ProForm 520 E Elliptical Review

The 520 E has a range of impressive features, some of which are surprising for an elliptical under $1,000. One such feature is that you can vary the 520 E’s 19” power-adjustable stride through a manual incline up to 20 degrees. This can boost the challenge from the machine’s light 15-pound flywheel. With each increase in incline, you can feel your muscles being targeted a bit differently. Using incline is a great way to tone your lower body and it can more than double your metabolic rate. You’ll be comfortable throughout your workout with the 520 E’s adjustable, oversized and cushioned pedals. 

As for entertainment, although the Endurance 520 E only has a 5” backlit LCD display, its console is iFit-enabled. Just pop your own device onto the adjustable tablet holder and you’re ready to go! With iFit, it’s like having your own personal trainer in your living room. It offers an unlimited library of workouts, simulated Google Maps routes, and many other fitness and health-related supports. 

If you don’t want to purchase an iFit subscription, the Endurance 520 E still has 18 on-board workout programs to help you exercise efficiently. These programs adjust the pedals’ resistance for set durations based on your goals for calorie burn, intensity, and speed. This machine also sports 18 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance for a smooth, quiet exercise experience with plenty of intensity.

It’s worth noting that most customer reviews for the ProForm 520 E are positive, but some owners have issues with quality control problems and customer service. Regardless of these risks, the 520 E is still enticing. It’s a feature-rich total body trainer that doesn’t break the bank. The machine offers a solid warranty of 10 years on the frame, two years on the frame, and one year for labor.

The 520 E is the entry-level elliptical in ProForm’s Endurance Series for 2020. The next step up is the 720 E, which has a 20-pound drive, a cooling fan, and slightly higher user weight capacity. The top-of-the-line model is the SMART Endurance 920 E, which boasts a 25-pound drive and a 7” HD touchscreen for viewing iFit workouts.

Our Favorite Features

• Multiple incline settings let you focus on different muscle groups and prepare for outdoor treks.
• The 19” stride length is a good match for most trainees.
• 18 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance
• The tablet holder and built-in speakers help keep workouts interesting.
• 18 built-in workout apps designed by professional trainers help users quickly start training for goals based on calorie burn, speed and intensity.
• If you choose to subscribe to iFit, it can help keep you motivated with virtual workout destinations around the world.
• Front transport wheels for easy movement about the home

ProForm 520 E Elliptical - Notable Specs:

Our Least Favorite Features

• The flywheel is only 15 lbs, so it won’t give you the smooth resistance of a commercial elliptical machine.

The Bottom Line

The ProForm Endurance 520 E isn’t built for intense or long-term use, but for its low $799 price it’s hard to beat. It lets you benefit from incline training, interactive training via iFit, and other modern features that help make ProForm Fitness a world-leading brand. 

Keep in mind that although very cheap ellipticals like the 520 E cost little up-front, mid-priced trainers tend to bring better value in the long run. If you spend a couple of hundred dollars more on the ProForm 720 E or the 920 E, you’ll get significantly more advanced components, as well as the ability to train to a higher level. If you encounter problems with your 520 E, any savings from the initial purchase will quickly disappear on repairs.

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