We all know how important it is to get in a quality cardio workout. There are many cardio choices out there, but if you’re after the best bang for your buck, then you can’t go past the elliptical machine. It provides a combination of cardio and anaerobic conditioning that is hard to beat and is completely impact free.
In this article, we focus on the high end of the elliptical market, with the Precor EFX 222. A feature product in Precor’s Energy Series, the EFX 222 features much of the technology that Precor use in their commercial model ellipticals.
But is it worth the price-tag? Read on to find out.
About Precor
Precor are the original elliptical trainer people, having introduced the world’s first elliptical to the commercial gym scene in 1995. Today, their equipment can be found in virtually every gym around the world. Over the last couple of decades, they have established an enviable reputation in the home fitness market, with an emphasis on high products that are just a step down from commercial grade level.
Precor are based in Woodinville, Washington, USA.
Precor EFX 222 Review
Key Specs:
Cross Ramp Technology
The Precor EFX 222 elliptical makes use of a patented technology to adjust the shape of the elliptical path that your feet travel. This allows you to target specific muscles in the lower body.
Advanced Biomechanics
The patented elliptical path that your feet travel through on the Precor EFX 222 mimics a natural stride motion. It allows you to keep your heels down through every portion of your stride movement, which provides you with a more anatomically and ergonomically correct movement pattern. This means that your biomechanics are correct, and you stand balanced and upright. It also makes your workout far more comfortable, with reduced joint stress and fatigue.
10 Preset Workouts
You get ten preset workouts with the Precor EFX 222 elliptical. This is not as many as you get with some lower priced models on the market but will provide you with enough variety to keep muscles guessing and prevent training boredom. Five of the programs that are pre-loaded onto this unit are called ‘accelerators’, as they provide tips to allow you to maximize your training session. Each of the workout programs last between twenty and thirty minutes. The workout programs include the following:
- 1-1 Interval
- 1-2 Interval
- Weight Loss
- Basic HRC
- Aerobic
- Hill Climb
- Cross Country
- Gluteal
- Cross Trainer.
Movable Handlebars
The Precor EFX 222 elliptical provides you with movable handlebars that allows you to move your arms in unison with your lower body elliptical motion. The combination of your leg and arm motion will allow you to target your core, arms and lower body. You also have the option of securing the handlebars in place to allow you to focus the workout on your legs and glutes.
16 Resistance Levels
There are sixteen levels of magnetic resistance on the Precor EFX 222. These start off very light and progressively work up to a challenging intensity at the higher levels. Smooth, jerk free movement between the intensity levels provides a very natural training experience. The resistance levels range from 100 to 550 watts.
Quality Console
The console on the Precor EFX 222 elliptical features an easy to read backlit LED screen. You get twelve measures of training data including:
- Time Elapsed
- Time Remaining
- Distance
- Calories
- Calories/Min
- Target Heart Rate
- Heart Rate
- SmartRate® Zone,
- Strides/Min
- Average Strides/Min
- Resistance
- Percent Complete.
The display unit will also give you a summary of your workout after the session is completed. The intuitive touch console allows you to personalize your workout. The workout screen is high contrast blue and white LCD.
Precor Mobile App
You are able to automatically upload your workout details to the Precor Mobile App to allow for in depth training analysis after your session is over.
Solid Construction
The Precor EFX 222 elliptical is very solidly constructed. The patented Precor design will deliver a trouble free, natural workout and is supported by a sturdy commercial grade frame. Precor use only superior quality componentry throughout and every piece is stringently tested to commercial quality standards. This unit has been endurance tested for 9 million strides.
Impressive Warranty
The warranty that comes with the Precor EFX 222 is one the best in the home fitness market. You get lifetime coverage on the frame and 10 years on mechanical parts. You also get a 3-year warranty on the electronics. Labor is covered for a period of 12 months.
What’s Not So Good
Manual Incline
The Precor EFX 222 comes with 3-way manual incline by way of its CrossRamp Elevation Range. The incline angles are 15, 20 and 25 degrees. The lack of auto functionality on this machine is a little disappointing as it means that you need to interrupt your workout in order to make the adjustment.
Extra for Delivery
You will have to pay extra for delivery of the Precor EFX 222.
Does No Fold
Many home use ellipticals fold for ease of storage. As a result, they often are not as solid as they need to be. The Precor 222 does not fold up for ease of storage but does provide you with a solid frame. The footprint of this machine is 75 inches by 29 inches.
Our Conclusion
The Precor EFX 222 is a high quality elliptical that looks great and offers superior biomechanical functionality. It comes with fewer programs and resistance levels than you might find in some lower priced competitor models, however, it shines when it comes to quality of construction, solid framing and elliptical stride motion.
It’s a pity that the Precor EFX 222 doesn’t feature incline functionality. But, if you can get beyond that omission, then the Precor 222 is an investment in fitness that will pay big dividends in health and well-being for many years to come.