Proform 520e Elliptical – A Good Buy For You?
The Proform 520e Elliptical is currently one of the most affordable front drive trainers Proform makes.
They’ve even updated it for this year with a larger console and a tablet holder above the console.
You also get a surprisingly long 19 inch stride to fully work your leg muscles to the max – something you don’t often find in starter ellipticals.
And it also gives you a 20 degree manual ramp to add some crosstraining to your workouts.
So is the Proform 520 elliptical a good choice for you?
Here’s a review of what you need to know before buying:
Proform 520e Specs:
Price: $599 + Free Shipping
Stride: 19 inches
Resistance Levels: 18
Incline: 0 – 20 degrees, Manual
iFit? Yes – Compatible
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Built-In Workouts: 18
Warranty: Lifetime Frame Warranty and 1-Year Parts & Labor Warranty.
Proform 520e Review – Key Benefits:
Add Crosstraining Challenge With 20 Degree Incline
Incline changes the slope of your elliptical pathway, helping you to work different muscle groups and crosstrain more effectively.
With a quick adjustment before you get on this trainer, the ramp changes your incline up to 20 degrees, with five set positions. So it’s a great way to work different lower body muscles and potentially burn more calories.
Generous 19 Inch Stride
The Proform 520 elliptical comes with a very healthy 19 inch stride length. Stride is the longest distance between the two pedals.
You want a longer stride as it will more fully work your lower body muscles better than a shorter stride. Longer strides also feel more natural and comfortable for people, giving you a better workout overall. You don’t often find a stride this long in a starter elliptical so it’s a great feature to find here.
Tablet Holder Above the Console
Proform has recently added a sturdy bracket above the console on this years model. So you can easily attach your tablet and surf the net as you workout.
Or you can watch your favorite shows or movies as well.
Another option?
Use the tablet to connect to iFit (see below) and add some virtual reality fun by watching real life landmarks pass you by in the tablet screen as you run.
Reach New Fitness Goals with iFit Coach
iFit Coach (formerly iFit LIVE) connects your machine to the Internet. From there you can track your workouts over time or download new workouts to your elliptical.
You can also choose to run famous world trails – from Paris to Hawaii – and watch in the tablet window as actual landmarks pass you by. Very virtual reality!
Front Drive Design
Many people prefer the front drive design in the Proform 520 for a couple of reasons. First of all, front drive trainers tend to give you more of a climbing motion – versus rear drive trainer which give you more of a flat, running motion. Many people feel the climbing motion is more challenging and can burn more calories.
Also, the front drive design is more compact than a rear drive elliptical – so if you have a smaller workout room a front drive elliptical is ideal.
Bright Backlit Console
The console is bright and backlit with a scrolling message board leading you through your workout. The console shows your speed, time, distance, and calories. And with Priority Display, you choose which stats you want to watch closely.
iPod Dock With Speakers
You can also plug in and play your favorite tunes with the iPod dock. There are built-in speakers in the console so you can avoid using your earphones if you want.
EKG Heart Rate Hand Grips
Easily stay in your target heart rate range with the hand grip pulse sensors located in front of the console.
Proform 520e Elliptical – What You Should Know:
Manual Incline
You have to get on and off the elliptical to adjust the incline – you don’t control it from the console as with some ellipticals. Some people prefer to have a power incline option instead. If you want a similar model with power incline, check out the Proform 720 elliptical model.
Dual Color Console
While it’s bright and backlit, the console is only dual color – it’s not as fancy as the higher end Proform models which have full color consoles. (But it’s fairly standard for this price point). If you want an elliptical with a full color console, see the Proform 920e elliptical.
Bottom Line?
If you’re looking for an affordable, front-drive elliptical with a healthy stride length and the added benefit of incline, you’ll probably love the Proform 520e Elliptical .
It’s not the fanciest or toughest elliptical in the Proform Endurance E series. But it gives you decent basics along with a few fun entertainment options thrown in – for an amazingly low price.
Where To Save:
You can save $400 off the Proform 520 elliptical direct from the Manufacturer here. You can also watch a video on exactly how it works and get Free Shipping to your home, which will save you about $150.
Click Here to Save on the Proform 520 Elliptical
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