The NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical comes packed with some awesome features, at a great price point. NordicTrack is well-known in the industry for producing top notch equipment. T
This machine offers you Live Interactive Training through a technology called iFit. During your workout, your trainer will be able to digitally adjust your incline and resistance as they see fit. With all the options provided to you on this machine, you’ll never have a boring workout, and you’ll be able to achieve maximum results.
Note: At the time of this review, the NordicTrack Commerical 9.9 comes with a 1-Year iFit Membership included in the price (A $468 Value)!
7″ Smart HD Touchscreen — This full color display lets you access everything iFit has to offer, right at your fingertips!
iFit Ready — The best thing about the Commercial 9.9 machine is iFit technology. You no longer have to pay for a gym membership, a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and commute back and forth to prioritize your fitness. iFit allows you to crush your goals right from the comfort of your own home, with just you and your elliptical. Some of the top iFit features include:
25 lb. Flywheel — This is a decent size flywheel. The heavier the flywheel, the better. Heavier flywheels make for a smoother stride on your machine.
Adjustable Stride Length 
0-20% Incline, 22 Resistance Levels — Be prepared to take your workout to the next level with these incline and resistance capabilities.
Front Drive —The front drive design is more compact, easier to mount/dismount, and places less stress on your hips. Read more about Rear Drive vs. Front Drive here.
Comfort Features — The Commercial 9.9 was built with user comfort in mind with features like an AutoBreeze workout fan, SoftTouch handle bar grips, and OneTouch user controls.
Sound System — Play your favorite workout jams through Bluetooth enabled 2” digitally amplified speakers.
350 lb. User Weight Limit — This is one of the highest weight limits that we find on ellipticals.
Warranty —10-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts Warranty, 1-Year Labor Warranty. This is decent coverage for the price range.
This elliptical has great incline and resistance capabilities, so even though you’re working out at home, you’re still going to get an effective workout in. 
To step up the game even more, iFit comes into play providing you with an extensive video workout library, and personal training as well as lifestyle coaching. Overall, the Commercial 9.9 machine provides some really solid features for the price range.
A similar machine to consider from NordicTrack is the Commercial 12.9. It has all the features we like from the 9.9, but it comes with 10″ touchscreen, and a heavier flywheel. Also, see a full comparison chart of NordicTrack Ellipticals here.
Go to www.NordicTrackEllipticals.com to learn more.*
The NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS10i is the latest and greatest release in their FreeStride Trainer series. The FreeStride series is unlike anything else on the market, as it combines the benefits of a treadmill, stepper, and an elliptical all into one machine. This breakthrough in cross training innovation provides variable motion while exercising and promotes “muscle confusion”—leading to a much more efficient workout.
When our team visited NordicTrack’s headquarters, we were able to view some of their FreeStride line first-hand. As we mentioned, the FreeStride series contains other models. The models in the FreeStride Trainer Series include the FS7i, and the FS9i. We like the FS10i because it comes with upgraded features, giving you more bang for your buck.
Auto-Adjusting Stride — A major benefit of the FS10i is the auto-adjusting stride length. The technology of the FS10i intuitively follows your movements during the workout, and auto-adjusts to you. The machine is capable of up to a 32” stride length, so it’s appropriate for users of most height ranges.
iFit LIVE Interactions — iFIt Live is an innovative patented technology available from NordicTrack. The newest iFit feature enabled with the FreeStride Trainer FS10i is LIVE Resistance and Incline Control. Live Interactions allows you to focus on your workout, while your iFit trainer adjusts the incline and resistance of your machine for you. The only thing you focus on—is crushing your workout.
Other iFit Features Include….
10″ Smart HD Touchscreen — This is a generous size display screen where you can view your workout stats and tackle your favorite workout class with iFit Live. 
20 Lb. Effective Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel —The heavier weight of the flywheel on this machine will provide a more natural feel while exercising.
OneTouch® Controls — This console is easy to navigate and has 24 digital resistance levels.
