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!