Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider CS3.1 | Perfect for Recovery Training

The Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider CS3.1 is one of the best recumbent elliptical/strider machines in this price range. Recumbent ellipticals are ideal for those with disabilities or mobility problems, as it is easier to climb into than upright ellipticals. Additionally, CS3.1 is a favorite for rehab or physical therapy.

The CS3.1 is a medium-duty machine that handles user weights up to 300 pounds. Furthermore, the CS3.1 provides an effective cardiovascular workout by combining upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion and is easier on your joints. Regular use of elliptical trainers will increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health and burning calories.

This recumbent elliptical uses 40 levels of magnetic brake resistance using an eddy current brake. The magnetic resistance has the advantage of no friction, reliability, little to no maintenance costs, and quiet operation. Additionally, the Silent Poly V Belt Drive System provides smooth operation.

Key specs include a back pad that has 3 Reclining Positions, a stride length ranging from 12″ to 15″, and a weighted flywheel that provides for smoother strides. It also has static & moving handlebars for a full cross-training workout and a handle flip to switch between a CHEST/BACK workout and a BICEPS/TRICEPS workout.

Learn more in my complete review below

Product: Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider CS3.1

Price: For a great deal on this hybrid, merely go here on Amazon

Warranty: Residential: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 1 year (see the light-commercial warranty below)

My Rating: 9.75/10

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: 60 L x 36 W x 54 H inches (153 cm x 92 cm x 138cm)
• Assembled weight: 187 lbs (85 kg)
• Stride: 12″ – 15″
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Resistance: Motorized magnetic, 40 levels
• Fitness Monitor: 10 workout programs, four user profiles
• Residential: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 1 year
• Light-commercial: Frame 10 years / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year

CS3.1 Frame Construction

The Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider CS3.1 features a sturdy frame made of steel tubing. In addition, all the steel parts have a corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant paint finish, matte black.

The fully assembled unit is relatively heavy; it weighs 187 lbs. As a result, it may require two people for transport and assembly. However, its relocation shouldn’t be too tricky once completed, as the rear base stabilizer features two transport wheels. By leaning the machine onto its back wheels, you won’t be handling more than 40% of its total weight.

The machine’s weight plays an essential role in its stability. Additionally, the middle bottom bar of the frame features an adjustable leveler, and the front base bar. Thus, you can correctly stabilize the unit on any flooring.

This cardio strider is relatively large, like most recumbent bikes and elliptical trainers. With the frame fully assembled, its length is 60″L x 36″W (153 cm x 92 cm). Also, with the seat adjusted to the back, the backrest will exceed the 54″ (138 cm) height by a few inches.

One last aspect to mention here regards the footrest feature. The machine’s console mast has one footrest directly welded to it on each side. Therefore, you can only use your arms if you want. The console unit has programs that will prompt you to move your arms.

Seat and handlebars

The CS3.1 cardio strider has a seat that excels in ergonomics. The area and the backrest feature a generous layer of foam cushioning with a contoured surface. In addition, the backrest’s contour provides optimal lumbar support.

The seat is adjustable. It’s attached to a stable rail system and can be locked closer or farther from the pedals. The backrest can be adjusted independently from the seat, which is quite a plus; many other cardio striders or recumbent bikes don’t have this feature. The backrest has three reclining positions (up, middle, and low).

The seat assembly is sturdy enough to support users up to 300 lbs. Also, due to its adjustment possibilities, the trainer can accommodate users up to 6’5″.

The machine has two sets of handlebars, a moving one and a stationary one. The moving arms are length adjustable, and they also rotate; thus, you can have their grips up, close to your chest, or low, close to your waist. This feature allows you to put a lot of diversity into your workouts.

You can switch between an exercise focused on your chest and back to a workout focused on your biceps and triceps.

The joints between all the moving bars integrate high-quality stainless steel ball bearings. As a result, the motion of each moving element is exceptionally smooth.

The fixed handlebar assembly connects to the top of the fitness monitor mast. Its grips integrate HR pulse sensors, so the monitor can track your pulse by holding on to them or wearing an HR pulse strap.

CS3.1 Drive system

To begin with, the CS3.1 cardio strider is a fitness machine with a rear-drive system. The main drive elements are under the seat, including the pulley and flywheel. Due to this fact, the unit offers a low step-through, which gives you easy access to the seat.

The machine uses a balanced flywheel; its weight is not (specified); however, considering that the CS2 model has 20.2 lbs, the unit’s wheel is most likely similar. This flywheel is not for aggressive inertia, such as the one in spin bikes.

Thus, this cardio strider is an excellent choice for recovery training or for users with disabilities. Its resistance starts at an ultra-easy 10 watts.

The unit’s poly-v belt drive system provides an almost silent operation. The pedaling motion is exceptionally smooth, with zero vibration. Also, as opposed to a chain drive, you don’t have to worry about its lubrication.

Pedals

The Inspire Fitness CS3.1 Cardio Strider has two oversized, durable pedals. They don’t have any cushioning or articulation system, but your joints’ impact is almost inexistent, considering that you will be seated during your workouts. In addition, their surface is ribbed to improve adherence, while their sides have a 1″ border to prevent your feet from slipping off.

