LifeCore CD500 Review
Machine: LifeCore CD500 Elliptical
Overview: The LifeCore CD500 Elliptical, named “Best Buy” by Consumers Digest, stands out as one of LifeCore’s highest value center drive elliptical trainers with a great balance between quality, features and price. The adjustable stride length ranges from 17” to 25”, which is not only great for multiple users of various heights, but allows one user to work different muscle groups. It’s easy to keep your workouts challenging with 20 resistance levels and customizable workout programs. Maintaining your target heart rate couldn’t be easier; use the heart rate chest strap and choose the perfect cardio program. With a weight capacity of 300lbs the LifeCore CD500 Ellipitcal Trainer has the kind of stability you expect from a commercial elliptical, but is compact enough for any home, only measuring 42” in length. Not only is it easier to mount because of the center drive design, it has a low step of height of 8”, which also means you don’t have to worry about ceiling clearance. Thanks to comfortable handlebars and oversized cushioned footpads you’ll be comfortable enough to push your workout harder. The console technology is nothing to brag about, with a 10×14 Dot Matrix LED and a scrolling alpha-numeric message center. As usual with LifeCore what it lacks in gadgets it more than makes up for in quality.
Features
Price – $2,199
Stride length – 17” to 25”
Challenging Programs – Customizable
Resistance Levels – 20
Upper Body – Yes
Heart Rate Monitor – Chest strap and Center Grip
Weight Capacity – 300lbs
Console Gadgets – Scrolling Alpha-Numeric Message Center, Large 10×14 Dot Matrix LED Display
Convenience/Extras – Built-In Reading Rack, Cushioned Footpads, Front Transport Wheels
Warranty – 5 years Parts, 1-year Labor
Lowest Price -
$2,199
Although LifeCore isn’t as well known as some other brands the fact that it earned a “Best Buy” rating from Consumers Digest means it’s a great value. Some of the features that make such a good buy are the stride length, stability and center drive design. Not only is a 25” max stride length impressive, but the range starting at 17” means it’s a good machine for family members of various heights, but it lets your switch between muscle groups in your calves, thighs and glutes. Center drive elliptical trainers are preferred by some customers for the close pedal spacing, especially in the case of the LifeCore Elliptical CD500 with the pedals only 2” apart.
The LifeCore CD500 Elliptical doesn’t have as many exciting gadgets and add-ons like speakers or high-tech monitors, but the trade off is a better quality elliptical trainer. And while the CD500 has a lot of great features like an adjustable stride length and extra side handlebars, the CD400 is significantly cheaper so it may be a better buy depending on your needs.
So what’s “the skinny” of the Lifecore Fitness cd500 elliptical trainer review? LifeCore makes great high quality elliptical and the CD500 is among their finest. Its compact design and low step up height make it perfect for small spaces while the superior stride length and unique customizable workouts make it feel like a commercial elliptical. If you have the budget it’s a worthwhile investment that’s sure to outlast and outperform lesser machines.