Elliptical Reviews: The ProForm Epic 1200 Pro Elliptical
Price: $849.00

The ProForm Epic 1200 Pro Elliptical (uhhh…that’s a mouthful) is a really great deal for under $1000.00. ProForm has leased the incline/decline feature from Precor (a leading manufacturer of commercial grade ellipticals which usually sell for over $3500.00) and have incorporated this patented design into the Epic 1200. This design allows for the user to target what muscles they would like to workout at any given time, whether it’s their thighs, glutes, quads, calves, etc.

This elliptical trainer is like the Smart Car of ellipticals. ProForm has introduced the Quick Target Toning feature, which allows you to choose which muscle groups you would like to target, and then with the touch of a button, it automatically changes resistance and incline to workout the muscle group of your choice.

Ok, let go over some of the Epic 1200’s other features now. This elliptical comes with 14 personal trainer and 2 User programs built in. The personal trainer programs are preset with different resistance and incline levels meant to give you a variety of different workouts (such as burning fat, conditioning, etc). The 2 User programs allow you to customize your own workout and then save it for later use.

The Epic 1200 has a 1-touch motorized resistance system. This is great because it is one touch and you aren’t forced to scroll through 20 resistance levels while trying to workout. The downside to the motorized resistance system is that it isn’t as smooth and quiet as the magnetic resistance systems that many other ellipticals have (usually a more expensive feature). But having the magnetic resistance is not entirely necessary.

As far as ease of use and comfort are concerned, this elliptical machine may be better suited for those of a smaller stature. The reason I say this is because it only has an 18” stride, which I know is too small for me. I’m 6’2”, so if you’re around my height, you might want to consider an elliptical with a longer stride. I like the foot pedals on the 1200 though, as they have gel/rubber built in to them. So even though your not pounding your feet on every stride like a treadmill, the gel is still a great feature to have to add to your comfort. The weight capacity of 350 lbs. is great, usually when the weight capacity of an exercise machine is over 300 lbs., that means its pretty darn sturdy. You know that the machine’s frame must be strong because ProForm is willing to back it up with a lifetime frame warranty, as well as a 1-year part and labor warranty.

After all is said and done, I would recommend this elliptical to those of you who aren’t:
1.) As tall as me, and
2.) Going to use this elliptical every day of your life.
It seems like a great elliptical for the price, but it obviously isn’t commercial grade, so go easy on it.