When I was starting my journey into fitness, there was so much information I felt constantly overwhelmed.
I felt like I had to be doing twelve different things at once to really get fit – and follow whatever the latest fitness trend was.
Eventually I got the hang of it, but I wish I’d known to start with something like the XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical and build from there.
Is an Elliptical Right for You?
From an outside perspective, an elliptical and a treadmill might look like the exact same exercise except for the arm handles, but that’s not quite right.
When using an elliptical, you’re actually doing a different movement than just running, activating and using your muscles in a unique way.
This allows for a high calorie burning, full body cardio workout that is still low impact.
Low impact workouts cause less wear and tear on your body as you exercise, especially your joints.
Low impact exercise is great for everyone from non-athletes, to seniors, to fitness nuts.
Cardio exercise, also sometimes called aerobic exercise, is focused on getting your heart rate up for an extended period of time and getting you to add more oxygen to your body.
Cardio exercise boosts stamina, builds lean muscle, releases mood boosting endorphins, and can even help strengthen your immune system.
If you’re looking to build muscle in a more “bulking up” way, strength training is going to suit you better, so consider machines like a home gym or even just a pull up bar.
Strength training can also enhance your flexibility.
Ellipticals tend to be one of the bigger pieces of exercise equipment you can have in your home, so consider how much space you have before getting one, or consider looking into a machine that folds up or takes up less space.
Essential Questions to Ask
- Will I use this enough to justify having it in my home?
- Do I have enough space for this machine?
- Is this the type of exercise I want to get?
- Am I able to workout at home or will things distract me? (Pets, neighbors, etc.)
The XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical
The XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical promises a smooth and synchronized upper and lower body workout.
The front-flywheel design is meant to maximize your workout and keep your movements more natural.
There are 24 preset programs to pick from with slots for your own custom workouts as well.
To keep your workout challenging no matter your fitness level, there are 24 levels of magnetic resistance.
Of the ellipticals offered by XTERRA Fitness, this is the only one with a front flywheel.
The weighted flywheel on the XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical is 15lbs, which is the lightest flywheel in the non-hybrid lineup.
The XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical is tied for most levels of resistance and preset programs with the FS2.5, and like all the ellipticals except for the FS1.5, it has an MP3 jack and built-in speakers.
Pros
- 24 Levels of Magnetic Resistance
- Simple but Effective Console
- Front Flywheel Frame Type
Cons
- Flywheel is only 15lbs
- No Water Bottle Holder
- No Bluetooth Connectivity
XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical Review Features & Benefits
Full Body Cardio Workout
If you only have space for one exercise machine in your home, or only time to do one kind of exercise in the morning, a piece of equipment that works your whole body like an elliptical is a huge advantage.
It takes away the risk of becoming one of those “don’t skip leg day” memes or the worry that you aren’t targeting your problem areas.
You can also more intensely work certain muscles simply by going backwards, gripping the fixed set of handles and leaning forward, or simply letting go of the handles completely (which can improve your balance).
That versatility is a major attraction of ellipticals.
Front-Wheel Frame
Many ellipticals place the flywheel on the rear of the machine, and this is highly effective.
However, ellipticals with the flywheel on the front like this one have the added benefit of placing the pedals closer together, which allows for a more natural movement, which can reduce the strain on your body from unfamiliar movements.
Magnetic Resistance
Magnetic resistance means you can change the intensity of your workout with the press of a button, no need to change speed.
You can also keep the resistance steady no matter how fast or slow you are going.
Magnetic resistance also tends to give a smoother workout than air resistance.
Easily adjustable resistance is great for workouts focused on interval training, and it’s much quieter than equipment that uses air resistance.
Belt Drive
Another feature that’s meant to keep your workout on the XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical is the belt drive.
Belt drives also don’t require oil as part of maintenance like a chain drive system does.
This is great for people who want to simply get on and go.
A smoother workout is also a more effective workout since you’re not fighting through friction to do the movement you want to do.
Console & Display
No, this console isn’t the fancy, internet-connected, high-tech touchscreen type, but in some ways that’s an advantage, and you’re certainly not missing out on anything.
The 5″ by 2.5″ backlit yellow and blue LCD screen displays what program you’re doing as well as your time, speed, calories, distance, heart rate and the resistance level.
Heart rate is measured via two pulse grip sensors on the smaller pair of handles.
Simply press the buttons to pick your program, change the resistance level and start/stop your workout.
No touchscreen simply means that you don’t have to worry about a cracked screen or malfunctioning sensor stopping you from working out.
