Like most exercise equipment manufacturers, True Fitness offers a range of elliptical trainers, including a relatively bargain-priced model---although none of the True ellipticals can be called a real bargain buy---and feature-rich, higher-end models. True Fitness elliptical trainers tend to be compact front- or center-drive models, although the True catalog includes several discontinued rear-drive models as well.
Drive Systems
All True Fitness elliptical trainers use eddy current braking, the best resistance system available, according to the EllipticalTrainers.com buying guide. You control how much current flows to an electromagnet, positioned near the elliptical trainer's flywheel, by pressing buttons on the elliptical console. That magnet, in turn, controls the resistance. The more current flows through it, the more resistance you have to pedal against.
Because the electromagnet is stationary, instead of moving with every resistance adjustment as on non eddy-current magnetic braking systems, eddy current braking is much quieter than other types of resistance, requires less maintenance and is less prone to breakdowns. The adjustments are also instantaneous.
Features
One of the most notable features available on several True Fitness ellipticals is a touch-screen interface. Other noteworthy features include rotating handles on the moving handlebars to accommodate users of different heights, and side-steps that let you mount the elliptical trainer from the side or step off the pedals entirely and work your upper body only.
Programming
All True Fitness elliptical trainers come with heart rate control programs, which adjust the elliptical's resistance automatically to help keep your heart rate within a set target range. They also come with a customizable workout and preset workouts, including exercise programs like One Big Hill, Easy Intervals, Sport Intervals and Calorie Goal.
Stride Length
One of the most important parts of picking and elliptical trainer that feels right beneath you is finding just the right stride length. If the stride is too short, you'll feel limited; if it's too long you'll be trapped in an uncomfortable, flat stride. Most True elliptical trainers have electronically adjustable stride lengths, so your odds of finding a good fit are extremely good. The two exceptions to this are the TS and TSX, which have fixed 21-inch stride lengths.
Specs
True elliptical trainers have a footprint that can be as short as 62 inches long, although they require about a foot more space when in use. This still makes them as much as 20 inches shorter than other high-end elliptical trainers. The listed maximum user weight for all True ellipticals is 350 lbs.
Price and Warranty
As of August 2010, True Fitness ellipticals retail for between $2,700 and $5,000. They come with a lifetime frame warranty, one year of labor coverage and three to 10 years of parts coverage.
Member Comments