ProForm Hybrid Trainer Review
• Competitively priced
• Easy to use
• 2 machines in one
• Stride length is small for most users.
• Display unit requires batteries
• Heart monitor doesn't work well
• Squeaking is a problem
ProForm Hybrid Trainer combines elements of recumbent bike with an elliptical trainer. The current model addresses many of the problems experienced with older models, so be sure to keep that in mind when making your purchase. A $600 machine that does the work of two is not a bad investment.
ProForm Hybrid Trainer
The ProForm Hybrid Trainer is an exercise machine which combines the workouts of an elliptical and recumbent bike.
Claims & Features
Below are the features for the current model, not older models that are still sold online:
- Double the exercise benefit
- iFit Bluetooth Smart Enabled
- Tablet holder
- 17-inch Stride
- Unlimited workouts designed byTV trainers Chris and Heidi Powell
- Global Google Maps routes
- User limit is 350 pounds
Cost & Availability
There are several models available on the official website (proform.com) ranging from $349-$599. Free Shipping.
You can find select models in stores such as Walmart or Dick’s for about $377 to $399.
ProForm Hybrid Trainer Commercial
The TV commercial below has been airing as of this writing.
ProForm Hybrid Trainer Reviews
ProForm Hybrid Trainer looks like a recumbent bike with additional pedals that allow the user to stand up and use it like an elliptical. It is a rather ingenious design which expands the functionality of the unit to include a wider variety of exercise options than either a recumbent bike or elliptical would by themselves.
Expect to assemble the product when it arrives, which may take as long as three hours or more. Assembly has proven to be easy for some consumers, but problematic for others. If you aren’t the DIY type, you can pay to have it assembled for a little under $200.
Keep in mind that there are several models available, and reviews are more common to find for older models which have been around for several years. The newest model appears to address many of the user complaints for earlier models, so older reviews should be taken with a grain of salt.
The recumbent bike portion of the unit provides ample resistance, and is comfortable to use overall. The elliptical does allow for upper and lower body workouts, although resistance is moderate and upper body workout is minimal.
A “con” for the product is that of stride length. While shorter users will find the 17-inch stride to be comfortable, average to taller users will feel more like they are shuffling than running. Older models had an even smaller stride at 15 inches. Livestrong points out that those measuring 5 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 7 inches would be most comfortable with strides of 18 to 21 inches.
One concern not fixed in the newest model is that of squeaking, which is a notorious problem for home exercise equipment in general. Not all consumers have expressed this problem, but those who have constitute a rather vocal minority.
The newest model does include a device shelf, which was sorely missed in earlier models. Other additions are iFit Bluetooth technology and global Google Maps routes.
Despite a few minor annoyances, a $400-$600 recumbent/elliptical hybrid is still a pretty good deal.
Epic Conclusion
ProForm Hybrid Trainer combines elements of recumbent bike with an elliptical trainer. The current model addresses many of the problems experienced with older models, so be sure to keep that in mind when making your purchase. A $600 machine that does the work of two is not a bad investment.
If you’ve used ProForm Hybrid Trainer, please give it a star rating and comment below.
