Archive for November, 2009

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Life Fitness Elliptical 95Xi
 
Manufacturer: Life Fitness
Customer Rating:
 
List Price: $5,899.00
Sale Price: View Sale Price
Availibility: View Product Availability
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Product Description

You are looking at an excellent example of a Remanufactured Life Fitness 95Xi Cross-Trainer. Life Fitness, the global leader in designing and manufacturing commercial fitness equipment, has received a Sports, Health & Fitness Great Gear of the Year Award in the commercial elliptical category for the 95Xi Elliptical Cross-Trainer from ShapeYou.com GearAwardsTM. The 95Xi offers a smooth, comfortable total-body cardio workout in one of the industry's fastest growing product segments. The machine features Fit StrideTM technology, LifepulseTM digital heart-rate monitoring hand sensors and several motivating workouts. || *** FOR EXCELLENT SHIPPING RATES, PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE. ***

Product Details

  • Oversized Pedals
  • 350 lb User Weight Capacity
  • Self Powered
  • Hand Grip Heart Rate Monitoring
  • 20" Stride Length

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this product.

Customer Reviews

The wife is happy
 
Review Date: February 13, 2009
Reviewer: Ron, Holland, MI United States
After using this machine at a fitness center, we ordered this identical machine. Minor cosmetic flaws but in good shape for a used machine. I have never used it but my bride is very happy with the machine. I had a few questions and the vendor was prompt and helpful even after the purchase.
Great Machine, Half Decent Support
 
Review Date: April 4, 2007
Reviewer: Deep Roy, Minneapolis, MN United States
Overall, I think the 95Xi is a terrific bargin. I got mine two years ago and lost 70 lbs AND now I have a V02 max that would allow me to run in a marathon. I also bike, indoor row on a ConceptII rower; weight train on a total trainer; balance on a BOSU trainer, stretch with weighted bars; and walk a lot.

However, the 95Xi is central to my exercise since ones aerobic capacity opens up doors that you can run through (trademark).

The only shortcoming of the 95Xi was the company's support. They wouldn't help me because the dealer was responsible and I'm still wondering about a "slipping clutch sound" that the dealer hasn't addressed yet. LifeFitness: feel free to post contact information if you have the answer to this question!

I got my 95Xi very early on and the dealer had to upgrade parts that wore out and that was a little frustrating since the replacement wasn't proactive. For example, I had to have the stabilizers replaced 3 times but now they seem perfect since Life Fitness now makes them stronger. I also had some plastic parts replaced since Life Fitness tried to use a single screw to hold them on and, therefore, they could be easily "bumped off."

I also wish that, as a premium machine, it had the computer interface that my ConceptII rower has: that machine lets me look historically at all my workouts and only cost $1000.00.

However, despite these oddities, I lost 70 lbs and have an awesome aerobic capacity. During the past two years, I've used it for 282 hours or about 23 minutes per day. That far excedes the time I spent with any other piece of equipment.

The reason why I like the 95Xi so much is that it's more like a treadmill than a stair stepper. Their residential models and every one of their competitors seem to be closer to stair steppers since the elliptical motion seems hoppy and choppy. The 95Xi, on the other hand, has a very smooth, elliptical rotation that makes me think I'm walking on air and doing the moon dance.

Overall, I recommend the 95XI hands down.
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Fuel Fitness FE46 20-Inch Elliptical Trainer
 
Manufacturer: Fuel Fitness
Customer Rating:
 
List Price: $1,199.00
Sale Price: $999.00
Availibility: Usually ships in 3 to 5 days
Free Shipping Available
Buy Now
 

Product Description

Designed with the highest integrity in construction and components, the Fuel Fitness FE46 20-inch elliptical trainer is miles ahead of the competition. The FE46 is distinguished by such features as a full 20-inch stride length that's comfortable and natural, an industrial-weighted flywheel that creates a fluid stepping motion with exceptional stability, and articulating footpads that rotate slightly to keep your feet, ankles, and knees in the proper alignment. Add in a pair of elliptical arms to create a full-body workout and you have a terrific way to improve your cardio fitness, lose weight, or boost your overall health without sacrificing your joints.



