XTERRA FS3.5 Elliptical Trainer | Engineered for Performance

The XTERRA FS3.5 Elliptical Trainer utilizes synchronized upper and lower body movement to provide an ultra-smooth total body workout. The patented front-drive design maximizes space use with a small footprint while delivering compelling and biomechanically correct training.

And with a smooth belt-drive system, friction-free magnetic resistance, 17″ stride length, and aluminum track wheel system, the FS3.5 elliptical delivers a quiet and effective workout. In addition, the FS3.5 is engineered for toughness, durability, and years of maintenance-free performance, providing an outstanding elliptical feel at an exceptional value.

The fitness monitor has a large, easy-to-read blue and yellow backlit LCD screen that displays everything from speed and distance to calories and heart rate. In addition, the 24 workout programs with 24 levels of resistance are sure to challenge users of all fitness levels.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: XTERRA FS3.5 Elliptical Trainer

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

Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 1 year

My rating: is 8/10

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

Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 57.1L x 20.5W x 63H inches (145L x 52W x 160H cm)
• Assembled weight: 110 lbs (50 kg)
• Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 15 lbs (7 kg)
• Stride: 17 inches (43 cm)
• Incline: No
• Resistance: Digital magnetic, 24 levels
• Fitness Monitor: 24 programs, recovery
• Extras: Accessory holder, sound system
• Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 1 year

FS3.5 Frame Construction

The XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 elliptical trainer features a solid steel frame. However, it also has ABS parts in its construction. For example, the covers of the drive system and the pedal trays are heavy-duty ABS plastic. In addition, all the steel bars come coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The only exceptions are the covers of the aluminum pedal sliding rails, which don’t have any paint finish.

It is approximately 57″ (145 cm) long and 20.5″ (52 cm) wide; its highest point is its moving arms which reach approximately 63″ (160 cm) above floor level. Of course, just like any other elliptical trainer, leaving at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear for easy access and safe usage is advisable.

The fully assembled unit weighs approximately 110 lbs (50 kg). This weight adds pretty decent stability to the machine. Its rear base features adjustable stabilizers to perfectly level it on an uneven floor. The mid-base rests on two extra rubber bumpers, while the front base has transport wheels that facilitate the trainer’s relocation if necessary.

The machine’s pedal bars have a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg) which is not bad for a home-use trainer. They come equipped with large wheels that hug their rails for extra stability. In addition, the wheels integrate sealed ball bearings for a smooth pedal motion, and their outer layer comes rubberized to dampen noise.

Finally, the XTERRA FS3.5 elliptical has two handlebars, one mobile and one fixed. The mobile handlebars have extended grips to accommodate taller users better. The fixed handlebars feature short grips and integrate metallic HR pulse sensors. In addition, both handlebars have rubberized grips for improved comfort.

Elliptical path, stride, and step-up height

Unfortunately, the XTERRA FS3.5 elliptical trainer does not have an incline system. Therefore, its elliptical path and its stride length do not adjust. The pedals feature oversized trays with side and front guards, providing extra foot stability. However, they do not have different articulations or an angle adjustment system.

The unit’s elliptical path is almost entirely horizontal (maybe one degree inclined forward). Therefore, it provides a natural stride without the extra focus on the glutes or hamstrings. In addition, the spacing between the pedals is also pretty narrow. Therefore, you won’t get additional lateral stress on your knees and ankles.

This XTERRA elliptical trainer makes available a 17″ (43 cm) stride. Therefore, it can accommodate users up to 6’0″ – 6’1″ (183 – 186 cm). Of course, taller users can still use this trainer, but they may not benefit from a complete range of motion.

The minimum height of the pedal is approximately 14″ (35 cm) above floor level. Conversely, the pedals are approximately 18″ (45 cm) above floor level at the highest position. Thus, using this elliptical trainer in a room with a ceiling at least 25″ (63 cm) higher than the tallest user’s height is advisable.

FS3.5 resistance and drive

The XTERRA FS3.5 elliptical trainer has a motorized magnetic resistance system that automatically adjusts the resistance. It also requires an external power source (an adapter), and the fitness monitor has multiple workout programs.

The unit’s resistance system consists of a servo motor and a magnetic brake; therefore, adjusting the monitor’s resistance increases or decreases the magnets’ pull. Thus, it results in more or less pedaling resistance.

