Exerpeutic 1000Xl Heavy Duty Elliptical Review

The Exerpeutic 1000Xl is one of the cheapest cross trainers on our review site. It’s a compact elliptical machine that weighs just 76 pounds and takes only 54” x 23” of floor space. “Heavy Duty” is in the full product name because the model is high capacity in comparison with other Exerpeutic ellipticals. (It can hold up to 300 pounds.) Other key points are moving arm bars, a 13” footpath and eight levels of resistance. The resistance is created with magnetic force upon a flywheel, which the trainee adjusts by turning a knob.

To make this elliptical so low-priced, the manufacturer has used very basic and rather low quality components. One example is the resistance system, which has eight settings whereas most home elliptical trainers have 20. Another example is the 13” stride, which is about a third shorter than the average adult’s most natural-feeling stride. And a third example is the omission of workout programming.

A small workout screen can rotate data about distance, calories burned, time, speed and heart rate. Heart rate is estimated through sensors on stationary handlebars.

Sale prices for Exerpeutic ellipticals are very low, but low price isn’t always a sign of good value. The hassles of maintaining this machine, and the risk of injury from its not-so-ergonomic design, lead us to conclude that it’s not worth our readers’ time, money or exercise efforts.

Our Favorite Features

• Compact size makes the 1000Xl Elliptical conveniently sized for smaller homes
• Weight capacity of 300 pounds is high for the sub-$500 elliptical price class
• Dual direction flywheel adds variety to training
• Adjustable resistance has eight manual settings from light to strong
• Moving handlebars help support a full-body workout
• Discount pricing makes this elliptical affordable in the short run

Our Least Favorite Features

• Low quality components make the machine likely to break down within several months of regular use, according to customer reviews
• Very short non-adjustable stride may feel uncomfortable or even cause damage; people of average and taller heights especially report discomfort
• Very basic monitor does not have workout programming, and its heart rate readout is not necessarily medically accurate
• No console is included for holding reading material, a phone or water bottle
• Maintenance required with frequent bolt tightening and use of a lubricant such as WD-40
• Customer service for Exerpeutic ellipticals, which is provided through Paradigm Health and Fitness, gets many negative reviews including claims that customer service fails to respond to customers’ email requests for help
• Manufacturer’s warranty coverage for the Exerpeutic 1000Xl Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical with Pulse is very limited

 

The Bottom Line

The Exerpeutic 1000Xl is an unusually cheap elliptical trainer in both price and quality. It has substandard ergonomics and is not built to withstand many exercise sessions. Because this machine might not be safe or comfortable to use, and because it’s prone to breaking down within six months, it struggles to earn even one star in our review. Keep looking and you’ll find a better match!

For examples of low-priced but more biomechanically friendly elliptical trainers, see our lists of best buys.