| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Stride length | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exerpeutic 5000 Check Discounted Price | L:55" W:25" H:64" | 270 lbs | 18" | Eddy current, 24 levels | 12 preset programs, 4 HRC programs, 1 watt program, 1 random program, 1 manual program, 1 fitness program |
The Exerpeutic 5000 elliptical trainer can be compared in terms of features and design with the Fitness Reality E5500XL. It’s a machine designed for home use, featuring an automatic resistance system. Although the first 5000 model was released in 2014, in this post we will address the newer 1318 model, which was released in 2018. Needless to say, this model comes with several improvements over the older versions.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 55L x 25W x 64H inches (140L x 64W x 163H cm)
- Assembled weight: 102 lbs (46 kg)
- Weight capacity: 270 lbs (122.5 kg)
- Stride: 18 inches (46 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance system: Eddy current, 24 levels
- Console: 7 workout modes, 12 preset programs, 5 user profiles, goal settings
- Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame and parts
The Exerpeutic 5000 elliptical trainer features a durable steel frame with ABS covers for the drive system
elements and the joints of the machine. The pedal trays are also ABS-made. All the steel bars within the composition of the frame are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish; the color used is light gray, this being the only color available for this Exerpeutic elliptical.
The fully assembled machine isn’t extremely large compared to other cross trainers, such as the Fuel Fitness E5, for example. However, it still is approx. 55″ (140 cm) long, and 25″ (64 cm) wide to which you will have to add a few feet of clearance. It is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the unit.
The unit’s net is approx. 102 lbs (46 kg). Therefore, the transport of the boxed unit may require two people. But on the other hand, once the unit is assembled, its relocation can be done with ease because its front base has a set of small wheels. Also, the rear base bar is equipped with polygonal stabilizers which can rotate, allowing you to level the machine if necessary.
The Exerpeutic 5000 magnetic elliptical trainer is equipped with a set of durable pedals. They do not have any extra cushioning or articulation. But just as for any other elliptical trainer, the pedaling motion is designed to eliminate most of the impact on your joints.
As we’ve mentioned above, the pedal trays are made of durable ABS material. They have front and inner guards for extra foot stability. Also, the pedal bars have a metallic plate under each tray for superior durability. This being said, the unit is designed to support users up to 270 lbs (122.5 kg), which is not bad for a home-use elliptical trainer.
The pedals don’t have any quick adjustment system, but the pedal bars feature two attachment points for each pedal. Therefore, you can attach them a few inches closer or farther from the front of the unit.
This elliptical trainer features two sets of handlebars, one mobile and one fixed. The mobile handlebars feature long, rubberized grips with ball grips at the top. They attach to the pedal bars and will move for as long as you pedal; they cannot be locked to remain stationary. The fixed handlebars attach directly to the front mast of the machine. They have shorter grips, also rubberized, and they also integrate pulse sensors.
Elliptical path, stride, and step-up height
The Exerpeutic 5000 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer. Its main crankset is placed at the rear so the elliptical
path is slightly inclined forward. Therefore, a ride on this machine resembles a descension on a soft ramp. This can be considered a plus as it puts more focus on your gluteal muscles and promotes a superior toning of the thigh muscles.
The machine does not have an incline system like the ProForm Endurance 920 E, for example. Therefore, the elliptical path angle and the length of its stride are non-adjustable. Its stride is 18″ (46 cm) long. This means it should accommodate comfortably users between 5’0″ (153 cm) and 6’3″ (190 cm). Of course, taller users should also be able to use it, but they will be exercising under their full range of motion.
The spacing between the pedals (or the Q-Factor) is approx. 6″ (15.2 cm). This is actually great because your feet won’t be too far apart when positioned on the pedals; in fact, the unit is designed to provide quite a natural foot positioning. This eliminates any lateral stress on the ankles and knees.
The pedal step-up height is also 6″ (15.2 cm). Differently put, even for users with disabilities, stepping up onto the pedals shouldn’t be too difficult. Conversely, at their highest point, the pedals stand at approx. 15″ (40 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to place and use this elliptical cross trainer in a room with a ceiling that is at least 16″-17″ (41-43 cm) higher than your own height.
Resistance and drive
The Exerpeutic 5000 elliptical trainer is equipped with an eddy current resistance system. This means it 
requires an external power source; an adapter is included with the machine. The resistance can only be adjusted from the console. Also, the console has preset programs, so it can automatically adjust the resistance depending on the program in use.
