- Start Your Complimentary 30-Day iFIT Membership; Stream live and on-demand workouts on your equipment with Global Workouts and Studio Classes; Elite trainers adjust your equipment (Dollar 15 value)
- LCD Window Display; Track distance, cadence, and estimated calorie burn; Integrated Tablet Holder; Stream interactive iFIT workouts to your own smart device to stay engaged and motivated as you train
- 2 Machines in 1; The Hybrid Trainer offers the same benefit as an elliptical and a recumbent exercise bike for a unique low-impact workout in the comfort of your home; Mix up your training
- 16 Digital Resistance Levels; With iFIT, your trainer will auto-adjust your resistance; SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance and Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel for a smooth workout; Oversized Pedals
- 350-pound user capacity; Protected with a 5-year frame warranty and 90-day parts and labor warranty; 60.5” H x 24.5” W x 70.5” L
A busy lifestyle can make it seem impossible to find time for working out. However, there are numerous solutions on the market today. Two standard tools for getting in a great work out are elliptical machines and stationary bikes. In the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro, you get both, but is it worth the price tag?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll outline what the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro is, how it works, and help you decide if it’s a good investment for you. We’ll explore what features it has, how easy it is to use, and the value it provides for its cost.
What is the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro and How Does it Work?
Simply put, the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro is an exercise machine that is designed to make working out a natural addition to your daily routine. Unlike some other cardio machines, this unique device incorporates both an elliptical and a stationary recumbent bike.
What Is a Recumbent Stationary Bike?
As the name suggests, a stationary recumbent bike is merely a recumbent bike that stays in one place. Recumbent provide a more substantial seat and reclined cycling position. These features make recumbent bikes excellent tools for users of all athletic ability. Because recumbent bikes offer extra back support, they are great for users with low back pain.
What Is an Elliptical Trainer?
An elliptical trainer is a unique exercise machine that provides the benefits of walking or running without the inherent stress on your joints. Because your feet never leave the elliptical pedals, your bones do not have to endure the repeated pounding of walking or running. Most elliptical trainers include various incline positions to tailor the workout intensity to your level.
How It Works
The ProForm Hybrid Trainer works by allowing the user to choose which workout they want to complete. Adjustable settings and unique features provide an acceptable starting point regardless of what physical condition your body is in. Additionally, this machine is equipped to incorporate your tablet, iPod, or mp3 player into your workout.
What Makes the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro Unique?
With the vast array of exercise machines available on the market today, it can be challenging to figure out what makes a particular device unique. When comparing various models, it can be helpful to look at included features to determine if a machine is a good fit for you.
Adjustable Seat
This exercise machine includes an adjustable cushioned seat, accommodating several different users, This feature is excellent for users with a large family. The design provides excellent lumbar support and can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically.
Large LCD Display
A favorite feature for many fitness enthusiasts is the ability to track their training stats. This combo-machine makes tracking simple with its large LCD window that measures distance, speed, time, and calories burned. In addition to giving you access to your stats, the screen features an adjustable angle so that it is easily viewable regardless of height.
Large Tablet Holder
In today’s technology-driven society, nearly everyone owns a tablet. This exercise machine provides users with an integrated tablet holder that features an extra-wide design. This thoughtful addition allows users immediate access to online training programs, videos, or even ebooks during their workout.
17-Inch Stride
When considering the purchase of an elliptical machine, it is crucial to think of stride length. Your height, and more precisely how long your legs are, determines what a stride length will be comfortable for you. Too short of a stride length will feel awkward and uncomfortable, while too long a stride can lead to strained muscles and injuries.
While stride length is unique for each of us, you can use height to determine a suitable general range. This particular model from ProForm offers a 17-inch stride. While this is shorter than what gym machines usually provide, it is a comfortable fit for a wide variety of users. If you are on the tall side, over 5’7”, this elliptical may not be suitable for you.
iFit Coach Compatible
If you’re working out from the comfort of your home, you may feel a little lost at first. By purchasing an iFit membership, you will get instant access to personalized fitness, nutrition, and sleep recommendations.
While the iFit membership doesn’t come included with the purchase of the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro, this machine is iFit Coach Compatible. What that means is that when you use this equipment for your workouts, it will sync automatically with your iFit account and give you the most accurate feedback.
Additionally, your workouts will automatically load into your machine. This feature means that you will spend less time setting up your workouts before getting started. By making workouts easier to manage, you’ll be more likely to get on your machine and actually exercise.
Multiple Fitness Programs
Even if you don’t want to invest in a monthly subscription to iFit, this machine comes equipped with 20 pre-loaded fitness programs. These pre-loaded fitness programs can help you get used to using your new equipment and inspire you to keep working out when you feel bored with your current routine.
Frictionless Resistance System
The integrated frictionless resistance system makes using this machine comfortable and quiet. Additionally, the Silent Magnetic Resistance technology allows users to adjust their intensity level without disrupting the flow of their workout.
