LifeCore CD400 Elliptical Trainer Review

Strengths:

Center Drive - Unlike traditional ellipticals that have a larger flywheel either in front or behind the pedals, center drive ellipticals have 2 smaller flywheels on the side. This design has been in the commercial market for a while but is starting to creep into a few home models like the CD400 ellitpical.

Many people find center drive ellipticals feel more comfortable than standard ellipticals. The user stands more upright on the elliptical, not leaning as much on the handrails. This can help burn more calories and get a more effective workout.

According to the people at Lifecore, they have taken over the patent that Ironman had on their center drive ellipticals (Ironman is owned by Keys, which has filed for bankruptcy.)

When the Ironman center drive ellipticals were discontinued, people were understandably upset, since these were great machines. Now they can get pretty much the same machine in the CD400.

21" Stride - This is a very long stride and can fully work you leg muscles to give you a more effective workout.

Compact - Coming in at a compact 41" x 31", this elliptical doesn't take up a lot of space. It's more of a square than the long rectangle shaped elliptical. This is handy if you're short on workout space, or just want more area to fit other equipment in your home gym.

18 Built In Workouts - You have a lot of fitness options here. You can choose from 12 pre-set, 4 Heart Rate Control, Heart Rate Recovery Program, and 1 User Customized program that you design yourself.

Wireless and Hand Grip Heart Rate Monitor - The Lifecore CD400 elliptical gives you 2 ways to monitor your heart rate. There's a hand grip monitor on the stationary front bars and there's also a wireless chest strap. Several workout programs are also responsive to your heart rate results and will adjust to keep you in your target zone.

Weaknesses:

While many people will appreciate the longer 21" stride, some shorter users (i.e. under 5'2") may find it's a bit too long. For a center drive elliptical with multiple strides (18" 20" and 22") check out the Nordic Track A.C.T. elliptical

Conclusion: Recommended

The Lifecore CD400 elliptical is one of the brand new center drive ellipticals from a solid brand name in the business. It feels more substantial than some other center drive units on the market.

You get the comfort of a center drive machine (i.e. more upright on the pedals, closer foot pedal spacing) with some added extras like a long 21" stride, 18 built in workouts, console fan and wireless heart rate monitoring.

Shorter users may want to check out the Nordic Track A.C.T. first which has slightly shorter stride options (18", 20" and 22"). But if you want a well built, stable-feeling center drive elliptical, the CD400 is definitely one to consider.

Where To Buy At A Discount:

Although it can be hard to find, you can buy the CD400 direct from the Manufacturer. You can get Free Shipping - plus all orders ship the next business day so you'll get it fast.

Click Here To Save on the Lifecore Center Drive Elliptical - CD400

Although not as prominent as other brands, the LifeCore Fitness name is becoming known for making quality ellipticals with strong construction.

The Lifecore CD400 elliptical is one of their newest center drive ellipticals.

Many people like center drive ellipticals (where there are 2 smaller flywheels on the side of the machine instead of a larger one out front or in back) since you stand more upright on the pedals.

The footpedals are also spaced slightly closer together which can also feel more comfortable.

Is the Lifecore CD400 a good buy for you? Here's some facts to help you decide.

Features:

Price: $1699

Stride Length: 21"

Resistance: 16 Levels

Upper Body Arms: Yes

Heart Rate Monitor: Hand grip & Chest Strap

Water Bottle Holder: Yes

User Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Built In Workouts: 18

FootPring: 41" L x 31" W x 64" H

Warranty: 5 Years on Parts, 1 Year on Labor