The Precor EFX 221 Energy Series elliptical trainer is a great choice for people who are looking for an elliptical that is both affordable and has all the features that they need.
The trainer comes with three stride lengths, which is perfect for people of all heights, and it also has a 16-level resistance system.
The Precor EFX energy series elliptical trainer comes in 4 different designs with slight differences in their key features. You get to choose between EFX 221, EFX 222, EFX 225, or EFX 245 Energy Series elliptical.
Although the EFX 221 is an entry-level trainer in the Energy series, the trainer is constructed with technology adopted from their commercial-grade models.
The EFX 221 elliptical features the patented CrossRamp technology, which makes the trainer move 3 times faster compared to their older existing ones.
The EFX 221 Energy series uses the magnetic resistance system and has 16 resistance levels.
The EFX 221 elliptical machine comes with 3 ramp angles and 3 stride lengths which must be manually changed.
Precor 221 elliptical focuses on toning specific lower body muscle groups as well as building cardio endurance.
Key Features of the Precor EFX 221
CrossRamp Technology and Variable Stride
The converging CrossRamp feature in the Precor EFX 221 comes with 3 manually adjustable stride settings of 15°, 20° and 25°.
The pedals move inwards as you pedal forward, just like how you walk or run on the ground. This ensures that your heels stay in contact with the pedals all the time. This allows for a more comfortable, effective, and ergonomically correct workout.
A moving adjustable ramp incline allows you to target different muscles at different ramp settings.
The lowest 15° angle tones your calves and hamstrings. Turn it to the highest 25° angle when you wish to tone all your lower body muscle groups including your glutes and quadriceps.
To manually adjust the ramp, pull up the ramp with one hand while you use your other hand to pull up the lever (located on the ramp). You can now choose the desired angle. Make sure the ramp has securely clicked into the desired position before using it.
12 Preset Workouts
You can choose from among 12 preset workout programs. Some of the pre-programmed workouts are 1-1 Interval, 1-2 Interval, Weight Loss, Basic HRC, Aerobic, Hill Climb, Cross Country, Gluteal, Cross Trainer and Manual.
Tailor your workout programs to suit your fitness level and fitness goals.
You can program 2 user profiles and save your preferences. The user profiles store your age, weight, and workout preferences.
16 Resistance Levels
Precor EFX 221 uses the magnetic resistance system and comes with 16 resistance levels. Resistance is measured in terms of Average Strides per Minute.
With the level 1 resistance, you get about 40 strides per minute and level 16 is about 200 strides per minute.
5″ High Contrast LCD Console Display
With the 5-inch LCD console display, you can easily check your time elapsed, time remaining, calories burned, calories/min, heart rate, target heart rate, smart rate zone, distance traveled, strides/min, average strides/min, resistance, and percentage completed.
You can check a total of 4 workout summary metrics: time elapsed, total calories, total distance, and average strides/min.
The console also lets you control the volume of your music player, smartphone or tablet. Just plug in your device and control the volume from the console.
Heart Rate Monitor
The elliptical machine lets you monitor your heart rate in two ways.
- You can use a chest strap and the trainer will receive the heart rate signal the chest strap transmits.
- You can use the touch sensors on the elliptical’s stationary handlebars.
To stay within the targeted heart rate zone, increase or decrease the intensity of your workouts. Your current heart rate will be displayed on the console.
Foot Pedals
To let you easily get onto the elliptical trainer, the pedals are always at the lowest position when starting them. Also, when the program ends, they will also stop at the lowest position.
You can do forward and reverse pedaling to target a different set of muscles.
Fixed Handlebars
The Precor EFX 221 comes with fixed handlebars that focus your workouts on your lower body.
Safety Features
It is essential that an elliptical machine allows for a safe workout and must therefore come with safety features.
The EFX 221 trainer comes with a safety pin and a lanyard. The safety pin is for locking the pedals and arms in place when the elliptical is not in use. This is important when you have small kids or pets around. When you want to use the trainer just remove the safety pin from the hole freeing the pedals and arms.
For safety reasons, turn off the power switch on the elliptical when not in use.
To ensure your safety when using the elliptical, the manufacturer provides a detailed user manual that can be found here.
Other Cool Features
Other cool features include a water bottle/remote control holder, a fully adjustable Smart Grip holder for your tablet as well as a reading rack.
There is a ledge on the console for you to put your book or your mobile phone. This ledge is above the display screen thus you can still glance at your workout data while reading your book.
It is iPod, iPhone, and android compatible.
At the back end of the flywheel cover, there is an active status light icon. This light alerts you when the machine has a problem.
Footprint
75″ L x 29″ W x 65″ H
Weight Of Machine:
193 pounds
Maximum User Weight
Tested up to 275 lb/125kg
Power
The machine needs to be plug-in to use – 120V, 50/60 Hz
Warranty
Frame and welds: Lifetime
Parts/Wear Items: 5 years
Console: 3 years
Labor: 1 year
Conclusion
The Precor EFX 221 energy series elliptical trainer comes with a good warranty. Even though the ramp incline has to be manually changed, it does offer 3 ramp positions to target different muscle groups at the 3 different settings.
Maintenance and cleaning are minimal with its enclosed ramp and enclosed rear flywheel. Being sealed prevents the drive from collecting dust, dirt and sweat over time.
With at least 20 years of experience in the elliptical line, they would have plenty of feedback to improve on their elliptical features.
The new trainer comes with excellent ergonomics.
However, preset workout choices are not that many.
If you only wish to stress on your lower body workouts, then the Precor EFX221 trainer is a good choice.
If you’re looking for a machine that gives you both lower and upper-body workouts, then you’ll need the one with moving handlebars. The other 3 models of the EFX energy series all come with moving handlebars.