Proform 520E Elliptical Review

 

Proform 520E Elliptical Review – Highlights:

 

The Proform 520E elliptical is a solid little starter elliptical that gives you everything you need for a good workout – and a few extras as well.

 

 

It’s a front drive design – which many people feel is more stable than a rear drive design. And while it’s not the heaviest flywheel on the market, the 16 pound flywheel is pretty decent – especially at this price point. It’s great for a starter machine.

Another plus? The healthy 19 inch stride.

Stride is the furthest distance between the pedals. And a longer stride helps to more fully work your lower body muscles. It also feels a lot more natural as shorter strides can feel jumpy and uncomfortable (like you’re locked into a too-short stride when you’re trying to run and stretch out).

Many ellipticals under $600 give you a 14 – 18 inch stride, so it’s nice to find a longer stride on the Proform 520E.

 

 

 

Proform 520E Elliptical Review – Console Benefits:

 

The console is bright and backlit, making it easy to read your workout stats. There’s also a scrolling message board giving you instructions and leading you through the next steps of your workout.

The console displays your mileage, speed, calorie burn, heart rate, and time. There’s also an iPod dock with speakers so you can play you favorite workout tunes as you run.

The 18 different built-in workouts each focus on a specific goal like calorie burning, time etc. You just press Start and go. You can also design your own workout with the manual mode.

 

 

One of the best things about the console is what’s on top. You get a sturdy holder you can use for your tablet. So you can attach your tablet and go online or watch your favorite TV shows as you workout.

The tablet will not cover the console so you will also see a constant feedback of your workout stats. Also, the tablet holder is adjustable so you can move it to the angle that suits your height. This alone can make your workouts a lot more fun and enjoyable.

There are also two hand grip pulse sensors on the stationary handle bars in front of the console. So you can stay in your target fat-burning rate as you workout.

 

 

 

 

Travel the World with iFit Coach

This elliptical comes iFit-ready. iFit basically connects your elliptical online and you can track your workouts over time, set new goals and even get an unlimited number of new workouts downloaded to your elliptical.

You can also connect to iFit with your tablet and run real life trails – from Hawaii to Australia. You’ll see real landmarks pass you by in the tablet screen.

You can choose from pre-designed popular world trails or map out a trail to run yourself using the Googlemaps feature. This adds some virtual reality fun to your workouts and can take your fitness to a whole new level.

 

 

 

Challenge Yourself with Incline

Incline is not the same as resistance (there are 18 levels of resistance on this trainer). Incline changes the slope of your elliptical path and helps you to work different sets of muscles. It’s a great way to crosstrain and get more out of your workout.

 

 

You get from 0 to 20 degrees of incline on the Proform 520E which again, is unusual at this price point. The incline ramp is adjustable (manual) so you can set it to the ramp level you want and go.

 

 

Proform 520E Elliptical Review –  Any Downsides?

 

This is a starter elliptical – so it doesn’t come with many of the extra features that Proform’s higher end trainers carry. The incline is manual and not power incline – so you do have to get off the machine to change it (you can’t change it from the console with the push of a button like with some trainers).

Also, while this is a little thing, there is no fan built into the console here like you get with most of Proform’s elliptical lineup.

 

 

Where to Buy and Save:

If you’re looking for a super-affordable elliptical from a great name, that also gives you incline and a long stride, you really can’t go wrong with the Proform 520E elliptical. You can buy it directly from the Manufacturer and get Free Shipping here.

 

Click Here To Save on the Proform 520E Trainer