The LifeSpan E2i elliptical trainer isn’t advertised as a commercial model, but it does have the look and feel of gym-grade equipment. Its front-drive system has a strong, tank-like structure and a smooth, natural elliptical motion.
Although it lacks the complete spectrum of functions seen in commercial models, it does have the automatic inclination, a good selection of onboard routines, and Bluetooth.
The build of this LifeSpan elliptical trainer is incredibly sturdy. Its frame is made entirely of steel and robotically welded, with only a few bolts and nuts connecting the connections.
Furthermore, the machine is rather hefty, weighing 207 lbs (94 kg). This implies it will take at least two persons to carry, unbox, and assemble it.
All of the steel in the structure is double-coated with corrosion-resistant paint, which is primarily black.
The frame is sturdy, but it also has a pleasing appearance. It incorporates various PVC coverings for some elements to improve the overall appearance and provide additional protection for certain sections. Both bases, for example, have coverings, and the console mast has a bottle storage built-in.
Even though the machine’s weight plays a significant part in its overall stability, the frame has multiple adjustable stabilizers with rubber covers. However, because of its weight, it is still suggested that the machine be placed on a mat to prevent any damage to the floor.
The frame of the machine is not collapsible. On the other hand, its front wheels make moving easier after it’s completed. To lean it on its wheels, you need to be able to lift about 40 pounds. A handle is also included in the back base for this reason.
Step-up Height
The inclination system of the LifeSpan E2i elliptical cross trainer is motorized, which means it can only be modified from the console. It also implies that you may vary your exercises by concentrating more on your calves, hamstrings, glutes, or quads.
The incline motor is located at the back of the machine and raises the two rail bars of the pedals, causing the elliptical motion to change. The inclination has 20 different settings; at maximum elevation, the two bars offer a slope of around 30 degrees.
At a 0° inclination, the step-up pedal height is 12″ (30.4 cm). Adjusting the inclination to the maximum will increase your height by approximately 10″ (25.4 cm).
To avoid any issues, increase your height by at least 25-26 inches and ensure the outcome does not exceed the ceiling height of the room where the machine will be utilized.
Last but not least, this machine has a set stride length of 20″ (51 cm). This implies that users up to 6’2″ – 6’3″ (188-190 cm) can sit comfortably.
Resistance
A motor-assisted magnetic resistance mechanism is included in the LifeSpan E2i trainer. This implies that it must be linked to a power supply to benefit from resistance modification. It also implies that the machine’s console is the sole source of resistance control.
The resistance system comprises a servo motor that accepts directions from the console and adjusts the magnetic components’ pull to increase the drag on the flywheel. The pedaling motion is incredibly smooth and silent due to the frictionless resistance. In addition, the resistant parts show almost no wear and tear.
There are 20 resistance levels accessible on the machine’s interface. It has keys for both progressive and rapid resistance adjustment. The resistance will adjust automatically if you utilize one onboard fitness routine. This also applies to the inclination if the software in question uses it.
The lowest resistance levels provide gentle workouts ideal for warm-ups or recovery, but the highest resistance levels are sure to make you sweat.
The perimeter weighted, 25 pounds (11.3 kg) flywheel on this LifeSpan elliptical trainer provides a very smooth pedaling action and continuous velocity.
A heavy-duty v-belt connects the pulley to the flywheel and provides transmission. A belt drive system, in general, is significantly quieter than a chain drive system, and it also requires no maintenance.
The pedals of the machine are fixed on highly sturdy steel bars. They’re made to sustain someone weighing up to 350 pounds (158.7 kg). They move thanks to huge rollers with integrated ball bearings smoothly.
Unlike the LifeSpan E3i, this type only has one rail bar for each pedal. However, this feature has little impact on the overall sensation of the elliptical motion.
CoreBalance technology is included on LifeSpan ellipticals, notably the E2i model. Put another way, and the pedals are fitted with sensors that detect the precise amount of pressure applied to each pedal and show the information on the console screen.
This allows you to adjust your pedaling action for optimal balance and a balanced exercise for both legs.
The pedals are large enough to fit a wide range of sporting shoes. They feature a sticky surface that provides good foot stability. The machine has a natural Q-Factor (the distance between the pedals) of 3.9″. (99 mm). This results in a comfortable stride with less lateral knee stress.
There are two types of handlebars on this elliptical machine: fixed and moveable. Stainless steel pulse sensors are included in the fixed handlebars for heart rate monitoring.
The moveable handlebars include a multi-grip design and interchangeable upper arms for different exercises. A sheet of rubber foam material covers their grips, providing outstanding comfort.
Console
The E2i LifeSpan elliptical cross trainer has a mid-range console with a 6-inch multi-panel LCD with a blue backlight and a blue backlight. The readouts are speed, time, stride count, wattage, calories burned, heart rate, date and clock, and the CoreBalance.
The selected resistance and inclination levels are, of course, also shown.
There are 21 fitness routines on the console unit and a free stride mode. There are two heart rate programs, two unique user workouts, and 17 preset exercises among the 21 programs. Weight management (5), healthy living (5), and sports training (5) are the three types of scheduled workouts (7).
You may create your exercises using customized user programs. You’ll need to hang on to the stainless steel pulse sensors on the fixed handlebars to track your pulse and use the HR programs.
On the other hand, the console unit includes a built-in HR receiver and can wirelessly read your pulse through a chest strap transmitter. However, this item is not included.
The E2i console also supports Bluetooth. To put it another way, it can sync with your OS or Android smartphone to let you wirelessly access your LifeSpan Club account for exercise data transmission, weight and progress monitoring, and other health and fitness-related information.
On the other hand, the Bluetooth adaptor is an extra buy that costs around $29 and is not included with the machine.
However, every elliptical comes with a complimentary LifeSpan Club membership, and you can still submit your exercise data to your account via USB, as the console has a USB connector.
The USB port also functions as a charging port for your smartphone. The Active Trac app for your operating system or Android smartphone is also free.
The tablet holder and the sound system are two further aspects worth mentioning. A thin edge beneath the console display serves as a tablet holder, long enough to accommodate any tablet or smartphone.
Two speakers are mounted on the top of the console for the sound system. Most smartphones, tablets, and MP3 players are compatible with this sound system.
Although not of the highest quality, the sound it produces is far superior to that of any phone or tablet speaker.
Assembly
This elliptical cross trainer is pretty hefty, as we indicated earlier. As a result, at least two individuals should receive the delivery, unbox it, and put it together.
Although the assembly procedure is not difficult, it may take up to three hours owing to the numerous pieces that must be assembled.
As a general rule, the motors and internal parts are pre-assembled and fastened to the frame. The bases, pedals, lateral and upright bars, console, and wiring connections are the only pieces that require assembly.
The included handbook includes step-by-step assembly instructions that are straightforward and concise. There are other tools included.
To safeguard the pedal wheels, it is necessary to maintain the machine’s rails clean. The bar joints may need to be lubricated regularly. Aside from that, there isn’t much that can be done in upkeep.
Summary
The LifeSpan E2i is a heavy-duty elliptical trainer with a similar build quality to gym-grade machines. It has 20 levels of eddy current resistance, a rear motorized incline with 20 ramp levels, and a training spectrum for beginners to experts.
Its console has 21 training routines and is Bluetooth-enabled. It’s a great machine for increasing stamina, doing interval training, losing weight, and, of course, cardio exercise.
In all, it’s a cross-trainer with an excellent price/value ratio, as it costs less than $1,300 while offering construction and specs range close to a commercial machine.
