Proform 12.9 Elliptical Review

 

Benefits of the Proform Smart Pro 12.9 Elliptical:

 

The Proform 12.9 elliptical is a popular, mid-range model in Proform’s “Smart Pro” series.

These ellipticals that are built tougher than Proform’s starter models. They carry heavy flywheels and dual-track-wheel designs for added stability – as well as commercial-grade, solid-steel construction.

The Proform 12.9 elliptical is one of the most popular models for a reason – it’s tough and durable with a great mix of entertainment fun – but it’s also affordable coming in under $1500.

 

 

The elliptical is a front drive design – which many people feel is more stable and solid than a rear drive elliptical layout (also more space-efficient).

The Pro 12.9 trainer also has a impressive 32-pound flywheel. (A heavier flywheel helps to give you a smoother-feeling ride, especially during resistance transitions.)

Is it a good choice for you?

Here’s a quick review of the main benefits – and drawbacks of the Proform 12.9 Elliptical trainer:

 

 

 

 

Console Review:

The console is impressive – a 7-inch, full-color, HD, touch-screen console.

So you can see your workouts in full color with a swipe of your finger. It also connects with iFit through the console. With iFit you can run famous trails all over the world – from Paris to Hawaii – and watch the landmarks pass you by in full color (more on iFit Coach below).

The console window also tilts back and forth so you can find a good viewing angle for your height.

Plus you can use the included tablet holder to attach your tablet or phone above the console and add even more options.

Surf the net, read your emails or watch Netflix videos as you workout. This is particularly nice to find since some manufacturers are getting rid of the free tablet holders on their trainers.

 

 

 

Add Some Hiking with Incline

Incline is not the same as resistance (you get 24 levels of resistance on this trainer). Incline changes the slope of your elliptical running path and helps you to work different sets of muscles. It’s a great way to crosstrain and get more out of your workout.

The Proform Pro 12.9 elliptical gives you from 0 – 20 degrees of power incline. You can change the incline with the controls on your console display.

 

 

 

Travel the World with iFit Coach

iFit is an online service that you can connect to through your console. You can then choose from a library of thousands of different workout videos to stream – everything from guided tours to solo runs.

These videos include runs through exotic world trails – from the Amalfi Coast to the shores of Greece. You can either run alone – or watch a workout where a personal trainer coaches you through the workout – pointing out landmarks along the way.

 

You can also take a high-energy fitness class right from you console if you want an extra challenge. iFit has everything from HIIT training workouts to yoga to strength training and more.

iFit Coach will also track your workouts for your and send you new, personalized workouts based on your fitness goals. It’s really a smart-fitness technology you can use as much or as little as you want.

While iFit is a subscription-based service, if you get the Proform 12.9 elliptical direct through the Manufacturer (as of this writing), you can get a 1-year subscription to iFit Coach included.

So you can try it out for a full year at no cost to see if you like it.

 

Click to Get iFit with the 12.9 Smart Pro

 

 

You don’t need iFit Coach to use this elliptical however – it works find without it in manual mode.

So if you try iFit and decide you don’t like it after the free year, you can just cancel your subscription from your iFit account and continue to use the elliptical as normal.

 

 

Adjustable Pedals

The trainer comes with oversized, cushioned, adjustable pedals. You can choose from 3 different toe-heel angles and find the most comfortable fit for you.

Another comfort feature is the curved, multi-position handlebars. You can grasp the moving arm bars from different positions – to get a more diverse arm workout.

 

 

Easy Assembly

Most people hate spending hours putting their fitness equipment together. And the engineers at Proform have addressed this problem with the Proform 12.9.

It comes with easy, out-of-the-box assembly. You basically put it together in 3 simple steps. This drastically cuts down the work required to get this trainer up and running.

 

 

 

Any Downsides?

While the console on this trainer is a huge upgrade over many other brands at this price point, if you want an even larger console (10 inches), you may want to upgrade to the Proform 16.9 elliptical (which is similar in design and features – but has a larger console window).

Also, Proform advertises this as a 20-inch adjustable stride. However that’s not entirely accurate. You can adjust the stride, yes – but you do it by changing the incline on the machine.

So it’s not what some people would necessarily see as an “adjustable stride” – where you just push a button and the stride changes. This isn’t a huge problem and most people won’t care – but it’s something to be aware of.

 

 

 

 

Is It For You?

If you’re looking for a higher-grade elliptical that’s built to handle longer, more intense (or multi-user) workouts, the Proform 12.9 elliptical is a fantastic buy. Another bonus? It’s currently at a price that won’t break the bank either.

Overall it gives you the stability you want – with some of the extras to make your workouts a lot more fun along the way.

 

Where to Buy and Save:

You can get the Proform Smart Pro 12.9 elliptical direct from the Manufacturer and even get Free Shipping here. You will also get the Free 1 year iFit membership included, see the full machine specs and read the latest user reviews.

 

Click Here To Save on the Proform Pro 12.9 Elliptical