| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Funmily EM530 Check Discounted Price | L:47" W:24" H:60" | 390 lbs | No | Manual magnetic, 10 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Bodyfat, Recovery |
The FUNMILY EM530 elliptical trainer is one of the fitness machines released in 2021. It’s a trainer made for home use featuring a manual magnetic resistance system but does offer a pretty solid construction. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Niceday CT11 model, but only offers 10 levels of resistance.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 47L x 24W x 60H inches (119L x 61W x 152H cm)
- Assembled weight: 77 lbs (35 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
- Supported weight: 390 lbs (177 kg)
- Stride: 15 inches (38 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 10 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, pulse, goals, recovery, bodyfat program
- Extras: Device holder
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame construction
The FUNMILY EM530 elliptical machine features a heavy-duty steel frame combining oval, cylindrical, and
rectangular tubes in its construction. All the frame steel bars are coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. In terms of color, there are two versions for the EM530, one black, and one gray. The unit’s drive and resistance system features a sturdy casing made of thermoplastic material.
This elliptical trainer is not super large. With all the parts assembled, it is only 47″ (119 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide, while its highest point is given by its moving arms which reach approx. 60″ (152 cm) above the floor. Just for any other elliptical, though, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the unit, for ease of access and safe usage.
The EM530 elliptical is not super-heavy but does weigh approx. 77 lbs (35 kg), so the transport of the packaged unit may require two people. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base bar has a set of transport wheels.
The unit has a low center of gravity so it’s pretty stable. Plus, both its base bars are equipped with adjustable levelers which have rubber suckers on the bottom. These considerably improve the unit’s stability, especially on a tile or hardwood floor.
Like most other ellipticals, the FUNMILY EM530 is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one fixed and one mobile. The fixed handlebars have short grips and integrated pulse sensors. The moving arms have longer grips with rounded grips at the top. These attach to the pedal bars and will always move if you’re pedaling; they cannot be locked to remain stationary. None of the handlebars have any form of adjustment.
Elliptical path, stride, and pedal construction
The FUNMILY EM530 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer. Due to this fact, its elliptical path is not completely
horizontal. It is slightly inclined forward. This means that the pedaling motion resembles a descent on a soft ramp. This also means that it puts more focus on your thighs and glutes.
This elliptical trainer does not have an incline system. Therefore, the position of the elliptical path and the length of its stride are non-adjustable. It offers a medium-length stride of 15″ (38 cm). This being said, it should accommodate users up to 6’2″ – 6’3″ (188 – 190 cm) providing an appropriate range of motion. Taller persons should still be able to use this trainer but their range of motion will be limited.
The pedal trays are made from a heavy-duty thermoplastic material. They have a textured bottom with urethane inserts for an improved grip. They also have side guards for extra foot stability. They are non-adjustable, though, and do not have any articulation or extra cushioning.
The pedal trays are attached to two rectangular steel bars. They’re pretty tough. The machine is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 390 lbs (177 kg). However, we wouldn’t recommend this machine to a person that heavy. That’s because other similar trainers only offer a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg), so 390 lbs (177 kg) might be a bit of a stretch.
The unit’s pedal step-up height of approx. 5″ (12 cm). Conversely, the pedals stand at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level when they are at their highest point. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive and resistance
The FUNMILY EM530 elliptical machine is equipped with a 15 lbs (6.8 kg) flywheel which is completely 
concealed by the large plastic guards that shield the entire drive system. It has a perimeter-weighted construction for improved inertia. It is also bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse so you can diversify your workouts and focus different muscle groups. When pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant and the fitness monitor continues to track your workout stats.
The EM530 elliptical trainer features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t need an external power source for it or an adapter. However, the unit also cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The unit’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake pad attached to the internal flywheel system. It also attaches to the tension knob on the main upright bar via a steel cable. Therefore, when you turn the knob, the cable moves the magnets closer or farther from the flywheel which results in a higher or lower pedaling difficulty.
The resistance system makes available 10 tension levels. The lowest level generates a fairly light resistance, great for conditioning, and recovery training. The 10th level of resistance provides a significantly higher pedaling difficulty, simulating a hill climb, giving you the possibility to achieve a high cardio level in a short time. The highest tension levels are also great for strength and stamina development.
Like most other elliptical trainers with a magnetic resistance system, this FUNMILY model features a belt drive system. It integrates a poly-v belt highly resistant to stretching and abrasion. As opposed to a chain drive, it does not require lubrication. It also generates slightly less vibration and contributes to the smoothness of the ride.
Fitness monitor
The FUNMILY EM530 elliptical machine includes a fitness monitor that offers quite a few extra features over
a basic unit. However, it does not have pre-set workout programs and cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The monitor unit features an LCD display divided into multiple sub-sections. It indicates time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, and pulse. The pulse reading function is grip-contact only. In order for it to work, you have to hold on to the integrated sensors. The unit cannot read pulse from a wireless transmitter.
The monitor unit offers the possibility to select workout goals for your workouts for time, distance, and calories burned. If a goal is selected, the display will count down from the selected values until they reach zero. This function helps you push your limits with every workout.
Although the unit does not have programs like motorized ellipticals, it does have a pulse recovery function and a bodyfat function. If the pulse recovery function is initiated, the unit should count the pulse at the end of your workout, and based on how fast your heart rate returns to a normal BPM, it will give you a fitness score between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor). The bodyfat function is a body mass index calculator. You can input your weight, height, gender, and age and the unit will calculate your average bodyfat.
One last notable feature to mention here is the device holder. This consists of a small shelf at the bottom of the unit. It can serve as support for your phone or tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the machine (with all the drive and resistance parts) comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to attach the two base bars, the pedal bars, the pedal trays, the front main upright bar, the handlebars, and the fitness monitor. This may take up to two hours of your time, but the process is fairly easy and the manual provides all the necessary instructions. Also, all the tools for the assembly are included.
The internal parts of the machine do not require lubrication. So, in terms of maintenance, you only have to check for loose bolts and parts and lubricate the joints in case they begin to squeak.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 390 lbs;
- Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- Mobile arms with an ergonomic design and ball grips at the top;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive system;
- Large pedals with three adjustment positions;
- 10 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, calories, pulse, and speed;
- Target-setting function for time, distance, and calories;
- Recovery function;
- Body Fat function;
- Device holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor display;
- No pre-set programs.
Summary
The FUNMILY EM530 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer made for home use. It is equipped with a 10-level manual magnetic resistance system, a 15-lb internal flywheel, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It also has a pretty solid construction offering a maximum user weight limit of 390 lbs (177 kg). It’s a great machine for light to high-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.