| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcy ME-704 Check Discounted Price | L:53" W:25" H:63" | 300 lbs | Regenerating magnetic, 24 levels | 23 programs, Recovery, BMI | 2 years |
The Marcy ME-704 is an elliptical trainer with a similar design to the Marcy NS-40501E or the ActionLine A83809. As opposed to these two other models, it’s equipped with a regenerating magnetic resistance system, which means it doesn’t need a power source. It’s one of the newer models released in 2018 by Marcy Fitness, and also one of the most affordable elliptical machines with a self-powering system.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 53L x 25W x 63H inches (135L x 64W x 160H cm)
- Assembled weight: 97 lbs (44 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Stride: 16 inches (40 cm)
- Incline: No
- Footplates: Standard, ribbed
- Resistance: Self-generating, motorized magnetic, 24 levels
- Console: 23 programs, recovery, BMI
- Extras: Tablet holder, sound system
- Warranty: 2 years
Frame & parts
To begin with, the Marcy ME-704 elliptical trainer features a frame made of steel tubing with several ABS parts. Among the ABS
parts in its construction, we can count the drive and resistance covers, several other small covers, and the pedals. It’s definitely not a light-commercial quality machine but does offer a decent weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg).
The fully assembled unit is not extremely large compared to other ellipticals, such as the Life Fitness E1, for example. It’s approx. 53″ (135 cm) long, and 25″ (64 cm) wide. To this footprint, it’s recommended to add at least two feet of clearance all around, for an easy access to the unit and unhindered operation.
This Marcy elliptical trainer is not extremely heavy but does weigh close to 100 lbs. All this weight, plus your own weight, results in an excellent stability. Also, the rear base of the unit is equipped with adjustable stabilizers, while the front base has transport wheels for an easy relocation of the unit once you have finished your workout.
As we’ve mentioned above, the machine’s pedals are made of durable ABS material. They have a ribbed surface for superior adherence, and an inner-top border, to deliver extra foot stability. They don’t have any cushioning, though; they’re directly attached to their bars via two screws each.
This elliptical features two sets of handlebars, one mobile and one fixed. The mobile handlebars have long, rubberized grips and ovalized caps at their ends for a comfortable top grip. The fixed handlebar are unified into a loop bar similar to a spin bike loop aero bar. This fixed handlebar integrates two stainless steel sensors for reading your pulse.
All the connection points between the machine’s cranks, pedal bars, moving arms, and console mast integrate ball bearings. Therefore, the unit delivers a very smooth motion.
Last but not least, all the frame steel bars are coated with a durable paint finish, resistant to corrosion. The color used is dark gray.
Stride, elliptical path & step-up height
The Marcy ME-704 elliptical trainer features a mid-range stride of approx. 16″ (40 cm). This stride is a few inches longer than for
other similar ellipticals, such as the Gold’s Gym 350i or the Sunny SF-E3607 models, which offer a stride of 13″ (33 cm). This means that a taller person (over 6’0″) will still benefit from a more complete range of motion.
Since this Marcy elliptical trainer features a rear drive, the elliptical path is slightly inclined forward. This means the ride may feel like descending on a soft hill. This puts more focus on your glutes and hips, leading to a better toning of these areas.
When it comes to step-up height, at their lowest position to the floor, the pedals are at approx. 8″ (20 cm). Conversely, at their highest position, they’re at 16″ (41 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it’s recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Resistance & drive
The Marcy ME-704 is equipped with a regenerating magnetic resistance system. This means it doesn’t have to be connected to a
power source to make available the resistance. It integrates a small generator which produces enough electricity to power the console when you pedal, and to allow you to adjust the resistance. Needless to say, the resistance can only be adjusted from the console. Also, some of the console programs will auto-adjust the resistance if you choose them for your workout.
The internal resistance mechanism consists of a small magnetic brake. As you select a certain level of resistance from the console, the brake will move closer or farther from the internal flywheel increasing or decreasing the resistance. Since the resistance is magnetic, there is no friction between the resistance generating parts and the pedaling motion is very smooth.
