The CS3 cardio strider, like the Inspire Fitness CS2, is fitness equipment that combines an elliptical trainer with a recumbent cycle.
It’s an elliptical trainer for seated workouts, to put it another way. The Inspire Fitness CS3 is a light commercial version, contrasted to the CS2.
It has a few more programs on the console, improved moving arm adjustability, and better overall ergonomics.
Construction
The steel tube structure of the Inspire Fitness CS3 is durable.
All steel pieces have a corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant paint finish on both sides.
For the moving bars, light gray was utilized, while for the fixed areas, dark gray was employed.
In addition, the seat adjustment rail and the adjustable sections of the moving arms have a rust-resistant chrome finish.
The completely built machine is rather hefty, weighing over 200 pounds.
So, transport and assembly may necessitate the use of two personnel. However, because the rear base stabilizer has two transport wheels, moving the unit shouldn’t be too difficult once it’s constructed.
You won’t be managing more than 40% of the machine’s total weight if you lean it onto its back wheels.
The weight of the machine has a significant impact on its stability.
In addition, the frame’s center bottom bar and the front base bar include adjustable levelers.
So, the machine may be completely stabilized on any flooring.
Like most recumbent cycles and elliptical trainers, this cardio strider is huge.
The frame measures 59.2″L x 34.9″W when fully built (150 x 89 cm). Also, if you set the seat back, the backrest will be a few inches longer than the 59.2″ (150 cm) length.
The moveable grips give the machine its widest point when they’re adjusted outward; however, if you’re wondering, the machine’s base is smaller, around 28″(71 cm).
Last but not least, there’s the footrest feature to consider. One footrest is directly welded to either side of the machine’s console pole. So, you can only utilize your arms if you so want. There are applications on the console machine that will allow you to move your arms.
Handlebars and Seat
The Inspire Fitness CS3 cardio strider comes with an ergonomically designed seat.
A substantial layer of foam padding with a curved surface covers both the seat and the backrest.
The curve of the backrest is meant to give excellent lumbar support. The seat is adjustable.
It’s mounted on a sturdy rail system and may be secured in a position closer or farther away from the pedals.
The backrest can be adjusted independently from the seat, which is a nice feature not seen on many cardio striders or recumbent cycles.
There are three reclining positions on the backrest (up, middle, and low).
The seat assembly is strong enough to accommodate people weighing 300 pounds (136 kg).
The trainer can also handle people up to 6’5″, thanks to its adjustability capabilities (196 cm).
The machine features two handlebars, one moving and the other immovable.
The moving arms may be adjusted in length and rotated; as a result, you can have their grips high, near your chest, or low, close to your waist.
This tool allows you to vary your exercises significantly. You may alternate between a workout that targets your chest and back and one that targets your biceps and triceps.
High-quality stainless steel ball bearings are used between all moving bars in the joints.
The action of each moving piece, however, is incredibly smooth.
The console mast’s top is directly soldered to the fixed handlebar assembly.
Its grips have pulse sensors, allowing the console to detect your pulse simply by holding on to them.
Drive System
First and foremost, the Inspire CS3 is a rear-drive workout machine.
Under the seat are the primary driving components, such as the pulley and flywheel.
So, the unit has a low step-through, allowing for simple access to the seat.
The machine features a balanced flywheel; its weight is not indicated, but given that the CS2 model’s flywheel weighs 20.2 lbs (9.1 kg), the weight of this unit’s flywheel is likely to be similar.
This flywheel isn’t made for a lot of inertia, like the kind seen in spin bikes.
So, this cardio strider is an excellent choice for rehabilitation or individuals with impairments.
Its resistance begins at a very low 10 watts.
The poly-v belt drive mechanism on the machine ensures near-silent operation.
The pedaling action is quite smooth and vibration-free. In addition, unlike a chain drive, you won’t have to bother about lubrication.
Two sturdy, robust pedals are included with the Inspire CS3.
They don’t have any padding or articulation, but because you’ll be sitting for most of your workouts, the effect on your joints will be minimal.
Their surface is ribbed to help with adhesion, and the sides feature a 1″ border to keep your feet from slipping off.