Center Drive — The center drive design provides greater stability and reduces the size of the frame. Since the mechanics are located in the center rather than the front or the rear, it’s more compact.
Incline — The FS10i features 0-10% incline. If you’re looking for incline AND decline capabilities, check out the FS9i model.
Warranty — You get a fairly standard coverage that includes lifetime frame, 5-years parts and 2-year labor.
See a comparison chart of all NordicTrack Elliptical trainers here.
It’s clear that the NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer series is better than most standard ellipticals out there. The 3-in-1 development enables natural motion that targets more muscles, giving you a more effective overall workout. The compact design from the center drive location of the FreeStride series makes it ideal for anyone who needs a machine with a smaller footprint. 
The FS10i is really similar to the previous machine release in the FreeStride Trainer series, the FS9i—and it’s offered at a lower price point. We like the personalized and automated experience that the FreeStride Trainer FS10i offers
Go to www.NordicTrack.com and learn more!
It is normal to see new machines offered by at-home fitness manufacturers at the start of a new year. What we don’t normally see is companies changing how you purchase those machines.
That is exactly what we are seeing with the ProForm+ program and it’s an exciting shift. This new way of doing things allows you to get a new Carbon HIIT H7 for free, yes free, when you purchase iFit.
You may be thinking you read that wrong, but you didn’t. Instead of purchasing a new machine and then having the option to buy iFit’s interactive training technology at an additional cost, you commit to a 3-year subscription to iFit and get the machine at no cost.
Let’s look at the numbers to put things in perspective. The 3-year commitment to iFit is $39/month, that’s $1403 total. And you get the Carbon H7 for free.
To highlight what a great deal that is, let’s look at the alternative. You could purchase a Smart HIIT Trainer from ProForm and decide later if you want to pay for iFit. That machine would cost you $1999 on its own, not to mention the added cost if you decided to add iFit. By taking advantage of the ProForm+ option, you’re saving nearly $600 and gaining access to everything that iFit has to offer.
MID-WEEK SALE ENDS THURSDAY: The ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 is currently FREE with a 3 year iFit Membership. That’s a total of $1,403 for this machine + your iFit Membership. Financing is available for as little as $39/month. Free shipping and a 30 day money back guarantee. This is a great deal!
First and foremost, let’s talk about what makes the Carbon HIIT H7 different from treadmills and ellipticals that you may have used in the past. The Carbon H7 is essentially a vertical elliptical and it’s designed to get you a killer workout in the shortest amount of time.
The steep incline combined with the multi-function handlebars activates more muscle groups in both your lower and upper body. They don’t call it an HIIT machine for no reason. High-intensity interval training is exactly what you’ll get every time you use it. Benefits of an HIIT session include a full-body workout, boosting your metabolism and facilitating fat burning even after your workout is complete.
It also ensures a smoother, quieter experience. This is great for both the user and those around them. The people that share your home, or your neighbors, don’t necessarily want to participate in your workout too.
Smaller Footprint – The Carbon HIIT H7 is great if you live in a small space, share that space with others, or just don’t want your fitness equipment to be the focal point of a room. At just 66.7” x 29.25”, the Carbon H7 takes up far less space than a treadmill or elliptical without sacrificing any of the performance.
The Carbon H7 is also fitted with front-mounted transport wheels so you can easily move it out of the way when you aren’t using it.
24 Resistance Levels — There’s no doubt that you’ll be able to challenge yourself on the Carbon H7. With 24 resistance levels, even the most seasoned of users will find a challenge.
Full-Body Workout — We mentioned this above, but it’s worth pointing out that with the Carbon H7 you’re working all of your major muscle groups at once. The vertical elliptical engages your lower body, the multi-function handlebars challenge your upper body, and the combination of the two will keep your core working the whole time.
7” Smart HD Touchscreen— Since the Carbon H7 is made to be used with iFit, it should come as no surprise that it has an HD Touchscreen. This isn’t the largest screen on the market, but it will allow you to immerse yourself in everything iFit has to offer.