The resistance system offers 24 difficulty settings. The first few difficulty levels deliver a relatively light pedal tension. The top resistance levels provide considerably more pedal tension simulating a steep hill climb, allowing you to perform a more intense cardio workout.

The internal flywheel is not extremely heavy; it only weighs 15 lbs (7 kg), but most of its weight is the perimeter. Therefore, it provides a bit of extra inertia and reduces vibration. In addition, it is also bi-directional. Thus, you can pedal in reverse, with the same resistance.

Like most other elliptical trainers with an eddy current (motorized magnetic) resistance system, the XTERRA FS3.5 relies on a belt-drive system. Furthermore, it uses a poly-v belt highly resistant to stretching and abrasion.

The main advantage of a belt drive over a chain drive is that you don’t have to lubricate it. For instance, it also delivers less vibration and promotes a tranquil pedaling motion.

Fitness monitor

The XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 elliptical comes equipped with a mid-range fitness monitor. It features a 5″ diagonal LCD with an LED backlight, and it tracks time, distance, total distance, RPM, watts, calories, and pulse.

For speed and distance, you can select either metric or Imperial units. In addition, you also can either use the integrated pulse sensors or a wireless HR chest strap for the pulse reading function. Unfortunately, the HR chest strap does not come included with the trainer.

The fitness monitor doesn’t have online connectivity, nor is it compatible with any online fitness apps. However, it has several workout programs. The Manual Program (P1) allows you to exercise while adjusting the resistance manually during your workout. It also has goal functions, enabling you to select targets for time, distance, calories, or other workout metrics.

The P2-P13 programs are preset. Each one has a specific profile setting and 24 levels of resistance. For example, the list includes the following programs: Rolling Hills, Valley, Fat Burn, Ramp, Steps, Obstacles, Intervals, Plateau, Climbing, Off-Road, Hill, and FasTrek.

The P14 program is for Watt Control, while the P15 program is for the Body Fat program. It allows you to input your gender, weight, height, and age data, and the monitor will calculate your body mass index.

The P16-P19 programs are custom-use programs. Therefore, up to four users can create and save their customized profiles. And finally, the programs from P20 to P24 are heart rate based. Consequently, they are preset for 55% HRC, 65% HRC, 75% HRC, and 85% HRC.

If one of these programs is selected, the machine will automatically adjust the resistance if your pulse measurement is 5 BPM above or below the selected HRC.

Amenities

The machine’s fitness monitor has integrated speakers, a tablet holder, and a small accessory tray, among other features. The speakers are at the top of the monitor, and an audio jack is available at the bottom.

Therefore, you can connect your smartphone or tablet to the monitor and play your music through the integrated speaker. The tablet holder is above the monitor’s controls, while the small accessory tray is under the controls.

FS3.5 Assembly and Maintenance

The front unit of the machine with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, the other parts require user assembly. You must attach the rear base frame with the pedal rails to the front unit, the front bar, the pedals, the upright post, the moving arms, and the fitness monitor.

Consequently, it may take more than one hour, but the task isn’t too complicated, and the manual provides excellent assembly instructions and diagrams. Also, all the necessary tools come included with the trainer.

Maintenance doesn’t require much. However, you must keep the incline rails clean to prevent any wheel damage, lubricate the unit’s joints, periodically check for loose bolts and parts and retighten or replace them.

Pros

• Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);

  

• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Fixed and mobile handlebars;
• Medium-weight flywheel (15 lbs) for a more consistent pedaling motion;
• Oversized, non-slip pedals;
• Eddy current, automatic resistance (24 levels);
• Multi-window LCD with LED backlight;
• The fitness monitor tracks all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, watts, calories, and pulse;
• Goal settings for time, distance, calories, and watts;
• HR pulse sensors and pulse reading function;
• Telemetric receiver built into the monitor for wireless HR chest straps;
• 24 workout programs available;
• Recovery function;
• Accessory holders included;
• The sound system included;
• Quiet operation;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance is required.

Cons

• The HR chest strap does not come with the elliptical;
• There is no bottle holder.

XTERRA FS3.5 Elliptical Trainer Summary

The XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 is a mid-range elliptical trainer made for home use. It features a motorized magnetic resistance system with 24 levels, a medium-weight (15 lbs) internal flywheel, and a fitness monitor with 24 workout programs.

In addition, it also has a reasonably decent construction with a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs.  Moreover, it’s an excellent trainer for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, interval workouts, muscle toning, 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 remember to 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.