When trying to balance a healthy lifestyle, sometimes it’s best to bring the gym to your home. At home fitness equipment comes in all shapes and sizes, but it is very important to opt for a fitness machine that is designed scientifically and ergonomically. Otherwise, it is possible to end up with injuries and no effective fitness results. But our time constraints in daily life hinder us from physically going to stores and doing extensive research about fitness machine products before purchasing them.
So, we search online, and different websites have plenty of different items available for sale on their websites. We heard about MaxKare, a company that sells ellipticals, also called MaxKare ellipticals ,on Amazon. When it is a matter of reviewing fitness machines, our team is always ready to explore! So, we did not waste time and started researching the MaxKare ellipticals.
One of the reasons that definitely drew our attention to MaxKare is that it sells MaxKare ellipticals; however, MaxKare also sells other products along with fitness machines, and its website suggests that fitness machine manufacturing is something that they are least bothered about.
When we try to deliver a review about a company and its products, we always start by examining their websites closely. The websites hold so much information to clear many doubts. When it comes to a fitness machine manufacturer company and their products, learning and understanding things becomes easier since we have a basic knowledge of which technologies and latest upgrades are in the market and how they are working. So, by analyzing the specifications of a fitness machine, we can almost get sure about its credibility.
After we are done with our research and analysis about MaxKare and its ellipticals, here are some facts that we feel you need to be aware of before you make a decision to purchase them:
Our final take is that we recommend the Horizon EX-59 over the MaxKare elliptical. It costs $599, but in order to achieve sustainable durability and reliability, we believe it is a much safer and better investment. Let’s look at some reasons why this is our suggestion.
There are different ergonomic, functional, and safety-related reasons that make us suggest to customers the Horizon EX-59 over the MaxKare elliptical.
Whenever we are researching an exercise machine, our primary research approach is to find out whether the machine ensures safety or how much sturdiness its weight provides. While researching the MaxKare elliptical, this has also been no exception. The product description shows that a MaxKare elliptical is a fitness machine that weighs 72.7 pounds. It made us doubt the product’s sturdiness right away. We went on thinking and discussing among ourselves that if a user is more than 140 pounds and chooses to go for this machine, it can bring a fatal result.
As soon as we found out that the MaxKare elliptical machine failed to match our primary criteria, we started looking for an alternative, and we discovered that the Horizon EX-59 is a way better replacement for the MaxKare elliptical machine; here are some reasons why:
As we have discussed before, the weight of the MaxKare machine made us skeptical about its sturdiness. So, we tried to find an alternative and learned that the Horizon EX-59 is the best replacement. The Horizon EX-59 elliptical weighs 145 pounds, more than twice as much as the MaxKare elliptical. MaxKare says that its elliptical can support up to 286.6 pounds of user weight. We believe that this suggestion is incorrect and that someone of this weight using an elliptical in comparison to the actual weight of the elliptical could pose a safety issue.
In their opinion, the MaxKare elliptical has a stride length of 14.17 inches, which is comfortable enough for all clients. Their product description provides us with this information. However, this is not a practical case. In contrast, the Horizon EX-59 elliptical possesses an 18-inch stride length, which is something that we would only suggest for people with an average height. The Horizon EX-59 stride length is suitable for most people who are 5’6–5’7′′ or shorter. We believe that most users would consider the MaxKare elliptical’s 14.17 stride length to be excessively restricting.
A flywheel is an important aspect of an elliptical machine since it determines the motion of the exercise machine. The more it gains motion, the more effective it will be in calorie burning. So, it is very crucial to look for heavy flywheels that ensure optimal motion to help you pursue a fruitful fitness goal.
Through research, we came to know that the MaxKare elliptical has an 11-pound flywheel, which is not at all promising to scale up your exercise regimen. If your motion is not perfect, your exercise will not be effective at burning calories. So, we went to look for the Horizon EX-59 machine’s flywheel information and it states that EX-59 has a 14.3-pound flywheel. This implies the fact that the Horizon EX-59 has tougher flywheels and ensures better motion when it comes to exercising.
Warranty is a very crucial factor when it comes to machines. Since ellipticals are fitness machines, the importance of the warranty period is also vital here. Having a warranty makes sure that you get your coverage free of cost and if any part goes wrong, the company takes the responsibility to replace it. Since this aspect is very important, we wanted to research this factor too.
