Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider Review

The Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider is a unique elliptical machine that features a comfortable adjustable recumbent seat. In other words, it is an elliptical trainer that offers the opportunity to work out while seated. It will suffice to say that it is a recumbent elliptical machine since it has characteristics of both.

This machine is similar to the Nustep TRS 4000 Recumbent Cross Trainer which is although more expensive.

The cardio strider has a lightweight construction that supports 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity.  It also has a number of features that ensure a user experiences outstanding and productive workouts.

The seat and the handlebar adjustability allow the possibility of exercising in different forms and also accommodate users of different heights comfortably.

This is a full-body workout machine with two sets of handlebars; one is movable while the other is static with the EKG sensors on it.

It is common knowledge that both recumbent bikes and elliptical trainers are low impacts (gentle in the joints) cardio machines. This means that the Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider is a superlative low impact machine that is suitable for everyone.

It is considered the right machine for physical therapy clinics because it gets the job done without the risk of inflicting further damage to the patient/user.

This recumbent elliptical strider has all the necessary features for productive and enjoyable exercises.

It has an electromagnetic resistance system with 20 levels and a console that features a large backlit monitor and 10 preset workouts. The console is also telemetry enabled and the polar T31 heart rate strap is included in the package.

It is designed for home use and light commercial purpose.

Click right here to have a peek at the price of the Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider on Amazon.

The Frame and Construction

The Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider unarguably looks like a little scooter bike, cute and irresistible. It also has an easy step-thru design that makes a complete and recommendable package for those that are undergoing physical therapy and the elderly with arthritis.

The machine is made up of steel and ABS materials. The frame and the handlebars are made of solid steel while other coverings are made up of ABS plastic.

It is has a small footprint that does not take up space, however, a little bit bigger than a typical indoor spinning bike and users with a space problem might find this one suitable.

The overall assembled dimensions of the strider are 59 inches long by 35 inches wide by 54 inches tall. Differently put, the workout space area for this machine would be 4’9’’ long by 2’9’’ wide a ceiling height of at least 7 feet high.

However, additional extra clearance of at least 1-2′ at the rear end and on each side of the machine will be necessary for safety and convenience purposes.

This bike offers 12 to 15 inches of stride length based on where the foot is positioned on the pedal.

It has footrests attached to the console post/frame which allow you to rest your feet if you wish to exercise only the upper body. In other words, you can exercise only the upper body due to the movable handlebars and the footrests, and you can exercise only the lower body due to its static handle and the pedals and you can, of course, exercise the whole body.

The strider has good stability due to its base framework and its overall assembled weight of 186 pounds/84 kg that grounds it so that every form of wobbling movement is eliminated.

The base features a rounded steel bar with a rubber cap on the end at the front and the rear part of the machine. This doesn’t only stabilize the machine but also makes it floor-friendly.

The machine is obviously heavy and users may have concerns about how to relocate it when there is a need. Well, it is portable; it has transport wheels at the rear base that help to ease the relocation effort.

Its overall performance is smooth and silent.

The Seat, the Handlebars, and the Pedals

The Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider is integrated with a recumbent seat that simply offers comfort. It is ergonomically designed and padded with adequate layers of foam. It is also contoured (both the backrest and the seat)to provide fitness and comfort to the butt and the back.

Just as aforementioned, the seat, including the backrest is adjustable. The seat is attached to a solid rail system that allows it to adjust fore and aft and at the same time the height is adjusted vertically (upward/downward) and this is done via the lever underneath the seat by the right-hand side, while the backrest could be adjusted to tilt into three reclining positions via the red knob behind the seat lever.

The machine is equipped with dual action handlebars; one is static and has the EKG sensors embedded in it while the other is moveable.

The static handlebar is designed to be held when the user wishes to observe pulse rate and not to exercise the upper body while the moveable handlebars allow you to exercise the arms, shoulders, and back.

The moveable handlebars are adjustable; they could be adjusted to reposition the handles around so that you can exercise with hands upward, downward, inward, and outward. You can also increase or decrease the length of the handlebars as well.