The unit’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a servo motor connected to the console. As you select a certain level of resistance from the console, the motor will shift the magnetic brake closer or farther from the metallic flywheel, this way increasing or decreasing the resistance.
The main advantage of a magnetic brake is that the resistance elements do not touch. Therefore, the pedaling motion is very smooth and almost completely silent.
The this elliptical cross trainer makes available 24 levels of resistance. The first 5 levels are great for recovery training, providing minimum impact and drag. Conversely, the 20-24 levels of resistance offer you the possibility to engage in a more intense workout, for stamina building and weight loss.
Like most other elliptical trainers, the Exerpeutic 5000 (1318) is equipped with a flywheel. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering the weight of the machine, its weight should be somewhere between 20-30 lbs (9 – 13.5 kg). It is a perimeter-weighted flywheel, designed to provide extra inertia and a consistent pedaling feel. It is also bi-directional.
Last but not least, this Exerpeutic elliptical machine features a double transmission drive system. Differently put, it uses two flywheels and two transmission belts. This adds consistency and smoothness to the ride and also prolongs the lifespan of the belts. Plus, since the machine uses belts, not chains, you don’t have to worry about the transmission lubrication.
Console
The Exerpeutic 5000 elliptical machine includes a mid-range console featuring a multi-window LCD 
display in order to show multiple readings at once so you won’t have to use a scan function to rotate them. The console tracks time, speed, RPM, distance, watts, calories burned, and pulse rate. The unit is not telemetric; therefore, it can only read your pulse through the sensors integrated into the stationary handlebars.
The console makes available 7 workout modes. The first one basically has the Manual program. If you select this workout mode, you can basically increase or decrease the resistance as you like during your workout. It also gives you the possibility to select goals for time, distance, and calories.
The 2nd workout mode is “Program”. This makes available 12 preset programs (P1-P12). Their profile construction is shown in the diagram on top of the console. They cover all kinds of workouts focusing on burning calories, keeping a steady heart rate, or offering an interval training setting.
The 3rd workout mode is “Fitness”. This is basically a pulse recovery function. It measures the evolution of your pulse for a defaul test time of 8 minutes and at the end it gives you a fitness rating between F1 (very good) and F5 (very poor).
The 4th workout mode is a Watt program, while the 5th workout mode is a Personal mode for user-defined programs (you can create your own program, save it, and re-use it every time you want).
The 6th workout mode is a heart rate control program (HRC). It offers three preset heart rate targets – 55%, 75%, 90% – and a custom mode if you want to input a specific HR target. During this program, the machine will auto-adjust the resistance in order to keep you at the selected target heart rate.
Finally, the 7th workout mode is “Random”. By selecting this workout mode, the console will automatically create a random profile combination.
Another feature that we must mention here regards the user profiles. The unit makes available 5 user profiles (U0 – U4). Therefore, up to 5 users can save their own data (including age, weight, height, and gender), along with the desired program settings for quick access.
The console doesn’t have a cooling fan or an integrated sound system, nor it can communicate with any online fitness apps. However, it does have a tablet holder, offering the possibility to secure your tablet on top of the console if you want to view your favorite streams or use an online fitness app.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the machine comes pre-assembled, with all the drive and resistance elements in their place, secured by the ABS covers. However, the unit still needs some assembly. You will have to attach the two base tubes, the console mast, the pedal bars, the pedal trays, the moving arms, the fixed grips, and the console. This may take more than an hour of your time. However, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and all the tools required for the task are included.
Once the unit is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. The internal parts don’t require any lubrication. Thus, you only have the keep the unit clean and periodically check for any potential loose bolts or parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 270 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Mobile arms with an ergonomic design and ball grips at the top;
- Fixed grips with pulse sensors;
- Dual belt and pulley drive system, providing a very smooth pedaling motion;
- Large pedals with front and inner guards for extra stability;
- Narrow Q-factor, eliminating any lateral stress on the knees;
- 24 levels of eddy current resistance;
- Multi-window LCD display console;
- 7 workout modes (20 workout programs);
- 5 user profiles;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance and calories;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Extremely quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display;
- No backlight on the console display;
- No USB port for recharging your phone or tablet.
Summary
The Exerpeutic 5000 is an elliptical cross trainer designed for home use. It is equipped with an automatic magnetic resistance system offering 24 difficulty levels, a dual belt drive system, and a console with 7 workout modes (a total of 20 workout programs). It’s a mid-range elliptical, great for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss.