BodyCraft ECT500G Elliptical Trainer

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Stride	Resistance	Console
BodyCraft ECT500G Check Discounted Price	L:71" W:28.5" H:66"	350 lbs	23"	Self-powered eddy current, 30 levels	9 programs, 4 user profiles

The BodyCraft ECT500G features a construction similar to the ECT400G model that we’ve previously reviewed here. However, it comes with a touchscreen console, while its self-generating eddy current resistance system offers up to 30 resistance settings. Although it’s a light-commercial grade machine, it doesn’t have an incline system. Also, its console does not have online connectivity. But nonetheless, this trainer still delivers a natural, impact-free cardio workout, and a top-quality overall sturdiness.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 71L x 28.5W x 66H inches (180L x 72W x 168H cm)
• Assembled weight: 223 lbs (101 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 29 lbs (13 kg)
• Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
• Stride: 23 inches (58 cm)
• Incline: No
• Pedals: Cushioned
• Handlebars: Both mobile and fixed (with tension controls and pulse sensors)
• Resistance: Self-generated, eddy current, 20 levels
• Console: Touchscreen display, 9 programs, 4 user profiles
• Extras: Tablet holders, bottle holder
• Warranty:
  – Residential: Frame lifetime / Parts 7 year / Labor 2 years
  – Light Commercial: Frame 10 years / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

As we’ve mentioned above, the BodyCraft ECT500G is a light-commercial elliptical trainer; therefore, it features a heavy-duty frame construction made of thick steel tubing. It combines cylindrical with ovalized tubing which also adds to its overall aesthetics. Also, all the bars in its frame are double-coated by a rust-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The only metallic parts that aren’t painted, are the aluminum rails which feature their own natural polish.

Like most commercial-grade trainers, this BodyCraft elliptical features a very heavy construction. With the frame fully assembled, it weighs approx. 223 lbs (101 kg). All this weight is an important factor in its overall stability. Plus, all its six contact points with the floor are equipped with adjustable stabilizers, so you can perfectly level it on any type of floor.

The unit’s front base features a set of transport wheels. Therefore, the assembled unit isn’t too difficult to move despite its impressive weight. By lifting it up from the rear base and using the transport wheels to relocate it, you will only be handling approx. 40% of its total weight.

The fully assembled machine is fairly large as well. With all of its parts assembled, its length is approx. 71″ (180 cm), while its width is 28.5″ (72 cm). Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe access and operation. These being said, the unit isn’t exactly the most suitable for a small room or apartment.

Pedals & handlebars

The BodyCraft ECT500G elliptical trainer is equipped with a large set of pedals, attached to two heavy-duty steel bars. Just as the ECT400G, they’re designed to support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg).

The pedals have a durable ABS structure and integrate a thick layer of cushioning. Therefore, not only that the elliptical workout eliminated a lot of shock on the joints itself, these integrated cushions also reduce an important percentage of the stress on your feet. Their surface is highly adherent while their front part has a bit of border to improve foot stability and positioning.

The machine is equipped with two sets of handlebars, mobile and fixed. The mobile bars are quite long; they offer the possibility of adopting several grips. The left grip incorporates a Start (GO) control, while the right grip has resistance controls. The stationary bars are equipped with stainless steel pulse sensors so by holding on to them, the unit’s console can monitor your heart rate.

All the joints between the handlebars, console mast, and pedals integrate heavy-duty, sealed ball bearings. Therefore, the movement of the pedals and handlebars is extremely smooth. The pedal bars are equipped with industrial-quality wheels which also integrate ball bearings. The wheels are concealed in order to prevent damage or accidents and prolong their lifespan.

Stride, elliptical path & step-up height

This BodyCraft elliptical trainer doesn’t have an incline system. Compared to other light-commercial units, such as the Nautilus E618 for example, this is one of its minuses. However, even without this feature, the unit is an excellent cardio trainer. One of the reasons for it is its fairly long, 23″ (58 cm) stride. Due to this, the unit can easily accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm).

The spacing between the pedals is only 2.5″ (6.35 cm). This leads to a natural foot placement on them. Thus, the pedaling motion does not generate any extra stress on the knees and ankles.

The machine’s elliptical path is horizontal. The pedaling feel is “horizontal” as well. Other trainers with a front drive have an elliptical path slightly inclined towards the rear of the unit, so the pedaling motion may seem like going up a soft ramp. This is not the case for the ECT500G.

The pedal step-up height is approx. 12″ (30.4 cm), while at their highest point, the pedals climb a few more inches. Therefore, it is recommended to place and use the unit in a room with a ceiling height of at least 20″ (51 cm).

