This article is about an elliptical machine – the Sole E95 Elliptical – that helped me get back into shape after a sports injury.
Being a former rugby player, I have some knowledge about fitness and exercise.
However, I have been away from the game for somewhere around a year and a half due to a muscle tear injury, and I found myself struggling with fitness.
During my time off, I had gained a tremendous amount of weight due to a poor diet and lack of exercise.
Realizing that this was not a path I wanted to continue on, I began using the Sole E95 Elliptical at home and eating a bit cleaner, and within no time, I got back in shape and rehabbed my sport injury.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing the Sole E95 Elliptical
I can speak from personal experience that it’s really easy to get off track on your fitness goals.
There are so many choices you can make on a day to day basis that can take you off your fitness goals.
I’m really fortunate I was able to stumble upon the Sole E95 Elliptical while I was recovering from my sports injury because it allowed me to do low impact exercises until I was ready to go full out on the rugby field again.
The elliptical does a great job of simulating walking, running, and climbing stairs – all great low impact cardio workouts to get your heart rate going.
I also want to add that this elliptical is a good, safe option for those with some types of injury from exercise or sports and are looking to remain in shape because of the low impact exercises you are able to do on it.
Therefore, the likelihood of any injury, particularly impact injuries, is reduced.
Introducing the Sole E95 Elliptical
There’s a lot to like about the Sole E95 Elliptical, and that’s because you’re basically getting a health club model elliptical in the comfort of your own home.
You can customize your workouts on the fly, and because it makes so little noise, it’s easy to get a workout in at any time of day from the comfort of your own home without feeling like you’d be a nuisance.
Pros
- It has a 27 lb flywheel.
- It features 20 levels of power incline.
- It has a 400 lb weight capacity.
- It features 20 levels of magnetic resistance.
- It features adjustable pedals.
Cons
- Workout selection is limited
Features & Benefits of the Sole E95 Elliptical
Features of the elliptical machine include:
10 Workout Programs
Unlike other machines, this elliptical machine is not loaded with numerous and exaggerated workout programs. Instead, it only features 10 basic yet intense programs that include:
- 6 standard programs
- 2 heart rate programs
- 2 custom programs
10” LCD monitor
Among all Sole’s machines, the elliptical machine comes with one of the largest displays.
This makes it easier to select and see workouts and workout data at the same time.
Bluetooth Speakers
The elliptical machine features Bluetooth speakers meaning that you can listen to your favorite workout tunes.
This feature makes it easy to sync your phone wire-free.
Fitness tracking
Additionally, you can use the Bluetooth technology on the E95 to sync the machine to your phone to track your fitness.
Depending on your preference, you can use the Sole free app or any of the many other compatible fitness apps available.
USB Charging Port
In case your phone or tablet runs out of juice during a workout session, you can charge it via a USB port available on the elliptical machine.
We can all agree that this is a very convenient feature.
It ensures that your battery is not drained from watching a movie or listening to music during a workout session.
Tablet Holder
So as not to block your stats view and also to still use the tablet, a tablet holder is conveniently integrated above the monitor.
This feature is also very convenient as you can access the display as well as use your tablet.
Adjustable Pedals
The pedals on the elliptical machine are oversized and cushioned to maximize comfort.
However, for a customized fit, you can always adjust the level of each pedal.
Multi-Grip Handles
To help target or engage your upper body, the elliptical machine features different options for your grip, both wide and narrow.
In addition, from the large handles, you can also adjust and control the incline and resistance settings.
Telemetry Heart Rate Monitoring
This elliptical machine is compatible with chest straps heart rate monitors.
Furthermore, one is included with each purchase.
Cooling Fan
To keep you comfortable during these intense workout sessions, the machine features a cooling fan.
Benefits of Sole E95 Elliptical
Generally, ellipticals are a great way of maintaining or achieving your desired fitness level from the comfort of your own home.
It can be tough to make it out to the gym on a consistent basis.
On those days where you have to be home, having an elliptical that’s accessible can be a godsend.
There are many different benefits to using elliptical machines including:
Low Impact Workouts
Most of the time, exercising tends to be painful for individuals with bone and joint conditions.
However, with elliptical training on a Sole E95 Elliptical, the exercises are low impact and do not put much stress on your bones and joints.
What’s great is that you can adjust any intensity level on the machine to match where you are physically in terms of what you are capable of handling.
Users who may be obese, the elderly, and individuals recovering from knee or leg surgery can all use this elliptical and get a great workout in.
Increased Aerobic Capacity
Aerobic Capacity basically means how long you can exercise or for how long you can indulge in other activities without running short of breath.
