Spirit Fitness XE500 Elliptical Trainer Review
 The Spirit Fitness XE500 elliptical trainer isn’t Spirit’s top-of-the-line elliptical machine, but it is very close. Coming in second to the Spirit XE700 model, the XE500 is without a doubt a high quality fitness product. All Spirit fitness equipment is a little more expensive than comparable models, so you can definitely expect to pay a somewhat hefty price for this higher end elliptical trainer!
If money is no object, the Spirit Fitness XE500 elliptical trainer is a good choice for residential fitness equipment. Its maker, Dyaco, uses only the finest components in all its products, including the XE500. (Dyaco also makes Sole fitness equipment, which we have given
Best Buy" ratings.)
In addition to the fact that the Spirit XE500 is a really good product, its high cost is attributable to the elliptical being sold mainly in small fitness specialty stores. You pay more to receive the personal attention and service that you get in such stores. Many people prefer to pay a little more to get that personal touch, if they can afford it.
Of course, for those who are on a tight budget or do not wish to spend so much money, less expensive elliptical trainers may be found in large sporting goods stores and online. If you shop around, you’ll find a machine that is suitable for your needs and pocketbook. (Just remember: you get what you pay for!)
Spirit Fitness XE500 Features
As previously stated, all the materials used to make the Spirit XE500 elliptical trainer are of the finest quality. Spirit Fitness backs this machine with a 10-year parts warranty and a lifetime frame and resistance brake warranty. Labor is covered for only a year, but there should be little or no maintenance required on this elliptical machine anyway.
The following features are found on the Spirit XE500 elliptical trainer:
 Frame—constructed of oversized commercial grade structural steel. Overall the XE500 has a very solid and stable feel.- Flywheel—30 pounds; made of steel, located in front.
- Pedals—oversized and padded with 2 degree inversion; infinite angle adjustment (crank).
- Ramp incline—inclines up to 15% for more challenging workouts. This feature is a real plus. When cranking up the incline you can shape different parts of your lower body. Also at steep inclines you get an intense workout.
- Console LED display—tri-color, fine pitch dot matrix LED; a heart rate zone graph and a separate message window make it easy to monitor your progress.
- Cooling fan in console—aims at your upper body to keep you cool and comfortable during exercise sessions.
- Heart rate control—may monitor your heart rate with contact heart rate sensors located in the stationary handle grips or with the included Polar telemetry belt for uninterrupted training.
- Easy resistance and incline controls—located in upper handle bars. You can control the XE500 without have to take your hands off the upper handlebars.
- Programs—6 built-in programs and 2 custom user programs provide variety in workout routines to keep you motivated and to better aid you in reaching your fitness goals.
- Child safety software protocol—for extra protection in homes where children reside.
- 20” stride—comfortable for average to tall users.
Our Review—Spirit Fitness XE500 Elliptical Trainer
Aside from the price, there isn’t really anything negative to say about the Spirit Fitness XE500. It is, indeed, a fine piece of equipment! The steel frame and flywheel contribute to the heavy assembled weight of 215 pounds. (At that weight, you won’t want to move the elliptical trainer around too much. Nevertheless, it ensures a sturdy, smooth workout every time.)
Cheaper elliptical trainers that have front flywheels often tend to be wobbly and unsteady. The heavy weight of the flywheel on the Spirit XE500, however, has a different story. Because it is made of steel and weighs 30 pounds, it adds to the stability and durability of the machine. The XE500 by Spirit Fitness should be able to withstand many years of constant use, requiring minimal, if any, maintenance.
As with all elliptical trainers, efficient workouts can be achieved in less time on the Spirit XE500, because it allows you to work the upper and lower body simultaneously. With a variety of workout programs to choose from and 20 resistance levels, you’ll always be able to challenge yourself to do more.
Also see the Spirit XE400 Elliptical Trainer Review.
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