ProForm Professional HIIT H14 Elliptical Evaluation (2024)

Typically whenever you’re caught between two choices — chocolate or vanilla, elliptical or stair climber — the universe comes by way of with a solution. The ProForm Professional HIIT H14 Elliptical might or is probably not that signal from above, however it’s nonetheless one of many finest ellipticals we’ve examined. Its hybrid design turns the horizontal glide of an elliptical upright to extra intently resemble a stair climber, permitting you to ramp up the depth of your cardio.

Whereas stair climbers are inherently simpler on the joints than treadmills, the elliptical-like design of the gliding pedals lessens the influence that rather more. After testing dozens of elliptical machines and stair climbers, our group thinks the distinctive design of the H14 is a good match for athletes who want low-impact coaching, however nonetheless need an intense exercise. Take a look at our ProForm Professional HIIT H14 Evaluation to see if this hybrid piece of health gear is a match for you.

ProForm Professional HIIT H14

This distinctive profile combines a stair climber and elliptical for a space-saving, high-performance coaching expertise. The Professional HIIT H14 can be built-in with the iFIT on-line exercise program, supplying you with entry to over 17,000 reside and on-demand health courses.

Foremost Takeaways

• Its compact, hybrid design combines the texture of a stair climber and ellipticals, although the stride is extra vertical than horizontal.
• Integration with iFIT offers you entry to 17,000 exercises, a few of which characteristic computerized resistance changes throughout its 26-level vary.
• Whereas the 14-inch touchscreen helps iFIT, it lacks a tool holder or entry to streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu.

ProForm Professional HIIT H14 Elliptical Highlights

After taking the ProForm Professional HIIT H14 Elliptical for a spin, it was obvious that its vertical orientation leans extra in the direction of stair climber than elliptical. Nevertheless, this distinctive design does incorporate many advantages of ellipticals, like its hallmark gliding movement that’s simpler on the joints than operating. 

As licensed private coach Jesse Zucker, NCSF-CPT, explains, each of those cardio machines can cut back the load in your joints that may result in cartilage injury, however another so than the opposite. (1) “The elliptical and the stair climber are each low-impact exercises, however the elliptical is lower-impact. Since your toes keep on the pedals, you’re not including additional shock or pressure to your joints at the same time as you improve the depth.”

Conventional stair climbers mimic the real-world expertise of — you guessed it — climbing stairs. As your foot lifts to achieve the subsequent stair, your knees and again take in the shock because it lands. So whereas stair climbers offset extra influence than a treadmill, an elliptical offsets greater than a stair climber. The H14 helps shut that hole by permitting you to plant your toes on the outsized, elliptical-style pedals.

The vertical and horizontal gliding movement of this cross coach combines the lower-impact cardio of ellipticals with the elevated depth of stair climbers. “I cherished seeing the outsized pedals and so they have been well-cushioned like a real elliptical,” stated our tester, a CrossFit Stage-1 coach. “Plus the 2 units of handles — one mounted and one transferring — gave me the choice of working my higher physique.”

In addition they highlighted that, whereas “elliptical” could also be within the title, it’s best to anticipate the movement of a stair climber. “I’d completely name this a stepper machine earlier than calling it an elliptical,” they stated. “It’s undoubtedly not as cumbersome as an elliptical — a lot taller than it’s extensive — however I used to be very impressed with how sturdy it was.” 

The value tag might induce some sticker shock, however with the iFIT-enabled 14-inch touchscreen, it nonetheless earned a 3.5 out of 5 for worth from our tester. “At $1,700, it’s undoubtedly not low-cost, however it’s actually a high-tech machine,” they stated. “iFIT’s programming really makes it one of many finest health apps on the market.”  

The iFIT app’s library of greater than 17,000 courses consists of trainer-led studio classes and scenic hikes, walks, and runs, together with my private favourite, the Grand Canyon Mountaineering Sequence. You may even hop off and swivel the show to tackle some power coaching, yoga, or extra. 

Whereas an iFIT membership doesn’t come low-cost — $39.99 per thirty days — our group thinks the number of exercises and surplus of motivational trainers assist justify the added expense. Additionally, choose iFIT exercises can take management of your resistance, robotically adjusting the H14’s 26 ranges to an teacher’s suggestions. 

Coaching With the ProForm Professional HIIT H14 Elliptical

BarBend’s knowledgeable group of licensed private trainers, CrossFit coaches, and gymnasium homeowners have tried and examined greater than 20 ellipticals and 10 steppers and vertical climbers. After spending time on the ProForm Professional HIIT H14 Elliptical, our tester, a CrossFit Stage-1 coach, utilized the BarBend gear testing methodology to assign scores of 1 (lowest) to five (highest) throughout 13 classes, together with ergonomics, tech capabilities, footprint and portability, and extra. 

