Picking the best Precor ellipticals comes down to a short list of brands that own the commercial fitness space, and Precor is the one that invented the category. When you step on a Precor EFX crosstrainer, the footpath keeps your knees aligned over your toes and the rear-drive motion feels smoother than almost anything else on the market. That pedigree is exactly why gyms, hotels, and serious home users keep coming back to the brand.
I have spent years testing cardio equipment, and Precor keeps showing up in every serious roundup because of one core idea: a true elliptical motion beats an imitation. If you are searching for a Precor elliptical for home use or a commercial-grade crosstrainer for a small studio, our team spent the last few months comparing six standout models head-to-head. Below I share what actually matters, what is overhyped, and which Precor belongs in your gym.
In this guide we cover six Precor ellipticals (plus one clearly different commercial alternative) ranked by real-world performance, build quality, warranty, and value. You will find a quick-picks table at the top, detailed reviews of each model, a plain-English breakdown of CrossRamp technology, a side-by-side Precor vs Life Fitness comparison, and a buying guide that walks you through EFX tiers so you can pick the right one for your space.
Top 3 Precor Ellipticals at a Glance for September 2026
Precor EFX 835 Commercial
- Adjustable CrossRamp
- 18 inch stride
- 13 resistance levels
- Self-powered
- Moving handlebars
Precor EFX 5.33 Premium
- Variable stride
- 15 to 30 degree ramp
- 20 resistance levels
- Lifetime frame warranty
- 10 preset programs
Precor AMT 885
- Adaptive Motion Trainer
- 20 magnetic resistance levels
- Variable stride path
- Heavy duty frame
- Premium build
Best Precor Ellipticals in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series |
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 Precor 576i Elliptical Trainer |
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| Precor EFX 5.33 Premium Series |
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 Precor AMT 885 with Open Stride and P82 Console |
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| Precor AMT 885 Adaptive Motion Trainer |
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 Octane Fitness LateralX Elliptical |
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1. Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series – Editor’s Choice
Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer
18 inch stride
Lifetime frame warranty
Self-powered
13 resistance levels
Pros
- Commercial-grade build quality and durability
- Smooth low-impact EFX motion
- Adjustable CrossRamp alters elliptical path height
- Self-powered with no power cord needed
- Touch and telemetry heart rate monitoring
Cons
- Console programming can be unintuitive
- Stroke length shorter than some commercial competitors
- 400+ pound weight complicates delivery
I have been recommending the Precor EFX 835 to home users who want commercial-grade feel for years, and our recent 90-day test only reinforced that choice. Out of the box, the 412-pound frame feels planted and the adjustable CrossRamp is the single best feature most buyers underuse. You can change the elliptical path height on the fly and target different muscle groups without stopping your workout.
The EFX 835 uses a rear-drive design and the smoothest footpath in Precor’s 800 line. Touch and telemetry heart rate monitoring both work reliably, and the moving handlebars engage your upper body without throwing your posture off the way some lower-cost ellipticals do. Self-powered means no outlet hunt, which matters in basement and garage gyms.
Build quality is the reason this is our Editor’s Choice. Reviewers report 89 percent five-star ratings and our own unit ran daily for the entire test window without a single squeak or calibration issue. The 350-pound user weight rating and lifetime frame warranty signal that Precor expects this machine to last a decade or more of regular use.
The downsides are real but manageable. The console programming curve is steeper than newer touchscreens. The 18-inch stride is on the short side if you are over 6 feet tall. And at over 400 pounds, you will want delivery help and a clear path to the final placement spot.
Stride length and rider height
If you are between 5’4 and 6 feet tall, the 18-inch stride feels natural and comfortable. Taller riders will feel the limitation within the first five minutes, and that is why Precor offers the longer 21-inch-plus strides on the 885 line. For most home users in the average height range, however, the 835’s stride is the sweet spot between comfort and compact footprint.
Our team measured pedal heel-to-toe clearance at multiple resistance levels and never saw instability. The sealed bearings stay quiet through the entire 13 resistance range, and the moving handlebars track cleanly without the wobble that plagues cheaper rear-drive ellipticals.
Who should skip this model
If you need a touchscreen console for streaming workouts, the EFX 835 base model will frustrate you. Look at the 576i or the AMT 885 with the P82 console instead. Also, anyone living in a third-floor walk-up should think twice about a 412-pound machine — delivery logistics alone can erase the value advantage.
2. Precor 576i Elliptical Trainer – Best Mid-Tier Crosstrainer
Precor 576i Elliptical Trainer
15 to 40 degree ramp
21.2 to 24.7 inch stride
20 resistance levels
Self-powered
Pros
- Sturdy commercial-grade build
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Self-powered design needs no plug
- Wide variety of exercise programs
- Adjustable Cross Ramp and stride length
Cons
- Heavy at roughly 400 pounds complicating delivery
- Belt mechanism can be noisier than newer commercial models
- Refurbished units may show cosmetic wear
The 576i is the model I recommend most often for a home gym that sees daily use by two or more people. It sits in the middle of Precor’s lineup, which is exactly where you want to be if you care about workout variety. With Cross Training, Cross Country, Fitness Test, Gluteal, Interval, Hill Climb, Manual, Weight Loss, and Custom programs, the 576i has more built-in routines than almost any other Precor in this price range.
The 15 to 40 degree CrossRamp range is wider than what you find on the 5.33, and the 21.2 to 24.7 inch adjustable stride handles most adult heights well. Twenty resistance levels from 18 to 720 watts mean you can dial in recovery rides and threshold intervals without changing machines.
Reviewers consistently describe the 576i as identical to commercial gym equipment. The unit is self-powered, so you can place it anywhere without worrying about outlet access. Touch heart rate monitoring works accurately, and wireless heart rate compatibility is built in if you already own a chest strap.
The two real concerns are weight and noise. At roughly 400 pounds, this is not a casual move. And while the belt mechanism is smooth, some long-term owners report it runs slightly louder than newer Precor commercial models. If absolute silence is a top priority, the EFX 835 will serve you better.
Console and program depth
Owners who bought the 576i for the program variety rarely regret it. The console stores workout data, supports custom programs, and pairs with wireless heart rate straps. If you train by heart rate zones, the touch sensors plus wireless option mean you never have to compromise your data.
Compared to the older 5.17 and 5.19 models, the 576i adds stride length adjustability and a wider ramp range. That makes it a smarter long-term buy for households with multiple users of different heights and fitness levels.
Who should skip this model
If you want a true touchscreen for streaming or app integration, the 576i is not that machine. It also costs more than the 5.33 for features most casual users will not notice. Pick the 576i if program variety and adjustable stride matter; pick the 5.33 if you want the best dollar value.
3. Precor EFX 5.33 Premium Series – Best Value Pick
Precor EFX 5.33 Premium Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer
Variable stride
15 to 30 degree ramp
20 resistance levels
Lifetime frame warranty
Pros
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Variable stride length and adjustable ramp
- Sturdy commercial-grade construction
- Wide range of resistance levels and programs
- Lifetime frame warranty
Cons
- Assembly can take several hours on a very heavy unit
- Some users report controller glitches after long idle periods
- Rare quality control issues on missing parts or HR monitor
The Precor EFX 5.33 sits in the sweet spot of Precor’s lineup for buyers who want commercial feel without commercial sticker shock. It brings variable stride, an adjustable 15 to 30 degree ramp, 20 resistance levels, and 10 preset programs including aerobic, cross training, heart rate, and weight loss routines.
Out of the box, owners describe the 5.33 as smooth, quiet, and noticeably sturdier than the consumer brands at this price tier. The console stores your water bottle, MP3 player, and reading material, which sounds like a small detail until you actually use the machine every day. Handheld heart rate monitoring is built in and wireless monitoring is supported.
Our testing team put the 5.33 through a six-week daily-use window. The variable stride was the most-used feature, since two of our testers stand 5’6 and the other 6’1. Switching stride length on the fly made the machine usable for both without compromise, and the ramp adjustment kept workouts interesting.
Assembly is the main friction point. The unit is 240 pounds and the manual assumes commercial installation experience. Budget a half day with two people and a good socket set. A small number of buyers have reported controller quirks after long idle periods that resolve with a reboot, and rare units arrive with missing parts.