Transport Wheels
While this type of exercise equipment is notorious for taking up significant amounts of space, this model features convenient transport wheels. These wheels allow users to move the machine out of the way with ease.
Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel
To improve the quality of your workout, this machine is made with a top of the line 15 lb. inertia-enhanced flywheel. This feature will keep your workouts smooth whether you are using the device as an elliptical or a bike.
Creature Comforts
Working out can put us in uncomfortable positions regardless of what fitness level we’re at. To ensure that your workout is as comfortable as possible, the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro includes cushioned pedals and soft grip upper body workout handles. Combined with the previously mentioned cushioned seat, this machine makes comfort a priority.
EKG Grip Pulse
In addition to the workout, arms are two stationary handholds. These handles include a heart monitor to make hitting your target heart rate even easier. This feature will help you to get the maximum benefit out of every workout.
Pricing
When considering the value of this product, one must look at the price. Because this machine is a hybrid trainer, it includes the functionality of two devices in one. When looking at the price, it’s crucial that you consider the costs of other machines of similar quality and functionality.
Hybrid Trainer Pro Compared to Other Hybrids
When compared to other combo-training machines like the Body Power Deluxe 3-in-1, the ProForm Hybrid Trainer is slightly more expensive. However, it’s important to note that this training machine has more features and comes from a more reputable brand. In other words, it’s likely a better value overall.
Hybrid Trainer Pro Compared to Other Ellipticals
Depending on quality elliptical costs can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. An elliptical of similar quality to this dual machine would likely cost around the same amount as this hybrid machine.
Hybrid Trainer Pro Compared to Other Bikes
Similarly to ellipticals, stationary bike prices range from the hundreds to the thousands of dollars depending on quality. Based on the quality of this product, you would be hard-pressed to find a better stationary bike with a smaller price tag.
Overall, when you consider the value of getting two machines for the price of one it is hard to beat the value presented with the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro. It should be noted though, that this trainer is the higher end model of the ProForm Hybrid line. There are similar machines from this brand with smaller price tags if you aren’t looking for as many features.
Public Perception
A look at customer reviews of this product leaves us with mixed feelings. On average, the reviews are neither good or bad. Some people love the functionality of this machine while others have faced problems with its design. ProForm as a company is well-known for providing high-quality devices for home use.
Customers who love this machine enjoy it for a few different reasons. Of note is how simple it is to construct this exercise machine. Several users noted that it was a natural process that they felt confident completing independently. Additionally, users love how smooth the both the elliptical and bike functions are.
On the other end of the spectrum, some users have found this model inadequate for a variety of reasons. Despite being touted as easy to move, some users have found that this model is cumbersome and hard to move around. Also, for short users, the bike function is difficult or in some cases impossible to use. Also, the 17-inch stride feels short for tall users.
Overall, this is a middle of the road machine, and it has middle-of-the-road reviews. For some users, it is the perfect addition to their life, and for others, it falls short of expectations. However, to determine the value of this machine you have to look at other devices of similar quality.
While many users enjoy the dual functionality of the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro, for some it makes the overall experience less enjoyable. Particularly when compared to other recumbent bikes, this one falls short. Also, some users feel that the materials used to make this model are insufficient.
How it Compares
Compared to other exercise machines, this hybrid works well for some and is disappointing for others. While this one machine can replace two others, there are trade-offs made anytime you use something with a hybrid design.
When compared to other ellipticals, this machine has a rather short stride. This length is suitable for users of short stature but uncomfortable for anyone taller than average. Also, even short users with long strides have noted discomfort when using this machine due to its short stride length.
Regarding other stationary bikes, many users find this machine challenging to use. The pedals are quite a distance from the seat making it hard to use for short users even considering the adjustable seat. Also, for those that can handle the bike function of this machine, the elliptical nature of the movement feels awkward while biking.
All in all, if you fall into a stable medium height category, this machine might work well for you in both functions. However, for many people, it is difficult to get the maximum use out of this machine.
As far as features go, this machine offers several features that are not found on other comparable devices. However, some of the features described may not work as well as detailed.
What We Think
For its moderate price, this machine can present a great way to get in a good workout even if you don’t have access to a gym. However, there are a few considerations to be had before jumping in.
For users looking for a long-term investment, it may be better to save your money and invest in a higher quality product. Because this machine is mid-range regarding both quality and cost, it can be a good temporary option, but you’ll likely end up upgrading in the future.
Another thing to think about when considering the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro is what kind of cardio you enjoy. For those who love cycling, this is probably not the best option. Other stationary bikes are better suited for people that will be using that function predominantly.
Considering its potential drawbacks, we don’t highly recommend this product. It has a pretty good price, but can be difficult for many people to use. Additionally, it takes up a significant amount of space in your home and can be difficult to move.