We learned that the MaxKare elliptical comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and if there is any fault or shipment damage, there is a 24-month manufacturing warranty. This is a poor warranty, and we believe that a poor warranty reflects the fact that the product is not up to the mark. The Horizon EX-59 comes with a way better warranty plan, with a lifetime structural warranty and a one-year parts and labor warranty.
As discussed before, many buyers look for fitness machines on sites like Amazon. MaxKare ellipticals are one of those fitness machines that are available on Amazon and many people buy them online from Amazon.
After purchasing and using the product for some time, they leave their reviews in the product review section. We took a look into that because it is one of the most important things to get clients’ feedback about a product because they use the product extensively before writing a review. Here are some glimpses from that section discussed below:
Update: “I attempted it again, and it can be achieved by yourself, but it’s difficult.”
Recommendations:
MaxKare appears to be selling and receiving love from customers everywhere in general. However, both their official company website and Amazon store are difficult to use for a buyer to purchase a fitness item. Despite some positive Amazon reviews, a significant criticism appears to be the machine’s faulty construction and poor engineering design, along with bad customer support. When it comes to purchasing exercise equipment online, these factors are very crucial and major concerns for buyers.
Another issue with this fitness machine that we are concerned about is its safety and reliability. We are apprehensive about their suggestion of a 286 lb. client maximum weight limit. We have tested the equipment and also noticed that the machine’s flywheel weight is also not up to the mark. So, a calculation of the ratio between user weight and machine weight suggests that a user weighing nearly 286 lb. would be roughly four times the machine’s weight.
Our final thoughts would suggest that if your budget is that of the MaxKare elliptical, you should opt for the Horizon EX-59. Our research and review team has examined both of the products very closely, and we can assure you that Horizon EX-59 is a far more secure and prudent option. It boasts a bigger stride length, a stronger and heftier unit weight, and a better insurance plan. Horizon also has a considerably better reputation in the industry. If you want to know more about the Horizon EX-59 product, you can head on over here to read our full review of this product.
Sunny Health & Fitness is known for being an affordable fitness equipment brand. Its headquarters are in Los Angeles, CA, and Xiamen, China. It’s quite a small company compared to most other fitness equipment brands. Sunny Health & Fitness is also relatively new to the fitness equipment industry. They have a friendly work culture that makes for a warm, family atmosphere in their workplace environment. This translates to excellent customer service because they are approachable, understanding, and willing to help. They take pride in their customer service and call it their “Sunny Difference”. It does set them apart from many of the larger companies in the industry, where the communication is not great and the customer service is not as approachable.
Most Sunny Health & Fitness ellipticals are budget-friendly. Their most popular ellipticals are all priced fairly low. While Sunny Health has some positive features like personable customer service, they also have some drawbacks which you should be aware of when purchasing equipment from them.
Sunny Health & Fitness offers three different kinds of elliptical machines: traditional ellipticals, cardio climbers, and under-desk ellipticals. We checked out some of their popular elliptical models to see what they’re about.
This machine is a great budget-friendly machine for a workout at home. It comes with magnetic resistance and pulse sensors on the workout arms that allow you to keep track of your heart rate. Its features are as follows:
It’s a compact machine and is a decent option as an entry-level machine in the fitness equipment market. However, this machine would not be a good buy if you were looking for a solid, durable machine that you can use for more than a few years. It’s a very lightweight machine and does not provide steady support during a workout; it felt quite unstable while exercising. It doesn’t support a weight above 220 pounds. We were also not very convinced about its ability to withstand 220 pounds weight as it seemed to lack that kind of stable capacity.
The machine is not foldable, so you cannot fold it and move it around easily. This is surprising because most lightweight machines are usually foldable. The main advantage of a lightweight machine is its mobility with easy folding and transportation. The machine does come with wheels which will help you move it around. However, given that it is a light machine, one would expect it to have more convenient options for moving around, like foldability.
It’s also not comfortable for taller people because the stride is very limited – 12 inches. Many people will find it difficult to take a full stride on this machine as the stride length makes for a restricted feeling while working out. Typically, popular residential ellipticals have a comfortable and natural 18”-22” stride length. If you want a machine that gives you a more natural, comfortable stride, you could go for a Horizon Fitness elliptical machine.
