ProForm is one of seven fitness equipment brands owned by ICON Fitness, a Chinese company that’s based in the United States. ICON is a world leader in manufacturing ellipticals, treadmills, and other home fitness machines.
ProForm ellipticals are especially for beginners who want an entry-level machine with some extras. Some ProForm features include iFit technology, gaming options, and built-in CD players. ProForm elliptical trainers are fine for casual use, but they aren’t intended for heavy training.
Brand Features of ProForm Ellipticals
- Various strides – ProForm cross trainers have a stride for everyone. The adjustable 10.0 ZE ranges from 13” to 18”, and the 1050E’s stride ranges from to 19”-24”. Other models have fixed strides of 18” for people of average height.
- Comfortable pedals – Extra-large pedals help users stay comfortable during long workout sessions.
- Incline training – Incline training helps exercisers burn calories more efficiently and focus on different muscle groups. ProForm’s 590E, 790E, and 1050E can be inclined.
- Program variety – Most ProForm ellipticals are loaded with enough programs to keep exercise interesting. They’re also wired to read iFit workout cartridges, which are sold separately. iFit cartridges provide 8 weeks of personal training each.
- Resistance – As entry-level ellipticals, not all ProForm trainers have the standard 16 or 20 levels of resistance. The foldaway 10.0 ZE stands out for having just 12. This won’t matter for lighter users, but regular exercisers will quickly master the machine.
- Entertainment – ProForm ellipticals include iPod ports and impressive speaker systems.
- Compact size – Some ProForm trainers, such as the 10.0 ZE, can be easily folded for storage.
- Mediocre warranty – ProForm ellipticals are sold with a lifetime warranty on the frame and one year on other parts and labor. This is a so-so deal; many budget models only offer a 90-day warranty on parts and labor, but some offer several years of protection on parts besides the frame.
Overall Rating for ProForm Ellipticals
These are fun entry-level fitness machines for people who are willing to pay for extras. ProForm ellipticals include attractive features such as fans, iFit technology, and sound systems. However, these components aren’t housed in very solid bodies.
Customers who are especially heavy, and those who might quickly “out-train” the machine, should also consider budget ellipticals by Schwinn and Sole Fitness. These have longer warranties and heavier drives.
