Archive for February, 2010

Meet Precor EFX 5.25 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer

Posted at Friday, 19 Feb 2010 in Elliptical Exercise

Precor was the first company in the fitness industry to introduce an elliptical cross trainer in the year 1995. The company set the standard for quality, high-end elliptical trainers. Their first elliptical machine was named EFX and is used on their modern elliptical.

Precor elliptical are primarily sold in specialty fitness dealers, where you are more likely to find top-of-the-line products. Precor also makes commercial models installed in health clubs. Several sites sell remanufactured exercise equipments but exercise caution when purchasing those.

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BUY Precor EFX 5.25 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer here.

The main elliptical of Precor is their patented CrossRamp. This model features the adjustable incline of the ramp that the front rollers travel on thus changing the muscle groups being exercised. CrossRamp is touted by Precor for adding variety to the user’s exercise routines. You might notice that it merely changes the angle of the ellipse. The shift of the angle on a treadmill does not necessarily make the workout more intense.

The foot has a comfortable level of protection level of plantarflexion and dorsiflexion that is 10 to 15 degrees of motion. You will have an inordinate amount of dorsiflexion when you incline the unit since it decreases the angle of the foot and leg. Hence, most users feel that the incline ramp is an antiquated feature.

The fitness industry, specifically elliptical equipment, has grown to be competitive as more features and technology are available. Precor recognizes the competition that is why they integrated AMT or adaptive motion trainer. This technology allows the unit to change motions without an incline ramp.

Meet one of Precor’s newest models, Precor EFX 5.25. The EFX 5.25 home CrosstrainerTM offers a complete cardio and muscle-toning workout for the upper and lower body. CrossRamp® technology for Variable Stride Geometry, and eight programs help you choose the workout that best fits your fitness goal. With a warm color palette and smooth lines, the 5.25 fits your home and lifestyle.

What’s more is Precor EFX 5.25 has an advanced heart rate monitoring ensures you stay in your target zone while an intuitive console displays additional workout metrics (not compatible with optional wireless transmitters). With a warm color palette and smooth lines, the 5.25 fits your home and lifestyle.

Features:
Adjustable CrossRamp targets key muscle groups. The ramp angle is fully adjustable from 15 to 25 degrees and moves up and down at the push of a button, allowing you to individually target and work all major lower body muscle groups. Different ramp positions engage different lower body muscle groups. When moving the ramp from the bottom to the top, you’ll feel various muscles engage and disengage–the lower positions activate all muscle groups, while the higher positions isolate glutes, quads, and calves. A variable stride length, from 18.5 to 20 inches, offers even greater diversity to your workout.
Track your target heart rate. SmartRate offers instant display of your heart rate to help you stay in your target zone for a more efficient cardio and weight-loss workout. The 5.25 features touch heart rate with ergonomically positioned, touch sensitive grips.
Ergonomic moving handlebars help provide a total body workout, enabling you to tone and condition your entire body while maintaining comfortable posture and proper technique. You can also use the stationary handrails for more workout options.
Designed with your home in mind. With its smooth lines and subtle color palette, the EFX complements your home decor and suits your lifestyle.
Intuitive console is easy to read and adjust. Access Quickstart and programs at the touch of a button. The backlit LCD display shows your heart rate, calories burned and time/duration of exercise–to help you get the most from your workout.
Locking Pin: A locking pin secures the foot pedals, preventing movement, when not in use
16 consistent levels of electromagnetic resistance to customize your workout
Two User IDs allow two people to enter and store personal preference information, then quickly retrieve it for future workouts
Integrated storage shelf for water bottle, portable music player, etc.
QuickStart lets you begin workout with the push of a single button
Optimized biomechanics combining low impact with smooth natural motion
Direction of rotation is completely reversible from forward to backward to allow even greater use of different muscle groups

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ProForm Elliptical Trainers review

Posted at Saturday, 06 Feb 2010 in Elliptical Exercises

Meet Proform, a subsidiary of Icon Health and Fitness, the largest retail fitness company. If you haven’t heard of Proform, you might be familiar with most of their brands namely Reebok, Weider, Nordic Track, and Weslo.

Proform elliptical machines are designed for the casual user. This machine may not be for you if you plan to work out on a regular basis. We strongly recommend you to consider other brands in the market. As a matter of fact, Runner’s World categorized Proform treadmills as a “light duty machine.”

You should look for elliptical above the $600 price range. Below that price range may have a questionable quality.

Inexpensive machines are meant to look similar to more expensive models thanks to genius marketing people. Plastic comes way lot cheaper than durable all-steel models. Icon is also big on bells and whistles. iFit technology is a perfect example, which controls your workouts with different kinds of challenges. The only drawback is the quality of their parts.

Proform elliptical trainers has surprisingly short period of warranty. It includes 90 days service and 90 days on parts. Another concern regarding Icon products is that support and service does not seem to be a high priority by the time warranty is over.

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The good news is that you can purchase a separate three-year fitness equipment warranty worth $94.99.  Plus, you can also consider checking out other high-end Proform Elliptical trainer such as ProForm Spacesaver DX Elliptical Trainer for a price of $799.99.

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