The Body Power StepTrac BST800 is workout equipment that combines an elliptical trainer and a stepper into one unit. It has a somewhat different pedaling action than a typical front-drive elliptical trainer.
It provides the same low-impact aerobic workout for your full body muscle, thanks to its 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a hefty flywheel for steady propulsion, and a dashboard to track all your training data, making it an excellent machine for light to intense cardio workouts, recovery training, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss.
Construction
The steel frame of the Body Power StepTrac BST800 elliptical stepper is rather substantial in construction.
It will be constructed and weighs around 88 lbs (40 kg). So, it is suggested that carry two individuals carry it. On the other hand, the assembly may be completed by a single individual. Furthermore, once the unit is completed, it may be easily relocated by only one person.
It features wheels on the front base and a little lifting handle on the back base bar. The machine is extremely stable due to its weight and low center of gravity.
In addition, its back base has adjustable stabilizers, and its front base is supported by a set of rubber pads that strengthen its grip on any floor.
Compared to a traditional front-drive elliptical trainer, the machine is fairly small. It measures 42 inches (107 cm) in length and 24 inches (61 cm) in width. So, it doesn’t take up a lot of room. However, for ease of access and safe use, it is advised that at least two feet of space be left all around it.
The machine’s design incorporates cylindrical, rectangular, and triangular bars to increase aesthetics and sturdiness.
A corrosion-resistant paint coating is applied to all steel components. The majority of the pieces are metallic gray in hue.
Several ABS parts are also used in the manufacturing of the machine. The covers for the drive components, the pedal trays, and a few other minor covers, for example, are constructed of ABS.
The Body Power StepTrac BST800, like most other front-drive elliptical trainers, has two sets of handlebars, one fixed and one moveable.
The trainer’s front mast is directly linked to the fixed handlebars. They have rubberized grips and metallic pulse sensors and are non-adjustable. So, the console can keep track of your pulse.
The machine’s moving arms have lengthy, rubberized grips. They are not equipped with EKG sensors, unlike the permanent bars. They do, however, have ball grips at the top, which not all ellipticals have.
Step-up Height
First and foremost, the Body Power StepTrac BST800 lacks an inclination mechanism.
However, the pedal track system is oblique rather than horizontal because it is a hybrid elliptical-stepper. After all, it is a hybrid elliptical-stepper.
It’s at around a 40-degree angle. So, the elliptical path of the machine is also inclined, and the pedaling motion combines the sense of a stepper with an elliptical.
The machine’s pedal bars are steel, while the pedal trays are tough ABS.
They have a maximum user weight capacity of 250 pounds (113 kg). They lack the added cushioning and articulation features seen on more costly ellipticals like the ProForm Endurance 920 E.
However, they include a textured, non-slip surface and side guards for further foot stability.
They’re also rather spacious, measuring around 13″ (33 cm), so they can fit a wide range of sports shoes.
Large wheels (one each) with a rubberized outer layer and an internal ball bearing are integrated into the pedal bars.
To prevent the pain from wearing out, the tracks on which these wheels roll have stainless steel coverings.
The pedals move smoothly and quietly. The Body Power StepTrac machine does not provide the actual stride length allowed.
However, it is equivalent to similar trainers, such as the ProGear 9900. It should be between 7″ and 10″ (17 – 25 cm) in length. However, the machine does not produce the same movement as a standard elliptical with a stride length of 20″ (51 cm).
However, a consistent workout can still benefit you, depending on your posture, resistance setting, and other factors.
The height of the pedal step-up is approximately 5″(12 cm). The pedals are also slightly sloped backward when in the lowest position, making stepping on them simpler, especially when approaching from the back of the machine.
On the other hand, the pedals are around 16″ at their tallest position (40 cm).
So, the machine should be used in a room with a ceiling at least 20″-25″ (51-63 cm) higher than your height.
Resistance Level
The driving technology of the Body Power StepTrac BST800 differs differently from those of other elliptical trainers.
It has a huge flywheel, for starters, similar to spin cycles. Only a portion of the flywheel is covered. It’s also perimeter-weighted, which gives the pedaling action more inertia and consistency.
The flywheel’s actual weight isn’t indicated, although considering its size, it’s likely to be comparable to the normal spin bike flywheel weight (between 30-40 pounds / 13-18 kg).
It’s also bi-directional, which means you may cycle oppositely.
A manual magnetic resistance mechanism is included with the BST800 elliptical stepper.
So, there is no need to connect it to an external power source. This also implies that the console can’t alter the resistance automatically and doesn’t have any pre-programmed workouts.
The machine’s resistance mechanism comprises an internal magnetic brake linked to the front upright bar’s tension dial.
The brake slides closer to the flywheel as you crank this dial clockwise, making pedaling more difficult.
The machine has eight different tension settings.
The lowest one produces a mild pedal tension, powered mostly by the flywheel’s weight.
The 8th tension level, on the other hand, provides significantly more resistance, making it ideal for obtaining a greater cardiovascular rate in a shorter amount of time while also providing a more intense exercise.
The Body Power BST800 elliptical stepper, last but not least, has a belt driving mechanism.
So, you won’t have to worry about internal lubrication as much as you would with a chain drive machine.
In addition, the belt moves in a very smooth and quiet manner.
Console
As previously stated, the console that comes with the Body Power StepTrac BST800 elliptical stepper lacks preset training programs and cannot regulate the unit’s resistance adjustment.
It also lacks Bluetooth and internet connectivity. It’s essentially a fitness tracker.
A 3.5″ LCD monitor on the console displays time, mileage, total distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse.
The distance and speed are shown in mph and miles. The metallic sensors placed into the machine’s fixed handlebars can detect the pulse rating.
An HR chest strap, armband, or smartwatch cannot connect with the console since it lacks an inbuilt HRC receiver.
The console is simple to operate. The four buttons are mode, Reset, and Up/Down selection arrows. You may use the Mode button to cycle through the exercise stats and choose the one you wish to see on display.
However, the unit includes a Scan Mode that, when activated, rotates all of the metrics and displays each one for a few seconds.
You may set time, distance, and calorie goals with the Up/Down arrows.
Finally, the Reset button allows you to reset all of the values on the machine to zero.
The console is powered by batteries, which are provided.
When you push the mode button or start cycling, it starts up. It also saves battery life by shutting off after a few minutes of inactivity on the PC.
The tablet holder is the last noteworthy aspect of the machine’s console.
This attachment is a little ledge that sits directly above the LCD panel. In addition, the console unit’s top piece contains two layers of non-slip material to prevent your tablet or smartphone from sliding off.
Assembly
Although the machine’s main body, which includes the flywheel, belt, and resistance elements, is pre-built, the user must install the other pieces.
So, you’ll need to connect the base bars, pedals, front mast and tension wire, moving arms, fixed handlebars, and console to the unit.
This might take up to two hours, although the directions are quite clear in the booklet.
All of the essential assembly tools are also supplied.
As previously stated, the machine’s internal parts should not require any maintenance for an extended length of time.
So, all you have to do now is check for loose components and, if required, oil the joints.