Proform Hybrid Trainer Pro – Good Buy For You?
The Proform Hybrid Trainer PRO is the premium version of the famous Proform Hybrid Trainer – a 2-in-1 elliptical trainer and bike.
The Hybrid Trainer Pro has a bit more substance to it than the regular Hybrid trainer including a heavier flywheel for added stability and upgraded footpedals for extra comfort.
You also get a longer stride – 17 inches – which can help you more fully work your lower body muscles.
The trainer itself is easily converted from a recumbent bike to an elliptical trainer – and back again – in 2 quick steps. You just adjust the pedals and the console.
So is the Proform Hybrid Trainer Pro a good buy for you?
Here’s a review of what you should know before buying:
Proform Hybrid Trainer Pro Specs:
Price: $599 + Free Shipping
Stride: 17 inches
Resistance Levels: 20
iFit? Yes
Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Built-In Workouts: 20
Footprint: 73″ L X 24.5″ W
Warranty: Lifetime Frame Warranty and 1-Year Parts & Labor Warranty.
Proform Hybrid Trainer PRO Review – Key Benefits:
2 Machines In One
This is really the biggest benefit of this machine – you get 2 fitness machines in one. Relax in the recumbent cycle or step it up with the elliptical trainer depending on how you feel on a particular day.
The trainer is easily converted from bike to elliptical and vice versa just by adjusting the pedals and console. You can do it quickly – there’s no long drawn out process and you don’t need some serious muscles to do it – it’s very simple.
You could even do 20 minutes on the bike then change it over and do 20 minutes on the elliptical for some workout crosstraining. This machine is also great for smaller workout areas since it takes up a lot less space than having two full machines in your home gym.
17 Inch Stride
The Hybrid Trainer Pro has a longer stride on it (17 inches) than the original Hybrid Trainer (15 inches). A lot of people find 15 inches to be a bit short.
So with the longer stride you’re working your lower body more fully with the pedals on this trainer. This gives you a much more effective workout.
Also, most people find a longer stride is more comfortable as it more closely mimics the motion of running.
Upgraded Pedals
The pedals on this trainer are an upgrade with a special attachment for bike footpedals.
They also give a little more traction than the original Hybrid Trainer model and it feels a lot better ergonomically.
iFit Coach Enabled
If you have a tablet you can attach it above the console and connect to iFit. From there you can track your workouts over time or even download new workouts to your machine from celebrity personal trainers.
You can also run or bike different world trails – from Paris to Hawaii with iFit and watch the actual scenery pass you by in the tablet screen for a more virtual reality experience.
20 Resistance Levels
You also get more resistance with this trainer – up to 20 different resistance levels (vs 16 levels on the Hybrid Trainer). So you can add some challenge to your workouts and still have room to grow as your fitness level improves.
Tablet Holder
There’s a sturdy tablet holder above the console on this trainer – so you can use it to connect to iFit Coach. Or you can just surf the net or use it to watch Netflix or YouTube videos as you workout.
Hand Grip Heart Rate Monitor
Stay in your target fat-burning zone with the hand grip pulse monitor just in front of the main console.
iPod Dock
If you want more entertainment while you run or bike you can also plug in your iPod and listen to your favorite tunes through the built-in speakers.
Proform Hybrid Trainer Pro Review – What You Should Know:
Design Constraints
While you do get the benefits of having a 2-in-1 elliptical bike, because of the design constraints you don’t get some of the benefits of a standard, straightforward elliptical like incline or resistance controls on the moving armbars for example.
iFit Subscription
While you don’t need iFit to use this elliptical bike, if you want to try it out, you’ll need an online subscription. Also note that if you don’t have your tablet you don’t really get too much of the virtual reality benefit of iFit (but you will still get the online tracking).
You don’t need to add iFit right away either – you can always wait and add it later when you’re ready.
Bottom Line?
If you love the thought of getting 2 fitness machines for the price of one, you’ll probably love the Proform Hybrid PRO Trainer Elliptical-Bike.
It gives you more weight and substance with a heavier flywheel than the Hybrid Trainer. So it’s great for heavier workouts or multiple-user families. Plus it also gives you a longer stride length, so you’re getting a better lower body workout overall.
And with the upgraded footpedals and seat, you’ll get a more comfortable workout overall.
Where To Save:
You can get a Special Discount on the Proform Hybrid Trainer PRO direct from the Manufacturer here. You can also get Free Shipping to your home, which will save you about $150.
Click Here for a Special Offer on the Proform Hybrid Pro