The FE46's built-in console computer offers a vibrant blue backlight.
The FE46 is also efficient and easy to use, with a built-in console computer that offers 14 preset programs, one-touch controls for resistance, and a large, easy-to-read display with a vibrant blue backlight. Users will also appreciate the pair of heart-rate-control programs, which allow your heart rate to communicate with the trainer directly. Once you've attached the chest strap, the elliptical will continually change its resistance during your workout to keep you at your preferred heart rate. Other features include hand-grip pulse monitors, built-in speakers, an audio input for plugging in an MP3 player (not included), and a water bottle holder. The FE46 offers a 27-by-69-inch footprint and a weight capacity of 325 pounds, and carries the following warranties: lifetime on the frame and magnetic brake, and one year on all parts and labor.



The narrow frame offers a full 20-inch stride length.
About Fuel Fitness
Fully aware of how expensive home fitness can be, Fuel Fitness developed its line of fitness equipment to meet high quality standards without compromising long-term performance or affordability. Fuel's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility facilitates all logistics, shipping, sales, customer service, and operations from its headquarters in the U.S.

About Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips.

Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home.

Although different types of elliptical trainers offer an assortment of features, many of them include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won't strain sensitive joints.

Product Details

  • Efficient elliptical trainer with full, natural 20-inch stride length
  • Industrial-weighted flywheel creates a fluid, stable stepping motion
  • Articulating footpads rotate slightly to keep joints in proper alignment
  • Built-in console computer offers 14 preset programs and blue backlight
  • Footprint measures 27 x 69 inches (W x L); 325-pound weight capacity

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this product.

Customer Reviews

Fuel Eliptical (FE44) - Buy Something Else
 
Review Date: December 22, 2009
Reviewer: C. Spelce,
Fuel Elliptical (FE44)

We bought the Fuel Elliptical (FE44) from Dick's Sporting Goods about 18 months ago. It was on sale and the Dick's Store Representative highly recommended Fuel. Within the first 12 months (within the warranty), we has the right metal leg that connects the foot petal to the wheel come loose and the computer go out. Both required replacement parts and technical service. The FE44 came with a 12 month warranty on anything and a lifetime frame warranty.

Shortly after the 12 month warranty ran out, the same metal rod that connects the foot petal to the wheel broke during use and literally came off of the wheel. I was using the machine when it happened and I almost fell off. The metal rod literally cracked and broke off of the machine. I am an average size male (5'11" & 195lbs), well within the weight limits outlined by Fuel. So there was no unusual use or abuse to this machine; just poorly designed and manufactured. We contacted Fuel's customer service regarding this issue and the customer representative informed us that Fuel's Lifetime Frame Warranty does not cover the metal rods connecting the petal to the wheel. We expressed that the machine was completely useless with a broken rod and inquired how the metal rod connecting the foot petal to the wheel was not part of the frame. It wasn't until we got a manager involved did they agree to send us the necessary parts to get the machine working again. During the conversation, the manager stated that "this has been a reoccurring problem with this model".
After receiving the replacement parts, we repaired the machine and it appeared to be in working order. Just this morning, after approximately two months of use since the repair, the bolt connecting that same metal rod broke and caused the foot petal to come off track. I was using the machine when this happened and almost fell of the machine again.

