In his elliptical trainer buying guide, the Exercise Equipment Expert warns that you shouldn't even considering buying an elliptical trainer for less than $500. It won't last. That makes purchasing the now-discontinued Weslo Momentum 750, which originally retailed for about $200, feel like flirting with danger. But if the Momentum 750 is all you can get your hands on, you can still make the most of what you've got.
Function
In a general sense, the Weslo 750 works much like other elliptical trainers: Place your feet in the pedals, one at a time. Start pedaling. The console upright isn't tall enough to hold onto for support, so you're obliged to hold onto the moving handlebars as you pedal. Pushing and pulling on the handlebars helps the pedals along, working your chest, back, arms and shoulders and burning more calories than pedaling alone.
Resistance
Unlike the computerized ellipticals you might be used to using in the gym, the Weslo 750 has manual-adjust, direct tension resistance. Twist the knob, located just beneath the display console, clockwise for more resistance. This tightens a resistance strap around the flywheel in the rear of the machine. Twist the knob counter-clockwise for less resistance. The pedals will continue moving even after you've stopped exerting force to move them. Wait until the flywheel has stopped moving -- which allows the pedals to stop rotating -- before you exit the machine.
Frame Capacity and Concerns
According to AllEllipticals, the Weslo Momentum 750 wobbles when in use and may even "walk" across the floor as you pedal. The flimsy frame is a good reason to upgrade to a larger, sturdier and heavier machine if you're anywhere near the Weslo 750's maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs.
Performance and Features
The rear-drive 750 has a 17-inch stride, but according to AllEllipticals, the stride feels more like a short, choppy 16 inches or less. This could be a particular problem if you have long legs, which naturally lengthens your stride.
Stride length aside, Weslo stripped this elliptical trainer of features to get it into the sub-budget price range. The only feature remaining is the display console, which shows your current speed, time elapsed, distance traveled, an estimate of calories burned, or scans between all four displays. The console requires 3 AA batteries. To use it, press "On," then start pedaling. Press the appropriate button to select which display mode you want.
Benefits
Although the Weslo 750 has some decided disadvantages, it still provides you with a means of working out. It's also light enough for one person to move around, and small enough that, even though it's not a folding model, you might be able to store it in the closet. In the end, some workout is better than none. But if you find that the Weslo's short, choppy stride or flimsy frame leave you feeling frustrated, it's time to upgrade.
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