After reviewing this text, BarBend knowledgeable reviewer Amanda Capritto added her perception and gave it her stamp of approval. Take a look at what we needed to say concerning the ProForm Professional HIIT H14 and its distinctive hybrid design beneath. 

Hybrid Design

Even when you have expertise with the finest stair climbers and ellipticals, the hybrid design of the ProForm Professional HIIT H14 might shock you. Whereas it may very well be successfully described as a combo of the 2, our tester says its vertical orientation makes it nearer to a stair climber than elliptical. “The 5-inch horizontal stride undoubtedly feels shorter than the 20-inch commonplace I’ve skilled with different ellipticals, however the 10-inch vertical climb makes up for it with a cushty, stepper-like sensation,” they stated, scoring the H14’s ergonomics 4 out of 5.

As licensed private coach Jesse Zucker explains, ellipticals and stair climbers each deal with the decrease physique, however are literally fairly totally different. “The elliptical mimics strolling, however your toes keep on the pedals — you’ll principally be gliding. It additionally consists of an non-compulsory upper-body exercise should you go for utilizing the handles,” they stated. “The stair climber does what it says: it mimics climbing stairs. You may alter the resistance and pace on each to up the depth.”

The H14 straddles the road between the 2. Your toes keep on the pedals (like an elliptical), however it looks like climbing stairs (like a stair climber). Its transferring handlebars help upper-body work (like an elliptical), however its 26 ranges of ProForm’s “Silent Magnetic Resistance” (SMR) are greater than you will note on lots of the finest industrial ellipticals.

Its 30-pound inertia-enhanced flywheel additionally surpasses the common vary on most ellipticals — 16 to twenty kilos — and helped the H14 earn a sturdiness score of 5 out of 5 from our tester. “Together with its sturdy body, the heavy flywheel helps improve its stability,” they famous. “It was additionally tremendous quiet, so should you’re in a shared area, you received’t have to fret about an excessive amount of noise.”

They continued, “There’s no incline or decline, however this resistance vary is far more than the trade commonplace of 12 resistance ranges.” 

They felt the traces between the elliptical and stair climber begin to blur throughout their exercise, score its customizations 3.75 out of 5. “So, it undoubtedly feels extra like a stair climber, however you too can pedal ahead and backward,” they stated.

iFIT 

The good HD touchscreen is built-in with iFIT, a health app providing hundreds of trainer-led cardio courses and digital hikes that persistently earns scores of 5 out of 5 from our group. You may entry this content material through the 14-inch good HD touchscreen, which swivels so you’ll be able to take power and mobility courses off the machine. 

“The touchscreen is evident and it’s good with the ability to swivel it,” they stated. “However the belle of the ball is iFIT’s programming.” With over 17,000 courses at your fingertips, iFIT gives the kind of immersive coaching that our knowledgeable reviewer Amanda Capritto thinks will help keep engaged and dedicated to their health routine. “iFIT is a few of the finest interactive programming on the market and actually helps stop boredom,” she says. 

Entry to all this streaming goodness will set you again a further $39.99 per thirty days. Plus, should you’re hoping to binge some Netflix or YouTube, unhealthy information: the display screen solely streams iFIT. 

By connecting Bluetooth headphones (or plugging in wired headphones) you’ll be able to sustain together with your iFIT exercises with out blasting the audio by way of the speaker. Bluetooth additionally lets you join a third-party coronary heart charge monitor.

We do want there was a media shelf or system holder on the console to prop up your individual cellular system. When you determine to go together with the ProForm Professional HIIT H14, our tester thinks an iFIT subscription is principally a requirement. “When you aren’t planning on subscribing to iFIT, I believe you’d be higher off with a much less tech-centric machine,” they stated, scoring tech capabilities a 4 out of 5. 

Low-Affect Cardio Coaching 

After they sized up these two house gymnasium gear favorites, Zucker famous that each will help cut back the stress in your joints that may result in cartilage injury. (1) “The elliptical and the stair climber are each low-impact exercises, however the elliptical is lower-impact,” they stated. “Since your toes keep on the pedals, you’re not including additional shock or pressure to your joints at the same time as you improve the depth.” 

Nevertheless, Zucker favored the stair climber for depth. “The motion sample of climbing stairs, particularly with resistance, engages extra of your decrease physique muscular tissues, elevating your coronary heart charge and depth faster.” 

The H14 combines the elevated depth of climbing stairs with the low-impact gliding movement of ellipticals. That stated, the stride size is simply 5 inches lengthy, which is way shorter than the 20-inch common on most fashions we now have examined. However as our tester famous, this machine is a mix of each. “This isn’t a conventional elliptical in any respect,” they famous. “You may’t take the lengthy gliding strides you’d on a typical elliptical.”

