Lifespan EL 1000 Elliptical Trainer: A No Nonsense Approach to Getting Fit

If you are looking to lose weight, the Lifespan EL 1000 elliptical trainer is an affordably priced machine that offers quality construction and a tremendous cardio workout with a great ergonomic ride. Yet despite the benefits it can deliver, it has trouble standing out from the crowd.

What You Get

The Lifespan EL 1000 elliptical trainer has a multi-color LCD display that shows time, calories, distance, heart rate, speed, and resistance level. It has large soft-touch keys to program the easy-to-use readout. The workouts include 8 Preset programs, 2 user-defined, 2 HR control, and a manual, plus you can select from three intensity levels for each program.

The full list of specs on the Lifespan EL 1000 are:

• Magnetic Eddy Current Resistance – 15 levels
• 8 Workout Programs
• 18" stride length
• 2.5" Pedal Spacing
• Front Drive Action
• Contact Heart Rate Pulse Grips
• Converging, ergonomic handlebars
• 300-lb. user weight capacity
• Warranty – lifetime frame & brake; 3 years parts; 1 year labor

The Word on the Street

UPDATE:  The EL 1000 elliptical has been discontinued and is no longer available.  You can check out the newest LifeSpan ellipticals here.

The Lifespan EL 1000 elliptical features ergonomic handlebars placed in such a way as to mimic your natural arm movement. They are also adjustable for each user. As for the lower body workout, trainers and fitness pros find that the elliptical pedal motion is very smooth. Users will also like the narrow 2.5" Pedal Spacing which reduces the strain on the knees and hips since there is no side-to-side bottoming out motion that you experience on other brands.

Lifespan elliptical reviews are generally positive for the EL 1000 model. Consumers are satisfied with the value and quality, and feel they get a smooth frictionless ride and many snazzy features for under $1,200. They also appreciate the small footprint of this trainer, and add that larger users are very comfortable working out on it.

Our Thoughts

At $1,199, the Lifespan El 1000 is a decent choice to help you lose pounds and inches through cardio fitness exercise. This Lifespan elliptical trainer offers just the basics and not much more. The EL1000 is a solid (if average) model in terms of construction, reliability, quiet ride, foot comfort, value, and quality.

It’s fine if you can get it for a great price, but head-to-head, it won’t beat out the stronger competitors in its price class. Compare the Lifespan El 1000 elliptical trainer to Sole or Spirit models, both with 2% inward tilt on the pedals, or a HealthRider Club Series H140e, to see which machine best fits your budget and fitness needs.

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