Body Power Elliptical Cross Trainer BFX8000

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
Body Power BFX8000 Check Discounted Price	L:51" W:30" H:69"	250 lbs	Friction	Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, SCAN	1 year limited

The Body Power BFX8000 elliptical trainer features a design and a resistance system similar to the Sunny SF-E2310 model. However, as opposed to the Sunny model, this particular one also offers an adjustable handlebar, along with the moving arms. It’s an entry-level machine, designed for home use, but does feature a very solid construction. In this review, we’ll try to cover each and every important aspect regarding its features and functions.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 51L x 30W x 69H inches (129.5L x 76W x 175H cm)
• Assembled weight: 107.3 lbs (48.5 kg)
• Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
• Stride: 13 inches (33 cm)
• Incline: No
• Resistance: Friction
• Exercise meter: Time, speed, distance, calories
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Frame construction and parts

The Body Power elliptical cross trainer BFX8000 features an extremely sturdy steel frame, powder coated with a corrosion resistant finish, dark gray in color, this being the only version available. The design of the main frame reminds more of a spin bike than an elliptical trainer.

Due to its steel construction and steel flywheel, this trainer is fairly heavy. It weighs 107.3 lbs (48.5 kg) when fully assembled, and this weight delivers excellent stability. On top of that, both its bases have adjustable stabilizers with rubber pads. Therefore, you should be able to perfectly level it on any type of flooring.

Even though the trainer isn’t exactly light, its transport isn’t difficult once it is assembled. Its front base bar is equipped with two small wheels which facilitate its relocation. By lifting it from the rear and using the wheels, you will basically handle less than half of the machine’s total weight.

The Body Power BFX8000 doesn’t have a folding frame but also doesn’t have an extremely large footprint, such as the LifeSpan E2i, for example. It takes 51″L x 30″W (129.5 x 76 cm) of floor space when fully assembled. However, it requires at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe usage.

The machine’s pedal bars and arms are also steel tubes. Their joints integrate heavy-duty ball bearings, promoting a smooth operation. The pedals are made of a durable PVC material; they’re built to support loads up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg). They’re large enough to accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes. They do not integrate any articulation elements, but their midsection is equipped with anti-slippage pads.

This elliptical trainer is equipped with a 4-way adjustable handlebar, with a multi-grip design. It’s quite similar to the handlebar of an exercise bike. It offers several upright and horizontal adjustment positions, a feature that not many elliptical machines in this spec range offer. The adjustment of the handlebar is done easily, via two large knobs which are easy to grip and turn.

The mobile arms of the Body Power elliptical cross trainer are fairly long. Their top reaches 69″ (175 cm) above floor level. They offer the possibility of several grips, including a comfortable top grip, as they’re equipped with round caps, promoting a decent number of workouts. Both mobile arms and the stationary handlebar have rubber foam grips, for optimal comfort.

Needless to say, the machine’s mobile arms cannot be locked in place. They will continue to move along with the pedals, for as long as the flywheel is spinning. But in case you don’t want to use them, you can always hold on to the fixed handlebar.

Drive system, stride, and step-up height

The Body Power BFX8000 elliptical cross trainer is equipped with a belt drive system. This comes with several advantages. For example, a belt drive is almost silent, which means that the machine is perfect for apartment use; you can be sure that you won’t bother the neighbors or the other members of the family when exercising on this trainer. Also, a belt doesn’t require any lubrication.

The flywheel is considerably heavy for an elliptical trainer. It’s precision balanced, steel-made wheel, which delivers a steady and consistent momentum. The flywheel is bi-directional. Differently put, the machine gives you the possibility to pedal in reverse, which basically doubles the number of workouts that you can perform on the machine. When pedaling in reverse, the resistance is maintained.

The pedal step-up height (in other words, the height of the pedal in its lowest position) is approx. 8″ (20 cm). At the highest position, the rear of the pedal reaches approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level. Therefore, in order to avoid any ceiling issues, it’s best to use this trainer in a room with a ceiling which is at least 20″ (51 cm) taller than your own height.

