ProForm 740 ES Commercial Exercise Bike Review

The ProForm 740 ES Commercial is a recumbent exercise bike and allows the user to exercise in a lying down or “recumbent” position. The padded seat has a back support and the user operates the pedals with their legs stretched out in front of them.

The arrangement of the seat and pedals on this type of exercise bike puts less stress on the joints than an upright bike. This makes it ideally suited to people who are out of condition or who are recovering from an injury although all users will benefit from using it.

The bike has 34 challenging programs consisting of calorie, intensity, and performance, workouts. Additionally there are 26 digital resistance levels which can be selected from a button on the control console to help you burn more calories or tone up.

This exercise bike is iFIT enabled. Using Google Map technology the iFIT facility greatly enhances the workout experience. Train with Jillian Michaels, and receive workout downloads. This feature requires a subscription to iFIT which is sold separately.

Other highlights include: Silent Magnetic Resistance braking, CardioGrip heart rate monitor, web-enabled, touch screen display, integrated tablet holder, workout cooling fan and a sound system with iPOD / MP3 connectivity.

The machine is covered by a comprehensive warranty which offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, 3 years on all parts and 1 year labor.

It’s available at a discounted price from ProForm Fitness

Here’s a list of the main features:

… control console

The console houses the controls necessary for the operation of the bike including buttons to select the various workout programs (calorie, intensity or performance), resistance level selection, switch on the workout fan and adjust the volume of the audio system.

There is a further bank of buttons which can be used with the optional iFIT features for users that choose to subscribe to the iFIT service.

A web-enabled, touch screen display at the top of the console provides the user with feed back on their workout, while a fan at the bottom generates a cooling air stream.

A 3.5 mm jack located on the control panel allows audio devices such as an iPOD or MP3 player to be hooked up to the in-built speakers.

… workout programs

The exercise bike has 34 built-in workout programs. These programs are divided into calorie, intensity, and performance workouts.

Each workout has been designed by a certified personal trainer in order to help you get the most out of your workout session.

… web enabled touch screen

The 7″ color, touch screen incorporates a web browser. This enables the user to connect to their home’s wireless internet network and check their email, surf the web or participate in social networking activities.

Just like a normal display screen the user can check their progress, but the user is able to navigate through menus and pull up relevant workout data with just a swipe of the finger.

The touch screen display works with the built in iFIT module to enable the user to enjoy the experience of watching their workout progress in real time via the Google Maps Street View technology.

… precision flywheel

An important component of any exercise bike is the flywheel. This model has a 20 lbs, inertia enhanced flywheel that has been designed to give a silky smooth operation. This will benefit the user with a much more natural, fluid feel when pedaling.

… one-touch resistance

This exercise bike makes it easier to burn calories and increase your muscle tone by allowing the user to increase or decrease the amount of resistance that is applied to the bike’s motion.

There are a total of 26 digital resistance levels which can be selected from the conveniently located buttons on the control panel.

… magnetic braking

Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) braking is used on this model. This system offers a frictionless, resistance braking which is very smooth in operation and allows the user to adjust the intensity of their workout without having to break the continuity of their workout.

… ergonomic pedals

This exercise bike is equipped with large pedals to fit any size of foot. These ergonomically designed pedals are also fitted with adjustable straps to hold your foot in place.

… adjustable seat

To ensure a good seating position during your workout the bike is fitted with an over size, padded seat with lumbar support.

The seat is mounted on a rail and can be slid forward or back and then locked into position to ensure the optimum seating position for the user.

… cooling fan

Pedaling hard during your workout can leave you feeling hot and uncomfortable, but this exercise bike provides a solution with an integrated workout cooling fan.

The console mounted fan is operated from a button on the control panel and has two speed settings which can be selected for the optimum cooling effect.

… heart rate monitor

The exercise bike is also equipped with a dual-grip heart rate monitor. This helps you to make the most out of every workout by monitoring your heart rate with sensors that are built into the handlebars.

By monitoring your heart rate you can ensure that you’re always in the right training zone for your goals. This results in a more effective workout, burn more fat, and improve your cardiovascular health.

… iFIT enabled

This equipment is iFIT enabled. In essence this is a wireless connection between the internet and the exercise bike. The iFIT feature allows you to experience trails by using Google map technology.

The iFIT feature also enables you to customize your own fitness program, receive automatic workout downloads, manage your profile online and even work out with Jillian Michaels!

It should be noted that this feature requires a home wireless internet connection, and membership to iFIT which is sold separately.

… iPOD connection

The user can plug in their iPOD, or MP3 player, into the 3.5 mm jack situated on the control panel using a suitable audio cable (not supplied).

The user is now able to enjoy listening to their favorite music or an audio book through the speaker built into the control console rather than being constrained by a dangling, earphone cable.

Buttons on the control console allow the volume from the sound system to be adjusted to taste.

… tablet computer holder

The bike includes a tablet computer holder which is attached to the control console and has been designed for use with most full-size tablets.

The holder keeps your tablet secure and in close proximity so that you can access any online training tools or entertainment.