Cardio Trainers: Precor EFX Saved My Life

Precor EFX Elliptical Cross Trainer

Price Range: $2,199 to $5,000 and up new

Used and reconditioned models available for much less.

I was only 48 years old when the heart attack came. It’s almost funny in hindsight. I was shoveling snow, something I actually enjoyed doing, when suddenly that tight-in-the-chest feeling came over me.

It was not a massive attack. I remember lying down on the spot, trying to will myself better, telling myself it was just stress. And believe it or not, I went to work the next day, commuting from Detroit to Chicago and staying in a hotel.

By the end of the week, I was white as a ghost. Co-workers were freaked out at my appearance. Even a stubborn fool like me had to admit it was time to see a doctor. So, I did when I got back to Detroit that weekend.

He sent me to the hospital straight away, where they admitted me — open heart surgery and a triple by pass the next day. BAM! Suddenly, I was a cardiac patient. Lots of things had to change. First and foremost, regular cardio exercise was prescribed as critical.

But I have a right knee that hangs by a thread. So regular running and treadmills are out. How do you do cardio if you can’t run?

Thankfully, I found Precor Ellipticals. I’ve had mine now for more than 12 years. Still works great.

I might be exaggerating just a touch when I say it saved my life, but not by much. I hated doing cardio before I found it. It is brilliantly designed. Precor is the only elliptical machine with a patented moving cross ramp.

You can program different workouts at varying levels of difficulty, both in height/angle of the ramp and resistance. You can sculpt your legs and butt while you exercise your heart and lungs. And best of all for someone like me, you can go hard with absolutely no impact on your weak knees.

It is not cheap by any stretch. But it makes a cardio workout fun, and builds muscle at the same time. As for me, it’s 12 years later and I haven’t had a another heart incident, knock on wood.

Here a few points from Precor on today’s models:

Engineered to Mimic Natural Movement

Precor says: “In 1995, Precor unveiled the first elliptical trainer, the Elliptical Fitness CrossTrainer (EFX). It reduced impact by replicating the natural elliptical motion path of the foot during walking and running and worked a variety of lower-body muscles using CrossRamp technology. This technology is what makes a Precor EFX a true CrossTrainer.”

Next Level Technology

Check out this video to learn more about Precor’s Converging CrossRamp and how it takes a proven technology to the next level. Precor conducted three independent research studies with a public university in Washington state to evaluate and validate the new product design.

At its simplest, the new ramp design better mimics a person’s natural converging path of motion as they walk and run. Muscle activation patterns also change depending on the training angle.

If you need cardio in your life and are thinking about a machine for the home, I highly recommend you consider Precor. They have a variety of models. I would recommend going with a motorized cross ramp. Having so much variety at your fingertips adds a lot to the workout. This video will take you through a workout and demonstrate the many new features of the modern Precor EFX.

Precor offers a range of EFX models. On Amazon, you’ll be able to find both new and used models. You’ll need to compare features before you decide.

Check out various Precor Ellipticals available today. On Amazon, you can also find used and reconditioned models. My experience has been this product stands the test of time great. All the Precor ellipticals feature the same great design and basic functions. Check out Amazon to see what kinds of models and bargains are current. 

Features include:

• Motorized, variable height cross ramp
• 20 Resistance Levels
• SmartRate target heart zone monitoring
• Moving and stationary handlebars, so you can use which ever you prefer
• 10 preset workout choices including:
  • Weight Loss
    
  • Basic HRC
    
  • Aerobic
    
  • Hill Climb
    
  • Cross Country
    
  • Gluteal (butt shaping)
    
  • Cross Trainer
    
  • Manual
  • 1-1 Interval
  • 1-2 Interval

If you have any questions about my experience with the EFX or Precor products in general, please feel free to leave a comment or drop me a note at Brian@BoomerMuscle.com. I’ll be glad to get back with you.

The links above will take you to Amazon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Precor AMT: The Ultimate Home Cardio Machine

Precor AMT — Adaptive Motion Trainer

Price Range: From $7,000 to $15,000 New.

Lots of used and reconditioned models available for much less. 

Cardio — The Best of the Best — Precor AMT

I am a huge believer in Precor’s line of products.

I bought my EFX elliptical from Precor about 12 years ago and it sill works great. A couple of years ago, I took a deep plunge and treated my wife and I to the Precor AMT.  

That’s not us in the picture below. We only own one AMT. The photo shows a current model AMT with a long, running stride demonstrated on the left and a shorter, stepper stride on the right.

Precor AMT the ultimate in zero impact cardio training. This machine is nothing short of amazing. The AMT — Adaptive Motion Trainer — is an amazing piece of design and engineering.

It actually adapts to your motion as you run/step/stride along. No buttons to push, the machine adapts to you and the console readout is powered by your motion, not an electric plug.

If you have bad knees like me, this feels like a dream. ZERO PAIN to the joints. Kind of like running on air.

My wife is 5’2″ and I’m 6’4″ and we both use it comfortably. Amazing machine. Not cheap, but worth every penny in my opinion. 

The AMT intuitively responds to users’ natural motion, allowing them to adapt their stride length for a comprehensive cardio workout – all without so much as the push of a button.

Naturally adapt stride length without the need to control settings. From zero to 36 inches (91 cm), to match the desired workout for each unique user. You can run, step or stride.

This machine is, in my opinion, the best of the best. Precor is a great brand and this is the ultimate expression of their design and engineering genius.

Here is a nice video by Precor that shows the AMT in action.

Some highlights from Precor on the AMT:

• Naturally adapt stride length from 0 to 36 inches.
• Open Stride technology allows users to adapt stride height from 6.8 inches to 10 inches.
• Visualize stride length changes in real-time 
• Dial to target muscle groups – 20 resistance levels (20-375 Watts).
• Heart Rate sensors located on fixed handlebars or use the telemetry function with a chest strap.
• Dual Action provides both upper and lower body workouts
• Readouts: Heart Rate: Current, Average, Max, Target; Distance: Total, Remaining, Target; Calories: Total Burned, Calories/Min, Calories/Hour; Time: Target, Elapsed, Remaining, In-Zone; Strides: Per Min, Avg, Total; Mets; Watts
• Equipment dimensions: Length 80 inches, Width 35 inches, Height 73 inches. Weight: 422 lbs. Maximum user weight 514 lbs
• 10-year warranty on parts (mechanical and electronic). 1-year warranty on labor. Lifetime warranty on frame and welds

The Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer is not a cheap item. But, in my case, I can’t put a price on my life. Especially as the years advance, it’s a great gift to give yourself or someone you love.

And you can opt for Expert Assembly with Amazon. If you’re going this far, you might consider adding it for less than $100.

If you have any questions about my experience with the AMT or Precor products in general, please feel free to leave a comment or drop me a note at Bri@BoomerMuscle.com. I’ll be glad to get back with you.

The links above will take you to Amazon.