- Elliptical trainer with converging handlebars that let your arms flow naturally
- Multicolored LCD console with weight loss, healthy living, and sports training programs
- Integrated USB storage device automatically saves your exercise data for online analysis
- Built-in audio speakers and headphone jack; blue gel pad built into each pedal
- Measures 28 x 61 x 52 inches (W x H x D); 300-pound capacity; lifetime frame/brake warranty
Product Description
The 2009 Symbol of Excellence award winning EL3000i Natural FIT Elliptical gives you a smooth feel and fluid motion. The 20″ stride and closely spaced pedals simulate your natural walking stride. The converging handlebars let your arms move naturally and with a greater range of motion as your arms extend forward. The large, multi-color console is loaded with meaningful features like an audio center, motivating readouts including your step count and heart rate, and e… More >>
This LifeSpan EL3000i machine was reviewed in the current (February 2010) Consumers Report. It’s rated as 13th out of 19 units reviewed. A bit below average. The discounted price is certainly attractive but if you’re going to make heavy use of such a device, it’s better to test drive them in the stores and purchase a higher end machine. I purchased a Precor (~ 2500) about 4 years ago. It’s used ~ 5 times a week and has worked flawlessly since new. That was an effective purchase.
If you are an occasional user or have significant financial constraints this could be a good purchase.
Rating: 2 / 5
The machine is not well made. There was a problem with the wheel that made it too difficult to paddle even on level one, there was a resistant that we could not paddle for 5 min. I believed I got the returned product delivered. There was no manual in the package. We returned the item and Amazon shiped a replacement within one week. The second one had noise in the wheel box from time to time. The noise started clicking when I started the machine and went off after few minutes, and started again and it happened only on the right side. So, I decided this is not what I want and returned it back to Amazon. After all, it is not the good buy but Amazon did make the return easy as promised.
Rating: 2 / 5
I purchased this machine for my husband who is 6′3″ and >250. The stride length and weight acceptance was perfect for him.Because of his weight he suffers from some lower back and knee pain, but the elliptical is very smooth so he is able to get a pain free work out. It was easy to put together. He loves the fact that it is not too big for his work out room and other equiptment. He does cardio every morning and every evening, he says the elliptical “Is a Beast”, compared to the work out on the treadmill or stationary bike. It is programmable for two people, which would be great if I used it.. NOT!!! It is a Beast, and has so many programs and extra features that he also enjoys, he’s very happy with it. The best thing for me is I got a great deal on Amazon!!!!
Rating: 5 / 5
My experience did not start out well. Notification says it will be delivered on a Friday. Great, so we thought since we’ll have the whole weekend to setup it up and since next week is the start of a few storms coming our way in SoCal. So we made plans for someone to be home to receive it and to instruct them where to put it. On that Friday, the house sitter says somebody calls to say the delivery will be next Monday!! When I complained to Amazon, they politely told me it’s out of their hands since it’s with another shipper CEVA and that it was stipulated somewhere that a call will be made first to arrange for delivery. The short ending is that several calls to Amazon and then to CEVA didn’t change anything. That Monday was a school holiday and we have plans to take the kids somewhere but at this point Amazon also said that if I cancel the order, I will still be liable for the shipping costs.
Aside from that bad experience, the unit itself is great. It was easy to put together, the screws and nuts were already in place and even the tools needed are provided. That said, you’re better off with a regular philips screwdriver to tighten up some screws. Mine did come with the instruction manual which was very helpful.
For those who are not mechanically inclined, I figured they would have bypassed the proper installation of the rectangular plastic ‘pads’ that goes into the unit’s center feet. It’s not described in the manual but I figured it out after a close examination. You will need to remove the two black screws from the side of the plastic part, push the pad’ IN and DOWN, lining up the screw hole with the hole on the steel piece, then screwing the black screw in to secure. A proper installation will have the plastic pad secure and level with the floor.
Three complains (1) not having a on/off switch or at least a timeout off setup is plainly baffling. Now I have to get a power strip just to have a switch. And (2) the usb personalized thingy is great but you can only set it up for one person. How about allowing for a family setup, spouse ? It’s one machine but do I really buy another one for me ($100) since the other one is already used by my wife? (3) The fence around the foot pads are meant to keep your foot in place while you’re moving but occasionally you’ll find some part of your foot on top of it. A lower or a more foot friendly fence will be better.
Overall, it’s a very solid robust unit, the display is great with 1-minute segment displays as well as a remaining time countdown, the exercise choices are varied and the intensity levels very adequate. The buttons have a quality feel and are big enough for adjustment when you’re going full steam. Adjusting the intensity level mid-stream is necessary to increase or decrease your desired calorie burn rate. It is very quiet and especially so compared to the treadmill sitting next to it. It does have a silky smooth feel to it and is very indicative of a quality product. With the fluid movement, you’ll much less battered than you would with other forms of exercise and may actually look forward to the next workout!!
Rating: 4 / 5
I purchased this during the one day sale. I wasn’t even considering something in the thousand dollar price range. So glad I made the purchase. It’s very quiet and fluid. There is an earlier model which has been panned in online reviews for being herky-jerky. None of that with this machine.
It arrived in a large box (the delivery people carried up the stairs of my home – thanks, carriers!). I was able to put it together by myself – easily – in no time.
Note: I haven’t been able to make the fitness card work on my Mac, although it hasn’t been a big deal to me yet. I may have to find a PC to check in with.
In case you are like me, you might miss where the power plugs into the machine: it’s on the front of the unit about two thirds of the way down. I spent a considerable amount of time looking around the console!
Overall: smooth motion, natural stride, great arm movements, fabulous low impact workout for someone with bad knees. Years ago I had a cheap stair climber – and am convinced it furthered their demise.
Rating: 5 / 5