Unlike the Octane Fitness Q47x elliptical, the machine’s stride does not include an adjustable mechanism.
Due to the size of the pedals, you may put your feet closer to the front or back and change your stride from 12″ to 15″ (30.5–38.1 cm).
One final point to discuss here is the Q-Factor of the machine (spacing between the pedals).
The pedals are separated by about 3″ (8 cm). So, you may be certain that your feet will not be too wide apart and that your knees will not be subjected to lateral stress.
However, because of the breadth of the pedals, you may position your feet closer to the outside borders and gain at least one inch in between your feet.
The eddy current, motor-assisted resistance mechanism of the Inspire Fitness CS3 Cardio Strider comprises a tiny servo motor and a magnetic brake.
However, you can only alter its resistance from the console, and the gadget requires a power supply to operate (a power adapter is included).
The servo motor adjusts the brake’s position in respect to the flywheel as you pick a resistance level on the console, creating the appropriate amount of drag and pedal resistance.
There are 20 different resistance settings accessible on the console.
As previously stated, the initial degree of resistance is an extremely easy 10 watts of effort.
This resistance level and the next ones are ideal for senior citizens, those with impairments, and people recovering from joint surgery.
However, the upper resistance levels provide a lot of resistance, allowing you to conduct more intense workouts.
Control
The console section of the machine has a huge LCD with LED lighting that displays all of the major exercise parameters.
Watts, RPM, calories burned, distance, time, and heart rate is tracked. It also displays the current resistance level, with the grid area in the center displaying the program segments in use.
There is no option to display distance in metric units; it is only displayed in miles.
The item uses sensors embedded into the stationary handlebars to detect your heart rate.
It is, however, telemetric since it can track your pulse with the Polar T31 chest strap that comes with it.
On the console, there are four user profile settings.
This implies that if four people use the system, they will choose their settings.
The system will invite you to enter personal information such as gender, age, and weight for each user profile.
This allows the console to precisely measure your energy output and calorie consumption.
This console has no internet connectivity options, and it is not compatible with any online fitness applications.
It does, however, provide several fitness routines to keep you motivated. Rolling Hill, Peak, Plateau, Mountain Climb, Hill Interval, and Strength Interval are predefined routines.
When you use one of these programs, the console will automatically change the machine’s resistance to match the section of the program you’ve chosen.
Each program has a maximum resistance level that may be set, and the machine will not surpass it during that session.
There are also two concentration programs and two heart rate programs on the machine.
The upper body and arms are the emphasis of the programs. During these sessions, the machine will instruct you to set your feet on the pegs and work out alone with your arms or to utilize an upright or downright grip, among other things.
The heart rate programs are divided into 65 percent and 80 percent HR intervals.
These need the HR chest strap usage or the pulse sensors in the handlebars.
During an HR program, the machine changes the resistance automatically to keep your heart rate between 65 and 80 percent.
Finally, while the console unit lacks a sound system and a cooling fan, it does have a tablet holder.
Assembly
The machine’s propulsion and resistance systems, the seat base, and the console mast are already completed.
You’ll need to add the two base bars, the moving arms and pedals, the top of the console mast with the console, and the seat to complete the construction.
This procedure might take up to two hours, but it shouldn’t be too tough. The handbook includes clear and straightforward assembly instructions, diagrams, and the necessary equipment.
The trainer doesn’t require any maintenance after it’s put together.
You have to dust the machine and check for loose parts regularly.
Summary
The Inspire Fitness CS3 is a cardio strider with an automated resistance system and a console with 10 programs and four user profiles.
It includes a sturdy structure that can accommodate individuals weighing up to 300 pounds, an adjustable seat and three reclining settings on the backrest.
The rotating handlebars may be adjusted in length and turned for different grips.
With a low-drag starting point, the machine delivers 20 levels of resistance. It’s ideal for mild to moderate aerobic workouts with little joint impact, recovery training, muscular toning, weight reduction, and interval training.
Finally, while it isn’t among the most economical exercise machines, it is a light-commercial machine, making it a good value for money.
