"I was particularly impressed with the LiveStrong LS13.0E Elliptical when I tested it at the corporate headquarters." What makes this elliptical unique is that the design was based on interviews with customer and their preferences in buying an elliptical trainer. In general, the customers were more concerned about features that gave the machine a smooth and natural elliptical workout, rather than a lot of peripheral bells and whistles."
Features and Specifications of the Livestrong LS13.0E Elliptical
Straight-up Body Posture — The LiveStrong LS13.0 elliptical trainer is designed to keep your body upright for maximum comfort and faster results. With many ellipticals, particularly front drive models, you tend to lean forward.
Ideal Pedal Placement — Pedals are placed with zero distance between them to eliminate stress on hips and back. This is a particular issue for female users who often feel discomfort from the pedals being too far apart.
Gel MaxTone Foot Pads — Although an elliptical trainer is designed to give you a low impact workout, there is still some stress and strain exerted on your feet and ankles. The extra cushioned gel footpads on the Livestrong LS13.0E Elliptical are designed to reduce that stress and strain.Long, Natural Elliptical Stride — Mimics a natural running or walking motion while minimizing fatigue. You get a long 20" elliptical stride that feels smooth and natural, which is not always the case with other brands.
Smoother Momentum — They utilize a large drive pulley ratio that results in one of the smoother elliptical motions at this price range. The extra heavy 30 lb. flywheel also contributes to the smooth motion.
Adjustable Incline — This feature is found on more and more elliptical trainers. Like a treadmill you can increase the incline of your stride. The advantage is that it gives you a more intense cardio workout. You can burn more calories in less time. Furthermore, you can target different lower body muscles.
12 Workout Programs —You get a decent selection of pre-installed workout programs like Lance's Climb and the Tour. You can also define two user profiles. I find varying your workouts helps to break up the monotony. There are 4 LED windows to show info about remaining/ elapsed time, distance in miles, incline, speed, calories, heart rate. What is new that the console includes a special display especially for LiveTrack Journal and LiveTrack Interactive when activated.
Livetrack Interactive Technology — This feature also allows you track your progress, but you do it online. By using a USB, which is included, you can download your workouts on your own personal account at LiveStrong.com. In addition to monitoring your progress, you can also record your calorie input, and you can download additional exercise routines designed by Lance Armstrong's personal trainer. For example, there is a 12 week workout schedule created by Peter Park (Lance’s trainer) to get your started. There are also numerous resources to assist you in achieving your fitness goals.
Speakers & MP3 Input — You can listen to some hard driving music that will help you burn those calories directly through the console. There is also a fan built into the console that is designed to cool off you core.
Variable Grip Handlebars — The handlebars are designed in a way so you can grip them at various positions. The purpose is to allow you to target different upper body muscles.
Heavy Unit Weight — The Livestrong LS13.0E Elliptical is a heavy weight machine at 214 lbs., giving it a very solid and stable feel. It has a 350-pound capacity.
Warranty — LiveStrong offers one of the most generous warranties at this price range. You get lifetime brake and frame, 5-year parts and 2-year labor coverage.
Charitable Contribution — This is not really a feature, but worth noting. When you purchase LiveStrong Fitness exercise equipment, the manufacturer makes a contribution to the LiveStrong cancer fighting charity.
Partial Review of the Livestrong LS13.0E Elliptical
"I have been in the market and trying out Ellipticals for days on end, and the Livestrong 13, to me, is hands down the most ergonomic, seemingly best constructed(I am a Structural Welder/Fabricator and Machinist by trade - 42 years experience), best looking, exibits a very good depth of design engineering and easily has the smoooooooooooooothest and most natural feeling stroke I have experienced in my shopping."
Click the link to learn more about the Livestrong LS13.0E Elliptical from Amazon.com.