Elliptical Cross Trainer - Precor EFX 5.21i

This is a quality machine - one of the best - to invest in, gives an awesome workout, and will last for years to come.

Best Recommendation

For those larger bodies [ 250 lbs +] who need a very solid quality machine; the Precor or Landice brands, commercial models are the ones that will give you the best performance..

Best Features

Performance - Smooth and quiet

User Feedback - The Precor machine shows an image of what body part is being used as levels are changed.

Adjustment Options - Able to adjust the level of the height of the machine to work different parts of your body. Highest level works your gluteal muscles (your butt) the most.

Accessory Holder- Has a place for water bottles and a magazine rest for those long steady lower pace workouts.

Worst Features

Price tag - 5.21i for $3,499. Expensive – top models cost around $3,000. There are some good quality machines for much less than $3,000. Top of the line elliptical machine can reach $5,000.

Size and Weight - Hard to relocate once it is put together,

Minimal memory - Only holds one user profile – very annoying and limiting for such an expensive machine. Users must change settings for weight and age each time they use it.

No moving arm levers - Precor do have models with moving arms - check the Precor website to compare the various models.

Features

• Very quiet and smooth.
• True elliptical motion
• Sturdy, well built
• Ability to change the resistance (20 different settings)
• Settings to show calories expended; calories per minute; time target; time passed; time left; distance; steps taken and the resistance you are working at.
  User Experiences
• Heart rate monitor - a must for exercise equipment to workout at a certain percentage of your maximum heart rate. The EFX has a simple to use and understand heart rate monitor that works well.
• Variety of programs.
  • Manual
  • Cross training
  • Gluteals
  • Heart rate [requires heart rate monitor] - the resistance level automatically adjusts based on your heart rate
  • Interval
  • Fat Burning
• Reasonable weight - 197 lbs
• Good stride length - 18 inches.
• Size - Around six feet long, nearly three feet wide, and about four feet high.
• Average Cost - $USD3,500.00

Limits Of Use

Large machine suited only to larger rooms. Not easily moved once assembled.

User Experiences

Incline is wonderful with the EFX - allows you to work your entire lower body.

Setting One [very easy] to 12 [very difficult]. Vary your workout between 1-8 switching resistance every few minutes. Lower levels work 4 options for calf, hamstring, quadriceps (thighs) and gluteals.

Readouts are adequate and work well. The calorie counter is not that reliable, but this is common to most exercise machines.

User Tips

Issue - none reported to date

NB: Known issues of elliptical trainers are only those experienced by individual users are are not necessarily and indication of poor quality on all units. They are included here purely as a guide as to likely problems with tips on how to remedy.

Exercise Equipment Resources

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