ProForm Elliptical/Recumbent Hybrid Trainer | Offers Impressive Versatility

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The ProForm Elliptical/Recumbent Hybrid Trainer is one of my top picks for the best budget-priced elliptical/recumbent bike on the market. This trainer offers impressive versatility as it can be transformed from a recumbent bike into an elliptical trainer with a few simple adjustments. Thus, allowing users to perform cross-training on a single machine.

You can use it as either a recumbent bike or as an elliptical. It only takes two quick adjustments – in the pedals and the console – to change it from a recumbent bike into an elliptical – or vice versa. And unlike some other 2-in-1 elliptical bikes, it’s not hard (or back-breaking) to make these adjustments. You can do it in less than 30 seconds.

The console on this trainer is relatively basic and straightforward, but you get the essential feedback of speed, time, distance, calories burned, pulse, and RPM. In addition, the machine comes with built-in Bluetooth/iFit compatibility. From there, you can monitor and track your workout progress over time to see how far you’ve come. You can also download new workouts and even run world-famous bike trails.

The seat is adjustable forward and back with extra padding to ensure a comfortable recumbent bike ride. The back is a mesh back – which lets the airflow keep you fresh as you cycle. The bike also has oversized pedals with built-in traction that you can adjust to fit your frame – again, for a more comfortable ride or run.

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WaterRower Oxbridge Rowing Machine | Like Rowing a Real Boat

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The WaterRower Oxbridge Rowing Machine gets its name from Oxford and Cambridge Universities, two schools are known for their long rowing traditions and spirited rivalry. Crafted from gorgeous cherry hardwood, it is part of WaterRower’s Designer Series. In addition, it features the WaterRower brand’s patented WaterFlywheel. Rowing the Oxbridge, you’ll feel like you’re rowing a boat!

A wealth of workout feedback is on the S4 monitor. The S4 Monitor displays intensity in m/s (meters per second), mph (miles per hour), /500m (time per 500 meters), /2km (time per 2 kilometers), watts, and Kcalories per hour.

The WaterRower’s S4 fitness monitor is easy to use, yet it’s packed with useful features and can connect to a PC for integration with other software. It has six preset workouts and lets the rider set up additional exercises based on distance goals, duration goals, and interval training. In addition, the monitor saves nine consecutive sessions to let you make comparisons or quickly start a routine.

The Oxbridge indoor rower has a “Zone Feature” alert system to help you stay within your desired heart rate zone. In addition, the S4 monitor is Bluetooth enabled to work with an HR wireless chest strap. Unfortunately, this accessory does not come with the machine. However, if you have one, you’ll be able to monitor all of the essential HR values.

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ProGear 225 Folding Upright Bike | Perfect for Home Workouts

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ProGear 225 Folding Upright Bike is perfect for cardiovascular workouts at home, with a dual transmission flywheel for more resistance and challenge and a three-piece cranking system for a smooth and consistent pedaling motion.

The 225 offers eight magnetic tension control system levels that let you vary the workout intensity. You can experience cycling in different terrains by changing the tension levels. In addition, it has a dual transition flywheel that provides higher resistance workouts with consistent pedaling motion.

The fitness monitor LCD shows the distance you have covered, the number of calories you have burned, the speed at cycling, and other relevant information. In addition, the ProGear 225 has integrated heart rate pulse sensors in the handlebars to monitor your heart rate while exercising. Unfortunately, the monitor is not telemetric and won’t work with an HR chest strap.

It has an ergonomically contoured seat cushion that is easily adjustable to accommodate users of different heights. The seat’s ergonomic design makes you feel no back pain, even if you cycle for long hours. The handlebars have a multi-grip plan, and each handle has a rubber foam layer to provide ultimate comfort.

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Loctek UF6M Upright Desk Exercise Bike | Comfortable & Functional

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The Loctek UF6M Upright Desk Exercise Bike can convert to and from a desktop to a more standard upright exercise bike. The bike is compact and operates very quietly, so it won’t disturb others while you exercise.

A tension knob just below the handlebars on the front support post controls the eight magnetic resistance levels. The resistance goes from very easy to moderately challenging. It moves up incrementally, and the changes are smooth.

The bike has a belt drive and flywheel to provide an excellent, consistent pedaling motion. It operates very quietly and is low maintenance. All you might hear is a very soft, whooshing sound when pedaling fast.

The seat is padded and contoured and comes with a padded backrest. The two connect in place to each other – i.e., both move together when you adjust the seat’s position. The seat is large, which, along with the backrest, helps provide proper support and balance.

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XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill | 30 Preset Programs

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The XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill is a good option for shoppers with smaller treadmill budgets. It meets performance standards set for higher-priced treadmills. I also like that the TRX3500 supports two user profiles and delivers various customizable exercise programs.

Key features include a two-ply 60″ x 20″ workout surface, a 3.0 HP drive motor, a power incline to 12 percent, 30 preset workout programs, and a heart rate-controlled workout program with a wireless chest strap. Unfortunately, the HR chest strap does not come included with the machine.

Workout data is shown on a 6.5″ LCD with blue backlighting for easy reading. An animated racetrack graphic illustrates your progress, and the window displays multiple data points. Many other low-priced treadmills have smaller readouts and require scanning to show different data fields.

You can pair an Apple or Android mobile device via Bluetooth with the XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding treadmill to export your calorie burn, distance covered, heart rate, and other exercise statistics. The free XTERRA Fitness app is also compatible with Fitbit wearables and other fitness mobile apps.

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