The strider’s adjustability offers outstanding flexibility that allows users of different heights to be accommodated.  It could accommodate users as tall as 6’5’’.

The moveable handles are coated with a soft rubber foam material that provides a secure and comfortable grip which allows you to exercise longer without experiencing blisters on the palms or slippage.

The operation or the motion of these moving handlebars is smooth due to the ball bearings that are integrated into them.

The pedals are large, durable, and feature an anti-slip design with a 1-inch border around them to ensure adherence and safety.

The stride length is between 12-15 inches depending on the foot’s placement.

These pedals are attached to the same steel frame that connects to the handlebars and to the flywheel. This means that pedals and the moveable handlebars work and move together. That is the essence of the integrated footrests that allow you to take your feet off of the pedals in case you wish to exercise only the upper body.

The pedals’ angle cannot be adjusted, nevertheless, due to its sheer size and design, the feet or ankles won’t hurt while working out.

The Drive

The Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider is equipped with a belt drive system.  This drive system provides a smooth and quiet operation that allows you to work out at any time of the day without the risk of disturbing the family or neighbors.

Also, you can watch your favorite TV show or listen to good music without having to turn up the volume unusually high.

The belt drive system consists of the pulleys, the belt, the perimeter weighted flywheel, and the pedals.

The flywheel’s weight is not stated but it is presumed to be around 20 pounds/9 kg or more since the preceding model has about that weight.

The drive is also maintenance-free because no post lubrication or adjustment is required.

The Resistance

The Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider features a friction-free electromagnetic resistance system. This means that no part will require to be replaced over time.

The resistance system is driven by a motor that has a small servo and it consists of a magnetic brake and a flywheel that generate resistance. Technically, the magnetic brake does not have any direct contact with the flywheel but instead gets close to emit a magnetic field around the flywheel in order to generate the resistance.

There are 20 resistance levels available, and being an electromagnetic system means that its adjustment is done via the console, unlike the manual type that uses a tension knob. As you select the resistance level the motor adjusts the brake’s position around the flywheel accordingly in order to generate the resistance strength that is proportional to the selected level.

The resistance strength levels the machine offers are basically suitable for everyone that wishes to engage in productive cardio workouts that ultimately lose weight and improve overall physical fitness. The elderly and those undergoing physical clinical therapy would also find the resistance exceptionally great.

The ability to progress from using a lower resistance to a higher resistance level shows that your strength and endurance level are improving.

The Console

The Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider features an advanced console that has a large blue backlit monitor.  This means that its readability is great and will always be even when used in a room that is dark.

The monitor reads and tracks time, distance, watts, RPM, calories burned, and pulse.  It also displays the program and the resistance level in use.

The metrics are well-segmented to provide you with the necessary information in regard to your workout.

The console is telemetry enabled and a Polar T31 chest strap is included in the package. This enables you to track your heart rate wirelessly without having to grip the static handlebar with the EKG sensors during workouts.

The console is also equipped with 10 preset programs that include 6 auto-resistance programs (rolling hills, plateau, mountain climb, peak, strength interval, and hill interval), 2 focus programs, and 2 heart rate programs.

When any of the 6 auto-resistance programs is selected the console will adjust and appropriate the designated resistance for the program.

The focus programs work for the upper body because when activated you will be prompted to use only the moveable handlebars with your feet on the footrests, while the heart rate programs target two heart rate intervals of 65% and 80% and these, of course, can only work when you grip the EKG sensors or make use of the chest strap provided.

Moreover, there are 4 user profiles that allow 4 different users to enter and keep their personal data on the machine. Each user will be able to enter data such as gender, age, and weight so that the console can accurately track the energy output and calorie consumption of the user.

That said, the console does not have online connectivity capability, sound system, or a cooling fan but it does have a tablet holder.

Accessory

The Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider is integrated with a tablet holder for a tablet device even though we think that the placement of a device on it may block the view of the monitor.

The strider also has a water bottle holder that allows you to keep water handy throughout the entire workout session in order to stay hydrated.

Storage

The Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider is not a foldable machine neither is it too large or bulky. It could be stored in a safe area that has the dimensions of 4’9 inches long by 2’9’’ wide.