The machine offers 24 levels of resistance. The first levels generate very little tension, offering exercising possibilities adequate to elderly users or users with disabilities. The 20-24 levels, however, give you the choice of a more intense workout for a higher burn.
The weight of the flywheel is not specified. But considering that this isn’t an extremely heavy elliptical trainer, its internal flywheel isn’t extremely heavy either. Its weight should be somewhere between 12 and 20 lbs (5.4 – 9.0 kg).
The machine’s crankset is highly durable. It can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) with no problem. Also, the internal transmission uses a durable rubber belt which delivers an almost silent and vibration-free motion.
Console
The console included with the Marcy ME-704 is basically the same console of the Marcy ME-702 Regenerating Upright Bike. It 
features an LCD display with blue LED backlight, divided into multiple sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at the same time. It tracks time, distance, calories, speed, RPM, pulse, and the selected resistance setting.
The console can track your pulse through the integrated sensors, but it is also compatible with a Polar 5kHz HR chest strap transmitter. This accessory is not included, though.
Although the machine’s control unit doesn’t have any online connectivity, nor it is compatible with any online fitness apps, it still has 23 programs to keep you motivated.
The P1 program is the manual program which allows you to freely adjust the resistance as you exercise. The P2-P13 are preset programs. They cover various standard workouts and have suggestive names such as Steps, Hill, Rolling, Valley, Fat Burn, Ramp, Mountain, Intervals, Random, Plateau, Fartlek, Precipice.
The P14-P17 programs are custom. In other words, they give you the possibility to create and save your own programs. The P18-P22 are HR programs, preset for 55%, 65%, 75%, 85%, and custom. While using one of the HR workouts you will have to either use the pulse sensors or an HR chest strap, and the machine will auto-adjust the resistance depending on your current heart rate, in order to keep you within the selected HR interval.
The 23rd is a Watt Control program. The Watt value will keep a constant value when using P23 as your workout. This means that if you pedal quickly, the resistance level will decrease, and if you pedal slowly, the level will increase.
A Recovery function and a BMI function are also available. The Recovery function measures the amount of time your heart takes to return to normal after a workout and gives you a score depending on it between 1 (great) and 6 (bad). The Body Fat (BMI) function is basically a body fat calculator based on your height and weight.
Finally, the console also has two integrated speakers and a tablet holder. The speakers are at the bottom and the audio jack on the back of the console. You can connect your MP3 player or smartphone to the console and listen to your music through the console speakers if you want. The tablet holder is placed under the console display; it’s large enough to accommodate any tablet.
Assembly & Maintenance
The Marcy ME-704 elliptical trainer comes partially assembled. All the drive and resistance elements are already attached to the base of the frame and sealed by the protective covers. Thus, all you have to do for assembly is add the front and rear base bars, the console mast, the pedals, the moving arms, and the console. This may take more than an hour, but the manual does provide very clear assembly tips. Also, some of the tools required for the assembly are included.
The internal parts of the machine do not need any maintenance. So, all you need to do to keep your unit in good shape is to periodically lubricate the joints, remove the dust from the machine, and keep liquids away from the console.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can hold users up to 300 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- Large, durable pedals;
- Both fixed and mobile handlebars;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars;
- Self-generating, digital resistance;
- 24 tension levels available;
- 23 workout programs;
- BMI function;
- Recovery function;
- Tablet holder;
- Sound system;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the holder may cover the console display;
- No HR chest strap;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The Marcy ME-704 is an elliptical trainer made for home use. It’s equipped with a regenerating magnetic resistance system with 24 levels, and a console that offers 23 workout programs. It’s a fairly sturdy unit, great for light to mid-range intensity workouts, weight loss, muscle toning, building stamina, and recovery training. It’s one of the most affordable trainers with a self-powering resistance system and offers an excellent value for the price.