ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT Review

Our Rating

Rating: 82/100.  The Hybrid Trainer XT is the newest addition to ProForm’s Hybrid Trainer Series of combination elliptical-bikes. On sale for $399 it looks destined to replace the original ProForm Hybrid Trainer, which often has the same price; the XT is essentially the same except for the data screen. Both models are hybrids of standing ellipticals and reclining or recumbent exercise bikes. This means you can stand or sit to train, and you can exercise your whole body or just the lower half. The Hybrid XT conserves space in your home workout area compared with two separate fitness machines.

ProForm trainers have built-in exercise programs but are most appealing because of iFit Coach. With Fit Coach readiness, the XT can let iFit Coach workout programs control its pedal resistance and speed. (Membership and your own tablet computer, smartphone or other display screen is required.) Additionally iFit Coach can track your progress long-term and make customized suggestions about workouts, nutrition and sleep.

Performance specs for the Hybrid Trainer XT include a 13-pound effective flywheel (the source of strength resistance) and a 15” elliptical stride. With digital controls the resistance can be set from levels 1 to 16, and in elliptical mode the handlebars move as you stride to support total-body training.

Overall the performance specs are entry level; this trainer isn’t as smooth as club-quality exercise bikes and ellipticals. Still it has cushioned pedals to help make your cross training low-impact, and in elliptical mode it has the rear drive design that’s favored for producing a flat rather than upward stair-stepping motion.

Other notable features are a music port, a convenient water bottle holder, and caster wheels for easily rolling the XT aside after exercise.

Pros:

• Moving arm bars
• 16 digital resistance levels
• 16 preset workout programs
• Ready for iFit Coach unlimited workouts
• Integrated holder for tablet computer
• Water bottle holder
• Wheels to assist with storage
• Holds up to 350 pounds
• Low price

Cons:

• Light resistance
• Elliptical stride is shorter than average person’s natural gait
• No wireless heart rate monitor (Grip only)
• Very short warranty on parts and labor (90 days)
• Slow customer service for the brand in general

Introduction

The ProForm Hybrid Trainer XT is a two-in-one fitness machine or “elliptical exercise bike.” One option it offers is total-body training in elliptical mode; the handlebars move in synchrony with your pedaling. The other option is sitting down to exercise your heart and lower body with recumbent biking. In both positions the Hybrid Trainer XT uses a 13-pound flywheel with 16 choices for light resistance. Each option is relatively light, making the XT a trainer for beginners. Below we detail the iFit Coach readiness and other features.

Workout Programs

This elliptical bike has 16 preset training programs and is ready for iFit Coach personal training.

The 16 preset workout programs can control the hybrid’s speed and resistance. They use different combinations of speed, resistance and duration to support training at different intensity levels. Eight workouts are for biking and eight are for elliptical training.

But most exciting, as an “iFit Coach ready” machine, the XT can access iFit Coach workouts and other iFit features through your mobile device or desktop computer. Connecting your device to the trainer, you can stride or ride with ever-moving Google Maps street views! iFit lets you choose from suggested map workouts or create your own anytime. The iFit Library also supplies high definition video workouts and customized personal training programs.

Feedback for training with the 16 preset workouts is shown on a simple LCD. For easy viewing the readouts are large and the screen has adjustable angle.

If used with an iFit Coach membership, the elliptical bike can help track and store your workout data. iFit can collect stats for elliptical workouts, indoor bike rides and other activities that you log with an iFit wearable tracker or the iFit Coach app.  Using your fitness stats, iFit Coach can make customized suggestions about exercise, diet and sleep.