It is a relatively heavy machine that weighs about 186 pounds/84 kg but it is also equipped with transport wheels at the rear base for portability.

Approval Rating

This machine has fewer Amazon customers’ reviews but all of them were positive. This means that the users who reviewed it on Amazon were satisfied with the quality and the overall functionality and will recommend it, therefore, needless to say, that the approval rating was excellent, at the time of this review.

Pros/Features Overview

• It possesses a light commercial-grade construction
• It supports 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity
• Its stability is superlative due to the base framework and its weight
• It features an advance console that has a large blue backlit monitor
• Its monitor reads and tracks time, distance, Watts, RPM, calories burned, and pulse
• It has dual action handlebars; static and moveable
• The moveable handlebars and the seat are completely adjustable providing suitable posture for a variety of workouts
• It features an electromagnetic resistance that does not require maintenance or part replacement
• There are 20 resistance levels available
• The console features 10 preset programs that include peak, mountain climb, plateau, hill interval, rolling hill, strength interval 2 focus programs and 2 heart rate programs.
• There are 4 user profiles available for 4 different users’ personal data to be entered so that accurate output can be accomplished
• This is a full-body workout machine that can also be used for upper body or lower body only exercises
• The recumbent seat and the handlebars are completely adjustable; therefore, users of different height can be accommodated comfortably
• The machine has grip heart rate sensors and also telemetry enabled with the chest strap included
• Tablet holder included
• Water bottle holder included
• Its operation is smooth and quiet due to the belt drive system
• The pedals are large and rib designed to prevent slippage
• It has 12-15 inches stride length
• Low maintenance
• It has a step-thru design
• It is a low impact cardio machine
• Warranty good

Cons

• No online connectivity
• No sound system or a cooling fan
• The monitor screen will be blocked if a tablet is placed on the holder

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Warranty

• There is a 30-day risk-free return

Residential Warranty

• Lifetime on Frame
• 5 Years on Parts
• 1 Year on Labor

Light Commercial Warranty

• 10 Years on Frame
• 1 Year on Parts
• 1 Year on Labor

Product Dimensions and Specifications

• 59’’ Length
• 35’’ Width
• 54’’ Height
• Supports 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity
• Stride Length: 12-15 inches
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Friction-free Electromagnetic resistance with 20 levels
• Powered by AC adapter included
• Seat: Recumbent and completely adjustable
• Handlebar: Dual-action handlebars; static and moveable
• Console: Advanced; features a blue backlit monitor, 10 preset programs, 4 user profiles
• Weight: 186 pounds/84 kg
• Polar T31 Heart rate chest strap included

Shipping, Assembly, and Maintenance

Shipping

The Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider is shipped in a box that weighs 300 pounds/136 kg, pretty heavy, huh?

The shipping cost depends on the retailer whom you are purchasing from; however, Amazon provides free shipping and delivers it by the curbside due to the fact that the 18 wheeler truck used for deliveries may not be able to drive into your street or where you live.

Assembly

The strider does not come assembled but partially assembled because the major components such as the drive and resistance systems are already attached.

Therefore, there are parts such as the front and the rear stabilizer bars, the moveable handlebars, the pedals, part of the console mast and the seat that need to be attached to the core unit.

The assembly process may take about an hour, more or less depending on the assembler’s dexterity.

The tools required for assembly and the instruction manual are included in the package.

There is also an ‘’expert assembly’’ service on Amazon; if you subscribe to this Amazon will send someone over to your home to assemble the bike at an extra charge.

Maintenance

The Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider is almost maintenance-free, thanks to its belt drive and electromagnetic systems.

No major maintenance is required all you need to do is to ensure that the unit is kept clean from dirt and sweat at all times and also make sure to examine it before use for any loose or broken part.

Conclusion

The Inspire Fitness 3 (CS3) Cardio Strider is simply exceptional. It is a low-impact cardiovascular recumbent elliptical machine that offers the opportunity to people with injury to recover; the elderly to become strong and allow everyone else to lose weight and achieve optimum overall physical fitness.