Strengths:
1) -10 - 20 Degree Power Incline & Decline
Incline changes the slope of your elliptical path. This helps to crosstrain different sets of muscle groups and gives you a better, more optimal workout.
The Proform 1500 comes with a negative 10 degree incline (decline) up to a 20 degree incline so you can slope up or down on the machine.
It's power-incline instead of manual incline. This means you just press a button on the console and the incline automatically adjusts. You don't have to get off the elliptical to change the incline manually.
The 1500 elliptical also has arm bar controls. So you can change the incline level from the controls on your arm bars which won't throw off your stride.
2) iFit LIVE Compatible
iFit LIVE adds another training dimension to your elliptical. It uses the wireless internet in your home to bring your elliptical trainer online. From the elliptical console you can then download new workouts (including workouts from Jillian Michaels of 'The Biggest Loser' where she coaches you through your workouts) and even map out different trails all over the world to cover.
iFit LIVE uses Googlemaps to then show you what you'd actually see (landmarks, etc.) in the console window if you were running those trails.
Plus when you add in the decline and incline options, it feels even more real - since the elliptical will incline as the terrain inclines and declines as the actual terrain declines. Very cool.
3) 20" Stride
Many cheaper ellipticals used to give only about a 14 - 16" stride. This is a much better stride length and will help you to more fully work your leg muscles and get a more effective workout.
Proform says that the stride is from 20 - 22 inches however be aware that this is not an "adjustable stride" that you set. When you change the ramp, that changes the stride from 20 to 22 inches.
4) In Handle Controls
This is a really nice feature on the Pro 1500 elliptical. You can change your incline or resistance levels from the controls on the moving arm bars. This means you don't have to reach up to the console to change anything which can sometimes throw your stride off, especially if you're going fast.
5) iPod Dock With Speakers
You can plug in your iPod and listen to your favorite music through the console speakers as you workout. While many ellipticals are now including this feature, it's still a nice one to have as it can make your workouts more enjoyable. Plus there's a small shelf on the console where you can store your iPod.
6) Extra Long Warranty
The Proform Pro 2500 elliptical is covered by Proform's longest warranty - lifetime on the frame, 5 years on parts and 2 years on labor. Since labor can be really expensive, this gives you great protection on your investment.
Plus it also gives you an idea of the kind of construction on this unit.
Weaknesses:
If you don't have wireless internet in your home, you won't get full use out of the iFit LIVE feature.
Summary:
If you're looking for a tougher elliptical from Proform that can take more of a beating than their starter models, you'll definitely want to consider the Proform Pro 1500 elliptical.
It's built with a more stable base, higher user weight capacity (375 lbs) and covered by a longer warranty. So it will hold up better over the long run - even with more frequent use.
Plus you get a new level of training with incline and decline along with iFit LIVE workouts. Overall a great new stronger elliptical this year coming in at a very good price.
Where To Buy Online:
You can buy the Proform Pro 1500 Elliptical direct from the Manufacturer. They're current offering Free Shipping which can save you about $125.
The Proform Pro 1500 elliptical is one of Proform's higher-end ellipticals built stronger than their starter models with a more stable base, higher user weight capacity and longer warranty.
One of the best things about this elliptical is that is comes with both power incline and decline. Incline changes the slope of your elliptical workout and can help you work different muscle groups.
So you're not only sloping up but can slope down as well to really crosstrain your lower body and burn calories. You can change the incline settings easily with the touch of a button from the console or from the handlebar controls.
The Proform 1500 also comes iFit LIVE compatible - which means you can download new workouts to your crosstrainer, run trails all over the world and even track your fitness activity and nutrition online.
Is the Proform 1500 Elliptical a good buy for you? Here's a review to help you decide:
Features:
Price: $2299 ( + Free Shipping)
Stride Length: 20"
Resistance Levels: 20
Built In Workout Programs: 24
Upper Body Arms: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: handlebar sensors
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
User Weight Capacity: 375 lbs
Warranty: Lifetime Frame, 5 Year Parts
and 2 Years Labor
