| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Stride | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Precor EFX 222 Check Discounted Price | L:75" W:29" H:65" | 275 lbs | Manual, 15°, 20°, 25° | 18.5-20" | 10 |
The Precor EFX 222 elliptical trainer is part of the Energy Series which includes products for home use. But nonetheless, the machine offers a pretty sturdy construction and a range of features which is close to at least a few commercial-grade machines. In terms of design, it can be compared to the Life Fitness E1, but as opposed it, this machine is equipped with an incline system.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 75L x 29W x 65H inches (191L x 74W x 165H cm)
- Assembled weight: 193 lbs (72 kg)
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Stride: 18.5 – 20 inches (47 – 51 cm)
- Incline: Manual, 3 levels (15°, 20°, 25°)
- Resistance: Eddy current, 16 levels
- Console: 10 programs, 2 user profiles
- Extras: Volume controls, tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Console 3 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction and parts
The Precor EFX 222 elliptical crosstrainer features a frame made of steel tubing coated with a corrosion-resistant silver 
powder coat finish. However, it also has several ABS parts in its construction. For example, the covers of the drive system and the pedal trays are made of heavy-duty ABS material.
Like most ellipticals with a rear drive system and a similar frame construction, the Precor EFX 222 is a fairly large unit. With the frame fully set-up it takes approx. 75″L x 29″W (191 x 74 cm) of floor space. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the machine for ease of access and safe usage. The highest point of the unit is given by the top of the console which stands at approx. 65″ (165 cm) above floor level.
The fully assembled unit is considerably heavy as well. It weighs approx. 193 lbs (72 kg), a weight which provides plenty of stability. Plus, its front base bars are equipped with adjustable levelers which allow you to perfectly stabilize the unit on any type of floor. The levelers also have large rubber pads providing an excellent grip on the floor and preventing the unit to slide over during more intense workouts.
Needless to say, the machine does not have a folding design. However, its rear base is equipped with two small wheels which facilitate the relocation of the fully assembled machine if needed.
This Precor elliptical trainer is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one fixed and one mobile. The fixed handlebar feature short grips and incorporate stainless steel pulse sensors. The mobile arms have longer standard grips, covered with a layer of rubber-foam material.
The machine’s pedals are attached to a seat of durable steel bars. They are rated for a user weight capacity of 275 lbs (125 kg). The pedal trays are non-adjustable and do not integrate any cushioning. They are large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have a side border and a non-slip surface to provide superior foot stability.
The pedal bars are equipped with heavy-duty rollers which have internal ball bearings for a smooth pedaling motion. Some of the moving joints of the machine also have ball bearings. The pedals are directly connected to the machine’s mobile arms so they cannot move independently from them. Also, the machine has a safety lock system which renders both the pedals and the mobile arms stationary, to prevent children or pets from moving them.
Incline, stride, and step-up height
The Precor EFX 222 elliptical machine is equipped with a manual incline adjustment system. Its front section
features a ramp on which the wheels of the pedals glide up and down. The ramp is attached to a short metallic bar with a lever at the top. By pulling up the lever, you can lift or lower the ramp to adjust the machine’s incline.
The incline adjustment bar has three selectable positions. Therefore, you can set up the unit’s ramp at 15°, 20° or 25° of incline. Evidently, since the incline system is not automatic, you cannot adjust it during pedaling; you have to step off the pedals.
As you increase the incline, the angle of the elliptical path changes as well. With the incline set up at maximum, the front part of the elliptical path will be the highest and the pedaling motion will simulate a hill climb.
Depending on the selected incline level, the stride of the machine varies between 18.5″ and 20″ (47 – 51 cm). This being said, it should provide a satisfying range of motion for users up to 6’0″ (183 cm) with no problem.
At their lower position, the pedals are situated at approx. 10″ (25 cm) above floor level. Conversely, at their highest point, an with the incline set to maximum, they reach approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″-25″ (51-63 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive and resistance
This Precor elliptical machine is equipped with an eddy current resistance system. This means the resistance
adjustment is automatic, and can only be done from the unit’s console. Also, the machine needs to be connected to a power source in order for its resistance system to become operational. A cable with a 3-prong plug is included with the unit; the connector for the cable, as well as an On/Off switch, can be found right above the rear base of the machine.
The machine’s resistance system uses an eddy current brake and a servo motor. When you select a certain resistance level from the console, the motor adjusts the magnetic pull of the brake, which results in a higher or lower pedaling difficulty.