Also keep in mind that giant HD touchscreens are a key factor that drives up the price of any machine. Since you’re getting the Carbon H7 for free…you’re still coming out ahead
iFit Interactive Technology — With the ProForm+ program, you’re paying for the iFit subscription, so what exactly does that get you and why should you care?
During these sessions, the trainer controls the machine to ensure you’re doing exactly what the routine requires. This means you’re getting the results you want without having to wonder if you’re doing it right, or worrying about changing setting at the right time.
Video Routes — Why limit your scenery to the furnishings of your living room? With iFit’s video routes recorded all around the globe, you can climb your way up mountain vistas or trek along a beautiful beach. Take in the amazing scenery and take your mind off the work.
Extensive Video Library —Maybe you don’t want a trainer or a virtual trip to exotic locations, iFit still has you covered. While the Carbon H7 may not have the pro-programmed workouts that you’re used to, it has a workout library that packs way more than your typical routines.
This includes something for every ability level and workouts you can do off your machine. Take advantage of iFit on your rest days with some yoga, or get in your strength training. You won’t miss those pre-programmed workouts, we promise.
The Carbon HIIT H7 as part of the new ProForm+ program genuinely doesn’t seem to have any downsides. I know that sounds too good to be true, but let’s look at the facts.
The Carbon HIIT H7 is an amazing machine, built by a company that we trust to put out high-quality performance machines. This particular machine provides a high-intensity workout in a low-impact package, making it great for everyone. You’ll work more muscle groups, boost your metabolism and continue to burn fat even when your workout is done.
For the cost of $1403, you get a quality machine, plus all of iFit’s interactive training to guarantee you’re getting the most out of each workout.
ProForm backs this up with a warranty that is exactly what we would expect from them. You get 10-year frame, 2-year parts and 1-year labor coverage. This is the same warranty that you get with any of their machines, including those that you’d pay full price for. That says a lot about ProForm as a company and the quality of their machines.
All in all, you can’t go wrong with this. ProForm is changing how you work out at home and they’re hitting it out of the park with this one.
Go to www.ProForm.com/Ellipticals to learn more!
Your first thought may be, “There’s no way that elliptical is free”…but it is!
The Carbon E7 is part of ProForm’s new Carbon line-up. What’s new about these machines isn’t so much about the machine. The Carbon E7 is a high quality machine with the extensive performance and comfort features that we have come to expect from ProForm. What’s new is how you purchase it. And while this deal may change, at the time of this writing, the purchase method is unique and exciting.
Interactive fitness training has revolutionized how people work out in their home over the last several years. Gone are the days of working out alone and hoping that you get the results you want. ProForm’s iFit technology brings world-class trainers into your living room to personally guide you every step of the way. You can choose to join a live class or take in some scenery while you run a virtual route anywhere in the world.
iFit is a service that you typically have to pay for, in addition to the price of the machine you use it on. However, ProForm is changing the game entirely. With the Carbon E7 elliptical, you purchase a 3-year subscription to iFit and you get the machine for free.
If you’re a person that likes and uses the interactive options available through iFit, this is a truly amazing deal.
MID-WEEK SALE ENDS THURSDAY: The ProForm Carbon E7 is FREE with a 3-year iFit Membership for $39/month. That’s a total of $1,403 for this fantastic machine. Financing is available. Free Shipping and a 30-day Money Back Guarantee!
25 lb. Flywheel – This is a heavy flywheel for an elliptical and one we would expect to see on a model that would typically cost more than the Carbon E7. The heavier flywheel helps the machine work more efficiently. This creates a smoother, quieter elliptical and who doesn’t want that.
This is a really nice feature to see on a machine that is meant to be used with iFit. Since you will have access to a wider range of workouts, including speed drills and HIIT, it’s comforting to know that the Carbon E7 will keep you comfortable.
Stride – The Carbon E7 has a 19” Power Adjustable stride. This is exactly what we would expect to find on this machine and is a full-length stride that will accommodate most users.
