STAR POWER EP120101 Elliptical Trainer | Effective Cardio & Low-Impact

The STAR POWER EP120101 Elliptical Trainer helps you exercise your hips, quads, and calves instead of your knees, hips, and feet. For instance, elliptical cross-training provides effective cardio, low impact workout that includes upper body exercises. In addition, the elliptical trainer uses premium stainless steel, which provides a 330 lbs (150 kg) maximum user weight limit.

The EP120101 provides 16 manual magnetic resistance levels, making it ideal for users of all fitness levels. Young people can exercise to build an envious body shape, and parents can improve cardiopulmonary vitality.

The STAR POWER EP120101 elliptical trainer comes equipped with a fitness monitor that displays the Time, Speed, Distance, Calories Burned, and Pulse. In addition, the precisely calibrated data will provide a practical reference to your exercise plan. The monitor is battery-operated and does not require an electrical connection.

The EP120101 exercise machine ensures an outstanding loading capacity and stability with the anti-slip and adjustable pedals. Even when training on uneven ground, the Star Power elliptical maintains stability using the two adjustable feet. In addition, it’s easy to move with two rubber transportation wheels on the front base tube.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: STAR POWER EP120101 Elliptical Trainer

Price: For a great deal on this elliptical, merely go here to Amazon.com

Warranty: 1 year limited (free replacement parts)

My rating: 9/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure

Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 41.3L x 21.3W x 65H inches (105L x 54W x 165H cm)
• Shipping weight: 101 lbs (46 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 16 lbs (7.2 kg)
• Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
• Stride: 12 inches (30.5 cm)
• Incline: N/A
• Resistance: Manual magnetic, 16 levels
• Fitness Monitor: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, pulse, goals, scan
• Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
• Warranty: 1 year limited

EP120101 Frame construction

The STAR POWER EP120101 features a tubular steel frame. It combines oval and cylindrical tubes in its construction for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel tubes come double-coated with a rust-resistant and chip-resistant black paint finish.

The machine also integrates several plastic material parts. The most notable ones are the pedal trays, the covers of the drive and resistance elements, the fitness monitor casing, and several other small parts.

The machine has a relatively small footprint. Its base is approx. 41.3″L x 21.3″W (105 x 54 cm), so it should fit in a smaller room or apartment. However, it is advisable to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the machine for easy access and safe usage.

Although it’s not a vast elliptical, it is pretty heavy. Its net weight is around 100 lbs (45 kg); therefore, two people should carry and assemble the trainer. However, it is easy to move once completed, as its front base has transport wheels.

Like most other ellipticals in this feature range, the STAR POWER EP120101 comes equipped with two sets of handlebars, one mobile and one fixed.

The mobile handlebars attach to the pedals and will move for as long as you pedal; they do not lock in place to remain stationary. The fixed handlebars have shorter grips. They attach directly to the machine’s front mast and integrate HR pulse sensors.

Pedal construction, elliptical path, and stride

The STAR POWER EP120101 elliptical trainer comes equipped with oversized pedals. Their trays are durable thermoplastic materials.

Unfortunately, they do not have additional cushioning or articulations like the pedals of the more expensive, commercial-grade ellipticals. However, they are adjustable. Their base bars have three pairs of holes, and the pedal trays can attach closer to the front or the rear.

The machine’s pedals and crankset are pretty solid, and they comfortably support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). Unfortunately, the stride is not too long. It’s approximately 12″ (30 cm). Therefore, this elliptical trainer may not be the best choice for users taller than 6’2″ (187 cm). In addition, the machine does not have an incline system, so the length or angle of the stride is non-adjustable.

Like most other elliptical trainers with a rear-drive system, the EP120101 has a slightly inclined forward elliptical path. Thus, the pedaling motion resembles a descent on a soft ramp. For example, the workout puts more focus on your glutes and thighs.

The step-up pedal height of approx. 5″ (12 cm). Conversely, the pedals stand at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level when they are at their highest point. Therefore, using the trainer in a room with a ceiling at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than the tallest user is advisable.

