HealthRider entered the fitness scene in the early 1990s. The brand debuted with the budget-priced HealthRider, a unique low-impact exercise machine that combines pedaling with a rowing motion. The product caught the eye of ICON Health and Fitness, and since 1997, ICON has owned the HealthRider name. (ICON also owns ProForm, NordicTrack, and several other brands of fitness equipment.) ICON has expanded the line to include treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bicycles.
Special Features of HealthRider Fitness Equipment
» Low cost has always characterized this brand. For example, of the four HealthRider treadmills in the 2010 lineup, three could be found for sale online for under $1000. The same holds true for the brand’s elliptical trainers.
» Extra features such as HealthRider’s built-in personal trainer workouts, speaker systems, and workout fans aren’t always available with budget equipment.
» Higher weight capacities – When compared with other budget brands, this brand’s treadmills and cross trainers tend to have higher user weight capacities.
Another HealthRider Brand Advantage: iFit Live
iFit Live is included on newer HealthRider trainers. This unique technology offers virtual personal training with Jillian Michaels and other personal trainers. iFit Live even lets users virtually experience trails from all over the globe; the technology makes fitness machines automatically adjust to mimic the real terrain.
With iFit.com, members can automatically upload their workout data, get personalized advice, and compete in virtual races with friends who use Facebook.
HealthRider Equipment Lines
The HealthRider (HR2) – Customer satisfaction is high for this product. The HR2 weight loss machine provides low-impact full-body workouts. It looks like a hybrid between an elliptical machine and a recumbent bike, and users liken the upper-body workout to rowing with resistance. The HealthRider is small enough to keep in most apartments or condos and is priced well under $1000.
Treadmills – The brand’s current treadmill lineup includes 4 models, ranging from the relatively sparse H75t to the Club Series H155t.
The H75t is a good overall value. It has a 2.5 HP motor, an iFit card reader, Intermix Acoustics, and built-in personal training programs. However, a drawback is that users can’t input their weight. This results in inaccurate estimates of calorie burning. The mid-series H95t does not have this problem. Also, the H95t has a touch-screen display in addition to an iPod dock and iFit Live.
At the top of the line, the 3.5 horsepower H155t has a cable TV built right into the console! It also features a 60” long tread belt, 0-12 mph capability, and 32 built-in workout programs – plus the ability to get additional programs through iFit Live.
Elliptical Machines – Elliptical machines, sometimes called cross trainers, are used to simulate walking or running without putting undue pressure on joints. This helps to minimize the effects of repeated impact. While ellipticals workouts are low-impact, they can be high or low in intensity, according to the individual’s preference.
HealthRider now features four elliptical trainers for home use. These are priced for the more budget-minded consumer, but all tend to receive good ratings and most have iFit workout options. Here are some highlights:
HealthRider bike – Sit back and have fun! Games such as BlackJack, Calorie Destroyer, and Fat Blocker are built into the console of HeathRider’s H45xr. This recumbent exercise bike also has an iFit card reader, so customers can add on unlimited 8-week personal training sessions that target specific goals, such as endurance and weight loss.
This bike is especially recommended to people with back pain and joint problems, and those who’d rather not climb onto an upright bike.
Drawbacks of HealthRider Fitness Equipment
Shorter warranties – Many HealthRider products include just 90-day parts warranties and 1-year frame warranties. Some include lifetime frame warranties and 1-year parts warranties. In either case, longer warranties are normally offered on big purchases like fitness equipment.
iFit requirements – To enjoy many of iFit’s special features, the user needs to have wireless internet technology in the workout area. Also, the cost of an iFit Live membership and/or iFit cards should be figured into the purchase price if applicable.
Lower quality – The cheaper fitness equipment from this brand has entertaining extras, but it lacks the durability and overall quality of more expensive offerings. Most HealthRider fitness machines are not intended for heavy daily use.