When it comes to stride, this Body Power elliptical cross trainer doesn’t have a very long one. Its stride is approx. 13″ (33 cm). Due to this fact, users taller than 6’0″ (183 cm) will not benefit from a satisfying range of motion. This being said, the elliptical is recommended to users between 5’0″ and 6’0″ (153 – 183 cm).

Resistance system

This Body Power elliptical cross trainer features a resistance system similar to the one in most indoor cycling bikes, such as the Fitness Reality X-Class 710 or the Spinner S7. It’s a friction resistance system which consists of a resistance (felt) pad connected to the knob on the main frame tube. In order to add resistance, you simply tighten the knob so that the brake pad will apply more friction to the flywheel.

The resistance knob doesn’t have any levels or “clicks” specified on it. You can basically tighten it up to the point you cannot pedal anymore.

The resistance knob also fulfills the role of an emergency brake. As we’ve mentioned above, the flywheel provides a consistent momentum and will continue to spin even if you want to stop pedaling. So, if you want to stop your workout or change the way of your pedaling motion, it’s important to stop the flywheel first in order to prevent any injuries.

Exercise meter

The Body Power BFX8000 elliptical cross trainer comes with a basic fitness meter, which can track time, distance, speed and calories burned. It has a simple LCD display, but with large digits, easy to read. It gives you the possibility to lock one of the aforementioned values on-screen or use a SCAN function which will rotate them, showing each one for several seconds.

The console doesn’t have a personal data input function (in other words, you can’t input your weight, age or height), the calorie reading is an estimate, not being too accurate.

The machine does not have any pulse sensors, and the console is not telemetric. Therefore, if you want to monitor your pulse during your workout, you will have to use a separate device.

The console unit is easy to operate. It has only three buttons: RESET, MODE, and SET. It’s powered on when it detects movement on the machine, or when you push one of the buttons, and also has a sleep mode to which will enter if there isn’t any activity on the machine for several minutes.

Finally, the console unit is battery powered. You don’t need a power cord or adapter for this machine.

Assembly and Maintenance

This elliptical machine is quite easy to assemble. Some of the parts, including the flywheel, belt, resistance pad, and crankset are already in their places. Thus, for the assembly part you only have to attach the base bars, the pedals, the moving arms, the handlebar and the console. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. Also, the included manual provides clear, step-by-step assembly instructions.

For maintenance, it’s recommended to periodically inspect the machine for loose bolts and parts, and re-tighten them if necessary. The joints may require periodic lubrication; it’s actually recommended to lubricate them during assembly. And finally, the resistance pad may also require lubrication, especially if it squeaks when in contact with the flywheel. For this, a few drops of silicone lubricant applied on the edge of the flywheel should do the trick.

The Pros

• Solid and durable steel frame;
• Adjustable base stabilizers;
• Transport wheels;
• 4-way adjustable handlebar;
• Round caps on the mobile arms for a comfortable top grip;
• Balanced flywheel providing a smooth and steady pedaling motion with a consistent momentum; 
• Friction resistance, giving you the possibility to undertake high-intensity workouts;
• Silent belt drive system;
• Large, durable pedals;
• Fitness meter included, capable of tracking time, speed, distance, and calories burned;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• No heart rate reading;
• No tablet holder;
• No bottle holder;
• Console display doesn’t have backlight.

Summary

The Body Power BFX8000 is an elliptical cross trainer designed for home use. It features a durable steel frame, a heavy flywheel for a consistent momentum, and friction resistance. It has a 4-way adjustable handlebar and also comes with a basic fitness meter to keep you motivated. Since it has a friction resistance system, it gives you the possibility to undertake high-intensity workouts, being an excellent machine for strength and stamina development, and also weight loss. Finally, it’s not one of the cheapest models for this spec range, but the quality in its components and its overall durability definitely stand up to the price.