ProForm 950 Elliptical Trainer Reviewed

ProForm 950 Elliptical Trainer is a solid and stable exercising machine made for residential use. It has several nice features, but overall, I wouldn't say it is anything special, and I think it's a little bit overpriced.

The machine has 12 personal trainer workouts, two of which are heart rate workouts. The programs automatically change your pace and resistance levels as you exercise. Different programs focus on different goals, like weight loss and aerobics. All twelve programs are listed on the console. The Up and Down buttons let you adjust the resistance as you go, without interrupting your workout. There are 10 resistance levels.

The 3-Position Adjustable Stride allows you to change the stride length, setting it at 12, 15, and 18 inches, and thus exercise different muscle groups. The oversized walking pedals provide enough room for the feet.

Two handlebars on the sides of the console have built-in heart rate sensors; if you want to check your heart rate during the workout you just place your hands on them, and the heart rate will be shown on the display. The 5X7 ClearView display is easy to read. As in most machines, the display tracks your speed, time, pulse, and calories. The console also has a fan built into it, right above the screen. You can turn it on and off by pushing the Fan button.

The machine has what is called the L.E.D. Pacing Coach; this feature helps you to keep the intensity of your workout on the right level, showing you when you should slow down or, on the contrary, when you could increase the resistance.

ProForm 950 Elliptical is 68 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 67 inches high. The fold-away SpaceSaver design allows to fold up the walking pedals and the base of the machine for it to take less room when not used.

If purchased from the ProForm website, the machine costs $799. Proform offers the option to split the cost into 5 equal payments. They also offer free shipping for this machine, saving you $95.