The Proform 6.0 ZE elliptical trainer is priced in the middle of the range of machines that appear to be most popular with many people looking to buy an elliptical trainer for home. The price range is from $350 to $500. This price range seems to be popular because it is believed you get a better machine than those priced below this range and also you are still saving money buy not buying a budget busting amount for the higher priced machines that can go for $1,000 and more.

As with all mid-range items there are going to be limits to the functionality when compared with higher priced items, which is OK as long as they don’t interfere with the overall enjoyment and usefulness of the machine. So, does this elliptical trainer provide a good quality workout that is worth the money or are the savings in price due to shortcuts taken in the manufacture of it?

Specifications

• Dimensions: 39 x 24 x 61 inches
• Visual Display: Yes
• Resistance Levels: 10
• Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
• Machine Weight: 140 lbs
• Stride Length: 18-inch
• Warranty: Frame 5 years, Parts and labor 90 days

The Pros

Quality: One of the things many people notice when buying fitness equipment for the home is that they are often not well put together and can feel cheap especially when compared to the ones they have used at the gym. Frames are the normal place that manufacturers look to cut corners. Fortunately, this elliptical trainer hasn’t compromised on the frame. It is made from steel that has been powder coated so it ought to last for years when used as expected.

Assembly: It does take some time to put this trainer together properly – most people find they need around 2 hours to put it together by themselves. It is important to fully read the instructions before getting started. It is also important to be sure you have tightened all the nuts and bolts fully so the machine is totally secure and avoid any problems later on. When put together properly this machine has proven to be a reliable machine that does not show any signs of use for quite a long time.

Challenge: This both a positive and a negative. See the section included in cons for the issue with the challenge. If you are looking for a machine that can give you more of a challenge and push you harder with more difficult resistance levels than this machine is worth considering.

You get 10 resistance settings with this machine. Many experienced elliptical users have mentioned they have found even the lower resistance levels more difficult than they would have expected.  This makes it a great elliptical trainer for anyone, but the fittest athletes, that wants to push themselves to their limit.

The Cons

Tough Resistance Levels: As noted above, some experienced elliptical machine users may like the tough resistance levels. However, many people do find that this makes it difficult to use this machine. Many people who are just starting out have found it very hard to use at anything above the first 2 settings and this can be discouraging and can make it difficult to get the best warm up and warm downs they require.  You need easier settings to be able to do this properly and that isn’t really offered with this machine.

Workout Programs: You get 12 preset workout programs with this machine. Unfortunately you are not able to alter the length of them. They have a fixed length of 30 minutes and you cannot change the length of them. If you only have 20 minutes you cannot complete a full cycle and include time to warm-down properly. And if you want to do a 45 minute workout you need to start a new program and finish it part way through to get your full workout.

From my understanding allowing users the ability to change the length of the workouts as other machines have this ability. If it had this ability it would improve the appeal of the Proform 6.0 ZE. This lack of functionality does really take something away from the overall rating of the machine, and hopefully it is something Proform will address.

Who Should Buy The ProForm 6.0 ZE Elliptical?  

It is one of the better machines available at the price range. The issue with it is more to do with shortcomings in the features and not to do with how it actually performs when being used in terms of functionality. The inability to be able to change the length of the workout programs and the tough resistance levels probably does mean this machine is not the one for a first time buyer. A better choice may be to look at a cheaper model so they can work out if an elliptical trainer is something they want and will use at home.

From our research the ProForm 6.0 ZE Ellitpical Trainer will please anyone who likes using an elliptical trainer. The resistance levels are hard but this all adds to fun and challenge. And the inability to be able to change the length of the pre-set programs is annoying. However, it is a well made machine that can help you get to where you want. It isn’t easy but then if it was everyone would already be there. With some determination this machine will help you achieve the level of fitness you want.

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