LifePro FlexStride Under Desk Elliptical Trainer

Unit	Size	Drive	Resistance	Fitness meter	Warranty
LifePro FlexStride Check Discounted Price	L:26.5" W:18.5" H:12.9"	Belt	Magnetic, 8 levels	Distance, Time, RPM, Count, T-Count Calories, Scan	Lifetime

The LifePro FlexStride is an under desk elliptical machine made for home or office use. In terms of features, it is similar to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 but its fitness monitor shows more workout metrics. One of the best parts about the FlexStride elliptical is that LifePro offers a lifetime warranty for it.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 22.7L x 18.5W x 12.9H inches (58L x 47W x 33H cm)
• Assembled weight: 26.5 lbs (12 kg)
• Weight limit: 110 lbs (49.8 kg)
• Stride length: ~7 inches (17.7 cm)
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
• Fitness monitor: Time, RPM, count, total count, distance, calories burned, Bluetooth, scan
• Warranty: Lifetime

Frame construction and parts

The LifePro FlexStride under desk elliptical trainer is constructed on a small steel frame. However, most of it, along with the drive and resistance elements, is covered by the side panels. These are made of durable thermoplastic material. All the steel parts in the unit’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish.

The front base bar of the unit rests on two textured rubber pads which enhance its grip on the floor during usage. The side covers of the unit form a large handle on top which considerably improves its portability. It’s a pretty light unit, as well. Its net weight is 26.5 lbs (~12 kg).

Like most other under desk ellipticals, the LifePro FlexStride is not too large. With all the parts assembled, it is 22.7″ (~58 cm) long, and 18.5″ (~47 cm) wide. Also, its highest point is approx. 12.9″ (~33 cm) above floor level. This being said, it should fit under any desk, and unless you’re a very tall person, you shouldn’t hit your knees on the top of the desk while using the machine.

The unit’s pedals are also made from a tough thermoplastic material (either nylon or polypropylene). They are fairly large, approx. 13″ (33 cm) long, so they should be able to accommodate with no problem shoes/feet of most sizes. Their surface is textured for an improved grip and they also have front, inner, and rear guards for extra foot stability.

Each pedal attaches to a short, rectangular metallic bar via two bolts. The pedals are non-adjustable. Therefore, you cannot change the position of the elliptical path or the length of the stride. Also, the pedals do not have extra articulations or cushioning. However, just as for any other elliptical trainer, this one delivers a very low impact workout.

Each pedal is attached to the crankset of the machine at the front and rests on a large wheel at the rear. The wheels are similar to the ones in rollerblades. They have sealed ball bearings inside and a thick layer of silicone rubber on the outside to minimize noise. The wheels slide on a metallic plate for a smooth motion.

The machine is rated for a maximum weight limit of 110 lbs (49.8 kg) for each pedal. However, standing on the pedals is not recommended, even if you do not exceed this weight. It is, after all, an under desk elliptical and requires the user to be seated on a chair during usage.

Resistance and drive

The LifePro FlexStride under desk elliptical is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means it does not integrate a motor and does not require an adapter, or an external power source. But on the other hand, it cannot adjust the resistance automatically and does not have pre-set workout programs like most motorized ellipticals.

The resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake which is connected to the tension dial on top of the trainer. By turning the knob, the brake changes its position in relation to the internal flywheel which leads to a higher or lower pedaling difficulty.

Like most other exercise bikes or elliptical trainers with a manual magnetic resistance system, the LifePro FlexStride offers 8 levels of resistance. The first level delivers a fairly light workout load. Conversely, the 8th tension level provides considerably more resistance, great for anyone who wants a more consistent workout, and a bit of muscle burn.

The exact weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. But considering that the machine’s net weight is only 26.5 lbs (12 kg), the flywheel probably isn’t heavier than 10 lbs (4.5 kg). It is perimeter-weighted, though, so it provides a more consistent momentum. It is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want.

Last but not least, the FlexStride under desk elliptical is equipped with a belt drive system. This type of transmission does not require any periodic lubrication. So, you don’t have to go through the hassle of taking the unit apart for oiling its drivetrain as it would be the case with a chain-driven bike or elliptical. Also, the belt delivers slightly less vibration than a chain, so this is another plus.

Fitness monitor

As we’ve mentioned above, the LifePro FlexStride under desk elliptical does not have a motorized resistance system. Therefore, the included fitness monitor does not control the resistance and does not have pre-determined workout programs. However, it does have Bluetooth connectivity and you can sync it with various apps such as Zwift for workout planning and online progress tracking.

The monitor unit features an LCD display divided into two sub-sections. It tracks Time, RPM, count, total count, distance, and calories burned. The distance is shown in miles (there is no option for changing it to kilometers or meters). The unit does not indicate speed in MPH or km/h but does have an RPM reading which is basically the number of strides per minute. The count reading shows the number of strides per current workout, while the t-count (total count) is basically an odometer; it shows the total number of strides since the first use of the machine.

The FlexStride trainer does not have a pulse reading function. It has no sensor or an internal pulse receiver. Thus, you cannot sync it with a wireless HR chest strap. So, in case you want to keep track of your pulse during workouts, you will have to use a separate device like a fitness band or smartwatch.

The monitor unit is easy to use. It only has one button. By pressing it repeatedly, you can switch through the workout metrics and select the ones you want to view. It also has a Scan Mode, which automatically rotates all the workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The button also covers the unit’s reset function. If you press and hold it for a few seconds, it clears all the values to zero.

The unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are included. It starts up when it detects pedal movement or when you press the button. It also automatically turns off after four minutes of inactivity on the elliptical.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main body of the trainer with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. So, all you have to do for the assembly is attach the pedal trays to their bars, and put the batteries into the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes of your time. A basic wrench for the pedal assembly is included, and the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and schematics. LifePro offers a lifetime warranty for this product, but in order to benefit from it, you must register it on their website within 2 weeks from opening the package.

For maintenance, the pedal joints may require lubrication. Other than this, you only have to keep the unit clean and periodically check for loose parts to make sure it still functions properly.

The Pros

• Compact construction, small footprint;
• Lifting handle included;
• Non-slip rubber base pads;
• Extra-large pedals with inner, front, and rear guards;
• Large silicone wheels for reduced noise;
• No-friction, magnetic resistance system (8 levels);
• Belt drive system for a smooth and quiet pedaling motion;
• Fitness monitor included – it tracks RPM, count, total count, distance, time, and calories burned;
• Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with various fitness apps;
• Batteries for the monitor are included;
• Easy to assemble;
• A wrench for the assembly is included;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• Does not support standing up exercising (exclusively for use while seated);
• No pulse reading function.

Summary

The LifePro FlexStride is an under desk elliptical trainer made for home use or office use. It is equipped with an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, RPM, count, t-count, and calories burned. The monitor unit is also Bluetooth enabled so you can sync your exerciser with various apps such as Zwift for online progress tracking and workout planning. In all, it’s a great elliptical for light exercising, recovery training, stamina and strength improvement, stress reduction, and improving cardiovascular fitness.