The console also has a shelf perfect for your phone or tablet so you can watch your favorite show while exercising easily.
MP3 Jack & Speakers
Doing almost anything without music is hard for me, and that includes working out.
Unfortunately, sometimes my noise cancelling earbuds are a little too good so I can’t wear them if someone might need me.
And sometimes I just don’t want anything in my ears.
With this machine, it’s as simple as plugging your device into the included audio jack and voila- your media plays over the built-in speakers.
Preset Programs
There are millions of workouts on the internet, and a lot of them are really helpful, but as a non-athlete or casual exerciser, all the options can be overwhelming or time consuming.
You don’t have to go looking for anything with this elliptical – you can pick from a variety of preset programs to meet all sorts of goals – from interval training to heart rate targets.
For a more experienced user or just someone who knows what works for you, there are six spots in this elliptical’s memory for you to program your own unique workout programs into to keep exercise as hassle-free as possible.
Warranty
XTERRA Fitness really stands behind their products, and you can see it in their warranties.
The frame of this elliptical is covered for 5 years, and the brake and parts are both under warranty for a full year.
Unlike the limited 90-day warranties you see on so many products, XTERRA is willing to bet you’ll keep using their products and that they’ll hold up to that use.
Customer Service
The customer service from XTERRA is almost legendary to me at this point.
Every product of theirs that I review includes a story of their helpful, professional and knowledgeable customer service reps, which shows me that they’re a company committed to building good relationships with their customers by giving good products and good service.
What Other Buyers Are Saying
There’s nothing quite like a user review for helping you make a purchasing decision.
I’ve gathered a few about the XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical from around the web to show you what people are saying about his machine.
Review #1
Stace got this as a gift and absolutely loves how many levels of resistance the machine has and how quiet it runs.
Review #2
Judith C. says: “Great machine, just what we expected and a great workout. It was a little bit of work to get it put together, but not hard or complicated. Using it daily and it is sturdy enough to provide years of service. Wonderful to have in our home.”
Review #3
Mel talks about needing some help to set up her machine but is now down 10lbs and very satisfied!
Elliptical Alternatives
ANCHEER Elliptical Machine
If you’re looking for something just a little simpler than the XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical, the ANCHEER Elliptical Machine could be the machine you’re looking for.
There’s no preset programs or built in speakers, and there’s only 8 levels of magnetic resistance, but this may be perfect for a casual user or beginner.
The flywheel is mounted on the back of the elliptical unlike the XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical, though the LCD monitor is sleeker and has a bit more of a modern feel than the XTERRA elliptical.
This machine is a little smaller and may fit in tighter spaces.
ANCHEER Elliptical Machine vs. XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical
- Only 8 Levels of Magnetic Resistance
- Flywheel is on the Back of the Machine
- No Preset Programs
- Smaller Overall Size
Body Rider Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike
The Body Rider Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike takes compact to a new level because it’s two exercise machines in one.
This machine is not only an elliptical, it’s a stationary bike as well.
This gives you a lot of options when it comes to exercising, but there are some tradeoffs.
The weight limit on this machine is lower, 250lbs, and the frame only has a one year warranty.
This machine has a manual tension control knob instead of buttons to change magnetic resistance, a bare bones display that shows time, speed, calorie, distance and scan, and has no pulse grip pulse sensors.
Body Rider Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike vs. XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical
- Two-in-One Machine: Elliptical & Stationary Bike
- Very Basic Display
- Compact
- Manual Tension Control
- Shorter Frame Warranty
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer
This is the simplest piece of equipment in this article, hands down. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer doesn’t even have a flywheel, and while the display will show time, count, distance and calories, it will not measure your heart rate, and there’s no way to change the resistance level.
If you want your phone or tablet nearby as you work out, you may need to get a little creative.
However, there are some big advantages to this machine, like the unique abdominal support pad that beginners may find extremely helpful.
The Air Walk Trainer also folds up to half its length when not in use, meaning you can easily store it in a closet and out of sight.
This machine supports up to 220lbs.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer vs. XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical
- No Adjustable Resistance Levels
- Folds Up for Easy Transport/Storage
- No Pulse Monitor
- Abdominal Support Pad
- No Flywheel
Final Thoughts
Ellipticals are becoming more popular all the time, and there’s a huge variety out there.
For people who want a smooth, quiet machine that will last them from beginner to old hand, the XTERRA Fitness FS3.5 Elliptical may be the answer to their search.