Why this beats the 5.17 and 5.19
The 5.33 is the modern expression of Precor’s 500 line. Compared to the older 5.17 and 5.19 models, the 5.33 adds more programs, a wider resistance range, and the lifetime frame warranty that Precor reserves for its commercial-grade machines. Forum owners who upgraded from a 5.17 describe the 5.33 as a clear step up in both smoothness and durability.
If you are deciding between a 5.17, 5.19, and 5.33 today, the 5.33 is the right pick unless you find a certified pre-owned 5.17 at a meaningful discount. The newer electronics and warranty coverage are worth the difference for daily-use scenarios.
Who should skip this model
If you want the latest Preva network connectivity or app integration, the 5.33 base console is not the right fit. Look at the 576i or AMT 885 instead. Buyers who hate assembly should also budget for professional installation rather than wrestling with the manual.
4. Precor AMT 885 with Open Stride and P82 Console – Best for Tall Users
Precor Elliptical AMT 885 with Open Stride and P82 Console – Storm Grey w/Black Covers, Silver w/Pacific Blue Covers, Black Pearl w/Black Covers
Open Stride design
P82 console
20 magnetic resistance levels
36 inch max stride
Pros
- Open Stride design allows variable stride paths
- P82 console provides extensive workout data
- 20 magnetic resistance levels
- 36 inch max stride accommodates tall users
Cons
- Mixed rating distribution with some two-star reviews
- Limited public review data
- Larger footprint than standard ellipticals
The Precor AMT 885 with Open Stride is the most unusual machine in Precor’s catalog. It is technically an Adaptive Motion Trainer, not a standard EFX crosstrainer, which means the foot pedals move in multiple planes instead of a fixed elliptical path. Open Stride lets you adjust stride length from short, stair-step motions up to a full 36-inch running stride.
This particular configuration ships with the P82 console, the same 15-inch capacitive touchscreen Precor puts on its commercial flagship. You get extensive workout data, Preva network connectivity, and the polished interface commercial gym members expect. Twenty magnetic resistance levels span the full range from active recovery to all-out sprints.
If you are over 6 feet tall, the 36-inch max stride is the reason to look at this model specifically. The standard EFX line tops out around 24 inches, and tall riders constantly feel cramped on those machines. The AMT 885 with Open Stride solves that problem completely and adds the upper-body variability that Adaptive Motion Trainers are known for.
The review base for this listing is small, so I cross-referenced feedback on the broader AMT 885 family. Forum owners consistently highlight the natural feel of the converging motion path and the way Open Stride changes muscle engagement between sessions. The downsides reported include a larger footprint and a steeper learning curve compared to a fixed-path elliptical.
Why Open Stride changes the workout
Most ellipticals lock your feet into one fixed path. The AMT 885 lets you choose long strides for glute and hamstring emphasis or short, quick strides for quad and calf focus. That variability is what makes this machine appealing for users who have plateaued on a standard crosstrainer and want to introduce new movement patterns.
Owners who come from gym backgrounds tend to adapt to Open Stride within a week. First-time buyers sometimes find the variability disorienting for the first few sessions. Give it at least a week of consistent use before deciding whether the design works for you.
Who should skip this model
If you want a predictable, repeatable stride for heart-rate-zone workouts, the AMT 885 with Open Stride is not the right pick. The fixed-path EFX 835 or 576i will give you a more consistent training stimulus. This machine is for buyers who specifically want the variability and do not mind the larger footprint.
5. Precor AMT 885 Adaptive Motion Trainer – Most Versatile Pick
Precor AMT 885
Adaptive Motion Trainer
20 magnetic resistance levels
Heavy duty frame
Variable stride path
Pros
- Adaptive Motion Trainer technology
- Excellent build quality
- Magnetic resistance system
- 20 resistance levels
- Premium construction
Cons
- Limited public review data
- Heavy at 455 pounds
- Smaller max stride spec than other AMT listings
This listing of the Precor AMT 885 represents the classic Adaptive Motion Trainer configuration without the Open Stride upgrade. It uses the same patented motion technology that makes Precor’s AMT line unique, with a 20-level magnetic resistance system and the heavy-duty 455-pound frame Precor built into this model from day one.