24 Resistance Levels –Push yourself to your heart’s content and try out all of the workout that iFit has to offer. The 24 resistance levels on the Carbon E7 will have you challenging yourself and seeing results.
0 – 20 Degree Incline – This is another performance feature that will come in really handy when you’re taking advantage of your new iFit programming. As you traverse hills and valleys around the globe, the Carbon E7 will make you feel like you’re really there.
Comfort Features –While performance features are important, you want to be sure that you’ll feel comfortable on your new machine. ProForm has you covered with comfort features like adjustable, oversized, cushioned pedals, soft touch upper-body grips, a CoolAire fan and dual 2” speakers.
iFit Interactive Programming – Some of you may be familiar with iFit, but for those of you that aren’t, let’s look at what you’re actually buying when you get the Carbon E7 elliptical.
Streaming Global Routes and Studio Classes – Choose a different country to explore each day. You can cover trails and street routes in countries around the globe, or join a studio class for a more personal feel. In either case, you’ll be led by a world-renowned trainer that will ensure you get the most out of every workout.
Fitness Tracking – iFit automatically records the results from each of your sessions and monitors your progress. iFit uses this information to recommend workouts that reflect your fitness growth. This keeps you from plateauing so that you keep seeing progress and setting new goals.
Video Library – You don’t have to be in a live session to take advantage of iFit. Choose from iFit’s extensive video library that offers workouts you can do both on and off your machine.
ProForm is revolutionizing how you purchase and use in-home fitness equipment with the introduction of its Carbon series machines. With this deal you get 3-years of iFit’s incredible interactive training programs, live sessions, video routes from around the globe and an extensive workout library…plus a fantastic elliptical on which to do all a great price.
The 7” Smart HD Touchscreen on the Carbon E7 isn’t the largest on the market, but it is exactly what you need to take advantage of all that iFit has to offer. Plus, for a giant HD touchscreen, you’d be paying a lot more than $0.
It’s great to see that even with this amazing deal, ProForm still provides a high quality machine that doesn’t skimp on the performance or comfort features. Considering it is made to be used with iFit, you don’t need to worry about it keeping up. The Carbon E7 will be able to handle anything you, or iFit, want to do.
The warranty on the Carbon E7 also says a lot about the integrity of ProForm as a company and the quality of the machines they manufacture. You’ll still get a 10-year frame, 2-year parts a 1-year labor warranty on a machine that you’re getting for free.
All in all, if iFit’s interactive technology is a must for your in-home fitness journey, we can’t think of a reason not to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.
Learn more at www.proform.com/ellipticals.*
They built on the idea of a single machine combining the benefits of an elliptical and a stair-stepper into one HIIT workout beast. Meet the new Horizon Peak Trainer HT5.0.
According to Horizon, using the machine for 20-minute HIIT workouts will burn more calories, build lean muscle and have you in your best shape ever. To be more specific, Horizon claims when used with their Sprint-8 HIIT programming, the Peak Trainer can trim body fat by up to 27% and significantly reduce bad cholesterol in eight weeks.
MID-WEEK SALE ENDS THURSDAY: Horizon priced the Peak Trainer HT5.0 at an incredible $899 and they are throwing in FREE Shipping.
Shop Now at HorizonFitness.com
As with all claims on workout equipment, it is worth noting the “individual results may vary” disclaimer. If you aren’t adopting a healthy lifestyle to go along with your healthy workout routine, you probably aren’t going to look like the people in the promo video.
So let’s look at what this machine has to offer:
It is always exciting to see new at-home exercise equipment hit the market. The ability to better yourself from the comfort of home is great, and having options outside of a treadmill and/or elliptical opens up new opportunities.
Recently we have seen multiple companies introduce hybrid-style machines that pack more punch into a smaller package. Not one to be left behind, we now have the Peak Trainer HT5.0 from Horizon. Similar to the Bowflex MaxTrainer and the ProForm HIIT Trainers, the Peak Trainer combines the benefits of an elliptical and a stair-stepper into a single HIIT training machine.
