Exerpeutic Elliptical 1000XL Review: is it still the best budget elliptical?

I like Exerputic because they are one of the only companies out there that produce decent quality fitness equipment with low price tags, I’ve been reviewing their gear for years, and I’m always impressed by how high the quality is for the price point.

So yes, if you’re looking for a no bells and whistles elliptical that punches above its price tag on build quality, then the Exerpetic 1000XL might be a good choice for you.

Today we’ll take a look at everything this elliptical has to offer, including any drawbacks, as there are a few. Also, at the end of the review, I’ll compare it to the Marcy Elliptical, another impressive machine in this price range.

First, let’s take a quick look at the 1000XL product specs!

Why Do We Like The Exerpeutic Elliptical?

One of the things I love about this elliptical is that the flywheel is behind you instead of in front of you. When the flywheel is behind, you have to pull more than push to get the flywheel to spin, and because you’re pulling, you’re using the large posterior chain muscles like the glutes and hamstrings.

These muscles have a much higher caloric output requirement than the smaller anterior muscles of the legs like quads, which means you’ll burn at least twice as many calories using a rear-drive elliptical compared to a front-drive, where you mostly push the flywheel.

Also, because you’re pulling that flywheel rather than just pushing it, it naturally keeps the body in a straight uptight position which is exactly what you want. You won’t have to keep correcting your posture all the time like you have to when using a front-drive elliptical.

So yes, the best feature of this elliptical is its design. It’s always better to choose an elliptical where the flywheel is behind rather than in front, not just for calorie burn but also for keeping the correct posture while pedaling.

Easy To Use

Something else I think you’ll like about the 1000XL is just how easy it is to use. It’s a basic machine, meaning there’s nothing complicated to set up.

Once assembled, you can just jump on this elliptical and get going. You don’t have the hassle of subscription apps or hundred of menus to scroll through. Anyone can set up and use this machine. It’s perfect for beginners or first-time elliptical users.

Click here to check price of Exerputic 1000XL on Amazon

Short Stride Length Just 13″

One of the problems you always come across when choosing a budget elliptical is a short stride length. And the Exerpeutic is not different from other ellipticals in this price range; it can only boast a 13″ stride.

The stride length is so important as it determines who can use the machine and how comfortable they’ll feel at full stride. The last thing you want is to feel restricted. A 13″ stride length is suitable for users up to 5’8″. This is not an elliptical built for tall people.

Yes, taller people could use the elliptical but only for slow-paced workouts like walking, as walking requires a shorter stride.

• So for walking, jogging and running max height limit for the 1000XL is 5’8″
• Anyone over 5’8″ can only use the elliptical for walking, maybe light jogging.

How Smooth Does This Elliptical Feel?

How smooth the elliptical motion feels is mainly down to the weight of the flywheel. This is a budget machine, so you can expect to feel anywhere near gym quality. Still, you do have a 10lb flywheel, which is impressive for the price point. There is just enough weight there to keep things smooth and consistent. It will not feel jerky like so many of the budget ellipticals.

Basic but Decent Monitor

The Exerpeutic elliptical features an easy to read large LCD, it is quite basic as you would expect in this price category, but it does track all the useful stats such as distance, calories burned, time elapsed, heart rate and speed.

You can not select resistance levels from the monitor; the resistance levels can only be selected via a knob under the monitor.

It was nice to see this elliptical does monitor your pulse rate; although not as accurate as using a heart rate chest strap the built-in handlebar pulse sensors will let you monitor your heart rate with some accuracy.

N.B There is a Bluetooth option for the 1000XL, which allows you to download your workout data and access your favorite fitness apps.

8 Levels of Quiet Magnetoioc Resistnace

Magnetic resistance is undoubtedly a powerful selling feature of the Exerpeutic elliptical. Why? Because magnetic resistance is whisper quiet in motion

Magnetic resistance does away with the noisy fan used in air resistance ellipticals and allows you to watch TV or listen to music without being disturbed by the sound of the machine.

And because magnetic resistance is constant i.e., it doesn’t matter how fast you walk or run; the resistance stays the same strength unless you manually change it. You can even walk at a slow pace in a high-resistance setting, something that is impossible with air resistance.

The Exerpeutic comes with eight levels of magnetic resistance. There is enough scope in resistance strength to suit most beginners and intermediate users.

Users have praised the smooth motion and strength of resistance, which is surprising and great to hear, especially in the budget range.

Static and Moving Handlebars

The Exerpeutic 1000XL comes with a static and moving pair of handlebars. The stationary pair are excellent for beginners, as you can grab hold of these and get used to the elliptical motion. Once you’ve built your confidence, you can move on to the moving pair for a full-body workout.

Even people who have owned an elliptical for years still love to use the static pair of handlebars as they allow you to focus fully on the lower body. You can dial the resistance strength to a high level and really give the legs a tough workout.

1- Hour Assembly

This is a fairly light elliptical, so most people should be able to put this machine together on their own. The average build time for the 1000XL is just over an hour, with many people saying it was easier than they thought it would be.

You’ll be glad to hear most of the complicated stuff, like the drive and magnetic resistance systems, already come pre-assembled. All you’ll need to do is attach the bases of the frame, the handlebar main post and the mobile/fixed handlebars, the lateral foot bars, footplates, and the console.

All the tools for the job are provided, so too is an illustrated manual.

Alternative

Marcy Elliptical Trainer

There are three brands I trust to deliver quality in the low price ranges; Sunny Health and Fitness, Exerpeutic, and Marcy. Marcy has been around the longest, and they have a ton of experience in low-cost cardio gear. And their budget elliptical is one of my favorites.

The Marcy Elliptical costs just under $250 right now; sometimes, it s on offer for even lower this. Even at $250, it’s a bargain, It’s another well-built machine, and users have praised how good it feels exercising on the Marcy elliptical which is surprising for a low-cost machine.

The Marcy is very similar to the Exerpeutic 1000XL as both weigh around 80lb, both include eight levels of whisper-quiet magnetic resistance, and a belt drive system, both have flywheels at the back of the machine rather than the front, and both come with the same weight flywheel.

So there’s not much between the two. The Marcy has a slightly shorter stride of 12″, so you have a max height of 5’7″ with the Marcy. Still, the Marcy is slightly cheaper than the 1000XL, so you’d expect a shorter stride.

Overall it’s another well-made budget elliptical. If you want to spend around $200, the Marcy is currently the best choice.

To Sum Up

I’m still impressed you can get hold of a decent elliptical for under $300, and the Exerpeutic 1000XL is proof of that. Yes, it’s basic, as you’d expect. There are no bells and whistles, but the build quality is there; it will last if you look after it.

The only thing that really holds back these two budget ellipticals ‘the Marcy and the Exerpeutic’ is their short stride length. If you’re 5’8″ or under, you’ll be fine. Still, if you’re taller than this, it’s worth saving up for a little longer and choosing an elliptical with a longer stride length.