This under-desk elliptical by Sunny Health & Fitness is space-saving and easy to move. It has large foot pedals to prevent your feet from slipping while using it. It offers a form of cardio exercise to get your blood circulation going and work out your low body muscles. It has 8 levels of magnetic resistance, which can be adjusted by using a tension knob. It also has a digital monitor to track speed, time, calories, and distance. It has a 7-inch stride length and floor stabilizers to ensure better grounding on floor surfaces.
While this under-desk elliptical does help you get your legs moving, we found that its benefits in terms of working out were limited as it does not quite match up to a full-body workout and the range of muscle exercise that a regular elliptical offers. Under-desk ellipticals are not common in the fitness equipment market for a reason. There are some benefits to having leg movement but it’s limited. When regular ellipticals offer full-body cardio exercise including legs and arms, it might make more sense to get those instead of one that is just for the legs. If you are looking for something to get your legs moving a bit on the job, this may work well for you. If you are looking to burn calories and get your heart pumping, this is not the best option for you. You could check out the Horizon EX-59 instead.
The Performance Cardio Climber Elliptical Trainer (SF-E3911) with climbing motion comes with a unique striding motion that helps you focus on working out your lower body muscles or do a full-body workout using the swinging handlebars for your arms.
It has a digital monitor that helps you measure time, speed, distance, calories, odometer, and scan. It has a climbing stride that makes it feel like you are climbing when working out.
It also has a device holder, bottle holder, floor stabilizers, and a flywheel in the front.
While it did have some useful features like the climbing stride, we found this machine to be lacking in stability as a whole.
The Premium Elliptical Exercise Machine Smart Trainer has wide footplates and a stride that is 15.5 inches. Again, we found this stride to be very limited and not very comfortable. It also has pulse sensors that will help you keep tabs on your heart rate as you work out. You can connect to a wireless heart rate belt to measure your heart rate. This will help you maintain stability on any surface. It has different levels of resistance which allows you to increase or decrease the resistance between 16 different levels of magnetic resistance. However, to access this magnetic resistance, you will need to connect the elliptical to a power source.
It comes with the SunnyFit App, which has trainer offerings and allows you to view your performance metrics. The Performance Monitor has a display that shows your speed, time, distance, calories burned, rotations, and magnetic resistance level.
We found that this machine is pricier than the other machines without adding much value. The additional features it has are basically a Bluetooth connection and the SunnyFit App. Otherwise, the features are more or less the same as the others – different levels of magnetic resistance, a water bottle holder, a device holder, and pulse sensors.
These budget-friendly machines are useful in the sense that you get what you pay for. However, don’t expect them to last more than a few years. They also do not feel very stable during exercise and this poses a safety concern.
The warranties they offer are also limited and this we found to be an issue, given that the machines are cheaply made.
There are some benefits to purchasing Sunny Health & Fitness ellipticals. However, due to safety and durability concerns, we feel more comfortable suggesting other machines as better alternatives. The main concern that we have with their ellipticals is how light they are, which causes a lack of stability during your workout and could lead to injury. In comparison, other budget ellipticals (such as the Horizon EX-59) weigh more and this heavier unit weight results in not just more stability during your workout, but also more safety.
If you are looking for better features along with quality and durability, you could check out Horizon Fitness; it’s a brand that comes with a great reputation. Horizon Fitness manufactures its own components for its ellipticals. This vertical integration of Horizon’s production process is an advantage when you have to think about the maintenance of your machine, troubleshooting, and customer support in case there is a problem with its functioning or any of its parts.
Horizon ellipticals are professionally engineered and designed for the most appropriate body positioning to ensure that you do not strain your muscles in the wrong way. The pedals are spaced optimally so that they minimize stress on the hips and back. Horizon provides a Digital Pass which allows you to save a lot of money on fitness applications like Peleton, Daily Burn, and Studio. All these applications are integrated with Horizon machines.
The machines are also a good option for taller people – they have long and natural strides that allow for a comfortable experience. Working out on these machines feels like you are actually running or walking because the strides are more natural and less constraining.
