The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer is a mid-range cardiovascular machine designed for home gyms. It is a rear-driven elliptical trainer as opposed to the front-driven Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3862 Elliptical Trainer.
In case you don’t know, the rear-driven elliptical trainers predate the front-driven ones. However, their impact on getting fitness results and comfortability are the same, except for a few differences that are almost non-noticeable.
Having said that, this elliptical trainer is compact and transportable (I.e., it has transport wheels for easy relocation around the room). It has dual-handlebars that include static and moveable sets that allow you to work out with or without engaging the upper body.
The resistance system is electro-magnetic with 16 adjustable levels, and there are 24 programs that provide outstanding workout experiences and productivity.
Before we dive into the full review, you may want to click right here to have a peek at the best price of the Sunny SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer.
Table of Contents
Frame & Construction
The Sunny SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer comprises a gray steel frame and ABS-made protective and cosmetic external covers. It is sturdily built to support a maximum user weight capacity of 330 lbs./149.6 kg.
Its great stability stems from the robust front and rear stabilizers with adjustable levelers (at the rear stabilizer). Although, the usage of a protective rubber mat could also enhance stability and protect the floor from potential damage.
As aforementioned, this is a compact trainer that can easily be moved around the room (due to the integrated transport wheels) even though it weighs 104 lbs./ 47 kg.
The assembled dimensions are 55’’ long by 23’’ wide by 64.5’’ high. By implication, the unit needs a workout area with measurements of 4’5’’ length by 1’9’’ width and a ceiling height of at least 7’ high.
Finally, the machine’s step-thru design is an added advantage to users, especially to those that have joint problems because they can easily mount and dismount it without groaning.
The Handlebars of the Sunny SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
There are 2 sets of handlebars. One set is static with heart rate sensors on them, while the other set is moveable without heart rate sensors.
The static handlebars are attached to the console mast, and the swing dual-action (moveable) handlebars are attached to each side of the console mast and then connected to the pedals.
In other words, the connection between the dual-action handlebars and the pedals is fixed so that whenever you pedal the handlebars also move and vice versa.
The 2 sets of handlebars provide the opportunity to work out with or without engaging the upper body. Although, the unit is a low-impact and full-body cardiovascular machine that is gentle on the joints.
The HR sensors on the static handlebars transmit pulse rate data to the monitor when held during a workout.
The handlebars (both sets) are coated with anti-slip soft rubber foam to provide secure and comfortable grips that endure through a long workout session.
The Pedals
The pedals are large and made of plastic footrests with anti-slip surfaces. Thus, they can accommodate different foot sizes securely and comfortably.
They are attached to steel bars that are directly connected to the drive system (flywheel) and the swing-arms handlebars.
The engineering of the pedals allows users to efficiently walk and jog without the impact that is usually felt on the joints when jogging on asphalt or tarred road. This is the reason elliptical trainers are considered to be low-impact.
Lastly, the stride length of the pedals is 15.5’’. This is not bad for a mid-range machine such as this, and most users won’t feel that their strides are restricted.
However, if you need an elliptical machine that has a longer stride length then you may want to check out Schwinn 411 Compact Elliptical Trainer.
The Drive
The Sunny SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer has a belt drive system. This means it comprises elements such as a quality anti-stretch belt and a perimeter-weighted flywheel that weighs 15.5 lbs./7 kg.
This means its operation is smooth, quiet, and vibration-free. As a result, you will feel comfortable using the machine at any time of the day regardless of whether there are people around. Moreover, there won’t be any noise interference if you choose to watch your favorite TV show or listen to music during a workout session.
The belt drive system does not also require any periodic maintenance such as lubrication or adjustment.
You can pedal in reverse if you so choose because the drive is bidirectional.
The Resistance
This is an electromagnetic resistance elliptical trainer. In other words, it has a motorized resistance system that uses magnets and the flywheel to generate resistance.
Interestingly, friction does not occur during the process of generating resistance, hence, the operation of the trainer remains smooth and quiet, and no part wears out as well.
Simply put, no maintenance is required.
There are 16 adjustable resistance levels that provide different workout intensities for achieving fitness goals.
The resistance adjustment is done via the buttons on the console. So, the machine has to be plugged (adapter included) into a power outlet for the resistance system to work.
However, you can still use the machine if it is unplugged, but the resistance level will remain as the last used, and cannot be adjusted.
The Console
The console features a performance monitor that tracks workout stats such as Time, Speed, Rotation Per Minute (RPM), Odometer, Distance, Calories, Watt, Heart Rate, Target Heart Rate, Program, Level, and Age.
