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 What makes the 2012 ProForm 18.0 RE elliptical trainer an attractive offer is the incline ramp, or what they refer to as the "Total-Body Toning Ramp", which sounds sexier. Actually ProForm bought the rights to the patent of this incline design from Precor. For those not familiar with Precor, they invented the concept of the elliptical trainer with an incline ramp, and their commercial grade elliptical trainers are some of the best in the industry.
The incline ramp has the dual benefit of providing you with a more intense workout. In addition, it allows you to target different lower body muscles as you raise the ramp. That is in comparison to an elliptical with no ramp, which only works limited lower body muscles.
Note: Typically the ProForm 18.0 RE elliptical trainer sells for $999 with shipping. The best value from ProForm. Go to www.ProForm.com for the latest price.*
However, there is a further story behind the design of the "Total-Body Toning Ramp. Precor holds a very strict patent on the design, and consequently other companies cannot duplicate it. What this biomechanical design offers is the ability to maintain a pure elliptical motion as you raise the ramp. Other companies with incline ramps have to compromise on the design to get around the patent. Consequently, they end up with a ramp that distorts the elliptical motion as you raise the ramp. It is less ergonomic than the Precor design, and can reduce the efficiency of your exercise and cause stress and strain to your lower joints.
A couple of further notes about the ProForm 18.0 RE "Total-Body Toning Ramp". First, as you raise the ramp you increase the elliptical stride from 20"-23" further targeting additional lower body muscles. Also the ramp raises to 40 degrees, which simulates hiking up a seriously steep mountain.
ProForm 18.0 RE Elliptical Trainer Features...
 iFit Live Compatible — There are a number of features to iFit Live. First, you can define your fitness goals on your personal account at iFit.com and a personalized workout program will be downloaded onto your computer. These 8-week exercise routines are designed by professional fitness trainers like Jillian Michaels and include audio coaching to keep you motivated. Your results are downloaded to your iFit.com account so you can track your progress.
In addition you can map out routes anywhere in the world on Google Maps and the ProForm 18.0 RE elliptical trainer will simulate the terrain with the incline ramp. With the use of a laptop or smart phone, you can visualize your progress with either a street, satellite or earth view from Google Maps. iFit Live requires Wi-Fi and a wireless adapter that you purchase separately.
24 Installed Workout Programs — If you do not want to opt for the cost of iFit Live, the ProForm 18.0 RE elliptical comes with 24 workout programs that include 12 weight-loss and 12 performance exercise routines.
Oversized Pedals with Angle Adjustment — The oversized pedals allow you to position your feet where they are most comfortable. In addition, by adjusting the angle of the pedals, you can better position the angle of the pedal where you minimize the lifting of your heals, which can be stressful on your ankles.
Speakers and MP3 Input — Considering you are listening to speakers built into the console of an elliptical trainer, they do not sound too bad.
Cooling Fan — The breeze will not blow you away, but it is directed right at your core, which is what you want to cool off.
Warranty — 3-year parts and 1-year labor warranty. You are not going to find a similar warranty at this price.
Our Review — ProForm 18.0 RE Elliptical Trainer
As I mentioned, what makes the ProForm 18.0 RE elliptical appealing is the "Total-Body Toning Ramp". This same feature is on Precor commercial ellipticals costing up to $7,000. ProForm is only able to use this ramp design on sub $1,000 machines. Obviously a budget ProForm elliptical trainer is nowhere near the quality of a Precor Elliptical, but for a budget elliptical the 18.0 RE has some very attractive features that make it an attractive offer.
One last note. Both ProForm and NordicTrack are built by Icon Fitness. NordicTrack has almost an exact clone of the ProForm 18.0 RE, called the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 PRO. It has received my "Best Buy" rating and has been awarded a similar rating from a prestigious consumer magazine. Which logically suggests the ProForm version is equally be a best buy.
Go to www.ProForm.com to learn more.
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