Considering the repetitive problems we have had with this Fuel FE44 and the problems with Fuel's customer service, I would highly encourage consumers to purchase a different elliptical machine. Our experience has proven to us that Fuel is cheaply made, unreliable, unsafe and extremely disappointing.
For example, our friends purchased a Schwinn Elliptical about 6 months ago and have had no issues, no complaints and appear to be completely satisfied with their purchase. Also, they only spend $200 more than we did.
quite pleased
 
Review Date: December 4, 2008
Reviewer: alnvilma, Portland, OR
While looking for a new entry level machine, we were sold on the Schwinn but saw this for $100 less on sale. It has everything we want and need and a longer (20")stride length too. Very solid and quiet. Pretty easy assembly and plenty of programs that are adjustable on-the-fly. I think this is nearly the same as the well regarded Sole E25 and must come from the same factory.
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Smooth Fitness CE 7.4 Elliptical Trainer
 
Manufacturer: Smooth Fitness
Customer Rating:
 
List Price: $3,297.00
Sale Price: $3,297.00
Availibility: Usually ships in 4-5 business days
Buy Now
 

Product Description

The most beneficial attribute of an elliptical cross trainer is its ability to provide an exceptional cardiovascular and weight-bearing workout without jeopardizing your joints or back. Ellipticals should have an effortless glide and an intuitive feel that works in concert with your body. The CE 7.4 from Smooth Fitness offers all of these essential characteristics while also providing a great workout with a fluid motion and ultra-quiet performance. Built for a wide range of users, from the beginner to the avid exerciser, the CE 7.4 offers ergonomic pivoting foot pedals for maximum productivity by minimizing discomfort, as well as orthopedic cushioning for a more enjoyable workout. A long 21-inch stride will accommodate even the tallest users comfortably while a heavy-duty flywheel eliminates the aggravating "bump" sometimes felt with other elliptical cross trainers. An electromagnetic braking system allows for smooth transitions and stops during strenuous workouts while wireless heart rate control allows you to set your preferred heart rate, strap on the chest monitor and the resistance of your routines will automatically be adjusted as your heart rate changes. Eight challenging workout programs allow you to vary your exercise routine--from interval training to fitness-level training. A heavy gauge oval steel frame is engineered to be stronger and adds a stylish flair to the CE 7.4. Finally, track your essential workout metrics with the four-window dot matrix LED display with easy-to-read course profiles, RPM, speed, watts, time, distance, pulse, heart rate, calories, resistance level, metabolic equivalents, and target heart rate.

Key Features:

  • Workout Programs: 8
  • Handgrip Pulse Sensors
  • Resistance Levels: 16
  • Forward and reverse motion
  • Roller-less design for smooth and silent operation
  • Dimensions: 83 inches long by 27 inches wide by 67 inches tall
  • Tilt-and-Go wheels for easy mobility
  • Supports up to 350 pounds

Product Details

  • 21-inch stride length is comfortable for multiple users of varying heights
  • Ergonomic, pivoting foot pedals emulate the natural motion of your ankle as the pivoting foot pedal maintains proper alignment
  • Wireless heart rate monitor is included; automatically adjust the intensity of your workouts to reach your optimal fat burning zone
  • Deluxe four-window, dot matrix LED display allows you to easily read course profiles and track your RPM, speed, watts, time, distance, pulse, heart rate, calories, resistance level, metabolic equivalents, and target heart rate while working out
  • Warranty information: lifetime on the frame and braking system; three years on all other parts; one year on labor

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this product.

Customer Reviews

Worst Customer Service Ever - Don't Buy
 
Review Date: February 16, 2010
Reviewer: NWArkGirl, Northwest Arkansas
Let me be upfront - I have no idea if this machine works. Since I got mine 2 months ago it has never worked. Smooth has admitted it has electrical problems. But more to the point, let me tell you about the customer service of this company.

