| Unit | Size | Weight capacity | Stride | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFG 5.7AE Check Discounted Price | L:74" W:24" H:66" | 300 lbs | 20" | 43 | Frame: Lifetime, Parts: 1 year, Labor: 1 year |
The AFG Sport 5.7AE elliptical machine is similar to the smaller model 2.5AE when it comes to design. However, it’s a larger machine, offers a longer stride, a much wider array of workout apps, and online connectivity. It’s a mid range trainer when it comes to features and functions, but does not have an incline system.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 74L x 24W x 66H inches (188L x 61W x 168H cm)
- Assembled weight: 172 lbs (78 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 17.6 lbs (8 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Stride: 20 inches (51 cm)
- Incline: No
- Handlebars: Mobile and fixed
- Resistance system: Eddy current magnetic, 10 levels
- Console: 43 workout programs, wireless pulse reading, online connectivity via Bluetooth
- Amenities: Bottle/accessory holder, sound system, cooling fan, media holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year
Frame and parts
Although it’s a machine designed for home use, its frame and overall construction is pretty close to the commercial machines. The frame is made of steel tubing, all steel parts being double coated with corrosion resistant and scratch resistant paint, in gray color, this being the 
only color available. It’s a 2-piece frame, the rear part with the pedal rails connects to the front part with the drive system. The machine is quite heavy, weighing over 170 lbs, weight that bolsters its overall stability. In other words, even if you’re close to the 300 lbs (136 kg) (the machine maximum user capacity), you can be sure that it won’t wobble or rock even if you engage in a more demanding workout.
The AFG 5.7AE has three base tubes. The mid and rear bases are equipped with adjustable stabilizers. These stabilizers are steel-made, and a thin rubber sheet at the bottom, for maximum adherence. Thus, even if the floor is uneven, you can render it perfectly stable. Evidently, this trainer doesn’t have a folding design. However, the front base features a set of transport wheels which facilitate the relocation of the machine once it’s assembled. By using these wheels, you will be handling less than half of its total weight.
The pedals supplied with this AFG elliptical trainer have a simple design. They don’t integrate any extra cushioning or articulation system. They’re made of heavy-duty PVC material, and feature a ribbed design, to provide optimal adherence to any sports shoes during exercising. Also, they’re spacious enough to accommodate shoes of all sizes.
The machine is equipped with two sets of handlebars: mobile and fixed. The fixed handlebars have stainless steel pulse sensors, but the console can also read pulse via a HR chest strap. Both types of handlebars have rubber-foam grips, to prevent any damage to the hands during prolonged workouts. The joints between the pedal bars and handlebars integrate sealed bearings of industrial quality, which can basically last a lifetime, providing a smooth operation of the machine.
Stride and step-up height
This Advanced Fitness Group elliptical machine has a step-up height of approx. 10″ (25 cm). This being said, make sure to add at least 15″ (38 cm) to your own height and compare it to the ceiling height of the room where you will be using the machine, in order to make sure you’ll have enough room above head, for safe exercising.
Since it doesn’t have incline, the trainer’s stride is fixed. It offers a 20″ (51 cm) stride, which means it can accommodate users between 5′ and 6’2″ – 6’3″ (152 – 190 cm). Taller users should also be able to use this elliptical trainer, but they may not benefit from a complete range of motion. Conversely, shorter users may find its stride a bit wide for a comfortable pace.
Drive and resistance
The AFG Sport 5.7AE is a front-drive elliptical trainer. It offers a long, flat ellipse motion to simulating a natural stride, an overlapping pedal rotation promoting a fluid, natural motion. Just like any elliptical machine, it’s designed to eliminate most of the impact on your joints 
and back during exercising. It’s equipped with a heavier flywheel than the 2.5AE. It weighs 17.6 lbs (8 kg), it’s perimeter-weighted, offering a balanced and stable pedaling motion, and a consistent momentum.
Like most elliptical machines with a magnetic resistance system, it features a belt-drive system. This means that the pedaling motion is almost silent, while the belt doesn’t require lubrication like a chain transmission would. The belt equipped on this particular machine, is a heavy-duty v-belt, designed for prolonged use, and resistant to stretching.
