BodyCraft ECT400G Elliptical Trainer

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Stride	Resistance	Console
BodyCraft ECT400G Check Discounted Price	L:73.5" W:28.5" H:68"	350 lbs	23"	Self-powered eddy current, 20 levels	8 programs

The BodyCraft ECT400G elliptical trainer is a light-commercial machine, featuring a durable construction, and a self-generating “green” power system. It offers a fairly decent resistance range and workout base, but does not have an incline system. Although in this price range many other elliptical machines have an incline system, this BodyCraft model is still worth having a look at due to several other pluses.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 73.5L x 28.5W x 68H inches (187L x 72W x 173H cm)
• Assembled weight: 212 lbs (96 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 20 lbs (9 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: 8 programs, workout summary
• 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

To begin with, the BodyCraft ECT400G features a 2-piece frame. The rear part with the pedal rails connects to the front part which hosts the drive and resistance systems. The whole frame of the unit is made of solid steel tubing; however, the rails on which the pedal wheels glide are aluminum-made. Also, the covers of the drive and resistance elements are made of ABS material.

All the steel bars in the machine’s frame are painted with a corrosion-resistant, and chip-resistant paint. The color used is gray, with the BodyCraft logo painted white, with the exception of the aluminum rails which have their own natural polish.

Due to the fair amount of steel bars in its construction, the fully assembled unit is rather heavy. It weighs approx. 212 lbs (96 kg), so it is recommended to be assembled by two persons. However, once the unit is assembled, its transport and relocation are facilitated by its front wheels.

This whole impressive weight plays a very important role within the unit’s stability, though. And on top of that, the six contact points with the floor are all equipped with adjustable, rubberized stabilizers. Therefore, you can be sure that you won’t have any stability issues with this machine on any type of floor.

Just as the Bowflex BXE216 elliptical trainer, or other similar machines with front drive, the ECT400G machine takes quite a bit of usage space. It’s approx. 71″ (180 cm) long, but the pedals extend over the base frame at the rear by two and a half inches when the unit is in use, so its total length should be considered 73.5″ (187 cm). Its width is 28.5″ (72 cm), while the maximum height of the handlebars reaches 68″ (173 cm). Evidently, it’s recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the unit when it is in use, for safe access and operation.

Pedals & handlebars

This BodyCraft elliptical trainer is equipped with a large set of pedals, attached to two heavy-duty steel bars. The pedals and the internal crank of the unit are designed to hold users up to 350 lbs (159 kg). 

The pedals themselves are made of durable ABS material 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.

Like most other elliptical trainers with a front drive, the ECT400G model features two sets of handlebars, one mobile, and one stationary. The mobile bars are quite long; they offer the possibility of adopting several grips. The left grip features a Start (GO) control, while the right grip integrates 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.

Elliptical path, stride & step-up height

As we’ve mentioned above, even though the BodyCraft ECT400G is a light-commercial elliptical trainer, it doesn’t have an incline system. Its elliptical path is horizontal, promoting a natural stride. The spacing between the pedals is only 2.5″ (6.35 cm), which also results in a natural foot positioning on them, without generating any extra stress on the knees and ankles.

The unit’s stride is non-adjustable. The stride length is 23″ (58 cm), a bit longer than for the Schwinn MY17 470, for example. Therefore, it should accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) comfortably. However, users shorter than 5’3″ (160 cm) may consider this stride a bit long for their natural range of motion, but nonetheless, they should still be able to use the machine.

The pedal step-up height is 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 that is at least 18″-19″ (45-48 cm).

Drive & resistance

This BodyCraft elliptical trainer integrates a mid-range 20 lbs (9.0 kg) flywheel, which is balanced, designed to provide a very smooth and steady pedaling motion. It is also bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse if you want, in order to diversify your workouts. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the console will continue to track your workout metrics.

The unit’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.

One of the main strengths of the BodyCraft ECT400G is the self-generating power system. It integrates a small power generator which creates the required energy for the console to become operable. The console has a rechargeable battery which is powered when you pedal. Therefore, you don’t need to connect the unit to a power source.

The resistance system is eddy current based. It includes a servo motor and a magnetic brake. It’s completely digital; in other words, you can only adjust the resistance from the console or from the controls in the right grip. As you adjust the resistance, the servo motor will change the position of the brake in relation to the flywheel, thus adjusting the intensity of the internal magnetic field, and increasing or decreasing pedal tension.

The unit’s resistance system is automatic. The console has several programs, and if you exercise by using one of them, the machine will auto-adjust the resistance depending on the section of the program in use.

This elliptical trainer offers 20 levels of resistance. The lowest levels offer a very light workout, great for warming up, recovery training, or for users with certain disabilities. Conversely, the top 18-20 resistance settings give you the possibility to achieve a high heart rate in a very short time and burn more calories.

Console

Compared to other elliptical machines in this price range, such as the NordicTrack SE9i, the console included with the ECT400G model lacks in features. For example, it doesn’t have online connectivity, nor it has a sound system or a cooling fan. However, it does provide several workout programs and covers all the important workout metrics.

To begin with, the console is equipped with a high-contrast LCD display with a very intuitive and easy-to-use interface. It indicates time, distance, speed, calories, RPM, watts, pulse, and the current level of resistance.

Speed and distance can be set up in metric or English units. You can input certain personal data such as age and weight so that the unit can calculate your energy output and calories burned with a higher accuracy.

The console unit is telemetric. It can read your pulse via a Polar T34 HR chest strap transmitter. This accessory is not included, though. Thus, if you don’t opt for it, you will have to use the integrated pulse sensors in order to benefit from a heart rate reading.

In terms of programs, the console has 8. These are Manual, Random, Interval, Hill Climb, Strength, Target HR, HR Interval, and Custom. The Manual program gives you the possibility to exercise freely, adjusting the resistance as you like during pedaling. For the HR programs, the machine will auto-adjust the resistance in order to keep you in the selected or required HR interval. The Custom program allows you to create your own workout, while the Random program automatically generates a set of workout profiles, in case you want a new challenge.

A workout summary review function is also available.

The console is also equipped with an extendable tablet holder and a front tablet holder. Its bottom part features a USB port, but this port is only for software updates; you can’t transfer your workout data on a USB stick for online transfer, and it also doesn’t charge your phone or tablet.

Assembly & Maintenance

The machine’s assembly isn’t extremely complicated, but due to the many parts that require assembly, it may take more than an hour. Essentially, 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;
• 350 lbs weight limit;
• Adjustable levelers on all bases;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Cushioned pedals;
• Balanced, 20 lbs flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion;
• Multi-grip handlebars;
• EKG pulse sensors;
• Silent operation, ideal for apartment use;
• Self-generated “green” power system;
• High-contrast LCD console with a user-friendly interface;
• 20 levels of eddy current resistance;
• 8 workout programs;
• Workout summary feature;
• Extendable tablet holder;
• Resistance controls integrated into the right mobile arm;
• Bottle/accessory holder included;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

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

Summary

The BodyCraft ECT400G is a light-commercial elliptical trainer featuring an eddy current, self-powered resistance system with 20 levels of resistance. Its console offers 8 workout programs, a workout summary feature, and is also telemetric. The machine has a heavy-duty frame which can support users up to 350 lbs. Therefore, it’s a trainer for light to medium cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, it’s not exactly an affordable unit, but does offer an excellent value for the price.