ProForm 1050 STS Elliptical Trainer Review

The ProForm 1050 STS elliptical trainer by Icon Fitness isn’t perfect, but it has some pretty good things going for it.  The warranties that back this trainer indicate to the buyer that the 1050 STS model is relatively well-constructed.  The extra features that come on this machine are certainly impressive for an elliptical trainer.

The ProForm 1050 STS elliptical trainer by Icon Fitness is regularly priced at around $1800…which is rather pricey for this particular trainer.  Keep your eyes open for special sales on this and other ProForm models, however.  The 1050 STS has gone on sale for as little as $600!  At that price, it is a decent deal!

What makes the ProForm 1050 STS elliptical trainer unique?

One thing that makes the ProForm 1050 STS elliptical trainer unique is its iFit® Fitness Journal.  This journal makes it easy for two individual users to track and store their workout progress on a daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly basis up to 10 years!  Not many elliptical trainers have that feature.

Additional features included on the ProForm 1050 STS elliptical trainer are:

• Twenty personal trainer workouts plus four heart rate workouts – Such a wide selection of workout programs makes it easy and fun to focus on your personal fitness goals.  Choose from weight-loss programs, cardio workouts, or performance training. Note: The heart rate programs require holding on to the stationary grips. Kind of defeats the purpose of have the moveable handlebars.
• Heart rate monitor – This heart rate monitor has sensors built into the stationary handlebars.  Having a heart rate monitor is a nice feature.  The one problem with this particular style of heart rate monitor is that you have to stop using the moving handlebars to check your heart rate.  That means that you won’t be working at the same intensity level as you check your pulse.  Therefore, you won’t get an accurate reading of what your pulse rate would be while engaging both the upper and lower body during your workout.
• 18” stride – This stride is perfect for most users.  If you’re really short, though, you might find the 18” stride just a little too long and uncomfortable.
• Built-in sound system and iPod® dock – Crank up the volume on your favorite tunes to get you pumped up and motivated to work hard.  Music has a way of making workouts more fun and less tedious.
• Workout fan – A cooling fan built into the console blows a refreshing breeze onto your upper body to keep you more comfortable during workouts.
• Warranties – The ProForm 1050 STS elliptical trainer comes with a lifetime frame warranty, a 12-year brake warranty, and a one-year parts and labor warranty. 

Our Review – The ProForm 1050 STS Elliptical Trainer

When you consider all the extra features on the ProForm 1050 STS elliptical trainer, this model seems really nice.  With the iFit® Journal and the built-in sound system, you might think you’re getting a top-of-the-line elliptical trainer with the 1050 STS.

At $600, the ProForm 1050 STS elliptical trainer by Icon Fitness is a good buy.  At $1800, however, it’s ridiculously overpriced.  After all, this machine is rather light-weight with a front flywheel, making the 1050 STS somewhat unsteady and wobbly.    

Be sure to pay attention to the 300-lb. maximum user weight limit.  Too much user weight could accelerate the wear and tear on this elliptical trainer, resulting in maintenance issues and shorter life of the unit.  I would put the top user weight at around 230 lbs.

I would recommend you also check out the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990. It is built by the same company.  It is a few more dollars, but it is a sturdier and more stable.  It also comes with an incline feature that allows you to kick-up your cardio burn. 

The bottomline on the ProForm 1050 STS is if your budget is limited, and this machine is selling for $600 with shipping, it is worth considering. It probably is one of the better deals at that price. Just realize you are purchasing a budget elliptical with certain limitations.