5) User IDs - Several models (5.25, 5.31, 5.33 & 5.37) come with User IDs where you can enter your personal information and preferences for 2-4 different people.
The elliptical then recalls this information for your future workouts without you having to re-enter it in every time you workout. It also remembers your past workout history so you can compare how you're doing vs. your last workouts.
This is a great option if you have more than one user in your household.
6) Simple, Yet Elegant Console Design - While there are a lot of things you can do on these crosstrainers, the consoles are purposefully made simple and easy to use. They are easy to read and you don't need a manual to figure out how to get started. In fact there's an easy QuickStart button that you can just hit and go, which many people prefer to use for most workouts.
Weaknesses:
The more affordable units (5.21 and 5.23) don't carry some of the extras that the higher end models carry. For example, they use manual ramp (where you have to get off the machine to adjust the ramp) vs automatic or power ramp (where you can change the ramp from the console).
They also have less workout programs and no User IDs (no past workout memory). Considering that they're so much more affordable however, this may not matter to you.
Summary:
There's no doubt that Precor is one of the top names in elliptical crosstrainers. If you're looking for that 'health club feel', you definitely won't be disappointed with a Precor.
Plus with the addition of the newer 5.2 series models, you still get Precor quality and design - for a very affordable price. While the lower end units don't carry as many bells and whistles as the higher end models, you still get the incredibly fluid Precor elliptical 'feel' and second-to-none construction quality.
Where To Buy Online:
You can buy a Precor elliptical direct from the Manufacturer online. You can also read the latest reviews and compare different models to find the best one for your needs.
Precor introduced the very first elliptical crosstrainer back in 1995 with their Precor EFX elliptical trainer.
Since then they've become the #1 brand used in commercial gyms. If you've ever used a Precor crosstrainer at a health club, you're familiar with how comfortable they feel.
While Precor elliptical trainers used to start around $4000 and up, they've recently introduced several more affordable models under $3000 with the similar features that you find in higher end Precor machines.
Are they right for you? Here's an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the Precor elliptical brand to help you decide:
Strengths:
1) EFX Motion - The elliptical motion pattern that your foot follows on a Precor simulates the elliptical pattern of a running foot. What most people don't know is that this particular elliptical pattern is patented by Precor - so nobody else can use it.
This means that you won't find this particular elliptical pattern on any other brand of elliptical. So if you want the Precor 'feel' that you've gotten at the gym, you have to go with another Precor for your home to get it.
2) Cross-Ramp Incline - All Precor ellipticals come with Cross-Ramp technology. Cross Ramp changes the shape of the ellipse that your foot travels.
This helps you to work different lower body muscle groups. So for example you can have a workout the simulates a hiking motion or a workout that feels more like cross-country skiing. This is a great way to change up your workout and add a different challenge every day.
Note that some Precor crosstrainers come with manual Cross Ramp (5.23, 5.21) and others come with power Cross ramp (5.25, 5.31, 5.33, 5.37).
3) High Quality Construction & Design - There are really few brands that can really match Precor in terms of construction. These ellipticals are well known for their high quality components and commercial grade construction.
Plus the designs on Precor units are ergonomically correct (Many cheaper department store brands can cause you to lean on the handlebars, causing you to burn less calories and get a less effective workout.) So you get an overall more optimal, comfortable workout
4) Smart Rate Heart Rate Monitoring - Precor crosstrainers offers both touch (hand grip) and telemetry (wireless) heart rate monitoring. Smart Rate monitors and constantly shows your heart rate feedback.
When you enter your age and weight SmartRate automatically calculates the proper heart rate to stay in your fat burning, cardio or peak training zone. It then gives you feedback as to when you're in that zone so you can stay there throughout your workout.
