Getting the right elliptical for your body and budget!

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Some Companies Are Shipping Faster than Others Amidst the Pandemic

With the pandemic still on the forefront of all of our lives, and with all the changes to the fitness industry, your daily workouts probably look very different from what they were a year ago.

There are benefits – you don’t have to commute to the gym, you can play your music as loud as you want in your living room, and you can avoid the smelly Steve at your local gym.

But you probably miss having more than one barbell to choose from, and you probably miss your favorite exercise machines too.

Since it seems like the virus isn’t going away any time soon, it’s probably time to take your home gym to the next level. With New Year’s approaching, soon you’ll have a chance to make New Year’s resolutions, new fitness goals, and change your workout routine.

And to make all of that happen, you need new fitness equipment. With Black Friday approaching, now is the time to buy exercise equipment. Continue reading


The Affordable Under-Desk Elliptical 

The SF-E3872 from Sunny Health and Fitness is their under-desk elliptical. Priced at less than $150, this machine seems pretty attractive to consumers. Most users who work at desk jobs will find this under-desk elliptical particularly attractive in hopes to incorporate some leg movement while they are sitting all day.

Although you may not have heard of Sunny Health and Fitness, they are really popular on Amazon. Most of their machines have really good user reviews. This elliptical for example has 4.5/5 stars with over 2,000 consumer reviews.

Sunny Health and Fitness is a much smaller brand in the industry, they have only about 100 employees worldwide. Their main headquarter location is in Los Angeles, CA. Sunny Health has a second headquarter location in Xiamen, China.

While Sunny Health and Fitness certainly doesn’t have the name recognition as other brands such as NordicTrack or Horizon, having such popularity with consumers on their Amazon store is promising for their equipment.

The SF-E3872 under-desk elliptical is definitely a unique option that we don’t see often on the market, and there is a reason why. There are some better options out there for the goals of most consumers.

SF-E3872 Amazon Sale!
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E3872 is currently priced on Amazon for $129.99 with FREE shipping for Prime members. For a total body workout, you may want to consider the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical instead.

Shop Now at HorizonFitness.com

Shop the SF-E3872 at Amazon.Com

SF-E3872 Features

SF-E3872

  • Digital Monitor – There is nothing spectacular here, just a display monitor, but it does give you basic stats like time, speed, calories, and distance.
  • 8 Level Adjustable Tension Knob – The SF-E3872 is completely powered by you. However, there is a tension knob located on the machine that has up to 8 levels of resistance to make it more challenging for you.
  • Compact Size – The dimensions of this machine are 24 x 19 x 11 inches; it weighs 24.2 lbs. It’s designed to fit under desks and chairs.

Why We Suggest the Horizon EX-59 Instead

An under-desk elliptical seems like a great idea in theory. Most people think that it’s a great way to “kill two birds with one stone” so to speak – get your exercise in while you are working. However, the movement alone of simply moving your legs while at a desk or chair is actually not very effective at all.

ex59

Horizon EX-59

Of course, there are always benefits to moving your body. In comparison, the benefits to only working your lower body, rather than the full body workout that a standard elliptical will give you are minimal. If you are looking to get toned, burn calories, and get your heart pumping, this is probably not the option for you.

If you are looking to add some really effective exercise into your today, we suggest another budget elliptical instead – the Horizon EX-59. The EX-59 from Horizon is priced at $649, and they offer monthly financing options.


A Budget Machine with Great Reviews

The SF-E905 from Sunny Health and Fitness is considered a budget elliptical. This machine usually is priced at under $200, making it one of the most affordable ellipticals on the market today.

Sunny Health and Fitness is a smaller brand that is not well-known by most people. Their company has only about 100 employees worldwide. Sunny’s main headquarter location is in Los Angeles, CA. Sunny Health has a second headquarter location in Xiamen, China.

While Sunny Health and Fitness certainly doesn’t have the name recognition as other brands such as NordicTrack or Horizon, there are some good reviews on their fitness equipment. Sunny Health and Fitness has a large presence on Amazon. The SF-E905 elliptical has a 4/5 star rating with over 4,500 reviews.

The SF-E905 does seem to be popular among some consumers, but we do have some concerns with this machine that we want to make readers aware of before making their purchase.

