Cross trainers (also known as elliptical trainers) provide a very low impact workout and are a great way to improve your fitness level and lose weight.
I recently tried the ProForm 895 elliptical trainer and would like to share my thoughts on the machine. It’s made by Icon, who are the largest manufacturer of fitness equipment in the world.
I found the oversize pedals, along with the 16″ stride length made the action comfortable, although users over 6 feet tall may find a trainer with a longer stride length has an action more suited to them.
The console is of a decent size and includes a fan to keep you cool and a set of speakers that will connect to any audio player with a standard 3.5mm jack. They will not replace your existing stereo equipment, but they are certainly a nice bonus feature. One thing that is certainly not a gimmick is the slot for iFit cards. These are basically SD cards that contain structured workouts, usually over 8 weeks. This small slot gives the Proform 895 unlimited flexibility.
The built in programmes keep your workouts varied as you work towards your goals. There are 6 built in workouts and 2 that take advantage of the heart rate control functionality. Please remember that you will need a compatible chest belt. I used my Polar belt and it worked perfectly. Check with your retailer to see if a belt is included.
If you don’t have a chest belt you can use the pulse sensors built into the central hand grips. Because they are not in the arms you may have to change position, but it is only for a short while and then your pulse rate is displayed on the screen. As with other cross trainers with this feature it is only a snapshot and does not allow for heart rate control.
The space saving technology and built in wheels makes storing the machine easy and allows you to reclaim your floor space when your workout is over.
The machine is covered with a 2 year warranty for parts and labour, with the frame also covered for life. I thought this was acceptable and compares with other machines in this price range.
Because of its build quality, features and the fact that it folds I would recommend the ProForm 895 to:
- Those with limited space requiring a machine that does not compromise on quality
- Users that would like to exercise whilst taking care of their joints
- People who like following and progressing on structured programmes
So in summary the Proform 895 is a solid elliptical trainer with plenty of features to keep your workouts varied and effective.
