| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Stride | Resistance | Fitness monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body Champ BR2117 Check Discounted Price | L:46.25" W:22" H:62.25" | 250 lbs | 16" | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan |
Although the Body Champ BR2117 is one of the elliptical trainers released in 2019, it is still available at the moment. It’s rear-drive elliptical with a magnetic resistance system designed for home use. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Marcy ME-1017E, or the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3803.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 46.25L x 22W x 62.25H inches (117L x 56W x 158H cm)
- Assembled weight: 60 lbs (27 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Stride: 16 inches (41 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder
Frame construction
The Body Champ BR2117 elliptical is constructed on a steel frame combining cylindrical and rectangular
bars in its construction. The only notable non-steel parts are the pedal trays and the covers of the resistance system which are made of durable thermoplastic material. All the steel bars in the cross trainer’s construction are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish. The color used is metallic gray, this being the only color available for this machine.
Compared to other elliptical trainers, the BR2117 isn’t extremely large. With all the parts assembled, it is only 46.25″ (117 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. This being said, it should fit even into a small room or apartment. But it still is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance around it for ease of access and safe usage.
The machine isn’t extremely heavy. Its net weight is approx. 60 lbs (27 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, its front base stabilizer features a set of small wheels that facilitate its relocation once it is assembled.
This Body Champ elliptical trainer features two sets of handlebars, one fixed and one mobile. The fixed handlebar attach directly to the front upright mast of the trainer. They do not adjust. They have short grips and integrate metallic pulse sensors.
The moving arms of the machine feature long grips with ball grips at the top. They do not integrate sensors or any type of controls. They are attached to the front upright bar of the machine and also to the pedals. Therefore, they continue to move for as long as you pedal; they cannot be locked to remain stationary.
Elliptical path, stride, and pedal height
The Body Champ BR2117 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer. This being said, it features an elliptical path
that is slightly inclined forward. This means that the pedaling motion resembles a descent on a soft path. It also means that a workout on this trainer will put a bit more focus on your glutes.
This Body Champ cross trainer does not have an incline system. Therefore, its stride is non-adjustable, and the position of the elliptical path remains constant. It offers a stride of approx. 16″ (40 cm), which is pretty much a mid-range stride. Differently put, the machine should accommodate comfortably users up to 6’2″ – 6’3″ (188 – 190 cm).
The machine’s pedals feature two sturdy rectangular steel bars. They are rated for a maximum user weight limit of 250 lbs (113 kg). As we’ve mentioned above, the pedal trays are made of durable thermoplastic material. They don’t have articulation elements but do have a textured surface for an improved grip and inner side/front guards.
On their lowest position, the pedals are at approx. 8″ (20 cm) above floor level. Conversely, at their highest point, they are approx. 16 (40 cm) above floor level. These being said, 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.
Resistance and drive
The Body Champ BR2117 is equipped with a standard manual magnetic brake system. This means that 
you don’t need an adapter for it, and you don’t need to connect it to an electrical outlet. It also means that its fitness monitor cannot adjust the resistance automatically and does not have pre-set workout programs.
The machine’s resistance system is pretty much similar to the one of a magnetic resistance exercise bike. It integrates a magnetic brake that connects to the tension knob on the front upright bar of the machine through a steel cable. As you turn the knob, the brake changes its position in relation to the internal flywheel which adds or reduces the pedaling difficulty.
This elliptical trainer makes available 8 distinct difficulty levels. The lowest difficulty setting generates a fairly low resistance level, great for conditioning, and recovery training. The 8th level, on the other hand, provides significantly more resistance, great for anyone who wants to break a sweat and reach a higher heart rate in a shorter period of time.
The machine’s internal flywheel is perimeter-weighted. This type of flywheel design is meant to improve inertia and provide extra motion stability. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering that the fully assembled machine only weighs 60 lbs (~27 kg), its flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg).
Finally, just like most other fitness bikes or elliptical cross trainers with a magnetic resistance system, the Body Champ BR2117 is equipped with a belt drive system. This type of drivetrain comes with a few advantages. First of all, you don’t need to lubricate it. Second of all, it generates less vibration than a chain drive. And third of all, you won’t experience problems like stiff chain link locks.
Fitness monitor
As we’ve mentioned above, the fitness monitor unit included with the Body Champ BR2117
elliptical trainer does not have pre-set programs. It also does not offer online connectivity and it is not compatible with any fitness apps. It features an LCD display (without backlight) that tracks time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are set to MPH and miles. The pulse rating function only works if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars of the machine. The monitor unit is not telemetric and cannot read your pulse if you use an HR chest strap.
The fitness monitor unit is fairly easy to use. It has four buttons: Up, Down, Mode, and Reset. The Up/Down buttons allow you to select a workout level. The Mode button gives you the possibility to select the workout metric of your choice or to select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the workout metrics showing each one for 5 seconds. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values to zero.
The monitor unit requires two AAA batteries as its power source which are included. It begins calculating calories, speed, etc. when you begin pedaling or when you press one of the buttons. It also automatically turns off after 4 minutes of inactivity on the machine.
One last notable feature to mention here with regards to the fitness monitor is the device holder. This consists of a small shelf above the LCD display and a large back support that can hold a tablet or a smartphone. However, the monitor unit does not have any ports to connect your device to it.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the trainer comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will have to attach the two base stabilizers, the front upright post, the pedals, the moving arms, the fixed handlebar, and the console. This may take more than an hour of your time, but the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and schematics. Also, all the necessary tools for the task are included.
As we’ve mentioned above, this elliptical trainer has a belt drive system and does not require transmission lubrication as a chain drive machine normally does. Therefore, you only have to keep the unit clean, and periodically inspect it to make sure that all the parts function properly.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Fairly small footprint;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear stabilizers;
- Transport wheels on the front stabilizer;
- Fixed and mobile handlebars;
- Bi-directional and balanced flywheel providing a smooth and steady pedaling motion with a consistent momentum;
- Large, non-slip, durable pedals;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Fitness monitor included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, pulse, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the LCD display;
- The calories reading isn’t too accurate;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The Body Champ BR2117 is an elliptical trainer made for home use. It features a rear-drive construction, an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, and a fitness monitor that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s a pretty standard cross trainer, great for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.