Introduction:

We have found that elliptical cross trainers are the most popular and fastest growing category of fitness equipment. An elliptical is one of the best ways to get a full body workout in 20 to 30 minutes. Walk into the cardio room of any gym or health club and you’ll notice that there are more elliptical machines in use than there are treadmills, stair climbers or stationary bikes. Why? Because people who are truly committed to a serious fitness regimen know they get a superior workout on an elliptical. One elliptical that we really like comes from industry giant, gym equipment manufacturer ProForm. Here is our review of the popular 500 ZLE model

General rating:

4.5 out of 5.0 stars

Key Features:

The ProForm 500 ZLE is a rear folding elliptical cross trainer that has a 3-level adjustable stride length. This allows the user to easily focus their training on a specific muscle group, making for a versatile, effective and enjoyable workout. The design allows the machine to be stored in a small space, a great feature for those with little space available. The console has an easy-to-read backlit LCD screen with stereo speakers. There’s also a fan to keep you cool and a built-in iFit SD reader that gives you virtually unlimited training options.

Price:

Around £600.00

Product description:

This is a quality cross trainer that has 16 preset programs and a flywheel for maximum speed and smoothness. Adjustable stride length ensures you get a safe and effective workout. If you’re interested in reaching your fitness goals in the shortest time possible, this machine is worth a serious look.

Product specifications:

Assembled size: 164 cm high x 64 cm wide x 195 cm long
Folded size: 164 cm high x 64 cm wide x 125 cm long
Weight: 80kg
User weight limit: 130 kg
Flywheel weight: 6kg
Number of pre-programmed workouts: 16 (8 based on calorie goals and 8 based on weight loss goals)
Resistor Type: QuietTech® Digital Silent Magnetic Resistor
Stride Adjustment: 13″, 15″ or 18″ user selectable

Product characteristics:

The backlit blue LCD console display shows resistance level, speed, time, distance, pulse rate, and calories burned. Heart rate is measured by means of an EKG grip pulse and a heart rate monitor. A belt for the popular Polar® heart rate monitor is optional, but highly recommended. There’s an iPod-compatible port, as well as capability for an interactive workout using an iFit SD card. iFit technology allows personalized workouts to be uploaded directly to the elliptical, so you can have a virtual workout in a variety of locations. iFit controls speed and resistance to simulate the terrain of your chosen location. The 500 ZLE also has ergonomically designed hand levers to tone your upper body and improve coordination.

Conclusion:

We like the compact size of the ProForm 500 ZLE that doesn’t compromise on performance. It has all the features you’d expect from a mid-to-low priced elliptical machine from a well-respected gym equipment manufacturer.