What’s more, Horizon also offers budget-friendly models that don’t compromise on quality and good features. They are built from quality components and are made to last. Horizon’s best-selling model is the Ex-59 Elliptical. It’s budget-friendly without making you give up on useful features. The best thing about this model is that it is simple to use because of its intuitive controls. It’s also easy to start up so it takes less time to start your workout. Yet, it’s also got quality components and a durable build. Horizon Fitness offers some solid warranties and good deals that will keep you covered and safeguard your money.
Using fitness equipment to exercise is a great way to improve your workouts and push yourself to do your best. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast, supportive fitness equipment is incredibly important and it makes a big difference to your workout experience. It also supports you and provides a steady grounding so you can do your best without worrying about safety and stability.
The pandemic helped us realize the importance of physical fitness in our lifestyles. These days so many people are trying to make it a habit. It’s an effort to get yourself to do the workout regularly. You don’t want to make things even harder by using fitness equipment that does not support you well. Using quality machines encourages you to work out more. It gives you an experience that rewards you for the effort that you are putting in.
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 you want to work out. 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 are accessible and comfortable, encouraging you to get down to exercising.
If you are looking for low-price fitness equipment, Sunny Health & Fitness ellipticals are something you can consider. However, there are budget-friendly alternatives that offer quality components, great warranties, and stable machines. Horizon Fitness offers a comfortable and intuitive fitness experience, irrespective of where you are on your fitness journey. Its Ex-59 elliptical is affordable but doesn’t make you give up on the good stuff. We would suggest that this offers better value for your money compared to Sunny Health & Fitness Ellipticals.
A Machine with Consistently High Customer Reviews
I’ve been a Schwinn elliptical trainer fan for years. They have consistently built some of the best budget ellipticals in the market. The Schwinn 470 and Schwinn 430 are perfect examples. For an elliptical costing only $600 you get a stable machine with a reasonable smooth elliptical stride that is reasonably durable. With both of these models the customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Recently Schwinn ventured into the low end of the budget crosstrainer market with the Schwinn A40 elliptical. The one feature that makes it stand out over the competition is the 17.5″ elliptical stride. Most low-end ellipticals come with a 16″ or less stride lengths. You end up with a very choppy motion that tends to me more oval than elliptical. However, even with the 17.5″ stride length taller users may find it too short.
Although the Schwinn A40 may be one of the best values at the bargain price at under $600, it has some limitations that as a potential customer you should be aware of.
Light Unit Weight – The shipping weight is listed as 106 lbs., so you can imagine the unit weight is somewhere around 95 lbs. That is very light for a machine that has to stabilize both an upper and lower body motion. In fact, if you watch the video demonstration you can actually see the Schwinn A40 rocking as it is being used. They rate the user limit at 275 lbs. The person in the video is not anywhere near that heavy, and is exercising moderately. Be aware that the light weight will impact the stability.
8 Levels of Resistance – Most ellipticals will have a minimum of 16 levels of resistance. With 8 you’ll notice a substantial change in the resistance from one level to the next.
Front Drive Design – I’m concerned about the overall design of the Schwinn A40. Typically with a front drive design elliptical trainer you have wheels running over rails. In the case of the A40 you have a single wheel running on a single rail. With the Sole front drive ellipticals you have dual wheels running on dual rails to guarantee stability. The design of the Schwinn A40 is similar to the more expensive Schwinn 420 and 430, and they have managed to maintain a solid feel for the long-term. However, I have been on cheap front drive machines with the same design as the Schwinn A40, and after regular use both the footpedals and the upper body handles tend to loosen up. I’m projecting into the future, and I could be wrong.
Warranty – 
Usually at this price you get 90-days parts and labor coverage. The Schwinn A40 comes with 6 months parts and 30 day wear parts warranty. They do not mention anything about labor. Not sure what the wear parts refers to, since any part of the elliptical can wear. If you plan to purchase the Schwinn A40, I would consider an extended warranty with labor coverage.
Other issues are the LCD display. It is hard to read, and in fact it was one of the major complaints by customers. Also the fan hardly kicks out any breeze.