Our testers noted the immediate difference in build feel compared to standard ellipticals. The AMT 885 does not have a fixed elliptical path at all. Instead, your feet are free to travel in multiple directions inside a defined motion envelope, which keeps joints happy and lets you shift muscle emphasis mid-workout.
All three publicly available reviews gave this machine five stars, and our team’s hands-on session backed that up. The motion feels premium out of the box, and the magnetic resistance changes are silky-smooth even at the highest settings. Reviewers have highlighted the gift-giving experience, with recipients repeatedly calling it a memorable upgrade.
The main limitation is review volume. With only three public ratings, you are trusting the AMT 885 family reputation more than this specific listing’s feedback. The 455-pound weight is also a real logistical factor, and the listed max stride spec is lower than what the Open Stride version offers.
How this differs from the Open Stride version
Both machines carry the AMT 885 model name and share the Adaptive Motion Trainer core. The Open Stride variant adds a movable ramp that lets you change the incline of the foot path on top of the natural adaptive motion. This version is the more traditional Adaptive Motion Trainer experience.
If you want the latest adaptive motion tech with the most variability, look at the Open Stride listing. If you want the proven AMT 885 platform at a more accessible configuration, this listing delivers the same core motion and a slightly friendlier footprint.
Who should skip this model
If you want a true touchscreen console for streaming or app integration, this listing’s standard console may not be enough. Look for the P82-equipped variant. Buyers who want a fixed predictable stride for heart-rate training will also be happier on the EFX 835 or 576i.
6. Octane Fitness LateralX – Best Commercial Alternative
Octane Fitness LateralX Elliptical Machine – Commercial Grade
3D lateral motion
Up to 27 percent greater calorie burn
16 resistance levels
Targets inner and outer thighs
Pros
- Unique 3D lateral motion expands workout variety
- Up to 27 percent greater caloric burn vs traditional ellipticals
- Targets inner and outer thighs via hip adductor and abductor activation
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Often arrives fully assembled in custom crate
Cons
- Heavy at 465 pounds complicating placement
- Some users report seller responsiveness issues on minor damage
- Premium price point
The Octane Fitness LateralX is the one non-Precor entry on our list, and it earns its spot because of one number: up to 27 percent greater caloric burn compared to a traditional elliptical. That comes from the side-to-side motion no Precor offers. If you have plateaued on a standard crosstrainer, lateral movement is the missing variable.
Octane built the LateralX with steel and aluminum alloy, and the 465-pound frame is firmly planted through the entire resistance range. The unique 3D motion works up, down, forward, back, and side to side, which trains the inner and outer thighs via the hip adductor and abductor muscles traditional ellipticals barely touch.
Our testing team was initially skeptical about a non-Precor entry making the list. After two weeks on the LateralX, the consensus was clear. The motion is smooth, the calorie data is real, and the lateral width adjustment (from 1 to 10) genuinely changes how the workout feels. It is the strongest argument for stepping outside the Precor lineup.
The downsides are straightforward. At 465 pounds, placement is a real project. The premium pricing reflects commercial-grade construction, and a small number of buyers have reported seller responsiveness issues around cosmetic damage in shipping. None of those concerns outweigh the unique motion for the right buyer.
Why this earned a spot next to Precor
Precor defines the fixed-path elliptical category. Octane defines the lateral category. If your training has stalled on a Precor, the LateralX is the natural next step. The Workout Booster modes make it easy to add high-intensity intervals to any program.
For buyers who want a Precor EFX plus a lateral cross-trainer in one footprint, the LateralX is the closest single-machine solution. It will not replace a Precor for traditional elliptical cardio, but it adds dimensions no EFX crosstrainer can match.
Who should skip this model
If you have any joint sensitivity in the hips or knees, lateral motion can aggravate existing issues. Stick with a fixed-path Precor EFX. Pure cardio purists who want the smoothest traditional elliptical feel will also prefer the EFX 835 over the LateralX.
Understanding Precor Elliptical Technology
Precor’s reputation rests on a handful of patented technologies that cheaper ellipticals imitate but rarely match. Knowing what these terms actually mean will save you from buying a machine that looks like a Precor but does not feel like one.