The machine’s stride doesn’t have an adjustment system such as the Octane Fitness Q47x elliptical. However, due to the pedals’ size, you can place your feet closer to the front or rear and vary your stride between 12″ – 15″.

One last aspect regards the unit’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals). The pedals are approximately 3″  apart. Due to this fact, you can be sure that your feet won’t be too far apart and won’t experience any lateral stress on the knees.

But on the other hand, due to the pedals’ width, you can place your feet closer to the outer edges and gain at least one inch in between your feet.

CS3.1 Resistance system

The Inspire Fitness CS3.1 Cardio Strider has an eddy current, motor-assisted resistance system consisting of a small servo motor and a magnetic brake. You can only adjust its resistance from the console. The machine requires a connection to a power source; a power adapter is (included). As you select a resistance level on the fitness monitor, the servo motor will adjust the brake’s position to the flywheel, generating the corresponding drag and pedal resistance.

The system makes available 40 distinct resistance settings. As I’ve mentioned, the first resistance level is an ultra-easy 10 watts. This resistance setting, plus the several next ones, is perfect for elderly users, users with disabilities, or users recovering from joint surgery.

Conversely, the top resistance settings offer some resistance, allowing you to perform higher-intensity exercises.

Fitness monitor

The CS3.1’s fitness monitor features a large LCD with an LED backlight, covering all the essential workout metrics. It tracks Watts, RPM, calories burned, distance, time, and heart rate. It also shows the current resistance level, while the grid section in the middle shows the program’s segments in use.

The monitor can track your heart rate through the HR pulse sensors built-in into the stationary handlebars. Additionally, it’s Bluetooth-enabled so that you can monitor your pulse via the included T31 polar HR chest strap.

There are four user profile settings on the monitor. Therefore, if four persons use the machine, each can have their settings. In addition, the device will prompt you to input data such as gender, age, and weight for each user profile. This way, the monitor can track your energy output and calorie consumption more accurately.

No Online Connectivity

Unfortunately, this fitness monitor does not have any online connectivity features, nor is it compatible with any online fitness apps. However, its ten programs with a log of your workout history & settings will keep you on track. There are six preset programs, including Rolling Hill, Peak, Plateau, Mountain Climb, Hill Interval, and Strength Interval.

The monitor will auto-adjust the machine’s resistance by the selected program segment using any of these programs. Thus, a maximum resistance level can be (chosen) for each application.

The monitor also has two focus programs and two heart rate programs. The focus programs are for your upper body and arms. During these programs, the unit will prompt you to place your feet on the pegs and exercise only with your arms, using an upright grip, downright grip, etc.

The heart rate programs focus on two primary HR intervals, 65% and 80%. These require using the integrated HR pulse sensors in the handlebars or the HR chest strap. During an HR program, the machine automatically adjusts the resistance to keep your heart rate at 65% or 80%.

Finally, the monitor doesn’t have a sound system or a cooling fan but does integrate a tablet holder.

CS3.1 Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s drive and resistance system are assembled, along with the seat base and most of the console mast. So, you will have to add the two base bars, the moving arms and pedals, the top of the mast with the fitness monitor, and the seat for the assembly.

Consequently, it may take up to two hours, but the process shouldn’t be too complicated, and assembly tools come with the machine.

Furthermore, the trainer doesn’t require too much maintenance. All you have to do is periodically dust the machine and check for loose parts.

Pros

• Durable frame – can support users up to 300 lbs;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the base bars
• Transport wheels on the rear base;
• Step-thru frame design;
• Both mobile and stationary handlebars;
• The mobile arms are length adjustable and can also be (rotated);
• EKG sensors in each fixed hand grip;
• Cushioned, ergonomic seat and backrest;
• Adjustable seat – can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
• Reclining backrest with three positions;
• Quiet magnetic resistance system;
• Adjustable resistant, motorized eddy current brake;
• 40 resistance levels available;
• Oversized pedals allow a different positioning of the feet and a stride variation between 12″-15″;
• Mid-range fitness monitor with a large LCD with backlight;

  

• The monitor can track time, distance, RPM, Watts, calories, and pulse;
• Six preset programs, two focus programs, and two heart rate programs;
• Four user profiles;
• The fitness monitor can track your pulse via an HR chest strap transmitter;
• Polar T31 HR chest strap included;
• Tablet holder included;
• Bottle holder with a bottle included;
• Reasonably easy to assemble;
• Little to no maintenance is required;
• Excellent warranty.

Cons

• A tablet placed on the holder will cover the fitness monitor LCD;
• The fitness monitor does not have a sound system;
• The fitness monitor does not have online connectivity.

Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider CS3.1 Summary

The Inspire Fitness CS3.1 is a cardio strider featuring an automatic resistance system and a fitness monitor with ten programs and four user profiles. It has a durable frame can support users up to 300 lbs; its seat is adjustable, while the backrest has three reclining positions.

The moving handlebars can be rotated for different grips and adjusted length. The machine offers 40 levels of resistance with a very low-drag starting point.

Furthermore, it’s perfect for light to intense cardio training with a low impact on the joints, recovery training, muscle toning, weight loss, or interval training. And finally, it’s not exactly one of the most affordable fitness machines, but it is a light-commercial unit; thus, it’s a decent machine for the price.

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

Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety 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.