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2) Built-In TVs - While more common in the home treadmill market, you won't find many ellipticals with built-in console TVs. However several of the newer commercial Freemotion ellipticals come with TV options.
You can watch your favorite show while working out, which can make your workout a lot more enjoyable.
3) Built In Speakers with iPod / MP3 Hookup - Several models come with built in speakers and iPod / mp3 plug in ports. You just plug in your iPod and listen to your favorite music or audiobook through the built-in speakers. This can make your workouts a lot more enjoyable.
4) iFit Card Readers - iFit workout cards offer 8 weeks of personal trainer workouts (per card). You insert the card directly into the elliptical console and the program will automatically adjust your speed and incline to fit the workout's goals (i.e. weight loss, performance, etc.)
You get the voice of a personal trainer talking you through your workout. Nordic Track has even teamed up with Jillian Michaels (the personal trainer on The Biggest Loser) to make iFit cards with her coaching you through Jillian's specially designed workout.
5) 1 Touch Resistance - Most Freemotion ellipticals have one touch resistance. You can increase your resistance to your desired level with just one button. There's no scrolling up and down through your options. This is a little thing, but still a nice thing.
Weaknesses:
As stated above, the commercial and residential units can be confusing to buyers. These are also harder ellipticals to find on the market.
Summary:
Freemotion elliptical trainers do offer some interesting options for elliptical buyers like longer strides and additional workouts.
However if you're in the market for a home elliptical, they don't offer as many options as other brands. You're better to go with a brand with a better reputation like Sole.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can find the latest commercial and home Freemotion crosstrainers at Amazon Fitness. You can often save on shipping costs and read customer reviews as well.
Freemotion Elliptical Trainers are not as well known as some other brands. They have several commercial models as well as residential models on the market.
Freemotion is owned by ICON Health and Fitness - the largest fitness equipment maker in the world. They also own names like Nordic Track, Proform, Reebok and Epic.
Freemotion is more of ICON's luxury commercial brand with tougher construction and a unique longer-stride design.
It's important to know that there are both commercial and residential Freemotion ellipticals in order to avoid confusion.
The residential ellipticals are usually around $1200-$1500. The commercial units start around $2200 and up. They often have names with "commercial" in the title.
Strengths:
1) Up To 35 Inch Stride - Adjustable
The Freemotion S-Series of Ellipticals (see picture above) offer the longest strides available - up to 35 inches.
This is almost twice what standard ellipticals offer you.
These longer stride lengths really work your legs and can give you a more optimal, comfortable workout.
When we tried the S5.6 elliptical for example, we really felt it in the glutes and thighs - much more than when using a standard elliptical.
The stride is 'user-defined' which means you choose your own stride while on the machine - no buttons to push, no adjustments to make. So it's easy to find a comfortable stride no matter your height. This makes these ellipticals great for families with multiple users.
