The ProForm StrideClimber 490 is a low-priced elliptical with iFit plus iPod compatibility. This machine is fine for petite people who are beginning exercisers. It has a short stride that’s only right for small adults, and people who are already in good shape will quickly master the machine. The Proform 890E offers better value.
Elliptical Hits: What You Get with the StrideClimber 490
- Upper body workout – Movable handlebars help provide a more intense and full-body cardio workout.
- Workout variety – The StrideClimber 490 includes two interactive video games – Calorie Destroyer and Fat Blocker – that get easier to play when people work out with more effort. It’s also sold with 4 personal trainer workouts. Overall, people wanting variety will turn to the iFit workout cards that are sold separately.
- Sound system – ProForm’s StrideClimber 490 includes an MP3 player port and speaker system.
- Heart rate monitor – An EKG heart rate monitor is included.
- Workout fan – A convenient console fan helps exercisers keep cool.
- Music port – An iPod-compatible port lets people play MP3s through the elliptical’s sound system.
Elliptical Misses
- 16” stride – This stride is too short for most adults to make long elliptical movements.
- Warranty – This machine has a poor warranty: just 90 days on parts and labor plus seven years on the frame.
- Resistance – The 480LE only offers ten resistance levels. Sixteen or twenty levels is the norm.
Overall Rating for the ProForm StrideClimber 490 Elliptical
The StrideClimber 490 is a good elliptical trainer for smaller people starting to dabble in exercise. It’s inexpensive and entertaining. For a more challenging cross trainer that’s sized for more average-sized adults, see the Proform 890E.
