We can undeniably call ProForm Pro 12.9 Elliptical as the brand new model of the year 2021 which just outweighs most of the other models falling into the Proform’s front-drive series. Since it is a mid-range cross trainer, the machine is affordable and comes packed with several adjustable features and greater performance options.
The Proform’s SMART Pro 12.9 elliptical possesses a powerful drive system and has an inertia-enhanced flywheel that weighs 32 pounds. It also has a 350-pound weight capacity. It is made of commercial-grade steel and this is what makes it an ideal workout partner and achieve your fitness targets.
Let’s read the ProForm Pro 12.9 Elliptical Review 2021 to know more about the details about it.
Best Suited For Whom?
With a great range of elliptical paths to go for, you can easily pay attention to your exercise motion and tone the muscle groups you want. This elliptical causes a low impact on your joints along with other connective tissues.
ProForm Pro 12.9 Elliptical Assembly, Design & Build Quality
Assembly
The Pro collection of ProForm’s elliptical trainers makes use of a similar kind of system as the Brand NordicTrack SNAP assembly. This is known by the name of ‘Out-Of-The-Box’.
This term actually points out to the design feature of the machine where the console upright can easily be folded down to the top of the base frame and the front-drive system.
So, when the elliptical is delivered to your place, major parts of the trainer come pre-assembled and this includes the foot pedals, console upright, base frame, resistance system, and static handles.
So, the 12.9 PRO assembly takes just a few minutes as you will just be left to connect the base stabilizers, lift the console in the upright position, then join the covers and the upper body workout arms.
You are provided with clear instructions for assembling the parts along with the diagrams, references, and useful tips to set the machine up in no time. We recommend that you have 1 more person with you to help you lift the heavy machine.
The ProForm makes sure you get the standard curbside delivery. It is, however, better to get help to take the box to the room to set the elliptical up and to connect the main unit to the base stabilizers.
Design and Build Quality
The “Pro” models usually have heavier flywheels and are aimed for additional stability. These further have tough, strong design besides an increased number of resistance levels for the additional challenge. The 12.9 elliptical has a 7-inch console which can turn out to be good for most of the people.
But, if you require a console of 10-inch size, we recommend that you go for Proform 16.9 elliptical. Furthermore, this elliptical has a construction of commercial-gauge steel, comes with a weight capacity of 350 lbs. Ultimately, you get hold of an effective elliptical under $1500.
The Proform 12.9 elliptical possesses a double roller track design. There are two wheels available for each track at the rear. This feature works great as it ensures greater stability and has a lower probability of falling off the track and any breakages.
This surely is a feature everyone prefers in any high-grade elliptical. It works great if you look forward to the intensive use of your elliptical machine. Besides its durability, the 12.9 cross trainer is highly versatile. There are some of the trainers available at mid-range prices that provide adjustable options.
To ensure user’s comfort, the cushioned pedals comprise various foot positions to make your workout easy and comfortable. It has a 0 to 20-degree incline ramp that enables to customize the workout as per different muscle groups.
The machine further has 24 levels of digital resistance to help the user take your workout to the next level. Using the incline and resistance both, the users are able to form unique workouts to target different muscle groups!
ProForm Pro 12.9 Elliptical Features
Resistance
The ProForm Pro 12.9 model helps the users burn calories and tone their muscles by providing the facility to increase or decrease the resistance. It comes with 24 digital resistance levels which can easily be chosen using the buttons present on the control panel.
Power Adjustable Stride
Pro 12.9 elliptical trainer comes with a power-adjustable stride. This is an amazing feature that enables the user to alter the stride length to make a better fit for them while making use of the machine.
The control console comes with buttons that enable the user to reduce or extend the length of the strides up to a maximum of 20 inches. This greatly helps when multiple users use the trainer. So, adjustments can be made to the stride length with an aim to suit the individual requirements.
Flywheel
If we talk about the ellipticals, it is the heavier flywheel that provides the user a smooth ride giving up on all the shaky movements of cheaper cross-trainers.
12.9 elliptical has a monster flywheel located on the front-drive design elliptical and thus brings more stability to your workout. It’s the best option for people into regular exercise or homes that have multiple users.
Pedals
This elliptical has textured and adjustable pedals. The pedals are ergonomically designed and possess a ribbed surface which makes them comfortable to use. The user has the facility to adjust the angles of their foot position so that they get greater stability and grip at the time of the workout.
