I'M IN LOVE YA'LL! **** IT'S OVER YA'LL, SEE THE EDIT!
I am in the market for a new elliptical cross-trainer. Mine is on the way out and I knew that I needed to find something before it actually dies. I found Fitness Depot while looking for a distributor for Life Fitness Equipment. It is located on Mansell Rd west of 400, (next to the Wendy's).
Life Fitness is that wonderful equipment that you often find in hotels and gyms. It is without question, superior equipment. I had first looked at other options, (including Nordic Track), but Life is just in a league of its own in terms of ergonomics and technology.
The first thing I noticed, (E1 model), was that it offered a full range of motion, unlike the other models which appeared to be designed with a tyrannosaurus in mind. I have normal arms and need to be able to fully extend them and not hit myself on the return. I love the whisper stride technology which offers a very quiet and smooth operation. Since I tend to work out between 4 and 5am, I really appreciate this feature. My only pause was the console. I just wish that it was designed differently. The major graphics are in white but this is super-imposed over a blue LED background, (with visible graphics) and can be a bit distracting. I would prefer the white over a dark, opaque surface. Since I tend to work out in a dark room, I am hoping that this will not be a big issue. In reality, this is a superficial feature and did not affect my overall opinion of the elliptical. I definitely recommend the full sized models over the compact models because you do not want to compromise on fit or comfort. I later discovered that
They have an E3 and an E5 and each time you make the jump, just add another $1200. The E1 already has more options, (20 programs), than I will ever use and I did not find a relevant enough difference between the E1 and E3 to warrant spending the extra cash. With the E3, you also have controls on the moving arms for easy manipulation. You also have additional cushioning on the foot pads and you get a coach feature that will instruct you during your workout, (reverse, squat etc). It was kind of cool but I don't need it and I tend to really prefer manual operation as opposed to instruction. The E5 was just a bit too commercial for me and the difference between the E3 and the E5 was related to aesthetics, (heavier construction, additional covers on certain areas), a total body trainer to help you work specific muscle groups and an ability to adjust your stride. Cool but unnecessary in my opinion. There are custom options for all of the models depending on your needs, ( customizable programs, ability to add music and compatible apps).
Employee Interaction:
My guy today was Dan. Dan was awesome. I showed up in my work-out gear with a bottle of water, and probably a little too much energy but he gave me no side-eye whatsoever. I would have been thinking "She better not be coming in here for a free work-out". He allowed me to freely use and explore the equipment while giving me the information that I needed. He was totally cool and didn't try to sell me anything which was the perfect strategy because I don't like being solicited. Also, it wasn't necessary because this equipment really sales itself.
So now, the only thing I need to do is just get rid of my old unit and make room for baby! SCORE!!
*****They currently have $300-$400 rebates through January 17th.
*****If they deliver and set it up on the main level, it is $149. If they have to take it upstairs, it is $199.
*****If anything happens to your equipment during the first year, you simply contact the company directly and they will take care of you. After the first year, you may contact Fitness Depot's service technician.
*****This store has everything including treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, fitness bands, kettle bells, Olympic caliber fitness equipment for all of your training and conditioning needs and so much more!. If getting fit is your goal for 2016, you now have a new resource for equipment and personal gear.
EDITED ON 1/14/2016 So yesterday, I am still excited about purchasing my elliptical. I again review all of the features and information I received from Dan. As I am looking through the material, I realize that there is no information on the cooling fan. I call the store to inquire about this "oversight" only to find out that there IS NO FAN! Yes, they actually designed a $2000 and up elliptical without a fan,
To be clear, none of the platinum, top of the line ellipticals have a fan. Ultimately that is the deal breaker because I would never consider purchasing a Lexus without air conditioning so why would I settle in this situation? I cant'! The search continues.
***Despite my decision not to purchase the Life Fitness elliptical, I stand by my review and would still shop this store for fitness equipment and work out gear. read more