XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 Elliptical Trainer

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline	Resistance	Console
XTERRA FS2.5 Check Discounted Price	L:54" W:24" H:65.2"	300 lbs	No	Eddy current, 16 levels	24 programs, Recovery

Although the FS2.5 is one of the older elliptical machines released by XTERRA Fitness in 2014, it still is available. In terms of features, it is similar to the XTERRA FS150 that we’ve already reviewed. However, it has a different console design, and only offers 16 levels of resistance. It’s also on the list of the most affordable cross trainers with an automatic resistance system.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 54.1L x 24W x 65.2H inches (137L x 61W x 165H cm)
• Assembled weight: 103.6 lbs (47 kg)
• Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
• Stride: 14 inches (35 cm)
• Incline: No
• Resistance: Digital magnetic, 16 levels
• Console: 24 programs, recovery
• Extras: Accessory holder, sound system
• Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 1 year

Frame construction

The XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer. Like most other similar models, it has a smaller footprint. It only takes 54.1″L x 24″W (137 x 61 cm) of floor space. Therefore, it may fit better in a smaller room or apartment. However, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance around it for unhindered usage.

Although it’s one of the smaller XTERRA elliptical models, it’s not exactly one of the lightest. It weighs approx. 103.6 lbs (47 kg), so the transport of the boxed unit may require two persons. Once it is assembled, the unit is easy to move, though. Its front base integrates a set of small wheels for this purpose. Also, its rear base is equipped with a set of adjustable stabilizers.

The trainer’s frame is made of steel tubing. However, the protective covers of the drive system, the pedal trays, and several other small covers are made of ABS material. The unit offers a pretty sturdy overall construction. It’s rated for a weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg), which is not bad for a machine made for home use only.

The unit’s pedal trays are large enough to accommodate all types of athletic shoes. They have a textured surface for extra adherence and front/inner guards for added foot stability. They don’t have additional cushioning or articulation, and they’re non-adjustable. They are attached to the pedal bars via four bolts each.

The XTERRA FS2.5 cross trainer features two sets of handlebars, one fixed and one mobile. The fixed handlebars attach directly to the front mast of the unit; they don’t have any adjustability system. They are equipped with pulse sensors and the console unit can track your pulse during exercising if you hold on to them.

The mobile arms feature simple, long grips. They reach approx. 65.2″ (165 cm) above floor level. They’re attached to the middle of the front mast and to the pedal bars, so they continue to move for as long as you pedal; they cannot be locked to become stationary.

Last but not least, the frame of the machine features a durable paint finish, resistant to chipping and corrosion. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this model. The casing of the drive system and all the other ABS parts are also black.

Elliptical path, stride, and step-up height

As we’ve mentioned above, the XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 is a rear-drive elliptical. This means its elliptical path is slightly inclined forward. Not by much, but by a few degrees. Due to this, the riding sensation is similar to a descent on a soft ramp. This results in a better workout for your thighs and glutes.

The unit’s stride is not very long. It is only 14″ (35.5 cm). Therefore, this elliptical cross trainer is not recommended to taller users than 6’2″ (188 cm). Also, since the machine does not have an incline system, and the pedals do not offer any adjustability, you cannot change the angle of the stride or its length.

The pedal step-up height of the XTERRA FS2.5 elliptical is approx. 6″ (15 cm). Conversely, at their highest point, the pedals reach approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level. This being said, it’s recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling of at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.

Resistance and drive

The XTERRA FS2.5 elliptical machine is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means it requires an external power source. The resistance can only be adjusted from the console. Also, the console can adjust the resistance of the machine automatically, depending on the program in use.

The unit’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake and a small servo motor. As you select a certain tension level from the console, or as the console adjusts the resistance, the brake changes its position in relation to the flywheel which results in more or less magnetic pull, and implicitly in more or less pedaling difficulty.

This elliptical offers 16 levels of resistance, similar to the SNODE E20i. The first few levels deliver a fairly light pedal tension. The top resistance levels provide considerably more pedal tension simulating a hill climb and giving you the possibility to perform a more intense cardio workout.

This XTERRA elliptical trainer is equipped with a 22 lbs (10 kg) flywheel. This is basically a mid-range flywheel, not too heavy, not too light. So, it adds a bit of consistency to the ride in conjunction with the magnetic resistance. It also promotes a steady pedaling motion and a sure-foot feeling.

