FreeMotion s5.6 Elliptical Review
Machine: FreeMotion s5.6 Elliptical Trainer
Overview: Blending the low-impact benefits of elliptical machines with the intense calorie burning effects of incline training, the FreeMotion s5.6 provides a unique workout experience. The incredible 35” stride length offers an efficient cardio workout, allowing you push your muscles harder and burn more calories with each stride. The extended stride also improves the upper body workout with a deeper push-pull motion. Because the stride is variable you can find your natural stride length or switch between short and long strides to engage different muscles. You can also track your progress and keep up the pace with the stride ladder console feature. Built to withstand intense workouts without squeaks or shakes, this elliptical trainer is rated to support up to 350lbs and features a smooth and steady electromagnetic resistance system. The FreeMotion Elliptical s5.6 includes 16 challenging programs, including 8 stride workouts and 8 body zone workouts to help build muscle, lose weight and increase flexibility. It’s also iFit card compatible, adding the capacity for even more workout programs. The quick resistance buttons is another great feature, when coupled with a variable stride and a wireless heart rate monitor means that your workout can build momentum without interruption. The FreeMotion s5.6 Elliptical Trainer also includes comfort features like gel cushioned footpads and a core cooling fan. The addition of integrated speakers and MP3 player port add luxury to an already exceptional machine.
Features
Price – $1299
Stride Length – 35″
Challenging Programs – 16
Resistance Levels -12
Upper Body – Yes
Heart Rate Monitor – Hand Grip & Wireless Chest Strap
Weight Capacity – 350lbs
Console Gadgets – Integrated speakers, iPod/MP3 player port, 160 x 100 graphical display with stride ladder
Convenience/Extras – Core Cooling Fan, Quick Resistance buttons
Warranty – lifetime frame, 7 years parts, 1 year labor
Lowest Price -
$1299
Setting itself apart from other elliptical trainers, the FreeMotion s5.6 Elliptical Trainer integrates incline training and a 35” variable stride that result in a more efficient workout. It allows you to push your body to higher limits so you can lose weight and build muscle faster. The dedicated stride ladder built into the console helps you increase your stride at a steady pace and keep you from hitting the dreaded exercise plateau. If the 16 built-in programs ever start to get stale you can always opt to purchase iFit SD cards to try something new. You could pretty much read off the spec sheet to see its strengths—from the specialized electromagnetic resistance system to the integrated speakers and 7 year parts warranty the FreeMotion s5.6 is a solid, comfortable and feature rich machine.
While it’s not exactly a weakness, the inverted arch pattern may take some getting used to for new users, so you may want to try it before you buy. Also, if you’re looking specifically for Jillian Michaels iFit cards you’ll have to turn to NordicTrack because they aren’t currently available for this machine.
The FreeMotion s5.6 Elliptical Trainer review: while the FreeMotion s5.6 is a quality machine with loads of features and extras, the NordicTrack FreeStrider 35S costs the same and includes a few more built-in workouts as well as iFit Live capability, rather than just the iFit SD cards. The reasons to buy the FreeMotion s5.6 over the NordicTrack include a slightly better weight capacity as well as a better warranty so ultimately it comes down to your priorities.