Name: Matrix A50 Ascent Trainer
Brand: Matrix

Quick Summary

For truly elite elliptical exercise, choose the new A50 Ascent Trainer from Matrix Fitness. This unique trainer has incline settings up to 54 percent for incredibly fast calorie burn and great-looking tone.

It’s also the only Ascent Trainer with induction braking, which allows uncommonly smooth and precise resistance.

Pricing starts at $3199 and varies with selection of workout/entertainment console.

Learn more from our full A50 Ascent Trainer review below.

Specifications

Model	Matrix A50
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the elliptical's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	88%
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$5,199
Best Price Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the best price we've found.	$5,199
Resistance Resistance is what determines calories burned per stride. The more levels, the more precisely you can control the difficulty.	30 Levels
Resistance Type The type of resistance affects the performance of your elliptical. Magnetic and Eddy-Current are the most common types.	Electronically Adjustable
Stride Length Stride Length is important for comfort and smooth strides. A stride length of 18-21 inches is ideal for most heights (5'3 - 6'7).	20" - 24"
Pedals Elliptical pedals can be cushioned and adjustable for maximum comfort and minimum impact on joints for injury prevention.	Oversized with rubber inserts
Incline Some elliptical trainers can be set at an incline to increase difficulty and burn more calories.	n/a
Flywheel The flywheel controls the smoothness and resistance of your workout. In general, the higher the better.	n/a
Programs Elliptical Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	5-13
User Profiles For each profile the elliptical allows, you can create a custom user account with saved programs and goal settings.	n/a
Heart Rate Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.	Yes
Display Elliptical Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	XR, XER or XIR
Max. Weight Max User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that it can safely support, which can represent durability.	350 lbs
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this elliptical will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	74.8” x 29.5” x 65”
Upper Body Most ellipticals have handles to hold while you're working out that provide an upper body workout.
Accessory Tray Some ellipticals include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Speakers Ellipticals that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers (without headphones).
Cooling Fans Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout on your elliptical.
Folding? Some ellipticals are designed to conserve space by folding up. This is a convenient option, but some features might be reduced.
Quick Controls Quick Controls allow you to select speed, incline and even workout programs with the touch of a button (usually on the handles).
Warranty The warranty is an important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs.	Frame: Lifetime Parts: 7 Years Labor: 2 Years

Our Rating

Rating: 88.0/100. Built for bold at-home training, Matrix Ascent Trainers take elliptical exercise to new heights. The Matrix A50 is the leading model and the best value in the Ascent Trainer series, costing little more than the entry-level model. This unique total-body trainer is remarkably versatile: Take either a flat elliptical path or an inclined path with pedal tilt up to 54 percent! The stride length naturally varies from 20 to 24 inches. This dynamic incline training makes the A50 far superior to standard elliptical machines in terms of muscle recruitment and rapid calorie burn. Owing to its induction braking system, the A50’s resistance is superior to that of typical ellipticals as well as the Matrix A30. Available workout guidance is plentiful too. In addition to providing standard workout programs, the A50 Ascent Trainer can link to a home TV for striding with scenic video that actually adjusts to your speed and incline! Escape with beautiful footage of real-life tours. Also available with the A50 Ascent Trainer is an app for running eight-week HIIT (high intensity interval training) programs. Other upgrades range from touch screens to a web browser. Here are pros and cons to consider.

Pros:

20″ to 24″ Variable Stride
Dramatic Inclines (24 to 54%)
Exact Force Induction Brake
30 Resistance Levels
Preset Workouts
Wireless Heart Rate Monitoring
Wireless Data Sharing
Optional Speakers
Optional Mobile Apps & Web Browser
Optional Integrated Virtual Active Video
Passport-Ready (See Virtual Active on TV)
Reading Rack
High Capacity (350 pounds)
Very Good Warranty

High Price
Extra Cost for Passport Player (Optional)
Not Portable (Approx. 325 Lbs.)

Introduction

Versatile, powerful and fun to use, the Matrix A50 Ascent Trainer is revolutionizing the home elliptical industry. Steep incline settings up to 54% let the A50 qualify as an “extreme elliptical” although easier training is supported too. (Beginners can use the A50 with a flat elliptical path before moving on to greater challenges.) Also note that the A50 is among few ellipticals that feature induction braking for quick and precise performance. With 30 resistance levels to choose from, training is tailored more precisely than it is with most ellipticals. Read on for details about the electronics and other features.

Workout Programs

Matrix Ascent Trainers are sold with a choice of three workout consoles: the XR, XER and XIR. The XR is the standard console; the XER and XIR are upgrades with touch screens and other advantages. Each Matrix Ascent Trainer console is preloaded with either five, 10 or 11 classic cross training programs and can work with Virtual Active video technology too. Additionally the upgraded consoles provide customized HIIT (high intensity interval training) as described below.

Virtual Active video tours can be used with any console for the A50. High-definition Virtual Active video is captured from a hiker’s viewpoint in tourist destinations worldwide, such as the Hawaiian Islands, Costa Rican jungle and New Zealand national parks. These videos can be viewed directly on certain Matrix consoles. Additionally with all A50 consoles the interactive videos can be experienced with a big-screen home TV.
Ascent Trainers make it easy to pursue high intensity training by moving among incline and resistance levels. Additionally the top consoles have the manufacturer’s Sprint8 app, which delivers guided high intensity interval training along an eight-week schedule. Sprint8 workouts maximize training time to sculpt muscles, trim fat and improve the cardiovascular system.

Matrix A50 Ascent Trainer Features

The basic elliptical footpath of the A50 varies as the incline changes from 24 to 54 percent. The options spark the metabolism while allow very targeted muscle toning. Feel your muscle activity change as the incline grows steeper.

Induction resistance helps the A50 excel. This type of resistance isn’t common on ellipticals, but maybe Matrix has inspired a slow revolution. The Exact Force Induction Brake allows for faster changes in resistance compared with magnetic ellipticals, smoother transitioning and better precision. Trainees can choose from 30 resistance levels.

ViaFit connectivity is included on all Matrix elliptical trainers. This app can automate data sharing: Send your Ascent Trainer workout stats to another app that you might use for fitness. You can also export data to social media and integrate other fitness equipment.

Cardio monitoring is made convenient with wireless heart rate receivers. Additionally grip heart rate readers are built into the A50’s handlebars.

For good comfort the A50’s pedals are cushioned with rubber inserts. The pedals are oversized, which allows for repositioning and thus better endurance.

Total body training is supported by the A50’s deluxe handlebars. Unlike the bars on entry-level ellipticals, these are shaped to encourage multiple grip positions. Using different positions allows for isolation of different upper body muscles.

Digital entertainment options are extensive with the best Ascent Trainer consoles. The XER and XIR have speakers and the apps for Facebook, YouTube, Hulu and more. Exclusive to the XIR are a web browser and a“My Media” app.

A bottle holder and a reading rack are integrated with each Matrix Ascent Trainer.

Warranty & Guarantee

The A50 Ascent Trainer home warranty includes:

– Frame: Lifetime
– Parts: 7 Years
– Console: 5 Years
– Labor: 2 Years

Ascent Trainers are also backed by a 30-day trial period.

Conclusion

Luxurious and challenging like no other fitness machine, the Matrix A50 is an exciting new option for at-home training. It’s an especially good match for experienced elliptical users who would like a literal change of pace and appreciate ultra-smooth braking. Of the two Ascent Trainer models, the A50 is easily the best value.