The ProForm Smart Strider 535 Elliptical Trainer

Overview:The ProForm Smart Strider 535 is the base model in the space-friendly, ready-right-out-of-the-box elliptical line (which also includes the 735 and 935). The 535 boasts an easy assembly and setup process, 18 preset workouts, and iPod compatibility. Priced at around $599 on sale, this elliptical trainer offers a competitively priced way to bring a ProForm workout into your own home.

Here are some of the highlights of our ProForm Smart Strider 535 review…

Out-of-Box Assembly

The top billed feature of the Smart Strider series is the easy assembly process. The elliptical comes out of the box already mostly put together, only requiring a few minutes of setup. After just a few easy steps, you can be up and running. So you save yourself the usual hour or two setup process found on most ellipticals, especially in this price range.

EKG Grip Pulse

The Smart Strider 535 comes with heart rate sensors built in to the handlebars. Keeping track of your heart rate is crucial if you want to get the most of out of the preset workouts. The sensors make this possible right out of the box. In addition, the 535 is compatible with Polar heart rate sensor straps for more accuracy.

SpaceSaver

ProForm has designed the Smart Strider series to be as convenient for home use as possible. One simple step is all it takes to fold up the 535 and store it away so that it takes up less floor space. When combined with the roller wheels, starting and finishing your workout takes much less time.

Silent Magnetic Resistance

Every entry in the SmartStrider series comes with ProForm’s Silent Magnetic Resistance. Not only does this make the ellipticals more convenient to use in an apartment setting where noise can be an issue, it makes adjusting the resistance in the middle of your workout simple and seamless. Every preset workout will adapt automatically to the newly chosen resistance setting, allowing you to customize the workout for your needs.

Guru Test Drive

The Smart Strider 535 is impressive literally right out of the box. You can tell ProForm put a lot of thought into the easy assembly process, making it as smooth as possible. I had the 535 up and running in just a few minutes. I also really enjoyed the ability to fold the elliptical up into its compact form; it lent a sense of finality to each session that only added to my sense of accomplishment.

The 535 is the entry level machine in the Smart Strider series, but it certainly didn’t feel that way. The frame is built from commercial grade steel and the adjustable feet mean that the 535 always feels planted and stable. I didn’t experience any rocking or wobbling during my workouts. ProForm also backs up their work with a lifetime warranty on the frame and a one year warranty on parts and labor.

The 535 comes with a good amount of preset workouts. There are 18 in total, 9 calorie and 9 performance. There are 18 resistance levels. The soft touch movable arms let you work your upper body as well.

Other features include oversized pedals, a large LCD monitor, water bottle holder and iPod compatibility.

The one issue I had with the Smart Strider 535 was the lack of adjustability in the elliptical path. The stride length is 18 inches, but taller users like myself might find themselves wanting to increase the stride length a little for comfort and to target specific muscle groups. It also accommodates only up to 275 lbs, so it is likely not the best choice for heavier users. However for most users, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Keep in mind if you want to take advantage of iFit technology, which is a cool interactive workout experience that allows you to workout anywhere in the world via Google maps, tap into hundreds of custom programs, and offers a number of other features you need to step up to the iFit compatible Smart Strider 735 or the iFit ready Smart Strider 935.

Final Thoughts:

The Smart Strider 535 is an overall impressive machine for the price you are paying. The preset workouts are varied and interesting and the Silent Magnetic Resistance makes it easy to customize your workout. I enjoyed that it seems like an elliptical that was designed specifically with home use in mind, rather than adapted from an existing commercial.

The instant folding feature is something I hadn’t experienced before, but will have a hard time not expecting on every machine I use in the future. For $599, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more attractive entry into the home fitness world.

If you’re interested in the ProForm Smart Strider 535 elliptical you can check it out at the official Precor site. Here you can also see other models in the Energy series to see which one appeals to you.