ProForm 20.0 Elliptical Trainer Review

proform 20.0 crosstrainer review Although they push the built-in video game on the ProForm 20.0 elliptical, I feel the quality of the machine is the overall selling feature. Personally, I'm not big on playing video games — probably it is a generation thing.

However, the game gimmick will have some appeal, so I will discuss it. There are two games — Fat Blocker and Calories Destroyer. You have controls in the handlebars. The harder you workout, the more advantage you have in destroying calories and blocking fat. I would rather watch CNN or the Sci-Fi channel.

Note: As 01 11/21/08 the ProForm 20.0 Elliptical Trainer was selling for $499 with shipping. That is a $200 decrease from last week. Go to www.ProFormEllipticals.com for the latest price.

I tested the ProForm 20.0 elliptical when I was recently at their corporate headquarters in Utah. This is what I liked.

Solid Feel — Realizing this is a budget elliptical, the elliptical motion is relatively smooth, with 12 levels of resistance. It has a front-end drive, which some people prefer. The one advantage is it tends to take up less space.

18" Stride — I felt the stride length was comfortable for my 5'8" height. If you were over 6'2", you would want to consider an elliptical with a 20" stride.

Music Port — You can plug in your iPod or MP3 player and output to the speakers built-in to the machine.

A Variety of Challenging Workout Programs

9 Standard Workouts — If you want some variety in your exercise, the ProForm offers 3 workouts that focus on your upper body, 3 that target your lower body and 3 designed to tone and strengthen your entire body.
3 Personal Trainer Workouts — The 3 exercises focus on aerobic, weight loss, or performance goals. I believe these programs also come with audio coaching.
2 Heart Rate Workouts — You exercise within a targeted heart rate zone - increasing the resistance when you need to raise your heart rate and lowering it when you need to slow down. The heart rate is monitored by holding on to the handgrips on the console.

Fitness Equipment Source Review — ProForm 20.0 Elliptical

You may find the video game appealing, but the real focus should be on the quality of the machine. Realizing this is a budget elliptical, the quality is not bad — of course this elliptical is not near as durable as a machine costing $1,500+.

I recommend the 20.0 for moderate use. It is not designed for multiple users who will use the machine on a daily basis.

Note: The ProForm 20.0 elliptical comes with a 1-year parts and labor warranty. I recommend you get and addition 1-2 years of coverage.

Go to www.ProFormEllipticals.com for more details.

Other Recommendations:

Schwinn 430 Elliptical

NordicTrack SpaceSaver Elliptical