SF-E905 Amazon Sale!
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E905 is currently priced on Amazon for $179.00 with FREE shipping for Prime members. Although this is a really attractive price point, we suggest checking out the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical.

Shop Now at HorizonFitness.com

Shop the SF-E905 at Amazon.Com

SF-E905 Features

  • SF-E905

    Digital Monitor – Nothing fancy, just a display monitor, but it does give you information like your time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse.

  • 8 Level Adjustable Resistance – The SF-E905 is completely user manual, but you can adjust the resistance up to 8 levels. However, it should be noted that you do have to step off the machine when you want to change the resistance level which some users could find inconvenient.
  • Compact Design – The SF-E905 is ideal for those who are limited on space. The Assembled dimensions are 36 L x 18 W x 15 H.

Our Concerns with the SF-E905

  • Product Weight – The SF-E905 Elliptical Trainer has a product weight of 61 lbs. Some users may see a lightweight machine as a positive feature, but at weight this light, safety and stability become major concerns. If you weigh over 120 lbs., you are over twice the weight of this machine. In comparison, the Horizon EX-59 weighs 145 lbs.
  • 11 Inch Stride Length – Typically we suggest a minimum of an 18” stride length. Most users of average height will find an 11” stride length confining and uncomfortable.
  • Warranty – There is a 3-year structural frame warranty, and 180 days for other parts and components. This is not a great warranty.

Why We Don’t Suggest this Elliptical

ex59

Horizon EX-59

The SF-E905 elliptical from Sunny Health and Fitness comes with some decent features for such an affordable price. Although it’s compact, shows fitness stats, and has resistance adjustment options, we feel the safety concerns outweigh the positives of this machine.

We suggest checking out the Horizon EX-59 elliptical instead. The EX-59 is sold at $649, with monthly financing available. We are very confident in Horizon as a brand and have seen countless positive consumer reviews over the years for the EX-59. The EX-59 from Horizon is a safer and more durable choice for an elliptical trainer.


An Elliptical Trainer Under $100! Too Good to Be True?

Yes, you read that title correctly. We were a little shocked, too! The SF-E902 from Sunny Health and Fitness is one of the only elliptical trainers on the market that we are aware of priced at UNDER $100.

Sunny Health and Fitness is a smaller brand in the fitness equipment industry, with only about 100 employees worldwide. Their main headquarters location is in Los Angeles, CA. Sunny Health has a second headquarters location in Xiamen, China.

Some people may view small brands as a disadvantage. While Sunny Health certainly doesn’t have the name recognition as other brands such as NordicTrack or Horizon, there are some advantages when choosing to purchase from a small brand.

Sunny Health and Fitness is vocal about their dedication to making their company atmosphere as much like ‘family’ as possible. Since they strive to create a close-knit workplace – their customer service is likely to be much more personal as well. (Which is a huge plus when purchasing fitness equipment!)

SF-E902 Amazon Sale!
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902 is currently priced on Amazon for $90.61 with FREE shipping for Prime members. Although this is a really attractive price point, we suggest considering the Horizon EX-59.

Shop Now at HorizonFitness.com

Shop the SF-E902 at Amazon.Com

SF-E902 Features

  • Digital Monitor – Although it’s not the largest or the most fancy, this elliptical does come with a small monitor that shows time, count, total distance and calories.
  • Full Body Workout – The SF-E902 is completely user manual, and powered by you. This will ensure a great aerobic workout!
  • Foldable – It’s a great feature when you’re limited on space to have an elliptical that folds.

Why We’re Concerned With This Machine…

There is no denying that the SF-E902 from Sunny Health comes at one of the most appealing price points on the market. Let’s face it, if you can spend under $100 on an elliptical trainer, who wouldn’t want to?! However, we have some really serious concerns with this elliptical trainer.

  • SF-E902

    Product Weight – The SF-E902 Elliptical Trainer only weighs 31 lbs. While a lightweight product can be a great feature, not this lightweight. Sunny Health makes the claim that the SF-E902 can hold up to 220 lbs. of user weight. Considering this is over six times the weight of the elliptical, we do not feel this is a safe weight limit. With a product weighing only 31 lbs., there are major concerns for both stability and safety during your workout.

