for those individuals who weight more than 200 pounds, this one is not for you.
Because the frame is so small and the fly wheel is relatively small and light, the proform elliptical trainer is susceptible to break down from very heavy use from individuals weighting more than 200 pounds.
Heart rate monitor
Yes
Contact pulse rate sensors located on the front handle bars. Simply put your hands on the front
handle bars and you get your pulse rate.
Dual action handle bars
Yes
The ProForm 900 comes with dual action handle bars for a total body workout.
Warranty and service
90 day parts
90 day labor
30 day money back gaurantee
Customer support at ProFrom is fantastic. I love the online customer support they have. Simply
type in a question and you’ll have an answer on the spot by a live operator. All questions and
answers are also posted to your email for future reference. They are very responsive to your
questions.
The warranty is pretty flimsy. Remember, you get what you pay for and the warranty will always reflect what kind of exercise equipment you get.
A 90 day warranty doesn't speak highly of a product but, for under $500, what can you expect?
Now, the proform 900 elliptical trainer comes with a 30 day money back gaurantee. According to their return policy, which states:
"We give a 30-day trial period on all products. If you are not satisfied in that time frame, please call 1-866-896-9777 for a return authorization number then just put the product back in the box and take it to your curb. We will pick it up and pay the return shipping. Your order will be refunded for all charges less the initial shipping charge when we receive it at our warehouse."
This statement says alot about the company. Although they will only give you a 90 day warranty on parts and labour, they will give you a full refund without you, the consumer having to dish out extra for shipping charges, dissassembly fees, or restocking fees.
Extended warranty is also available. If you are interested in purchasing the proform 900 elliptical trainer, I would strongly suggest you get the extended warranty. There are 3 extended warranty options, 1 year ($69.95), 2 years ($99.95), or 3 years ($119.95).
Price/cost effectiveness
$379.79 includes shipping. U.S residents only.
The ProForm 900 Cardio Cross Trainer is quite an effective elliptical trainer. The features and
programmes are excellent and the comfort and quality are top rated.
The adjustable peddles really make this elliptical trainer different than most elliptical
machine in this price range. Combine that with a fairly large frame, half decent construction,
good features and great customer support, you have yourself a pretty good package.
Just remember that this is an elliptical trainer that's under $500. This is not a commercial grade elliptical that you find in your local gym. If you are over 200 pounds and taller than 6 feet, you may want to look at other ellipticals that can support at least 275 pounds with an elliptial arc of at least 16 inches.
Special features
The ProForm 900 Cardio Cross Trainer uses reflex step technology. Reflex step technology aids
in reducing impact from each stride. As you step down, the peddle flattens to absorb impact
and then springs back to it’s original shape. Sort of lock a mini shock absorber.
The ProForm 900 also comes with adjustable peddles. The ProForm 900 allows everyone, regardless
of their height to benefit from elliptical cross training. Simply adjust the peddles and
presto, you get a full elliptical stride.
The ProForm 900 also has wheels underneath rear base for easy transportation. Simply tilt the
elliptical trainer forward and wheel it in front of your TV.
iFIT technology also comes with the ProForm 900 Cardio Cross Trainer. iFIT technology will
actually control the resistance of your elliptical trainer allowing for a true interactive
fitness experience. Specifically designed workouts can be streamlined from the internet
designed specifically by certified fitness instructors or you can choose from iFIT video or
CD workouts.
Rating
Overall this is a pretty good elliptical trainer for under $500. If you are looking for solid elliptical trainer
for under a $500 than you might want to consider the ProForm 900 Cardio Cross Elliptical Trainer.
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