I got the unit and paid for delivery and set up. The logistic company who delivered put it in the room, took away some of the packaging and said "we are only paid for 1/2 hour" and just left - with the unit in pieces. This was a Saturday so I left a voicemail for Smooth Customer Service. After hearing nothing for 4 days I called again during the week. Smooth dispatched same company. This time, the guys stayed for longer, but had never put together an elliptical. They were reading from the booklet, when things didn't work, the openly talked about jamming things together. After 5 hours they go to turn it on and it doesn't work. I'd lost a whole day of work and still didn't have a working machine. So I call Smooth again. After a week they dispatch a local handyman, again who has never seen an elliptical. He absolutely destroys the machine - pounds on it with a hammer, scratches every part trying to pry parts open. So once again I complain again to Smooth. They want to send him out AGAIN. I refuse. After two weeks go by without contact, I call again. They ignore my complaints about how the machine looks now and dispatch one part. They finally invest in getting an actual fitness machine mechanic to work on it. The part doesn't solve the problem - machine still doesn't work. (Another day of work missed). I asked for a new machine. They refuse. They send yet more individual parts. Also, each time they send parts they send the via UPS ground so it's a 10 day delivery time.

The new parts come, the parts still don't fix the problem because - not surprisingly - the whole unit has been put together wrong. I ask again for a new machine to be dispatched, but demand a discount. At this point I have taken 3 days of vacation - out of my 2 weeks a year. I hear nothing from them for 3 weeks. Today their absolutely awful customer service manager calls and says, "we will give you a new machine". In total, I have lost 3 vacation days and over 2 months of time. I say, "for a discount?" (This is after I read reviews on their own site talking about how they used to offer discounts for minor inconveniences and I consider what happened to be to be pretty major). He says no, no discount.

So I said forget it - get the machine out of my house and give me my money back.

Truly, I don't think I've ever had such a horrible experience. Maybe it's new management or maybe it's just this particular customer service manager, but given that they are internet only and you have no store/local option for service and support, do not trust them. Their machines are not reliable enough to have this little support.

It's too bad because I have seen the other reviews and I wish I'd gotten to see if it worked.
User Reviews Send this to a friend
BH Fitness X4 Elliptical Trainer
 
Manufacturer: Bladez
Customer Rating:
 
List Price: $1,599.99
Sale Price: $965.00
Availibility: Usually ships in 2 to 3 days
Free Shipping Available
Buy Now
 

Product Description

Reliable, attractive and solidly durable, the BH Fitness X4 elliptical trainer is a great choice for getting a total body cardio workout in your home with its solid construction, user-friendly consoles with multiple preset workout programs, and motivational displays showcasing workout statistics including a program profile graph. This elliptical machine has a 20-inch stride length with anatomically correct foot pedal spacing for a more comfortable workout and sport grip handlebars for a secure hold. It also includes a heart rate control program to optimize your cardio workout using either the included wireless chest strap or pulse grips integrated into the handles.

Features and Specifications:

  • Natural 20-inch stride length
  • 12 built-in programs include manual, weight loss and heart rate control
  • Polar chest strap and wireless heart rate
  • Slip-resistant pedals
  • Anatomically correct foot pedal spacing
  • Dual guide rails for maximum stability
  • Sport grip handlebars
  • True elliptical motion to reduce joint stress
  • Contact heart rate sensors
  • Blue backlit LCD Matrix window displays speed, distance, time, calories, incline and wireless heart rate
  • Program profile graph
  • 16 levels of resistance
  • Poly V belt drive system
  • Transportation wheels
  • Water bottle holder
  • Dimensions: 63.5 x 29.25 inches (LxW)
  • Weight: 155 pounds
  • Maximum user weight: 325 pounds
  • Warranty: Lifetime on the frame; five years on parts; one year on labor
About Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips.

Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home.

Although different types of elliptical trainers offer an assortment of features, many of them include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won't strain sensitive joints.

Product Details

  • Elliptical trainer for the home with user-friendly console and motivational display
  • 20-inch stride length; 16 levels of resistance
  • Heart rate control program using either included wireless chest strap or pulse grips in the handles
  • 12 built-in programs include manual, weight loss; sport grip handlebars
  • Warranty: Lifetime on frame and motor; 5 years on parts; 1 year for labor

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this product.

Customer Reviews