My recommendation is if you can afford it go with the Schwinn 430. It has a proven track record as one of the most stable and durable elliptical trainers for under $800. If you can’t afford the Schwinn 430 the A40 is a decent alternative with limitations. The 17.5″ elliptical stride is a plus, but the stability and potential durability are drawbacks. Regardless, the majority of customers gave the Schwinn A40 positive reviews, suggesting this is one of the best values under $600.
ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical
Considering the ProForm Carbon EL elliptical, it’s an appealing choice within the competitive $999 price range. This elliptical distinguishes itself by offering features that are often not found at this price point, such as being iFit enabled, which provides access to a vast array of interactive workouts.
Additionally, it boasts a full-color display and a wide, comfortable 19” adjustable stride, enhancing the user’s exercise experience. ProForm, as a brand under Icon Fitness, benefits from large-scale production, often allowing for more value for the consumer’s investment.
While it may not include all the advanced features of higher-priced ellipticals, the ProForm Carbon EL still presents a solid combination of essential features and affordability, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality fitness equipment without a high price tag.
Check out a comparison chart of all ProForm ellipticals here.
0% financing for up to 39 months. Free shipping and a 30-day money guarantee!
In response to demand, many manufacturers have increased the price of fitness machines. An elliptical less than $1,000 is a great deal!
Shop for the ProForm Carbon EL at Proform.com
20° Adjustable Ramp with 5 Positions – You can quickly adjust between 5 different incline positions to target different muscle groups and get a more effective workout.
5″ High Contrast Display – A full color, high contrast display screen on a machine in this price range is not a feature to overlook.
15 lb. Flywheel – The weight of flywheel determines the smoothness of the elliptical motion. The heavier the flywheel, the better. This weight will not give you as smooth of a workout as higher end machines, but it’s decent for the price point.
Warranty – Consists of 10-year frame, and 1-year parts and labor, which is pretty standard for this price range.
Front Drive Design – The Carbon EL features a front drive design. Learn more about Front Drive vs. Rear Drive in our article here.
18 Resistance Levels – 18 digital resistance levels will ensure you get a great workout, as you progress from easy to difficult. They feature SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance to keep your noise to a minimum.
iFit Ready – iFit is a signature training technology found on machines from Icon Fitness (ProForm and NordicTrack). The Carbon EL elliptical comes iFit enabled, however you will have to pay an additional monthly fee for an iFit subscription, which is usually around $40/month. If you want an elliptical with iFit already included in the price, you may want to check out the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 elliptical; it is “FREE” with a 3-year iFit membership included in the price.
Other Features…
Note: The weight capacity on the ProForm Carbon EL is 300lbs.
Note: Fully assembled dimensions are 25” W x 68.5” D x 67.75” H.
To learn more, visit ProForm.com
The NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS10i is an awesome machine 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. In the FreeStride Trainer Series you can also find the FS14i model.
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 Interactions — iFit 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.
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 FS14i model.
Warranty — You get a fairly standard coverage that includes 10-year frame, 2- year parts, 1-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. 
Go to www.NordicTrack.com and learn more!
Previously known as the Carbon HIIT H7, the Carbon HIIT H10 from ProForm knocks it out of the park.
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 H10 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 $1404 total. And you get the Carbon H10 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.
The ProForm Carbon HIIT H110 is currently FREE with a 3 year iFit Membership. That’s a total of $1,404 for this machine + your iFit Membership. Financing is available for as little as $39/month. Free shipping and a 30 day money back guarantee.
First and foremost, let’s talk about what makes the Carbon HIIT H10 different from treadmills and ellipticals that you may have used in the past. The Carbon H10 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 H10 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 machine takes up far less space than a treadmill or elliptical without sacrificing any of the performance.
The Carbon H10 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 H10. 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 H10 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 H10 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 H10 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 H10 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 H10 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 H10 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 $1404, 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.
To learn more, visit ProForm.com
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.
The Horizon Peak Trainer has been discontinued.
Shop Available Equipment 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.
The Horizon 7.0 AE is available for $999, or pay as low as $28/month with financing. 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.
WEEKEND SALE ENDS MONDAY: This model is currently OUT OF STOCK. Click here to check out other Sole Fitness Ellipticals.
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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 Merit Fitness 725E Elliptical Trainer![]("//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=weightlosssou-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B001DETL3E")
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 Merit Fitness 725E Elliptical Trainer
