Training on an elliptical is a low-impact cardio exercise that works well for all ages. It’s a great way to get your heart rate up, burn calories, and tone your upper and lower body without over-stressing your joints. As a go-to for cross-training, injury rehabilitation, building endurance, and improving cardiovascular health, a good workout on an elliptical can keep you aligned with your fitness goals.
The ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical is an in-home exercise machine with adjustable settings to accommodate a wide variety of users. It also includes a display to show key stats and an integrated tablet holder to take advantage of the 30-day iFit trial that comes free with your purchase.
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A Quick Look at the ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical
ProForm is a reputable brand in the world of in-home fitness equipment. Its parent company ICON Health & Fitness is a leader in the global health and fitness community and owns brands such as ProForm, NordicTrack, iFIT, and Freeform. ProForm offers a wide selection of in-home ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, rowers, and strength equipment. While home gyms and in-home fitness equipment have been around for a long time, more and more individuals and families are springing for in-home workout options rather than pricey gym and boutique fitness memberships. Purchasing a durable piece of in-home fitness equipment is a cost effective option when thinking long term and the ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical is a budget-friendly choice for cardio fans who don’t need a lot of bells and whistles.
Carbon El has oversized pedals and a weight capacity of 275 pounds to accommodate most bodies. Its 19-inch, power-adjustable stride, zero- to 20-degree adjustable ramp, and 18 levels of magnetic resistance help it adapt to fit a wide range of ages and levels. The handlebars are equipped with EKG Grip Pulse Sensors to monitor heart rate and the five-inch display shows this and other key performance metrics. It’s outfitted with an integrated tablet holder and comes with a free 30-day iFIT family membership for a boutique fitness experience. iFIT Family enables each member to create their own profile and access classes with certified instructors in exotic locales around the world. Carbon EL features Bluetooth connectivity that pairs with your tablet while taking an iFIT class, automatically adjusting the resistance in real-time according to instructor cues and your current terrain.
SPECS
- Connectivity: Bluetooth (with iFIT only)
- App: iFIT—Free 30-day iFIT family membership included
- Display: 5”, high-contrast, multi-color display
- Programs: Thousands via iFIT, no preloaded programs on machine
- Stride length: 19” (adjustable)
- Resistance levels: 18 resistance levels with SMR (Silent Magnetic Resistance)
- Ramp: 0-20 degrees (adjustable)
- Flywheel: Inertia enhanced flywheel
- Features: Dual 2” speakers, water bottle holder, EKG grip pulse sensors
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs.
- Dimensions: 25”W x 68.5”D x 67.75”H
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 1-year parts and labor warranty
The ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical offers Bluetooth connectivity that pairs with your tablet (sold separately) to sync with iFIT only. Be aware that although it’s outfitted with two-inch audio speakers, they are not Bluetooth audio speakers and you will not be able to stream or play your own playlists through the machine. The elliptical itself does not come with any preloaded programs—all programs are accessed through iFIT.
iFIT is a workout-based subscription service. It grants members access to thousands of on-demand fitness classes taught in-studio or at locations worldwide. You can take classes anywhere from the sandy beaches of Bora Bora to the Norwegian mountains. These classes offer varying levels of intensity. You can join a single class, live event, progressive series, or challenge. iFIT adds to its library of class offerings every week and has a strong following worldwide for communal support and inspiration from fellow iFIT members.
If you decide not to continue with iFIT after your free 30-day trial, you can still get a great cardio workout on the Carbon EL Elliptical. You can take classes via other apps on your tablet or smart TV or spearhead your own program by adjusting resistance manually. The display shows performance stats like time, heart rate, and calories burned. Large buttons make it easy to quickly adjust your resistance, stride, and ramp while you’re in action.
The inertia enhanced flywheel and silent magnetic resistance system make for a smooth stride and the Carbon EL is equipped with a water bottle holder and two front-mounted transport wheels for maneuvering. It has oversized leveling feet if you’re setting up on uneven ground so the machine stays firmly in place, providing a solid foundation to exercise on.
What We Like
- 30-day iFIT family membership trial
- Adjustable resistance, ramp, and stride length
- Heart rate monitoring
- Stat display
- Water bottle holder
- Transport wheels and leveling feet
What We Don’t Like
- Machine to app connectivity with iFIT only
- No preloaded programs
- iFIT membership auto-renews
- Difficult to self-assemble (professional assembly recommended)
Who Should Buy a ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical?
You should buy a ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical if you’re looking for an entry-level, in-home cardio machine that’s low-impact and easy on the joints. It’s a good choice if your family is interested in checking out the world of connected fitness with the free 30-day family membership to iFIT but aren’t ready to commit to an iFIT-dedicated machine. Do keep these things in mind: iFIT requires WiFi, the family membership will auto-renew for $39 a month unless you cancel in advance, and no workout programs come preloaded on this elliptical.
BUY: ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical
FAQs About the ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical
Are ProForm ellipticals good?
Yes, ProForm is a highly reputable company in the world of in-home fitness equipment. They offer multiple elliptical trainers at varying price points with different features to suit your needs.
How much does the ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical weigh?
The ProForm Carbon EL elliptical weighs 200 pounds. It is equipped with two front-mounted wheels for portability.
How long do ProForm ellipticals last?
The ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical boasts a durable, steel frame. It comes with a 10-year frame warranty and a one-year warranty for parts and labor.