ProForm 890E Ellpitcal Trainer Review

The ProForm 890E Elliptical Trainer is ProForm’s premium elliptical trainer offering a nice variety of features – all for under $1,000 (price is subject to change).

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OVERVIEW:

 The ProForm 890E Elliptical Trainer is a rear-drive, adjustbable stride length elliptical trainer that features a power ramp ranging from 10 to 30 degrees incline.  Of course it comes with moveable handlebars that move in sync with your feet giving you a total body cardio workout.  With large cushioned pedals, you have the flexibility to be properly aligned and situated while striding your workout.

Features
Stride Length Adjustable Stride Length: 18″ – 20″ stride options.
Drive The ProForm 890E Elliptical Trainer is a rear-drive elliptical trainer – which is the type of elliptical more commonly found in commercial gyms.
Ramp Yes, this elliptical comes with a ramp ranging in incline degree from 10 to 30 degrees.  The incline ramp feature gives you the ability to target different lower body muscle groups.  Generally I prefer rampless elliptical trainers, but if you’re looking an elliptical with extra variety with its workout options, then getting one with a ramp will suit you well.
Moveable Handles
  • Yes.  Being ProForm’s premium elliptical trainer, you can workout your entire body – using the handles with resistance along with the elliptical lower body movements.
  • The ProForm 890E also has stationary handlebars if you prefer not doing an upperbody workout.
Foot Pedals
  • You can see that the pedals are large on the above image.  These large foot placements let you situate your feet in a position that suits your stance and gait.
Resistance Levels 20 resistance levels you can easily adjust with ProForm’s Quick ResistanceTM technology.  Quick ResistanceTM is the ability to adjust the resistance level using one-touch buttons rather than navigating a computer looking for the resistance adjustment settings.  This may seem like a minor feature, but in my experience, being able to quickly adjust resistance on an elliptical is a very nice feature because some workouts require changing resistance frequently.
Heart Rate Monitor System
  • This elliptical is outfitted with a Dual-Grip EKGTM heart rate monitor.  Dual-grip means the heart rate sensors are located on each handle which conveniently monitors your heart rate while holding onto the handlebars.
  • If you’ve done any reading about fitness equipment, and especially if you’re looking to lose weight, you’ll know the importance of having a heart rate monitor built into your elliptical.  The reason for this is that many weight loss workouts are based on sustaining an intensity level that is a certain percentage of your maximum heart rate.  Usually the formula is 65% of your maximum heart rate.
Screen On the ProForm 890E’s GraffixxTM display, which is high-res, you can monitor your: 

  • speed;
  • time;
  • distance;
  • calories burned; and
  • pulse.
iFit Technology Yes, the ProForm 890E comes with an iFit port.1 

ICON Health and Fitness developed iFit Technology which is being implemented on all types and brands of fitness equipment.

It’s important to know that even if a fitness machine you purchase is outfitted with an iFit port that you still need to buy an iFit wireless card and possibly a subscription for ongoing service.
Sound System Blast your tunes with the Intermix AcousticsTM 2.0 sound system.  One advantage of working out at home with the ProForm 890E elliptical (and other ellipticals with a sound system) is you can listen to music without headphones.  If you’ve ever gone to a gym, for obvious reasons, you must  listen to music on headphones.
iPod and MP3 Integration Yes, you can plug in your MP3 or iPod into the 890E Elliptical and play your music through this elliptical sound system.  The port is centrally located making it convenient for you to make your music selection.
Workout Fan The ProForm 890E has the CoolAireTM Workout Fan with easy adjustable settings.  Staying cools helps you workout longer to achieve your fitness goals.
Console Features Reading rack (a little narrow for my preference) and a single water bottle holder.
Weight Capacity 325 pound weight capacity.  325 pounds is getting toward the higher weight limit for in-home elliptical trainers priced under $1,000 (actually for ellipticals priced under $1,500).  I think 325 pounds is good, but still unfortunate for people who weigh more and would like to start a fitness program in their home.
Workout Programs Nice selection of workout programs designed by a certified personal trainer: 

  • 14 performance workouts:  If you’re training, kick up the intensity with a large variety of performance workouts.
  • 6 Weight loss workouts:  The elliptical trainer is an ideal weight loss cardio machine because it is no-impact and works out your entire body.  With 6 weight loss focused workouts, you’ll have plenty of options with the ProForm 890E Elliptical to burn fat and lose weight.  Remember that with the resistance levels, you will also develop some muscle which may offset weight loss.
Financing ProForm has a six month BillMeLater program for which you must qualify.  This is a nice financing feature because it allows you to start your fitness regimen now rather than waiting until you’ve saved up for your purchase.
Dimensions 73.8″-L X 24.6″-W X 64.2″-H

Shipping Options
  • Take advantage of ProForm’s free delivery.  If you wish to have this elliptical assembed for you the cost is extra.
  • If you’re not the kind of person who is handy and don’t want the hassle of assembling your elliptical, you can pay for an in-home delivery and assembly service available in many locations.

Benefits
  • The adjustable stride length accomodates your most heights. In particular, the 13″ stride option is ideal for shorter people. Many elliptical trainers are too large for many people and it’s refreshing to see an elliptical trainer that can be used comfortably by shorter people.
  • Elliptical trainers provide low impact cardio workouts. If you have ankle, knee, hip, and or back problems, an ellipticall trainer is an excellent low impact cardio option. Please consult a doctor before buying any cardio equipment and starting a workout program.
  • I’ll say it again – having any fitness equipment in your home is a very nice convenience saving you time from travelling to and from a gym. You also have the freedom to workout when you want and for as long as you wish.

Dislikes
  • The adjustable stride length maxes out at 20″.  For taller people, a 22″ to 24″ stride length is a nice feature.
  • Narrow reading rack.  I like reading magazines when using cardio equipment and I prefer it when both sides of a magazine remain flat rather than bending backward wrapping behind the rack.

Warranty

 Lifetime Frame Warranty and 1-Year Parts & Labor.

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    1. Click here to learn more about iFit Technology and how it can enhance your workout experience on the ProForm 890E Elliptical Trainer.