While we know the fat burning benefits of HIIT workouts, these are incredibly specific numbers and it’s probably safe to say that there may be a little more involved in reaching them. That’s most likely why the claim is accompanied by a disclaimer that “individual results will vary”. Always remember that your fitness is a multi-faceted system that includes not only exercise, but healthy eating and lifestyle choices.
All of that being said, there are certainly some very tempting benefits that go with the Peak Trainer.
First and foremost, you get a truly full-body workout that is low impact on your joints. The exclusive suspension system delivers a smooth ride that reduces wear and tear on your body. You can also use the moving hand holds to engage your arms and core at the same time as your legs.
You will also get the Horizon Sprint 8 programming only on with the Peak Trainer HT5.0. It’s not offered on machines from Bowflex and ProForm. Sprint 8 is specifically designed to deliver HIIT workouts that will get your muscles firing and blood pumping in just 20 minutes. This program is only available on the Peak Trainer HT5.0.
If you live in a smaller space, or don’t like your exercise equipment taking up valuable floor space, the Peak Trainer may be just what you’re looking for. With a footprint of just 47” x 28” the Peak Trainer is much smaller than an elliptical or treadmill in terms of floor space.
Unlike most in-home equipment, the Peak Trainer does not come with a fancy touchscreen display. It does have a tablet rack if you want to watch Netflix, but since this machine is built for faster, more intense workouts, you probably won’t be needing much extra entertainment.
Overall, the Peak Trainer embodies everything that we have come to expect from this new generation of in-home exercise equipment. It works your whole body harder, gets your faster results and takes less time out of your day.
One area where the Peak Trainer is leaps and bounds ahead of the others we mentioned is price. The Peak Trainer is going to cost you about $899, which is up to $500 less than the ProForm machines’ regular price, and a whopping $1700 less than some of the Bowflex MaxTrainers.
With that in mind, if you are looking to turn up the intensity on your fitness game, the Horizon Peak Trainer should be the first place you look. Learn more and see if it’s right for you.
To learn more, check out HorizonFitness.com.
The technology features on the 7.0 AE may not be the most extensive on the market, but the 7” LCD touchscreen is nothing to shake a stick at. The Advanced Bluetooth allows the 7.0 AE to sync with multiple devices on the speakers and the integrated tablet rack puts your entertainment right where you want it. All in all, the Horizon 7.0 AE offers durability, performance and an impressive array of features at a price you can’t beat.
MID-WEEK SALE ENDS THURSDAY: Horizon priced the 7.0 AE Elliptical at $999 and they are throwing in FREE Shipping.
Shop Now at HorizonFitness.com
20” Stride Length – A 20” stride length is something that we expect to see in ellipticals over the $1000 mark, so it’s a nice surprise to find this feature on the 7.0 AE. This stride length makes the 7.0 AE comfortable for most users, regardless of height.
20 incline levels – Another great upgrade on the 7.0 AE is the incline feature. This is something that we don’t always see on other Horizon ellipticals. The incline feature allows users of all ability levels to get a wider variety of great workouts. This also allows you to focus on various muscle groups to tone and strengthen specific areas.
20 levels of magnetic resistance – This feature is a step-up from the Horizon entry-level model. The resistance feature is another way to ensure that your workouts are varied and allows you to work a greater range of muscle groups.
194 lb. Unit Weight – Weighing in at 194 lbs. the 7.0 AE isn’t messing around, weighing more than some of the more expensive premium models. This means that not only are you guaranteed a wobble-free workout, the 7.0 AE can accommodate users up to 325 lbs.
Advanced Bluetooth – This technology allows to you connect to multiple devices and stream media to the integrated speakers on the 7.0 AE. Plus, the free no-subscription app lets you push workout data to your favorite fitness apps and control your workout from your device. You can also be sure that you’ll never lose your tunes or entertainment during your workout with the fast-charge USB port.
6 Workout Programs – No matter what you are looking for from your workout, the 7.0 AE has a program suited to you.
Warranty – Lifetime frame & brakes, 3 year parts, 1 year generator & labor.