  • Unsure of Stride Length – On their website, Sunny states that the stride length for this machine is 30″. However, on their description on Amazon, they state the stride length for this machine is 45″. We are not confident in stating a matter-of-fact stride length for the SF-E902 with conflicting descriptions. Regardless, some users will find a fixed stride length uncomfortable. We find that adjustable stride lengths are usually the preference of most users, so they can adjust it to what’s most comfortable for them.
  • Warranty – There is a 1-year structural frame warranty, and 180 days for “other parts and components”. This is an awful warranty, and a warranty usually reflects the quality and durability of a product.

Our Review – Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E902

ex59

Horizon EX-59

This elliptical is sold at a price that nearly all of us are drawn to. It seems like a great deal, especially for someone who is looking for a basic treadmill to get some movement in at home. However, as we stated, we have some safety concerns with this elliptical unfortunately.

We suggest checking out the Horizon EX-59 elliptical instead. The EX-59 is sold at $649, with financing available. There is a bit of a price jump from $100 to $600, but we are very confident in Horizon as a brand, and have seen countless positive consumer reviews over the years for the EX-59. We feel the Horizon EX-59 is a safer and more durable choice for an elliptical trainer.


How To Make A Big Change In No Time

One..

Two…

Three…

Four…

Imagine those numbers above are mere seconds out of your day. Now imagine that in that small amount of time you could have helped raise the bar on your fitness levels.

This may sound crazy, four seconds can’t possibly be long enough to improve your health, but new research shows that you can do just that. Continue reading


High Quality for Budget Price!

proform carbon EL

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

ProForm Carbon EL Features

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. 

carbon EL19″ Power Adjustable Stride – 20″ stride is what most users report as the most comfortable. In this price range, we usually see an 18″ stride so 19″ is pretty good.

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…

    • Soft Touch Upper Body Grips
    • Oversized Pedals
    • Audio Auxiliary Port with (2) 2″ Speakers
    • Tablet Holder
    • Water Bottle Holder

    Note: The weight capacity on the ProForm Carbon EL is 300lbs. 

    Our Review – ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical Trainer

    Carbon ELThe ProForm Carbon EL is a great machine for the price point. There aren’t many ellipticals out there in this price range. This machine may not have all the fancy features, but it will get the job done and you can get a great workout right in your home.

    Note: Fully assembled dimensions are 25” W x 68.5” D x 67.75” H.

    To learn more, visit ProForm.com


    Engage More Muscles – Burn More Calories! 

    hiit 14

    The ProForm Pro HIIT H14 Elliptical features the latest breakthrough in the elliptical world, HIIT elliptical training. If you are not familiar with HIIT training it stands for “high intensity interval training”.

    This machine combines a unique 10-inch vertical stepping path with an upper-body punching actions. The purpose behind this combination movement is to mimic stair climbing and boxing at the same time, which will activate essentially every muscle in your body — from your quads to your triceps. You’re sure to get an effective workout with the HIIT H14. 

    0% financing is available for up to 39 months.

    Shop The Pro HIIT H14

    Features on the ProForm HIIT H14

    • Vertical and Horizontal Elliptical Path for HIIT Workouts – As h14mentioned, the HIIT H14 is specifically designed for HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts. These short and intense bursts of intense work, followed by brief recovery periods help your body engage more muscle groups and burn the max calories.  The 10-inch vertical path and 5-inch horizontal path of this elliptical will make you feel like you’re stair climbing and boxing all at once. This motion will have you burning more calories, and building more strength, while keeping your joints at ease.
    • Full Body Engagement – The HIIT H14 is designed to recruit and engage a large variety of muscle groups, so you can get the most effective workout possible. 
    • 26 Resistance Levels – The ProForm HIIT H14 uses patented SMR (Silent Magnetic Resistance) to simulate 26 digital resistance levels. This is a broad selection of level options to accommodate from casual to intense workout levels. 
    • iFit Enabled – One of the biggest perks on any ProForm or NordicTrack machine is their incorporation of the iFit Live programs. At the time of this review, you get 1-Year iFit Family Membership for FREE with the purchase of the HIIT H7 elliptical. ifitiFit is one of the best ways to step up your workout. Enjoy live interactive training sessions with certified trainers, where they can adjust your resistance for you during your workout. Travel the world through global training classes, right from your own living room. Track your progress through iFit to plan future nutrition and fitness goals tailored to your needs. 
    • 14” Smart HD Touchscreen – This is a HUGE screen that will keep you motivated and captivated during your time on this machine. View all your workout stats including speed, time, distance, calories burned, heart rate. 
    • 30 lb. Flywheel – A heavier flywheel allows for a smooth and more natural feeling elliptical motion.
    • Warranty – There is a 10-Year Frame, 2-Year Parts, and 1-Year Labor Warranty on the HIIT H14. This is a pretty standard warranty from ProForm. 
    • Other Features Include… 
      • CoolAire Fan
      • EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Sensor
      • Audio Auxiliary Port with (2) 2″ BlueTooth Speakers
      • Water Bottle Holder
      • Over-sized Leveling Feet 

