Dear Mr. Waters,

I enjoyed reading your reviews of elliptical trainers.  I have been distressing about buying an elliptical to get in shape.  A little bit about myself.  I'm a tall guy, 6'6" tall, built like a baseball player (235 lbs), but I'm out of shape.  Once upon a time, about a decade ago, I had a great routine involving running and using an elliptical.  I'd like to get back on the elliptical again, and am shopping for one.  I anticipate that I'll be using it an hour a day for about 2 months (to get in shape for skiing), and then a few times a week after that.

I am comparing two models.  My preferred is the Proform ZE9, which is on sale at Dicks for $799.  And the other is the Nordic Track Audiostrider 990 Pro, which is $990 at Sears.  They are very similar, except the Proform has a longer stride.

My only concern is that I cannot find a review of the Proform ZE9 anywhere!  I'd like to do my homework to make sure I get a decent product, and I'd like to hear from others to make a decision as to whether to buy the warranty.

Can you help me?  Is the ZE9 a newer version of a comparable piece of equipment?  Would you recommend the extended warranty?  Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Response:

Regarding the durability of these machines.  They both qualify as budget models.  They have a decent track record, but these are not heavy duty machines.  It looks like the ZE9 is the better value.

If you have a Dick's in your area I also recommend you check out the Sole E25.  It cost $999, but has a 3-year parts warranty.  It has an incline feature, but it is manual.  All the Sole ellipticals have a very good service record.  The quality of the Sole E25 surpasses both the NordicTrack and the ProForm.

I hope that helps.
Fred

Although similar in many ways to an elliptical trainer, it has several unique features that make it more of a hybrid.  In fact, when I talked to Smooth about their new product, they did not call it an elliptical, but rather a "Dynamic Motion Trainer."

The Smooth Agile DMT expands upon the limited elliptical motion of a cross trainer by offering twelve distinct motions.  This variety allows you to exercise more muscle groups, and tone more of your body. 

Elliptical trainers are often touted as providing a total body workout.  That is a false assumption.  Although you do work out both the upper and lower body, you are exercising very limited parts of each. 

The variety of motion found on the Smooth Agile DMT allows you to concentrate of different muscles, consequently you are able to tone parts of your body you may have unintentionally ignored in the pass. 

By mixing up both the forward and reverse motion of the Agile, you can build and tone your quadriceps, glutes, calves, hamstrings, arms, shoulders, chest and back. 

Another benefits of the Smooth Agile DMT is the fact you get a more intense workout in less time.  So often I noticed how people in the gym are just going through the motions on an elliptical trainer.  They are barely breaking a sweat.  The Dymanic Motion Training of the Agile get your cardio going and burns calories more efficiently. 

Furthermore, the DMT design further reduces the strain and stress to your joints.  Elliptical trainer definitely have less impact than a treadmill, however, the continual repetitive motion does strain your knees and ankles.  With the Smooth Agile you get a more intensive workout without increasing the impact by changing up the motion.

Here is the downside of the Smooth Agile DMT - it is not cheap.  Price varies from $3,500 - $4,000.  However, you are getting a commercial grade machine that weighs 390 lbs.  This is not the kind of fitness toys you find at sporting goods stores. 

For those that can afford a machine that will give a thorough physical workout in a minimal amount of time, the Smooth Agile DMT is worth considering.   You can check out my complete review at my Elliptical Trainer Review site.