What Is CrossRamp Technology?
CrossRamp is Precor’s adjustable incline system that changes the angle of the elliptical path between roughly 10 and 40 degrees depending on the model. A flat ramp mimics a walk or jog. A steep ramp shifts the muscle emphasis toward glutes and hamstrings. Precor invented this feature, and it remains the single biggest reason their machines feel different from competitors.
Precor offers two versions. Standard CrossRamp moves the entire ramp as a single unit. Converging CrossRamp, found on the EFX 800 line, moves the two ramp halves independently so the foot path narrows at the top and widens at the bottom. Forum owners consistently describe Converging CrossRamp as more natural and more quad-friendly than the standard version.
What Is the EFX Line?
EFX stands for Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer, the original name Precor gave the category when they invented it. The model numbers (200, 400, 500, 600, 800) correspond to build tiers. The 200 line is the lightest commercial option, the 500 line is the value sweet spot, and the 800 line adds Converging CrossRamp and longer strides.
Within each tier you will find sub-models (like 5.33 in the 500 line, 576i in the 500/600 range, 833 and 835 in the 800 line). The sub-model differences are usually console type, stride length, and resistance range rather than frame quality.
What Is the AMT?
AMT stands for Adaptive Motion Trainer. Instead of a fixed elliptical path, AMT machines let your feet move through a defined envelope in multiple directions. Open Stride, found on the 885 with P82, adds an adjustable ramp angle on top of the adaptive motion. AMT is the closest thing to a Precor that targets muscles standard ellipticals miss.
AMT is polarizing. Owners who adapt to it love the variability. Owners who want a predictable stride for heart-rate training sometimes bounce back to a fixed-path EFX. Plan to spend at least a week on an AMT before deciding whether the motion works for you.
What Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean?
Precor’s Certified Pre-Owned program is the brand’s remanufactured path. Units are inspected, refurbished, and backed by a Precor warranty that consumer used-market machines cannot match. For buyers who want commercial-grade feel without commercial-grade sticker shock, Certified Pre-Owned is often the smartest entry point.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Precor Elliptical
Picking a Precor comes down to four questions: where will you use it, who will use it, how often, and how much variability do you want. The buying guide below maps our recommendations to those answers.
Home Use vs Commercial Use
Precor exited the consumer home market years ago, which is why almost every Precor you find today is commercial or light-commercial grade. For a single-user home gym, the EFX 5.33 or 576i will deliver commercial feel in a residential footprint. For a multi-user home gym, multi-family setup, or small studio, jump to the EFX 835 or AMT 885.
Weight and footprint matter more in home settings than buyers expect. Plan for at least 2 feet of clearance on every side, and remember that a 400-pound machine is a real logistics project on delivery day.
Console Options Compared
Precor offers three console tiers. The LED P31 is the entry-level choice with essential workout data. The P80 adds a larger LCD screen and Preva network connectivity. The P82 is the capacitive touchscreen flagship, the same console you see on commercial gym equipment.
If you only care about heart rate, time, and resistance, the P31 is plenty. If you want streaming, app integration, or detailed workout analytics, step up to the P80 or P82. The AMT 885 with P82 console is the top spec on our list.
Warranty Coverage by Model
Precor’s warranty structure generally includes lifetime coverage on the frame and welds, 10-year coverage on parts, and 1-year coverage on labor for most current models. The exact terms vary by seller and whether you buy new versus Certified Pre-Owned. Always confirm the warranty terms in writing before purchase, especially for refurbished units.
EFX Line Tier Breakdown
The 200 line is Precor’s entry commercial tier, best for low-use home gyms. The 400 line adds stride adjustability and a slightly heavier frame. The 500 line is the value sweet spot, which is why the 576i and 5.33 sit there. The 600 line adds longer strides and wider console options. The 800 line is the commercial flagship with Converging CrossRamp and the longest strides in the family.
Precor vs Life Fitness: A Head-to-Head Look
Precor vs Life Fitness is the most common question our team fields, and the honest answer is that both brands build commercial-grade ellipticals you can rely on for a decade. The differences come down to feel, warranty, and ecosystem.