Handles
The Proform Pro 12.9 elliptical has high-quality handlebars. These provide the user with various grip positions depending upon shoulders, back, arms, and core exercises.
Adjustable Incline
Another great feature that this elliptical possesses is the adjustable incline ramp. The elevation of the machine can be altered between 0 and 20%. On the basis of the elevation that the user chooses, there occurs a corresponding change in the elliptical motion that engages different muscle groups.
Console
The console of 12.9 cross trainer comes with a 7-inch touch-screen display that is web-enabled. The user can keep track of their workout stats, or watch their favorite websites on the touch screen.
The user can easily navigate the workout stats with just a finger touch. It enables the user to check email or get engaged in social networking.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Pro 12.9 enables the user to measure heart rate in 2 ways – touch and telemetry (chest strap). Although we always recommend you to prefer a chest strap, you can still opt for the EKG Grip Pulse sensors that are in-built into the static handles. The only con related to this is that it limits you to a single grip position.
ProForm provides a wireless chest strap at the time of Pro 12.9 model purchase, which otherwise is not available with their entry-level ellipticals like Endurance 720 E, Endurance 520 E and etc.).
Other Features
- iFit enabled: The Proform 12.9 elliptical comes iFIT enabled. Yes, it has the iFIT unit which is built into the console. It, however, requires the wireless internet connection, and a separate iFit subscription.
- iPod connection: The elliptical has a music port which is iPod compatible. As a user, you just need to plug in your MP3 player or iPod into the Interplay Music Port that is present on the control panel. The user can listen to the music or any audiobook title while working out.
- Workout cooling fan: The 12.9 elliptical trainer comes with an integrated workout cooling fan that has 2 settings. This fan keeps you cool during the workout.
- Tablet holder: This elliptical is equipped with a tablet holder connected to the control console. It is designed keeping in mind the use of full-size tablets.
ProForm Pro 12.9 Elliptical Workout Programs
The elliptical trainer has 35 built-in workout programs that are categorized into groups like intensity workouts, calorie workouts, and performance workouts. Each workout is designed in such a way that it automatically takes care of the pedal resistance along with the ramp’s incline.
This enables the user to adjust your pedaling speed giving you an effective workout. Besides this, using the set-a-goal feature, it lets the user set a customized workout goal. Each of these workouts has been put together by a Certified Personal Trainer to help you achieve your fitness goals.
ProForm Pro 12.9 Elliptical Warranty
ProForm Pro 12.9 Elliptical shows its capability even in here boasting a really long warranty period. The elliptical company will cover the cost of the unexpected damages associated with the product. You get a warranty of a 10 years on the frame, 2 years on parts, and 1 Year on labor.
ProForm Pro 12.9 Elliptical Pros & Cons
Pros
- 24 resistance levels
- 20-inch stride length for smooth motion
- Power incline to 20%
- Cushioned pedals for comfortable rides
- 35 built-in workouts make it easy to switch between the various work out modes
- iFit-integrated workouts
Cons
- The grip-based heart rate monitors are not always accurate
- It is not compact
- The machine isn’t foldable
- iFit subscription needs to be bought separately
ProForm Pro 12.9 vs NordicTrack C 12.9
The NordicTrack C 12.9 model was the closest machine from their 2016 collection that we could find if we talk about the price and features. Both of these ellipticals are similar in terms of the 24 resistance levels, 32 lbs flywheel, 35 workout apps, 0-20 degrees incline, and the iFit enabled consoles.
The only point of difference that we could get includes the warranty and the weight capacity. We found ProForm Pro 12.9 to be the best option in either case. The ProForm model has a weight capacity of 350 lbs in contrast to the Nordic Track that has 350 lbs.
The warranty coverage with the 12.9 elliptical includes an additional year on the parts as well as the labor. Though both of the ellipticals are available more or less at the same price, the ProForm Pro 12.9 turns out to be a more reasonable option as compared to the NordicTrack C 12.9.
Verdict
Out of the various models in the Proform Pro Series, Pro 12.9 comes out to be the most reasonable elliptical that is packed with good features. Available for a price under $1500, it possesses various modern comforts like a touchscreen that is web-enabled.
Wireless heart rate monitoring along with the various adjustable features that enable the user to customize the workout experience. Thus, it is a good, customizable, and a complete body trainer that essentially checks off all of the boxes any user might have on his or her wish list.
