we are debating between 2 different precor elliptical models--the 5.35 or the 5.31. the 2 biggest differences between them are that the 5.35 has moving arms (which can be locked to a stationary position) and an incline that goes up to 40 degrees, versus the 30 degrees of the 5.31. the price is substantially different, however, with the 5.35 being almost 800 more! just wondering if anyone can offer an opinion as to whether the 5.35 is worth it? if you have the machine, do you ever exercise with the incline to it's highest? do you use the arms? i'd appreciate any feedback anyone can give. we don't want to regret our purchase.
thanks so much.
E., We just bought the 5.31 at christmas time and I love it!!! We considered the 5.35 but I just couldn't spend the extra money. I never use it on the highest incline. (It's really high already, like a stair stepper)
I have always liked using the arms at the gym, but to be honest, I don't miss them! My husband does light wieghts with his arms when he is on too. I would say get the 5.31 and save the money. Good Luck and Enjoy!!!
Hi E., I'm not sure where you live so this may not work, but try hitting your local gyms and use each machine for at least an hour. The incline is probably not going to matter, but the moving arms give an extra upper body kick. However, the truth is that, for $800, you could pick up a good set of weights for much cheaper and end up ahead financially.
Good luck!
Hi E.,
The moving arms are worth the cost depending on other items you use in your workout. I am a runner and use an eliptical when I wish to focus on arms or the butt. You can really tone the arms and by pushing the heals down and holding them down during the workout you can really feel those (butt) muscles being used more. If you will use this piece of equipment more than once a week then you will see the difference in your workouts and the cost will be worth it. If you only plan to use this piece of equipment on a rainy day then the regular eliptical will meet the needs to sort of fill a "moving quota" for the day. Hope this helps, the elipticals with the moving arms work fantasticly for me.
Thanks,
V.
Erika:
When you work out on the elliptical, and utilize the arms as well as your lower body-you are getting more out of your workout overall. The incline feature will increase calories burned in less time. If the cost is prohibitive, try researching stores in your area that resell sports equipment. People who work out in a home gym, and actually keep their equipment and USE it is around 8%, so there is a huge resale market. In my area, there is a store called Second Wind, that sells equipment significantly cheaper and its guaranteed. Precor is a well known brand, and is the choice of most public gyms-so you are getting a good product. Also, if you are going to be using your elliptical regularly-the $800 will pay for itself overtime.
Again, research your area for Precor resales. Good luck!