The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, pedaling in reverse is possible on this machine. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the console continues to count your RPM, calories burned, and the other workout metrics.

Most magnetic exercise bikes and elliptical trainers have a belt drive system and the XTERRA FS2.5 is not an exception. Its transmission uses a durable poly-v belt. This type of drive offers a few advantages. First of all, it generates less vibration than a chain, contributing to the overall smoothness of the ride. And second of all, it doesn’t require any lubrication.

Console

The XTERRA FS2.5 is equipped with a mid-range console featuring a 5.5″ LCD display with LED backlight. It tracks the most important workout metrics, including time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, watts, calories, and pulse. It offers both metric and English settings for the display of speed and distance. It is also telemetric, which means it can read your pulse through a wireless HR chest strap. This accessory is not included, though, but you can still benefit from a pulse reading by holding on to the pulse sensors integrated into the machine’s fixed handlebars.

The console unit does not have online connectivity. However, it has 24 built-in programs to keep you motivated. The first program is Manual. This allows you to pedal freely, adjusting the resistance from the Up / Down buttons as you like during your workout session. This program also gives you the possibility to select workout goals for time, distance, calories, and watts.

The programs from P2 to P13 are factory pre-set. They cover various standard workouts, including Rolling Hills, Valley, Fat Burn, Steps, Ramp, Intervals, Obstacles, Climbing, Plateau, Hill, Fast Trek, and Off-Road.

The P14 program is the Body Mass Index. This program can calculate your body fat percentage based on your age, height, weight, and gender. Based on the result, it will provide you with a workout profile.

The programs from P15 to P18 are user-based. For each user profile, you can create a custom program, save it, and re-use it as many times as you want. These are also great if the machine is used by several persons, as each user can create and save their own program.

The next 5 programs are heart rate based. Four of them have preset heart rate values for 55%, 65%, 75%, and 85%, while the 5th offers the possibility to select your own custom target heart rate. When a heart rate program is in use, the machine automatically adjusts the resistance, increasing it if you go under the selected HR value, and decreasing it if you exceed the selected HR value.

One last program offered by the unit’s console is Recovery. This actually has its own button on the console. The Recovery program checks the amount of time your pulse takes to return to normal after the workout and based on the result, it will give you a fitness rating between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor).

Two other notable features are available on the console. One is the integrated sound system, the other is the accessory holder. The sound system is integrated above the LCD display. There is also an audio jack input on top of the console. Thus, you can connect your MP3 player or smartphone to it so you can play your music through the integrated speakers. The accessory holder consists of a small tray placed at the bottom of the console unit.

Assembly and Maintenance

This elliptical cross trainer comes partially assembled. You only have to attach its base bars, its main upright bar, the two moving arms, the fixed handlebars, the console, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour. However, the manual provides very clear step-by-step assembly instructions and a set of basic tools for the task is included.

Once the machine is fully assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. The internal parts shouldn’t need any lubrication for a very long period of time. You only have to keep the unit clean, check for loose parts from time to time, and grease the joints if necessary.

The Pros

• Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Fixed and mobile handlebars;
• Medium-weight flywheel (22 lbs) for a more consistent pedaling motion;
• Large, non-slip pedals;
• Eddy current, automatic resistance (16 levels);
• Multi-window LCD display with LED backlight;
• The console tracks all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, watts, calories, and pulse;
• Goal settings for time, distance, calories, and watts;
• Pulse sensors and pulse reading function;
• Telemetric receiver built-in the console for wireless HR chest straps;
• 24 workout programs available;
• Recovery function;
• Accessory holder included;
• Sound system included;
• Quiet operation;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• A heart rate chest strap is not included;
• No bottle holder.

Summary

The XTERRA Fitness FS2.5 is an elliptical trainer designed for home use. It features a motorized magnetic resistance system with 16 levels, a medium-weight (22 lbs) internal flywheel, and an LCD console with 24 workout programs. It also has a fairly decent construction with a weight capacity of 300 lbs. It’s an excellent trainer for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, interval workouts, muscle toning, and weight loss. And finally, it’s one of the most affordable elliptical trainers with an automatic resistance system.