See a complete comparison chart of Horizon Ellipticals here.
Our Review – Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical Review
The incline is an awesome addition that we don’t often see on Horizon models. This allows you to better tailor your sessions and work a larger range of muscle groups. The 23 lb. flywheel ensures that you get smooth use every time you step onto your machine. In addition, the heavy weight of that machine itself means that you will always feel solid and steady on your machine.
The 7.0 AE is also a great option for larger users, as it can accommodate a weight of up to 325 lbs. Tall users need not fear either, the 20” stride length means the 7.0 AE is comfortable for you too.
The technology features on the 7.0 AE may not be the most extensive on the market, but the 7” LCD touchscreen is nothing to shake a stick at. The Advanced Bluetooth allows the 7.0 AE to sync with multiple devices on the speakers and the integrated tablet rack puts your entertainment right where you want it. All in all, the Horizon 7.0 AE offers durability, performance and an impressive array of features at a price you can’t beat.
If you’re looking for a lower priced model, you may want to check out the Horizon EX-59.
To learn more, check out HorizonFitness.com.
Sole SC300 Stepper
PRICE ALERT: This is the lowest price you’ll see for the holidays.
Sole Fitness has long been one of our favorite brands simply because they offer wonderful durability and solid machines. Their Sole SC200 Stepper took many of the benefits of an elliptical combined with a stair stepper to provide a low stress workout for your lower body muscles. Now, this newest model, the Sole SC300 Stepper, builds upon that success with new and improved features.
There are several advantages to the SC300 stepper. First this machine has an even better warranty than the SC200 with a larger Bluetooth display and the same space-saving compact design. Best of all, the SC300 Stepper now includes 20 levels of incline so that you can get a better workout right in your home.
MID-WEEK SALE ENDS THURSDAY: This model is currently OUT OF STOCK. Click here to check out other Sole Fitness Ellipticals.
Click Here for Free Shipping on the Sole SC300 from SoleEllipticals.com
Adjustable Incline Settings – The main advantage with the SC300 is the newly added adjustable incline feature. This allows you to choose from 20 levels of incline to simulate anything from a rolling neighborhood stroll to a butt-busting steep climb up the side of a mountain. Work your lower body muscles with less stress on your hips and knees. Plus, this feature lets you get a more effective workout in a shorter amount of time.
Articulating / Adjustable Foot Pedals – We like that the folks at Sole paid attention to the differences in people’s walking pattern and foot position. The pedals on the SC300 are articulating and adjustable so you can enjoy a comfortable workout.
Sole Fitness SC300 Stepper Console
9″ LCD Display with Bluetooth – This machine comes with a larger 9″ display window compared to the 7.5″ window on the SC200. It also has built in Bluetooth so you can link your machine to the free Sole Fitness app, track your workouts, and sync your stats with your favorite fitness apps. Other brands may have a workout tracking feature that requires a monthly subscription. We want to emphasize that the Sole Fitness app is FREE.
2-in-1 Design – The SC300 is a combination of an elliptical and a stair climber. It is specifically designed to target your quad and glute muscles to shape and tone with less effort.
Strong Frame – The SC300 is an even stronger frame than the SC200, which means more durability and a better warranty. It has a 350 lb weight capacity.
Programs – The SC300 Stepper comes with 10 pre-installed programs. Nothing too fancy here.
Warranty – This strong warranty reflects the confidence that Sole has in their product. The SC300 comes with Lifetime Frame, 5 years electronics and parts, and 2 years labor. For comparison, the SC200 Stepper comes with Lifetime frame, 3 years electronics and parts, and 1 year labor.
Check out our complete comparison chart with all Sole Elliptical models.
The SC300 Stepper’s incline feature is a great reason to consider spending around $400 more over the older SC200 Stepper model. It will allow you to get a more effective workout with a shorter time commitment.
We also like that this machine now has a larger 9″ white backlit LCD display as compared to the SC200. It includes Bluetooth technology so that you can reap the benefits of the free Sole Fitness app. Track your workouts and sync with your favorite existing fitness apps like MyFitnessPal and Apple Health.