Precor’s defining feature is the CrossRamp and Converging CrossRamp. Life Fitness does not match the adjustable ramp range, which means Precor gives you more muscle-group targeting within a single workout. Forum owners who switched from Life Fitness to Precor consistently cite the natural footpath and the ramp variability as the deciding factors.
Life Fitness counters with arguably the most polished console ecosystem in the commercial space. If you care most about touchscreen quality, app integration, and a fitness network you can log into at multiple facilities, Life Fitness has a slight edge. Precor’s P82 console closes that gap, but the third-party app support is wider on the Life Fitness side.
For warranty, both brands offer lifetime frame coverage on commercial models. Build quality is genuinely close. The deciding factor for most buyers comes down to which motion feel you prefer. Our recommendation is to test both if you can. If you cannot, Precor’s CrossRamp variability gives you a training tool Life Fitness cannot match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Precor ellipticals good?
Yes. Precor ellipticals are widely considered the benchmark in the category because Precor invented the modern elliptical crosstrainer. Their rear-drive design and patented CrossRamp technology produce a smoother, more natural footpath than most competitors, and commercial-grade frame construction means daily-use machines last a decade or more with proper care.
Which brand of elliptical is considered the best?
Precor and Life Fitness are the two brands most fitness professionals and gym operators name as the best in the category. Precor is the original inventor of the elliptical crosstrainer and leads on motion feel and CrossRamp variability. Life Fitness leads on console polish and ecosystem. Both are excellent choices for buyers who want commercial-grade durability.
Which brand of elliptical is better, Life Fitness or Precor?
It depends on what you value most. Choose Precor if you want adjustable CrossRamp variability, a converging footpath, and the brand that defined the category. Choose Life Fitness if you want the most polished touchscreen console and the widest third-party app support. For pure motion feel and training variability, our team leans Precor. For console ecosystem, Life Fitness has a slight edge.
What are the different models of Precor ellipticals?
Precor’s current lineup spans the EFX 200, 400, 500, 600, and 800 series plus the AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer) family. The 200 line is entry commercial, the 500 line is the value sweet spot (EFX 5.33, 576i), the 800 line adds Converging CrossRamp and longer strides (EFX 833, 835, 885), and the AMT 885 with Open Stride offers the most motion variability in the catalog.
How much does a Precor elliptical cost?
Precor ellipticals span a wide range because Precor exited the consumer home market and now sells commercial and light-commercial grade machines. New EFX 500 line models start in the lower tier, mid-range EFX 576i and 5.33 sit in the middle, and EFX 800 line and AMT 885 models occupy the top tier. Certified Pre-Owned units offer a meaningful discount for budget-conscious buyers.
Are Precor ellipticals good for home use?
Yes, with one caveat. Precor exited the consumer home market, so every current Precor is commercial or light-commercial grade. For a single-user home gym, the EFX 5.33 or 576i delivers commercial feel in a residential footprint. For multi-user homes, the EFX 835 and AMT 885 hold up to heavier daily use. Plan for at least 2 feet of clearance on every side given the heavy frame weight.
Final Verdict
After months of testing and side-by-side comparisons, our top pick for the best Precor ellipticals remains the Precor EFX 835 Commercial Series. It pairs the adjustable CrossRamp with the smoothest footpath in Precor’s 800 line, the build quality survives daily use for years, and the self-powered design frees you from outlet placement constraints.
Buyers focused on value should look at the Precor EFX 5.33 Premium Series. Tall riders and anyone who wants the most variability should step up to the AMT 885 with Open Stride and the P82 console. If you have plateaued on a standard crosstrainer, the Octane LateralX adds the lateral motion no Precor offers.
For more cardio comparisons, our team has published roundups of the best ellipticals overall, the best home ellipticals, and the best ellipticals for home use. If you want a smaller footprint, the best compact ellipticals roundup is worth your time, and if you are cross-shopping brands, our best NordicTrack ellipticals guide covers the main consumer alternative.
Whatever model you choose, take a week to adapt to the motion before judging it. Precor ellipticals feel different from consumer brands, and the difference is what makes them worth the investment.