There are 16 resistance levels available on this elliptical trainer. The lowest level (1) offers 10 watts (at 20 RPM or 40 strides per minute) while the top (16) tension setting provides 550 watts (at 100 RPM or 200 strides per minute). This being said, you can perform a very light workout on this machine, great for users with certain disabilities, or pretty demanding workout, great for anyone who wants to burn some calories.
The machine’s internal flywheel mechanism is perimeter-weighted. This results in greater stability and a smoother pedaling motion. It’s also bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you want.
Last but not least, the machine’s drive system uses a poly-v belt. This being said, it does not require periodic lubrication. Also, the pedaling motion is almost completely silent.
Console
The Precor EFX 222 includes a mid-range console, featuring a 5-inch LCD display with LED backlight. It shows a
wide array of workout metrics including time, distance, strides/min, avg. strides/min, calories, calories/min, heart rate, target heart rate, as well as summaries for time elapsed, calories, distance and average strides/min at the end of your workout. Distance can be set to either miles or kilometers. Also, for pulse reading, you can either use the integrated sensors or a wireless chest strap (not included).
The machine’s console does not have online connectivity, nor it is compatible with any online fitness apps. However, it has 10 workout programs in its memory. These are Interval 1-1, Interval 1-2, Basic HR Control, Weight Loss, Hill Climb, Cross Country, Aerobic, Gluteal, Crosstrainer, and Manual.
The interval programs alternate short bursts of high-intensity activity with recovery periods. For the 1-1 interval program, the “work” interval is preset to the same duration as the “recovery” interval. For the 1-2 interval programs, the “work” interval is twice the length of the “recovery” interval. Adjustments can be done to each one of them.
The Weight Loss programs is also an interval program but it alternates four-minute work intervals with four-minute rest intervals; its default duration is 28 minutes.
The Basic Heart Rate Control program gives you the possibility to select a certain target heart rate and the machine will auto-adjust the resistance in order to keep you at the selected target HR. The Aerobic program focuses on a high-cardio training, the Gluteal program helps you focus your glute muscles, the Cross Country program features irregular resistance adjustments to simulate a dynamic terrain outdoors, while the Crosstrainer program starts at a low level of resistance, it increases the resistance progressively up to the middle of the workout, and then progressively decreases it towards the end. Finally, the Manual program allows you to adjust the resistance as you like during your workout.
Two user profile settings are available on this console. Therefore, you can save two different programs with custom settings to re-use whenever you like.
Among other features provided by the console of the EFX 222, we can count the smart tablet holder, the volume controls and the earphone jack connector. The tablet holder is placed above the console display; thus, if you place a tablet on it, it won’t cover your workout stats. It also has two small clips which hold your tablet in place. At the back of the console, there is a connector for a 3.5mm jack so you can connect your tablet, phone or MP3 player to the console. The volume controls allow you to change the volume on the music that you’re playing on your device, while the earplug jack is placed on the bottom right section of the unit.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s drive and resistance elements are already assembled, attached to the rear part of the frame, and protected by the side covers. The pedals and incline ramp are also pre-assembled. Therefore, you only have to attach the front upright bars, the console bracket, pass the cables through the bars, connect the moving arms and the console. This may take more than an hour, but the manual provides very clear step-by-step assembly instructions. Also, all the tools required for it are included.
Once the machine is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. It is recommended, though, to keep the unit clean, especially the rails of the pedal bars, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. Also, in case some of the joints begin to squeak, some lubrication may be necessary. However, the internal parts should not need any lubrication.
The Pros
- Durable construction – can support users up to 275 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Transport wheels on the rear base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the front bases;
- Large, anti-slip pedals;
- 3-position manual incline system;
- Fixed hand-grips with pulse sensors;
- 16 levels of eddy current resistance (up to 550 watts);
- Mid-range console which shows up to 12 metrics during your workout;
- 10 workout programs;
- 2 user profiles;
- Goal settings;
- Wireless heart rate reading;
- Tablet holder;
- Bottle holder;
- Volume controls;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No online capabilities;
- HR chest strap is not included.
Summary
The Precor EFX 222 is a heavy-duty elliptical crosstrainer featuring a 16-level eddy current resistance system and a 3-level manual incline system. Its console indicates 12 workout metrics and has 10 built-in workout programs. Although it’s not a commercial-grade machine, it definitely offers a wide range of training possibilities; it’s great for interval training, crosstraining, light to intense cardio training, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. And finally, it’s not exactly one of the most affordable elliptical machines, but definitely offers excellent value and quality for the price.