Compact Footprint

Most stair climbers and ellipticals eat up about as a lot flooring area as a recliner — 10 to 13 sq. toes. We wouldn’t depend the H14 among the many finest compact train gear we’ve examined, however its vertical silhouette can prevent a little bit little bit of area. “It takes up 10.47 sq. toes, so it’s not as space-hungry as a daily rear-drive elliptical,” they stated, score its footprint and portability 3.5 out of 5. “Nevertheless, it’s taller than these machines, and it doesn’t fold or something.” 

At 224 kilos, it’s not precisely straightforward to maneuver round. Our tester famous that the front-mounted transport wheels make it manageable, although. “I undoubtedly wouldn’t name this factor ‘gentle,’” they stated. “Most individuals shouldn’t have bother rolling it round a room, however should you’re going up or down any stairs, name a buddy.” 

All in all, they assume it’s finest to decide on a recliner-sized spot for its perpetually house, however assume twice earlier than setting it up in a storage. “That is comparatively frequent with machines like this, however the guarantee will probably be voided if it’s not saved in a climate-controlled area — like a storage,” they stated. 

What to Think about Earlier than Shopping for the ProForm Professional HIIT H14 Elliptical

Whereas it gives many traits of ellipticals — gliding movement, outsized pedals, and transferring arms — the vertical orientation is nearer to that of a stair climber. This implies your exercises may have a bit extra chunk because you’ll be climbing increased than most ellipticals. Think about that, together with these key elements, when you concentrate on including this hybrid cardio machine to your area.

Most popular Coaching Kind

Earlier than committing to the H14, do not forget that it extra intently resembles a stair climber than an elliptical. This implies the low-impact cardio it gives up will probably be extra intense than the sleek horizontal glides of conventional ellipticals. Regular-state cardio is definitely attainable on the H14, however, as its title implies, this machine is finest suited to sweat-drenched HIIT exercises.

[Related: Elliptical Vs. Stair Climber]

This machine’s 26 ranges of magnetic resistance might be adjusted through the console or, should you’re in a suitable iFIT class, robotically through the app. This fashion, you’ll be able to deal with surviving your HIIT session quite than scrambling to navigate all these fast resistance modifications. 

You’ll additionally need to remember the fact that the one onboard programming is iFIT. Capritto recommends factoring within the further price of iFIT ($39.99 per thirty days) when making your choice. “When you don’t need to pay for a health subscription, it’s possible you’ll need to search for an elliptical that has built-in exercises,” she says.

Obtainable House

The H14 takes up about as a lot flooring area as a typical recliner. (2) While you’re planning out the place you would possibly park it, ask your self whether or not you would drop in a small piece of furnishings in the identical spot. 

Capritto says measuring the place spot your elliptical, stair climber, or hybrid machine will keep must be your first consideration. “It is a good place to begin, since you’ll be actually pissed off should you purchase an elliptical that doesn’t slot in your supposed area or — if you should be versatile together with your area — isn’t straightforward to maneuver.”

Worth

In comparison with most ellipticals, the H14 would land on the prime of the common $1,200 to $1,800 we normally see. However do not forget that this can be a distinctive machine, so it’s not precisely an apples-to-apples comparability. One figuring out issue is its 14-inch touchscreen and iFIT integration.

Capritto says that high-end options like these can bump the value properly above that of the finest finances house gymnasium gear. “You’ll pay some huge cash to get top-tier options on an elliptical, identical to you’ll for some other huge piece of cardio gear,” she factors out. “Whereas there are many budget-friendly ellipticals obtainable, they received’t examine all the packing containers for lots of people.”

Conveniences

Within the warmth of a exercise on the H14, conveniences just like the fan and water bottle holder could make an enormous distinction. It additionally consists of transport wheels to assist in transferring it round, in addition to leveling toes to ensure it stays balanced throughout use. Our tester rated the H14’s conveniences 3.75 out of 5. 

ProForm Professional HIIT H14 Elliptical Vs. the Competitors

The ProForm Professional HIIT H14 Elliptical is a singular mashup between an elliptical and stair climber, however we now have examined just a few different hybrids on the market that additionally favor a vertical orientation. Together with two different combo machines, we included the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, one of many finest ellipticals with incline we’ve examined. 

The closest comparability to the H14 is the stair-climber really feel of the BowFlex Max Coach. Just like the H14, your toes will stay grounded in outsized pedals versus lifting and stepping on a conventional stair climber. Nevertheless, as a result of the stride is strictly vertical, it capabilities way more like a stair climber than the true hybrid nature of the H14. The Max Coach does price $300 much less, however the machine is a bit slimmer. You’ll discover a 76-pound product weight distinction, plus a decrease weight capability and eight fewer resistance ranges.

Chances are you’ll must learn our NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Coach evaluate to get the total image of how its hybrid design works. As a substitute of mixing the performance of a stair climber and elliptical, it throws within the really feel of a treadmill to combine up your coaching much more. That is one it’s possible you’ll must see in motion, so watch BarBend’s Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, take it for a spin beneath.