ProForm XP 520 Razor Elliptical Review

ProForm products are manufactured by Icon Health and Fitness, the largest retail fitness company in the world. ProForm is actually one of Icon's original brands. The ProForm XP 520 Razor Elliptical machine is just one of the many fitness machines manufactured by Icon.

DESCRIPTION

The ProForm XP 520 Razor Elliptical machine is an excellent space saver. It features digital resistance, which allows you to vary your resistance. You'll benefit from a more challenging workout and more calories burned. The ClearView^TM backlit display helps you keep track of your progress. You can track your distance, time, pulse, speed, carbohydrates and calories burned. This model also features the EKG^TM Heart Rate Monitor. You can ensure that you are within your target-training zone by checking your heart rate. Sensors are built in to the handlebars. This is a good choice for average use.

PROS

· The price for this machine is in the $600 to $650 range, making it a good fit for most budgets.

· This model of ProForm elliptical features 9 different programs from which to choose, giving the user a good variety of workouts.

· For those of you who are avid walkers or simply want an elliptical for occasional use, then the quality of this machine will work for you.

· The ProForm models can easily be found through several mass merchants.

· This model features a 3.75-inch wide elliptical mechanism, which is half as wide as other elliptical machines, making this model ideal for those who don't have a lot of space available.

· The unique width of the elliptical mechanism also allows for a more natural stride. Icon calls this new technology Natural Motion Technology. It is said to give the user a more comfortable stride, causes less stress to the body, and allows the user to workout for longer periods of time, which builds strength and muscle tone.

· Your stride length can be modified with this model, which challenges your muscles and gives you a better cardio workout. This feature translates into more calories burned and more weight lost.

· This model comes with 3 calorie driven Weight Loss Workouts, 2 targeted body-toning fitness routines, and 4 routines created by a Certified Personal Trainer.

· Females especially seem to enjoy the width of the stride, as they prefer a narrow stance.

CONS

· It takes a very long time to put this machine together. The instructions are not written for a typical person. They seemed to be written by and directed to engineers! The directions had to be read and re-read to make any sense of them.

· The screw holes don't match up well in some places, so as a result, some screws had to go in at an angle to make it work.

· The axel piece is extremely heavy and bulky, so it takes either a very strong person to assemble this piece, or two people to do it together.

· The quality of the ProForm XP 520 Razor Elliptical won't stand up to hard use, so a serious athlete wouldn't benefit from this particular model.

· You're getting a value price for this product. However, the customer service associated with Icon Health and Fitness needs a bit of improvement due to high volume of sales.