The machine’s rails are covered each by an aluminium sheet, providing a smooth glide of the the rollers. The pedals arms integrate industrial quality wheels, also equipped with sealed ball bearings for prolonged use.
The AFG 5.7AE elliptical trainer features a motorized resistance system. This means it requires to be connected to a 110 – 120 v power circuit in order for the console to become operational. Also, the resistance is controlled exclusively from the console. As you select one of the resistance settings, the servo motor will shift the magnets’ pull onto the flywheel, adding or reducing resistance. Also, in case you use one of the on-board workout programs, the resistance on the machine will change automatically.
The machine’s resistance system offers 10 distinctive settings. Resistance can be adjusted from the arrow keys, or from the quick keys from 1 to 10 on the console unit. By default, the machine is set onto the resistance level 1, which promotes a light workout. Conversely, the top levels of resistance add quite a bit of intensity to the workout, being excellent for increasing strength, stamina, and weight loss.
Console
The AFG Sport 5.7AE comes with a pretty inclusive console. To begin with, it features Bluetooth connectivity, so you can sync it with your tablet or smartphone in order to use the free AFG app, available through iTunes or Google Play. This app gives you the possibility to 
track your progress online, review your workout history, manage workouts, while offering a more friendly user interface. Since it’s a Bluetooth enabled console, it can also read pulse via a HR chest strap transmitter.
In case you don’t want to use the online app, the console unit has 43 pre-set workout programs to choose from, divided in two categories: Workout Profiles and Target Profiles. The Target Profiles category includes Target – Distance (13 workouts) and Target – Calories (9 workouts), while the Workout Profiles includes the Manual Mode, Intervals (10 levels) and Weight Loss (10 levels). The unit’s display is a LED type. It shows time, distance (miles only), speed (MPH only), calories burned, heart rate, resistance level, targets, and the selected workout.
Along with the fitness oriented features, the console unit also incorporates several amenities, such as cooling fan, sound system and a media holder. The sound system is placed at the bottom of the console unit. It’s compatible with most smart devices or MP3 players, and renders a fairly decent sound. The COOLfit workout fan, is integrated right above the speakers, while the media holder is placed above the unit’s LED display. Thus, if you’re going to place your phone or tablet on it, you’ll still be able to see your workout data.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s drive and resistance systems come ready-assembled, and attached to the front part of the frame. The parts that need assembly are the rear part of the frame with the rails, the pedal arms, the console mast, mobile handlebars, the front base, and the console. It’s a straightforward process, and the manual supplied all the instructions required, but it may take up to two hours. Tools required are also included.
In terms of maintenance, it’s recommended to wipe the rails of the machine before each use. Any grain of sand or small object passed over by the rollers may cause nicks in them, and affect the overall smoothness of the ride. Also, in case the joints of the machine develop squeaking noises, lubrication is required. The internal parts of the machine come pre-lubricated, and should not require any maintenance for a long period of time.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame and overall construction;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Elegant design lines;
- Ergonomic, large pedals;
- Resistance for all levels of fitness, 10 levels;
- Both fixed and mobile handlebars;
- Pulse sensors;
- 43 built-in workout programs, some of them with different difficulty levels;
- Bluetooth connectivity for pulse reading, and for the free AFG online app;
- Sound system;
- Cooling fan;
- Media holder;
- Bottle / accessory holder;
- Smooth and quiet drive;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty package.
The Cons
- The integrated display of the console is rather small and basic. However, for a better
interface you can connect it to a tablet and use the free AFG fitness app; - No incline;
- Fan is not too powerful.
Summary
The AFG Sport 5.7AE is a mid range elliptical trainer designed for home use. It features though a solid construction, similar to various commercial machines, being able to hold up to 300 lbs of user weight. Its console offers 43 pre-set workouts and online connectivity, being compatible with the AFG fitness app. It’s a machine for beginners and intermediate users, great for cardio training, interval training, stamina building and weight loss. It’s a bit expensive since it doesn’t have an incline feature, and other models in this price range do include at least a manual incline. However, considering the range of features and sturdy build, it still has a decent value / price ratio.