It also has a compact 56″ length frame that will save you space over a typical elliptical’s length of around 82″.
The Sole SC300 Stepper works along the same lines as the Bowflex Max Trainer and ProForm HIIT Trainers. These other machines really focus on HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts, while the SC300 Stepper focuses more on a solid muscle toning session. Still, these machines are all worth a look if you’re thinking about buying a hybrid.
The main reason you should consider Sole is because of their very strong warranty and solid reputation for durability and low maintenance.
Go to www.SoleEllipticals.com
to learn more.
Not Great…But Okay
Merit 725 E Elliptical Trainer
When it comes to buying a new elliptical trainer, we tend to be snobs. We like high quality machines with sturdy design, smooth motion, motivational programs, and effective features. In general, the machines we like cost more than $599 and come from companies like ProForm or Horizon.
Still, there is certainly a need for lower quality machines like Merit. This brand is perfect for people without any sort or remarkable requirements who just want an inexpensive machine to use for exercise. These users may have a limited budget but want something that can help them get off the couch and back into a regular exercise routine.The Merit 725 E Elliptical Trainer is available to purchase from Amazon.
Merit is built by the same manufactures as Horizon Fitness. This is a good company which offers quality customer service. Merit is their budget machine line.
Merit 725E Console
Front Drive Design – Front drive machines a nice because they take up a little less space in your home than the rear drive options. They also have rollers that run on tracks that can contribute to noise and a rough motion if not done well. We’ve found that the Merit ellipticals often start off with smooth motion, but develop creaks after several months. This is especially a problem with larger individuals.
Merit 715 E Console
Short Stride Length – The stride length on the Merit ellipticals is usually around 16″ and will work okay for petite people. Anyone pushing 6-foot is going to feel cramped.
These ellipticals are usually priced around $300 and you get what you pay for. However, we would say that they are worth the money. You’ll get a usable machine that will last you 1-3 years. It’s not going to work well for larger or taller individuals, but smaller folks should be okay. In fact, we were pleasantly surprised by the number of positive reviews for the Merit machines.
You might consider spending just a few hundred dollars more and looking at brands like Horizon and ProForm. You’ll get MUCH better machines with longer warranties, better tech, higher quality components, and smoother action.
The Merit 725 E Elliptical Trainer is available to purchase from Amazon.
May Work if You’re a Petite Person
Currently, this model is unavailable on Amazon, but you may want to check out a slightly more expensive model in the Merit 725E which IS available on Amazon for around $280. Otherwise, you may find models of the Merit 715E floating around the fitness world and available for purchase. The Merit brand is made by the same makers as Horizon Fitness.
If you are a small person, you may be perfectly happy with this machine. Also check out the Merit 725E available on Amazon. We actually recommend that you spend just a few hundred dollars more for a Horizon EX59 or ProForm Endurance 520E. These machines will be made of higher quality components, include workout tracking technology, better warranties, and last MUCH longer.
The Merit 725E is available for sale on Amazon. The Merit 715E is not currently available for sale on Amazon.
The Very Best in Adaptive Motion Technology!
This really is a premier machine from a top manufacturer. Unfortunately, the price reflects this leap in quality. In order to bring this machine into your home, you will need to pay over $12,000. For many, this price is too restrictive. However, we would recommend that you also check out the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer machines. They have a similar adaptive motion design and cost much less.
Precor is a premier brand with high attention to detail, innovative designs, and obsessive quality control. We’ve always been quite pleased with their customer service and impressed with their equipment.
The AMT 885 is a unique design with adaptive motion technology. This means that the machine is going to adjust its pattern to match your body. You can effortless adjust the stride length and height to vary your workout motion. This will allow you to work all of the muscles in your lower body. If you like the concept of an AMT machine, you may also want to check out the AMT 833 and AMT 835 for a lower price. Or, the NordicTrack Freestride Trainers offer a similar design, although not up to this level of quality, for a MUCH lower price.
