Let's review the Smooth
CE 3.6 Elliptical Trainer . . .
The Smooth Fitness CE 3.6 elliptical trainer offers all
of the basic features that you expect from a modern residential
elliptical machine. There are wheels built onto the machine so you can
move it from one room of the home to another with ease. The moving
handlebars allow you to work your entire body, rather than just working
the lower body. The console is nicely sized so you don’t have to strain
to see a bunch of information crammed into a small space.
However, what makes the CE 3.6 elliptical trainer worth
consideration are the advanced features that make working out at home
more efficient and motivating. This is a more expensive elliptical
trainer, but it delivers a lot of extra value for your money.
The biggest advantage to purchasing the Smooth Fitness CE-3.6
elliptical trainer is having wireless heart rate control. This is
something that does not come with many other elliptical machines, and
which cannot be found in the lower price ranges for the most part. The
machine comes with the chest strap, so you can continuously monitor
your heart rate throughout every workout.
There is also a heart rate control workout setting, which allows the
machine to determine your ideal target heart rate. The settings
automatically adjust throughout the workout in order to keep your heart
at that target heart rate. The result is an exceptionally accurate fat
burning workout that brings results when performed routinely.
You also get a backlit console that is easy to read. It comes with a
variety of entertainment features that will make working out more
enjoyable for most users, including:
- High quality built-in speakers designed for exceptional sound clarity
- Docking station for an iPod
- 16 resistance levels
- 10 preprogrammed workouts
- Fan with three speed options
The iPod docking station is another feature that you won’t find on
lower priced elliptical trainers, and many within this same price range
do not offer this. This docking station will charge the iPod while it
streams music through the built-in speakers. Most other elliptical
trainers only play the music, since they are not docking stations.
The number of resistance levels and preprogrammed workouts are adequate
for efficient in-home workouts, but there are many other elliptical
trainers that can be found with those same features. The 18” stride can
also be found on many other elliptical trainers, but it is efficient
for most users. Even those who are over six feet tall who would not be
comfortable on a 15” stride elliptical will find this one appropriate
for their natural stride.
The foot pedals are designed to be ergonomically correct with a pivot
for the ankle, so they should feel more like natural walking or jogging
while not placing a lot of stress on joints or muscles. This is an
advanced design that is starting to become more popular with many
elliptical trainers, but which is still not found on every model
available.
Finally, this elliptical trainer comes with an unbeatable warranty. The
brakes and frame are covered for lifetime, you get five years on all
parts and electronics, and two years of in-home labor.
Smooth CE 3.6 Elliptical Trainer Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage for many consumers is the price tag on this
elliptical trainer. It retails for more than $2,000, but can often be
found more toward a thousand if you shop the sales. This may still be
too much of an investment for some people, but remember all of the
advances features that you get for the higher price tag.
Another disadvantage could be the size of the elliptical trainer. This
is a larger sized machine, so you will need to make some room in your
home for it. Those who live in apartments or smaller homes may need to
move furniture out of the way in order to accommodate this machine.
Unfortunately, it does not fold up so would not be easy to store away.
If you have the room and can afford the investment, it is difficult to
find any other disadvantages for the Smooth Fitness CE-3.6 elliptical
trainer. The majority of consumer reviews give nothing but praise for
this machine, especially when it comes to the stable feel of the
machine and the incredible durability.
Is the Smooth CE 3.6 Elliptical Trainer Right for You?
This may not be the right elliptical trainer for everyone, but it is
one of the higher quality options on the market today. This is a
machine that you can perform more vigorous, lengthy workouts on without
worries of a cracked or unstable frame. The warranty is unbeatable, so
you don’t have to worry about getting replacement parts, a replacement
machine, or your money back if there are manufacturer defects with the
unit you initially receive.
Those who purchase this Smooth elliptical tend to be those who want
exceptional quality on a machine that will last for many years. Those
who intend to use their elliptical daily or who like to workout at
higher intensities will appreciate the durability offered with the
CE-3.6 Smooth elliptical. Lower quality machines would not stand up to
high intensity workouts nearly as well.
Of course, those who purchase this elliptical should be those who can
afford to spend a couple thousand dollars on home workout equipment. In
the least, they should be willing to look for the sales and able to pay
at least a thousand dollars. That is perhaps the one barrier that may
prevent some consumers from purchasing this machine.
Before writing this machine off for price, consider whether you will
actually use the advanced features listed above. For example, if you
really need wireless heart rate control, you may not have much choice
but to invest a bit more in your machine. Only the higher quality
machines now come with the chest strap and wireless monitoring
capabilities. Comparing this Smooth elliptical trainer with other
models that have this feature may help you find comparable elliptical
trainers to consider.
One thing to keep in mind is that the user weight limit for this
elliptical is 300 pounds. Heavier users will have to look at other
models strong enough to handle the weight.
Overall, this is a high quality elliptical trainer that would be a
worthwhile addition to almost anyone's home gym.
