Lifecore CD400 Elliptical Trainer

Patented center-drive technology gives the Lifecore CD400 an excellent platform for maintaining great posture while working out both upper and lower body parts. 

You'll feel balanced and safe which allows you to concentrate on the TV, Ipod or book while you sweat that fat away! By keeping your body from leaning forward or back while working out you'll feel very comfortable on this machine.  In fact, for the under-$1500 group of ellipticals this one really comes in at the top of the list for pound-for-pound value. 

The great folks at Lifecore, as we've mentioned in other reviews, spend a great deal of time working with their customers to find out what sort of improvements can be made to the equipment.  One of the elements that they have consistently been praised for is the closer pedal spacing of their machines.  The LIfecore CD400 elliptical also includes this closer pedal spacing with feels more comfortable and possibly easier on the joints than other machines. 

The shorter the user, the more helpful this pedal spacing issue would seem to be. Think about the angles involved for a moment...and it comes into focus quickly. Clean, well thought out control panels have also been a consistent feature we've appreciated with the Lifecore fitness equipment.  No cutsy cluttering of tons of buttons.  Straight to the point multi function buttons that are well labeled and intuitive in their function. 

The consoled screen includes a book rack protrusion (nice word, eh?) that will assist you in covering up the screen while the machine is torturing you. Before I forget I wanted to mention the drive system, or more accurately, the braking system.  All ellipticals apply resistance by one of several methods.  To increase the load or resistance felt by the user, Lifecore has equipped this machine with magnetic resistance. 

What's in it for you?  Precisely controlled resistance - none of that sketchy friction pad stuff from older or cheaper machines.  Relying on magnetic forces to control the resistance not only gives more control but also a very fluid and consistent resitance at various pace levels.  Think - Marching through silky smooth goo that wants to burn your leg muscles off your body. 

Several machines out there methion the padded foot pedals.  The Lifecore CD400 elliptical model includes this.  Honestly, I must have numb feet because I can't seem to appreciate the difference.  Then again, I'm not working out barefoot -- Are you?

Here's a couple more bulletpoints on the unique "stuff" on this machine:

• Sealed Bearing joints - quiet, long-lasting
• Polar heart rate strap compatible
• 2 user profiles - save time when you jump on without punching in all your vitals every time.

My bottom line on the Lifecore CD400 elliptical is this - Great value, solid machine with some cool features. One last thing - the price on this machine is going to be oddly similar every site you check.  So which one should you buy from?  For my money, I'd rather deal directly with the manufacturer, all other things held constant.  That way, if I have a problem at least I know I'm talking to the right people.