EP120101 Drive and resistance

The STAR POWER EP120101 elliptical machine comes equipped with a 16-lb (7.2 kg) flywheel, entirely covered by the machine’s plastic base frame guards.

Although it’s not as heavy as the flywheels in most spin bikes, it has a perimeter-weighted structure that improves momentum and adds stability to the ride. In addition, it is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want.

The machine’s resistance system is magnetic, with manual action. Thus, you don’t need a power adapter or power cord. However, on the other hand, the fitness monitor cannot make resistance adjustments automatically.

The resistance is a magnetic brake concealed by the large base guards. The brake connects to the tension knob on the front mast of the elliptical via a steel cable.

Thus, when you turn the knob, the position of the magnetic brake to the flywheel changes. This increases or decreases the intensity of the internal magnetic field, which results in a greater or lower pedaling difficulty.

The machine makes available 16 levels of resistance. For instance, this is a plus, as many other similar ellipticals only offer eight resistance levels. The lowest resistance level delivers a relatively light pedaling difficulty, great for muscle toning or recovery training. Conversely, the 16th level of resistance provides considerably more pedal tension, great for stamina and strength development.

Last but not least, the machine comes with a belt drive system. It uses a poly-v belt designed for superior traction. As opposed to a chain drive, the belt drive system does not require lubrication, and you won’t have to deal with problems like stiff links or rust. Plus, the belt delivers smoother traction as it generates less vibration than a chain.

Fitness monitor

The STAR POWER EP120101 elliptical trainer comes equipped with a pretty simple fitness monitor. For instance, it does not have pre-set workout programs, Bluetooth, or WiFi, which is incompatible with any fitness apps.

It features an LCD without an LED backlight that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It has an odometer function but does not show RPM. In addition, the pulse reading function is hand-grip only. Unfortunately, the monitor cannot read your pulse from a wireless heart rate transmitter.

Although the monitor does not have pre-set programs, it offers the possibility of setting workout goals for time, distance, and calories burned. Once choosing a goal, the monitor will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. This way, you can keep a better track of your progress and push your limits with each workout.

The fitness monitor is straightforward to use. It has three buttons: Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view on display.

Therefore, you can also select the Scan Mode, which automatically rotates the workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The Set button covers the goal-setting function. Finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the monitor to zero, except the odometer.

The monitor is battery-powered, and it requires two AAA batteries which do not come included. It starts recording your data as you begin pedaling. It also automatically turns off to save battery life if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than four minutes.

EP120101 Assembly and Maintenance

The elliptical’s base frame, drive, and resistance elements are pre-assembled. You only need to attach the two base bars, the pedals, the front mast of the machine, the handlebars, and the fitness monitor.

Therefore, it may take more than an hour of your time, but the task is pretty straightforward. Plus, the manual provides clear assembly instructions, and all the necessary tools come with the trainer.

For maintenance, you only have to keep the machine clean and wipe the sweat that may fall onto the frame at the end of each workout. You should also periodically inspect your elliptical to ensure that all the moving parts still function correctly and all the fixed parts hold tight in their places. The internal mechanism doesn’t require lubrication.

Pros

• Solid construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable levelers on the rear base;
• Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
• Moving arms with oval grips at the top;
• Perimeter-weighted (16 lbs) flywheel for improved inertia and motion stability;
• Oversized pedals with front and side guards for enhanced foot stability;
• Three attachment positions for each pedal tray;
• 16 levels of magnetic resistance (manual adjustment);
• Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;

  

• Workout goal functions for time, distance, and calories;
• Device holder included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Quiet operation;
• Reasonably easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance is required;
• All the necessary tools for the assembly come included.

Cons

• The fitness monitor does not have online connectivity;
• The fitness monitor LCD does not have a backlight;
• Batteries for the fitness monitor do not come included.

STAR POWER EP120101 Elliptical Trainer Summary

The STAR POWER EP120101 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer made for home use. It features a 16-level manual magnetic resistance system, adjustable pedals, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse.

Furthermore, it is reasonably sturdy and can support users up to 330 lbs. Moreover, it’s a machine for light to medium-intensity workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.

Please note: Before starting any exercise program, you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could put your health and safety at risk or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.