    Our Review:  ProForm HIIT H14 

    The main competition for this model is the ProForm Carbon HIIT H7. These machines are really similar when it comes down to features and specs. The HIIT H14 model does include a larger screen — double the size in fact. However, both of these machines are designed to incorporate a combination of a 10-inch vertical path and a 5-inch horizontal path to activate the most muscles possible, and guarantee an effective workout.

    At the time of this review, you are able to get the Carbon HIIT H7 model for a significantly lower price with the purchase of a 3-Year iFit Family Membership.

    The main difference between the two is the screen size, so take that into consideration which screen size you prefer, and how much you are willing to pay for a larger screen. ProForm is an excellent brand that produces quality product, so you’re sure to get a great machine with either purchase here.  

    Check out a comparison chart of all the ProForm ellipticals.

    To learn more, visit ProForm.com


    Don’t Pull the Plug on Your Fitness Goals

    Many of us are being forced to stay at home for the first time in our lives.  Gone are the days when we can head off to the crowded gym for a lunch break or after-work sweat sessions.  Now, we need to substitute rows of weight machines and exercise equipment for the workout gear we have in our living room.

    And yes, our staff here at Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com are feeling the pain just like you are.  In fact, our fearless leader, Brad Heath wanted to share his own story in the hopes that it will help inspire and motivate you as you adjust your own fitness routine.

    Continue reading


     

    Unique Times Call for Unique Action 

    You plan your fitness goals. You strategize a way to reach them. You imagine amazing results.

    But, do you know what you’re NOT doing?  You aren’t actually getting started… Yup, when it comes to attaining your fitness goals, there are a lot of things that can derail us.

    For most of us, we use the excuse that it’s not the right time. Work is really busy, there’s a lot going on with the family, it’s just too cold…or too hot. Or maybe you set your goal on January 1st and have already lost sight of the finish line.

    And now, this COVID-19 situation has all of us in a bit of an odd situation.  Many of us are stuck working at home for the first time in our lives.  But when you take out a daily commute, kids’ soccer practice, and the need to dress for society, many of us are finding ourselves with a little (or a lot of) extra time on our hands.

    So yes, NOW is the perfect time to finally get going with your fitness goals.  Not only will daily exercise help you, boost your immunity and manage your anxiety in regards to the pandemic, it will also help you look and feel great for the time when we’re finally allowed to go public again.

    Continue reading


    How Exercise Helps You Stay Healthy

    We know that exercise is good for you, there’s no argument there. It’s great for heart health, brain function, bone strength, emotional health and more.

    But did you know that it’s also good for your immune system? That’s right! Exercising can help boost your immune system to keep you healthy and ready to fight off illness.

    It’s something that’s all the more important given the current state of the world.

    How Exercise May Help Boost Your Immune System Against Coronavirus

    There are a few theories as to why regular exercise may help you stay healthy. Nobody knows exactly how it happens, but based on how our bodies function this is the closest the experts have come to knowing what’s really going on.

    The scientific community is still learning about the coronavirus so none of the studies in this report are specific to our current situation.  Instead, we’re working off our prior knowledge of how exercise can help boost your immune system against things like the annual flu.  (The COVID-19 virus is a type of flu.)

    Continue reading