The ProForm Hybrid Trainer - An Elliptical and a Bike in One Machine

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer was one of the first of its kind on the market,  offering two exercise machines in one.  You get an elliptical trainer combined with a recumbent bike, letting you vary your workouts and targeting different muscle groups.

What You Get

There is a base version, a new XT version and a Pro version,  with an LCD display, magnetic resistance, adjustable seat and multiple workouts.  The Pro version gives you some enhanced features.

Let's take a closer look at the specs....

• 15-17" Stride Length
• 16-20 Digital Resistance Levels
• 16-20 Workout Programs
• Watts Power Meter
• iFit Coach Bluetooth Smart
• Soft grip workout arms
• Inertia enhanced flywheel
• Compatible iPod® Music Port
• EKG™ Heart rate monitoring
• Oversized, Adjustable Pedals
• 350-lb. User Capacity
• Warranty: 5 yr frame, 90 day parts and labor (Base); Lifetime frame, 1 year parts and labor (Pro)

The Word on the Street

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer series has received very good reviews from experts and customers, and is an affordable way to get the advantage of both an elliptical and a bike in one machine.

At around $399 for the base and XT model and $599 for the Hybrid Trainer Pro, you get a lot of nice features that you won't find elsewhere for that price.

Let's take a look at the three models to see how they compare to each other..

Hybrid Trainer Base Model

The base model gives you a large LCD display, 16 levels of magnetic resistance, a 15" elliptical stride, oversized pedals and 16 built-in workouts to choose from.

Hybrid Trainer XT

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT adds a larger tablet holder, more advanced display and cushioned pedals.

Hybrid Trainer Pro

The Pro model steps it up with 20 levels of resistance, a 17" stride, deluxe pedals and 20 built-in workouts.

All Hybrid Trainers feature iFit Bluetooth technology, which allows you to access Google maps and work out anywhere in the world you choose while watching it on your tablet.  You also get tracking and sharing capability and additional professionally designed workouts.

You also get an integrated tablet holder, iPod compatibility for your music, soft grip workout arms for upper body training, a Watts Power Meter so you can see what performance zone you are in, water bottle holder and transport wheels.

So as you can see there are some nice features here.  What about negatives?  There are a few to discuss here...

The base and XT Hybrid Trainers have a very short 15" stride which can be uncomfortable for many users, especially taller ones.  Even the extended 17" stride on the Pro model is shorter than the typical 18" you find on the lowest end elliptical trainers.

Still, you are getting 2 exercise machines in one for under $600, so you can't expect that both the elliptical and the bike will be ideal for all users.

Another thing that isn't great is the warranty, especially on the base and XT models.  Those Hybrid Trainers have a 5 year frame warranty and 90 days on parts and labor.  That's not so great.  The Pro has a lifetime frame warranty and 1 year on parts and labor.  Better, but not great.

These are strictly entry level machines that are built for very basic usage, so if you think you're going to be pounding away at it every day and it'll last forever, you're not going to be too happy.  

However, if you want a machine that will work your upper and lower body nicely with a few nice features and capabilities, and aren't expecting the world, you'll be perfectly happy with a Hybrid Trainer.

Which ProForm Hybrid Trainer Should You Choose?

All of the ProForm Hybrid Trainers are affordable, so choosing between them shouldn't be a concern budget-wise. It's a matter of looking at the different features of each and deciding which one appeals to you.

There really isn't much difference between the base model and the XT, although there are a few minor things.  The XT has a larger tablet holder and cushioned pedals, as well as a different audio system.  Other than that they are the same machine.

However, the Hybrid Trainer Pro does have some noticeable differences.

For starters, the stride jumps from 15" to 17" which will be a more comfortable fit for mid sized to taller individuals.  It also gives you 4 additional workouts for a total of 20, deluxe cushioned pedals and 20 resistance levels as opposed to 16 on the base model and the Hybrid Trainer XT.

You also get a slightly heavier 17 lb. flywheel for smoother and quieter motion on the machine.

Besides that, all three ProForm Hybrid Trainers are very similar...all have iFit Coach capability, they all have plenty of workouts, they all have the Watts Power meter and soft grip workout arms.

Keep in mind that these are entry level machines, not built for heavy usage.  They're combining an elliptical and a bike for less than $600, so you can't expect a top quality piece of exercise equipment.

However, you are getting two workouts in one which is pretty cool.  You can sit or stand and burn a lot of calories, and use your tablet or smart phone while doing so.

If you are average sized, opt for the base or XT model.  However, if you are taller, go with the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Pro.  If you are looking for something a little more solid, consider ProForm's traditional ellipticals or one of their new HIIT Trainers for interval workouts.

Our Thoughts on the Hybrid Trainers

The ProForm Hybrid Trainers are perfectly fine for light usage.  You get an elliptical and a bike together in one compact machine that is ideally sized for the home gym.

It's not the best elliptical you'll ever use, nor the best recumbent exercise bike on the market, but you get two trainers in one with multiple resistance levels, varied workouts, movable arms and iFit technology...well worth the $399 or $599 you'll pay depending on which model you choose.

You can find them for sale in various places, including Costco and Walmart, but your best bet is to go directly to the official ProForm site, as they often have the best deals as well as occasional sales and special discounts through the year.

Keep in mind you get free shipping and a 30 day return policy with ProForm, which is definitely a bonus.  So if you don't love your Hybrid Trainer, you can always return it at no extra charge.