ProForm Hybrid Trainer Review

This Proform Hybrid Trainer review is a little different. You see this model is not a true elliptical machine, in the strict sense of the term. It is exactly as it says – a hybrid, part recumbent exercise bike and part elliptical. I have chosen to review it because it is a bestseller and people seem to really like it – I decided to check it out myself.

• Proform Hybrid Trainer
• Rating: 3.5
• Price: Under $$
• Reviewed by: Brad Beckwith
• Published on: April 8, 2014
• Last modified: June 6, 2016
• Latest Price

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Review Summary:

The Proform Hybrid Trainer is a unique piece of home exercise equipment - part elliptical machine and part recumbent exercise bike, but does it pull it off? In its own right it is a decent trainer but it falls short as an elliptical and a recumbent bike. It is however well rated in online reviews so it must do something right. Read on for the full details of this slightly different machine.

Full Review

As far as exercise equipment goes each type has its particular advantages and disadvantages. Compared to the more traditional machines, such as exercise bikes or treadmills, elliptical trainers have the edge when it comes to low-impact exercises, as well as offering a workout which engages muscles in the entire body.

On the other hand, treadmills and stationary bikes allow you to target the muscles in your lower body, which also makes for an efficient cardiovascular workout. But, what if you didn’t have to choose between the two, or spend your money to purchase both?

That’s where the ProForm Hybrid Trainer comes in – it bridges the gap, or rather combines the two approaches into one versatile exercise machine. The ProForm Hybrid provides both efficiency and comfort at the same time, but never neglects the importance of having a low-impact cardio workout.

Recumbent Exercise Bike and Elliptical Machine?

By simply adjusting the position of the foot pedals you can use the trainer as an elliptical (of sorts) by standing upright during your workout. In this position the seat is simply ignored and you make use of the moving handlebars.

Then, by adjusting the pedals again, you can sit down in the slightly reclined position and use the machine like a recumbent exercise bike. That’s basically how it works and you also have separate programs for recumbent or elliptical exercise. The idea is great – for some people. What I must make clear from the start is that this is not to be confused with a real, quality elliptical trainer.

It can be a useful piece of equipment and is fun to use, but only for light to medium intensity workouts. Not really for a serious elliptical user. It does what it says and I can see why many people have given it rave reviews online – just be clear about what it really is.

Let’s look at the features.

For upper body workout the trainer features moving handlebars and for the lower body you are provided with large, oversized foot pedals. The first thing you will notice when you look at the ProForm Hybrid Trainer is that it has a comfortable seat that resembles a chair and of course the adjustable foot pedals which allow it to double as a recumbent bike.

Along with the foot pedals, you can also adjust the position of the central console depending on whether you’re in a sitting or standing position. You will be able to monitor the vital exercise data in all cases, thanks to the large, clear LCD panel.

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer allows you to adjust the oversized foot pedals to your liking, whether you want a more efficient workout or increased stability. When configured as a recumbent bike the ProForm Hybrid allows you to fall back into its comfy seat while you focus on targeting the muscles in your lower body, such as gluteal muscles, hamstring and calves.

There are a total of 14 different resistance levels integrated into the unit, which allows you to fine-tune your workout routine to get the best results possible.

All of this is backed up by SMR (Silent Magnetic Resistance) which makes sure that any kind of movement on the machine is carried out in a smooth and natural way. The unit has a relatively small stride length at just 15” which is way too short for most people.

The Hybrid Trainer has an integrated RPM meter which measures your revolutions per minute and displays it for you on the LCD panel. Pre-set workout routines have been designed by a certified personal trainer, so you can rest assured that the results will come fast if you work hard and follow the instructions. Also, built-in sensors monitor your heart rate, which helps you stay within the fat burning target zone for maximum results.

Features and Specs. of the ProForm Hybrid Trainer:

• Dimensions: 45 x 18 x 24
• Weight: 149 pounds
• 350 pound User Weight Capacity
• Dual-Grip EKG Heart Rate Monitor
• 14 Built-In Workout Apps
• 14 Digital Resistance Levels
• Recumbent Seat
• Upper-Body Workout
• Oversized Pedals
• 15″ Stride Length
• Target Pacer
• RPM Meter
• Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel
• Adjustable Leveling Feet
• Transport Wheels
• LCD Console
• Water Bottle Holder
• Transport Wheels
• 5-Year Frame Warranty and 90-Day Parts & Labor Warranty

What Others Think

We analyzed the user reviews which we found posted on various websites. Based on those reviews, the ProForm Hybrid ranked favorably among the people who bought it, and they have listed many good aspects of the machine. The most obvious subject of praise was the fact that you basically get two devices for the price of one: an elliptical trainer and a recumbent bike.

This allows for amazing versatility and flexibility in your workout, and you can choose whether you would like a total body workout, which you can get on a trainer, or if you prefer a lower-body cardio workout that a recumbent bike can provide you with.

In both cases, you are provided with 14 resistance levels, which was also welcomed by most users. Switching between the two configurations was as simple as changing the position of the pedals. We have to point out that the seat is fixed, and cannot be adjusted; an issue that often needed clarification. Aside from the obvious fact that you get two exercise machines for the price of one, with the ProForm Hybrid Trainer you will also save on space.

Now, the users have pointed out that assembling the ProForm Hybrid Trainer can be quite a challenging task. The instruction manual simply wasn’t enough to help them through the process, and many users have complained about this aspect.

They also suggested that a training video should be made, so that the people who bought it can put the machine together themselves. Even those who managed to do it, said it took them over 3 hours to do so, which is an awful lot. While it takes up less space than the two separate machines, the ProForm Hybrid Trainer is still quite bulky and difficult to transport.

Furthermore, you cannot fold the unit to save additional space so before deciding to actually buy one, you need to make sure that there is sufficient space in your house or apartment for the hybrid trainer.

• Proform Hybrid Trainer
• Rating: 3.5
• Price: Under $$
• Reviewed by: Brad Beckwith
• Published on: April 8, 2014
• Last modified: June 6, 2016
• Latest Price

Pros:

• Two exercise machines integrated into one
• Amazing workout flexibility
• 14 Built-In Workout Apps
• 14 Digital Resistance Levels

Cons:

• Difficult to assemble
• Takes up too much space
• Not quite an elliptical, not quite a recumbent bike

The Summary:

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer is not without its flaws, but keep in mind that you indeed get two exercise machines in one, an elliptical trainer and a recumbent bike. All things considered, the machine is worth a look if you are shopping in this price range.

As an individual piece of exercise equipment it is a good buy – but you can’t really compare it to other elliptical trainers. Definitely not for serious elliptical enthusiasts! For me it is certainly unique but not for everyone. Don’t forget to check out the range of ellipticals from Proform and have a look at a real one in the shape of the Proform 14.0ce.