The ProForm 150i is an elliptical trainer from the ICON brand introduced in 2016. It’s a mid-range trainer designed for home usage that comes at a reasonable price.
The ProForm 150i is a home-use elliptical machine. It doesn’t have the size or sturdiness of a gym-grade elliptical, but it’s a solid machine nevertheless.
The majority of its frame is composed of sturdy steel tubing; the pedals and flywheel covers are the only pieces made of ABS plastic.
The machine can support persons weighing 250 pounds (113.3 kg).
Except for the rear base bar, which has a chrome finish, all frame steel sections are coated with rust-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint.
Parts and Construction
The machine’s structure is separated into two parts: the back section, which houses the pedal rails, and the front part, which houses the engine, flywheel, and console mast.
The two pain pieces meet in the middle and are held together by a series of screws.
The box isn’t particularly huge. However, the entire apparatus is somewhat hefty. It weighs more than 120 pounds and should be transported and erected by two people.
The ProForm 150i, like other elliptical trainers, has a rather substantial frame.
The frame is approximately 63″ (160 cm) long and 26″ (66 cm) broad when fully built.
In addition to these dimensions, at least two feet of clearance should be left all around the unit for easy access and operation.
This trainer is pretty stable, given its 120+ pound weight.
Besides, its back base has adjustable stabilizers that allow you to level it exactly on any floor.
If you need to move the machine, the rotating caps on the front base may be used as transport wheels.
It does not, however, come with a foldable design.
The 150i does not feature extra pedal cushioning or articulation because it is one less inclusive ProForm elliptical trainer.
The pedals are quite typical, and they’re constructed of tough ABS. They include a non-slip surface and a front/inner border for added foot stability.
They’re big enough to fit all kinds of sporting shoes.
Heavy-duty wheels are used on the pedal bars.
They use industrial-grade ball bearings to provide a smooth and silent action over their tracks.
Small ball bearings are also used in the joints between the handlebars, pedals, and cranks.
If you’re curious, the machine’s step-up height is around 12″.
(30 cm). The pedals elevate about 20″ (51 cm) above the floor level in their tallest position.
As a result, it’s best to put the machine together and operate it in a room with a ceiling at least 22″ – 23″ (56 – 58 cm) higher than your own.
One final point to notice is the unit’s handlebars.
Two sets of handlebars, one movable and one permanent, are included with the ProForm 150i elliptical trainer.
The movable handlebars feature conventional grips and reach a height of about 67″ (170 cm) above the floor.
They include rubberized grips for a pleasant grip on the hands.
The rubber-foam grips on the stationary handlebars are identical.
They have EKG pulse sensors built-in, so if you keep your hands on them while exercising, the console can track your heart rate.
Resistance Level
An eddy current resistance machine is included with the ProForm 150i elliptical machine.
A little engine and a magnetic brake make up this machine. Only the console, powered by four D-type batteries or a 110-220V input, 6V 2A output adaptor, can regulate the resistance.
The adapter is not included in the package.
The motor in the machine will modify the location of the magnetic brake about the flywheel as you adjust the resistance.
This alters the magnetic field’s strength, resulting in increased or decreased pedal stress.
The brake element does not contact the flywheel; consequently, there is no friction, brake element wear is minimal, and the machine creates very little noise during operation.
There are 12 different resistance levels to choose from.
The first 1-3 levels have relatively minimal resistance, making them ideal for recovery training or users with limitations.
However, the upper 11-12 resistance settings provide enough resistance to allow you to break a sweat, enhance stamina, and tone leg muscles.
When it comes to the motor aspects of the 150i elliptical, ProForm isn’t particularly forthcoming.
To begin, the flywheel’s weight isn’t given, but it is an inertia-enhanced flywheel, meaning it has the majority of its weight in its perimeter to generate more constant momentum.
In addition, the pedaling action is quite smooth and consistent.
Reverse pedaling is possible with this equipment.
You can add a lot of variety to your exercises this way. In addition, if you choose to pedal backward, the console will continue to track your exercise data.
The 150i, like most other magnetic resistance elliptical trainers, has a belt drive mechanism.
It has a poly-v rubber belt that is sturdy and stretch-resistant. A belt drive, unlike a chain drive, does not require oil. It also produces less vibration when in use.
The trainer’s Q-factor (the distance between the pedals) is only a few inches.
This means that your feet are naturally positioned on the pedals, and the pedaling motion does not put any additional strain on your knees or ankles.
Working on this elliptical trainer is less stressful than running on a treadmill.
Console
A mid-range console is included with the ProForm 150i.
As previously stated, it may be powered by four D batteries or an AC converter (the adapter and batteries are not included).
It features a sleep mode that activates after 30 seconds of inactivity, beneficial if you utilize batteries as your power source.
An LCD with a backlight is included in the item.
There are three primary components to the exhibit. The resistance level, RPM, and BPM (heart rate – beats per minute) are alternated in the top part.
The RPM meter also features a bar representation that increases or decreases as your pedaling speed changes.
The elapsed time and distance are displayed in the middle portion. The calories burnt and speed are displayed in the bottom portion.
You may set time, distance, and calorie objectives using the machine.
If you give these metrics a countdown value, the display will indicate how much time, calories, or distance is left until zero hits.
You can choose between metric and imperial units for speed and distance.
The console not only has embedded sensors for monitoring your heart rate, but it also has Bluetooth capabilities.
This implies detecting your pulse with an HR chest strap transmitter; however, the trainer does not include this machine.
There are 12 pre-programmed programs on the console.
They’re separated into four groups, lasting 20, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Some programs will need you to continuously vary your pedaling pace over the program’s length, while others will automatically adjust the pedal resistance.
This sort of console also includes an iFit connection.
To put it another way, it allows you to connect it to an iFit app-enabled tablet or smartphone over Bluetooth and sync your exercise data to your iFit account.
You can keep track of your progress this way. The equipment, however, does not come with an iFit subscription.
The music system and the tablet holder are two more important non-fitness elements of this console that we must discuss here.
Two tiny speakers are mounted on the top of the machine to serve as the sound system.
It works with the majority of MP3 players, cellphones, and tablets. It features an audio connector and volume settings, and the sound it produces is superior to most smartphone or tablet speakers.
Underneath the primary display is a tablet holder. Most tablets may be placed on it as a shelf. However, if a tablet is placed on it, the display will be obscured.
Assembly
The resistance system and driving parts of the machine arrive partially constructed.
However, there are still a lot of elements that need to be put together. As a result, the job may take longer than an hour, although the supplied handbook includes detailed step-by-step instructions.
You’ll need to connect the two halves of the machine, as well as the base bars, pedals, handlebars, console, mast, and console.
Some of the tools needed for assembly are supplied; however, a Phillips screwdriver is necessary.
It is advised that you regularly check the machine for loose bolts and parts for maintenance.
To avoid wheel damage, the unit’s rails, in particular, must be cleaned regularly.
After a time, the machine’s joints may require lubrication.
Conclusion
The ProForm 150i is an elliptical trainer that can be used at home.
It has a resistance mechanism that uses eddy currents and has 12 levels of resistance.
Its console is Bluetooth-enabled and iFit-compatible, with 12 pre-programmed workouts.
It’s ideal for muscle toning, endurance training, interval training, weight loss, and low to medium-range cardio workouts in general.
Overall, it’s a trainer with an amazing price-to-quality ratio.