Resistance & drive

The BodyCraft ECT500G is equipped with the ComGen green power generator and an eddy current resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power source; all the power required for the console and the resistance system is generated as you pedal. Also, the resistance control is completely digital. The resistance can only be adjusted from the controls in the right grip. Or, when using a preset workout program, the machine will auto-adjust the resistance.

There are 30 levels of resistance available. The first settings offer very little pedal resistance, which makes them great for users with disabilities, elderly users, or users recovering from injuries. The top resistance settings, on the other hand, provide quite a bit of a pedal and arm tension, allowing you to perform a considerably more intense workout.

The internal flywheel is balanced, designed to deliver a smooth motion. It weighs 29 lbs (13 kg), which is pretty impressive for an elliptical trainer. It’s also bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse if you want, in order to put some diversity into your workouts.

The machine’s transmission is made available by a poly-v rubber belt, resistant to stretching. This type of transmission contributes to the quietness of the drive, the pedaling motion being almost completely silent. It also doesn’t require any lubrication.

Console unit

As we’ve mentioned above, the BodyCraft ECT500G features a console superior to the ECT400G model. This console is equipped with a TFT, full-color touchscreen display which makes its interface highly intuitive and easy to use. The display tracks all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, watts, and pulse.

Although the machine’s fixed handlebars have pulse sensors, the console is telemetric. This means it can track your pulse through an HR chest strap transmitter. It is compatible with most 5 kHz belts, however, an HR belt is not included. Also, both metric and English unit settings are available for the reading of speed and distance.

The console offers 9 workout programs and 4 user profiles. The 9 programs are divided into two categories: Classic Programs and HR Programs.

The Classic Programs include Manual, Hill Climb, Random, Strength, and Interval. The manual is the default program; it gives you the possibility to pedal freely adjusting the resistance as you like. The Random program will automatically generate a program for you every time it is initiated. This way, you always have the opportunity to try something new. The Interval, Hill, and Strength are preset profile programs.

The HR Program category includes four programs. These are Target HR, HR Interval, Fat Burn, and Cardio. The HR program allows you to select a certain HR interval, while the machine will auto-adjust the resistance in order to help you maintain your heart rate according to the selected interval. The HR Interval program is a classic Work/Rest interval, with the work interval set at 30 sec. The Fat Burn are two classic cardio workouts with HR intervals set at 70% and 80%.

The 4 User Profile settings allow you to modify, save, and re-use any of the 9 classic programs. Each user profile also gives you the possibility to input your weight and age, so that the console can calculate the calories burned more accurately.

Last but not least, the console unit integrates a tablet holder which can accommodate just about any tablet. It also has a USB port, but this is only for software updates, and not for recharging your phone. The console is not compatible with any online workout apps (at least not yet), so you cannot save your workout data on a USB stick in order to upload it online.

Assembly & Maintenance

The trainer’s drive and resistance elements are already assembled and attached to the front part of the frame. However, there are still many parts to put together. As a general idea, you will have to attach the two main base frame parts together, add the console mast, the pedals bars and the handlebars, the pedals, the bottle tray, the console, and connect the required wires. All the required tools are included, while the manual provides very clear schematics and assembly instructions.

In terms of maintenance, this elliptical doesn’t require much. The internal parts and the unit’s joints are pre-lubricated from the factory and shouldn’t require further lubrication for many years of use. Therefore, you only have to check for loose bolts and parts from time to time, remove the dust from the unit, and keep liquids away from the console.

The Pros

• Commercial-grade, heavy-duty frame construction;
• Superior weight limit – 350 lbs;
• Adjustable levelers on all bases;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Cushioned pedals;
• Balanced, 29 lbs flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion;
• Multi-grip handlebars;
• EKG pulse sensors;
• Silent, low-impact operation;
• Self-generated “green” power system;
• High-contrast touchscreen TFT display console with a user-friendly interface;
• 30 levels of eddy current resistance;
• 10 workout programs;
• 4 user profiles;
• Workout summary feature;
• Cooldown feature; 
• Tablet holder included;
• Resistance controls integrated into the right mobile arm;
• Bottle/accessory holder included;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No incline system;
• No speakers;
• No cooling fan;
• No online connectivity.

Bottom Line

The BodyCraft ECT500G is a light-commercial elliptical equipped with a self-generating “green” eddy current resistance system which makes available 30 tension settings. It includes an LCD touchscreen display console which offers 9 programs and 4 user profiles. Although it doesn’t have online connectivity or an incline system, it still is an outstanding fitness machine, as it excels in sturdiness and ergonomic factor. It’s perfect for light to intense cardio workouts, intervals, stamina development, and weight loss. In all, it offers an excellent value for the price.