With an elliptical workout, you can increase your aerobic capacity by doing a session for a minimum of 20 minutes, 3 times a week.
This type of workout will up your heart rate and also get you sweating in no time to burn calories.
Burn More Calories
Speaking of calories, with this elliptical machine, you can burn as much as 400 calories in just 30 minutes.
Another way of increasing the calorie-burning effect is by setting the resistance of the machine to a higher setting level.
Make sure to work your way up to a more difficult setting.
Starting off at the most difficult setting may have the opposite effect of making you too sore the next few days to make exercising a habit.
Speaking from experience, it’s much easier to get small workouts in on a consistent basis than herculean efforts once in a while.
Lower Body Exercise
One of the most common issues for most individuals who are beginning their workout programs is how quickly and easily their legs tire.
However, with the Sole E95 Elliptical, you can build serious lower body strength and strengthen your leg muscles.
Total Body Workout
The beauty of this machine is that it engages both your upper and lower body at the same time.
An elliptical machine not only works on the legs, but also engages the chest, back, shoulders, and arms.
In a matter of only 20 minutes of using an elliptical machine, you can boast of having had a complete body workout.
What Others are Saying About the Sole E95 Elliptical
While having used the machine myself, I looked up what others were saying about it to see if they thought the Sole E95 Elliptical was a good purchase for them as well.
One of the reviews I found was from a woman named Jenny, who mentioned how the elliptical machine was quiet and smooth.
Having used the machine for over 3 months now, she has shed a remarkable 43 lbs. This testimonial shows you how efficient the machine is.
Another reviewer, Peter K., also went ahead to say what a faithful friend the E95 has been to him.
He continued to state that he has owned the elliptical machine for several years now and has encountered no problems. He says it has a smooth glide and has an excellent performance.
And lastly, according to a reviewer named Jeff D., who believes in fitness and regular exercise, he bought the machine for his family.
He continues to add that ever since making the purchase, he has encountered no difficulties.
He further claims that the elliptical machine has now become a part of his family.
Alternatives to the Sole E95 Elliptical
If the Sole E95 Elliptical does not cut it for you, don’t worry.
There are a few other quality options I’ve done some research on for you to look into.
Here are some other honorary mentions that you should consider when looking for a home elliptical machine.
Body Rider BRD2000 Elliptical Trainer Set
One of the advantages of the Body Rider BRD2000 Elliptical Trainer Set is that it combines the power of two exercise machines into one.
It is an elliptical machine that comes equipped with a seat and allows you to do seated exercise like an exercise bike.
This is a great piece of equipment that offers the flexibility of sitting down during your workout if you get too tired.
I also appreciate how this machine allows you to change the knob to adjust tension levels and your seat to adjust your body type.
In comparison to the Sole E95 Elliptical however, it doesn’t as elaborate a panel, opting for a more basic panel without bluetooth or USB compatability.
NordicTrack Commercial 14.9
One of the great features about the NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 is that it comes equipped with an interactive personal training at home iFit membership for 1 year.
Your iFit membership allows you to access on-demand training and studio workout programs at any time.
Additionally, the machine carries some of the most extended warranties for labor and parts.
What’s missing from the NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 is Bluetooth functionality, when compared to the Sole E95 Elliptical.
If you can live without, there’s still much to like about this elliptical in terms of bells and whistles.
The panel is top notch, and the iFit membership is a huge plus for those who want some structured workouts to follow as they get started on their fitness goals with an elliptical.
Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
The Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer comes pre-equipped with fitness programs built in and allows you to adjust resistance levels to 20 different levels.
This elliptical is definitely for those who are goal oriented as its DualTrack LCD multi-display console with goal tracking functionality allows you to track your progress during your workout.
If you’re focused on achieving certain goals with the use of a machine, or during each workout session, this machine is definitely for you.
In comparison to the Sole E95 Elliptical, or its other competitors, it doesn’t have extravagant features.
This is a no-frills elliptical workout machine that is about taking your goals seriously and making sure you set out to achieve your workout session’s goals.
Closing Thoughts
The benefits of using an elliptical at home are that it allows you to do cardio training in a low pressure environment that is low impact.
At the same time, however, many of the machines available do have features that allow you to scale your workouts up to more intensity if you can handle it.
Whether you are rehabbing or looking to maintain your fitness level with some cardio exercise or lower body strength training, the Sole E95 Elliptical is a great choice for you to consider.
It helped me greatly during my rehab process from my Rugby injury, and now that I am back to health, I still use it on the occasional days I don’t get to go outside or make it to the gym.
