ProForm Pro 16.9 iFit Coach Front Drive Elliptical with Full-Color Touchscreen

A sturdy elliptical but limited customization

1. While there are 36 preset programs, you cannot change any part of any preset program - not even the time of the workout. 2. I thought that I was in pretty good shape, but I found the Proform pedals to have high resistance at even level 1. I prefer to work out for 40-45 minutes. Almost all of the preset programs are for only 20-30 minutes. I can understand why since the pedals, even at levels 1 or 2 with no incline are pretty hard to pedal. I replaced my Precor Elliptical with this Proform 12.9. I would say levels 1 and 2 for the Proform is equivalent to about levels 9 and 12 with my Precor. I could not complete an "Easy" 50 minute preset program that varies the resistance between levels 3 and 7 with similar changes for the incline (i.e. incline also from 3 to 7). The Prorform's 36 workouts are scattered across what are labeled "Easy", "Intermediate", and "Advanced". I had to reduce both the resistance and incline to levels to 2 throughout the 50-minute "Easy" workout. For the Precor I used to vary the resistance from level 9 to level 14 for a 45-minute interval workout. I haven't tried all 36 Proform preset programs, but I do not believe it offers an interval program - definitely not a preset program than enables the User to set the upper and lower resistance levels for a workout that is pretty standard on most ellipticals I have used at fitness centers. As previously mentioned, the Proform does not even allow the User to change the workout time for any of the preset programs. 3. There is a manual mode, but no option to save a manual workout for a User for repetitive use. My Precor let me customize and save workouts for two Users – a feature that I am very much going to miss. Given the limited number of preset programs that offer 40+ minute workouts and my inability to keep up with even the two "Easy" 40+ minute workouts, the preset programs are of virtually no value to me and I will have to always workout in manual mode. 4. I should note that the Proform does support the optional iFit internet account that may offer more versatility with respect to preset programs, but I did not purchase an expensive elliptical just to have the privilege of paying another $100+ per year for this feature. While I have not tried iFit the selling point appears to be showing visuals for "running" around various world locations, which is not something that interests me. Since I have not tried iFit, I do not know if iFit enables greater preset program flexibility. It certainly will not lessen the resistance at the lowest levels. 5. A somewhat minor but annoying issue for me was the very poor design of attaching the electrical cord at the front of the machine. Who plugs the front end of the machine into an outlet? The cord does not even reach the back of the machine. So you need an extension cord to plug the elliptical into an outlet behind the machine, which I assume will be the case for 95%+ for all owners. 6. Another annoying not so minor issue is the manual warning that you must unplug the elliptical after each use to avoid premature wearing out of the electrical components of the elliptical. This is ridiculous. While the elliptical has a "reset" switch, it does not have an on/off switch - why not? 7. Having discussed all the above negatives, I should say that the machine is very will constructed and runs smoothly. I do get a good workout for my desired workout time using the manual settings discussed above. As stated by Proform and the reviews I read before purchasing the machine, it is very easy to assemble. The tough part is getting the box into the room where you want it located. It comes in one huge box the size of a small house and weighs 330 pounds. I purchased the Proform from VMInnovations, which offers only "curbside" delivery. Given the size and weight of the box, I don't know how the unassembled Profrom could be delivered into the target room desired by most homeowners. I did manage to have the Proform delivered into my garage where I put it together. I then had to call and pay a mover to move the elliptical to the basement room where I wanted the Proform. This took two very large and strong individuals. So while I do not see a need to pay for assembling the Proform, I definitely see a need to have the machine delivered to the desired room, which may effectively require paying for assembly. VMInnovations does not offer this as an option. 8. Despite all my negative comments mostly surrounding the limited flexibility of the preset programs and the high pedal resistance, the Proform is very well made, gives me a good workout, and I am not sorry I purchased it.

JimG . Review provider: walmart.com