These workout values are displayed simultaneously, except the RPM, Odometer, and the Watt that have to be switched to Speed, Distance, and Calories, respectively during a workout in order to view them.
Its display is crystal clear and can be read even in a room that is without light.
There are 24 workout programs that include 12 preset programs, 1 Body Fat program, 4 User programs, 1 Manual, 1 Target Heart Rate program, 4 Heart Rate Control (HRC) programs, and a Watt program.
These programs are designed to keep you focused and motivated toward achieving your fitness goals.
For instance, the heart rate control program regulates your workout intensity to keep your target heart rate within the selected zone. The user programs allow you to set up your own custom program that could be used immediately.
There is a Recovery Function that could calculate the heart rate recovery status and put out a result that could be F-1 (Poor recovery heart rate) or F-6 (Excellent recovery heart rate).
When any of the preset workout programs is selected, a certain resistance level applies automatically.
It is noteworthy to emphasize that the console is not telemetric. Thus, it cannot connect to a wireless heart rate chest strap. The heart rate data is transmitted via the EKG sensors on the static handlebar when grasped during a workout.
Accessory
The Sunny SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer has a tablet holder that is built-in on the console and a water bottle holder that is designated below the console.
Therefore, you will be able to keep a smartphone/tablet device and a water bottle within reach during workouts for entertainment and maintenance of proper hydration purposes.
Storage
The storage of this equipment is easy because it has a set of transport wheels at the front base that enables you to roll it away. Moreover, it only weighs 104 lbs./47 kg.
A storage area with measurements of 4’9’’ length by 1’9’’ width should suffice.
Pros/Features Overview
- It is sturdy and durable
- The price is reasonable
- The stabilizers have floor-friendly pads and adjustable levelers
- It supports 330 lbs./149.6 kg maximum user weight capacity
- The pedals are large and textured with a stride length of 15.5’’
- There are 2 sets of soft rubber foam coated handlebars (static & dual-action swing arms)
- The unit provides low-impact and full body workouts that produce results with very minimal impact on the joints
- It has an electro-magnetic resistance system with 16 adjustable levels
- It needs to be plugged into a power outlet in order to use it; however, it could also be used when unplugged as well
- EKG contact grips for heart rate monitoring
- It features a backlit performance monitor that tracks Time, Speed, Rotation Per Minute (RPM), Odometer, Distance, Calories, Watt, Heart Rate, Target Heart Rate, Program, Level, and Age
- There are 12 preset workout programs, 1 Watt program, 1 Target Heart Rate program, 4 Heart Rate Control program, 4 User programs, 1 Manual, and 1 Body Fat program
- Recovery function;
- Operation is smooth and quiet
- Transport wheels included
- Water bottle & table holders included
- Maintenance requirement is low
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Console is not telemetric nor compatible with workout apps
- No cooling fan
- No sound system
Warranty
- 3 Years on the Frame
- 180 Days on Parts & Components
Product Dimensions & Specifications
- Length: 55’’
- Width: 23’’
- Height: 64.5’’
- Shipping dimensions: 50.4’’ L x 12.4’’ W x 26’’ H
- Gross weight: 119 lbs./53.9 kg
- Net weight: 104 lbs./47 kg
- Maximum user weight capacity: 330 lbs./149.6 kg
- Flywheel: perimeter weighted (weighs 15.5’’/7 kg)
- Pedals: Large & textured
- Handlebars: Static & Dual-action swing arms
- Stride Length: 15.5’’
- Frame: Steel
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Electro-magnetic, 16 resistance levels
- Workout programs: 24
- Console/Monitor: Backlit LCD
- A tablet holder included
- A water bottle holder included
Shipping
The Sunny SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer comes in a box that weighs 119 lbs./53.9 kg with dimensions of 50.4’’ long by 12.4’’ wide by 26’’ high.
Most major online vendors such as Amazon offer free shipping.
Assembly
The assembly is easy as a breeze because the complicated aspect of it has been done in the factory.
You are only required to attach the stabilizers, the console mast, the handlebars, the pedals, and the console to the core unit.
An instruction manual and tools are included in the package for hassle-free assembly. Moreover, a video that guides you through the process is also available.
Maintenance
The unit needs to be kept clean on a regular basis, especially after every workout session.
Do not let liquid get into the performance monitor.
Store it in a dry, clean, and cool area.
Conclusion
The Sunny SF-E3912 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer is a mid-range low-impact cardiovascular trainer that enables you to work out in the comfort of your home.
It has 24 workout programs and an electromagnetic resistance system with 16 adjustable levels. It is built with steel and ABS material to support 330 lbs./149.6 kg maximum user weight capacity, and to offer low-impact and total body workouts.
I am a health and fitness enthusiast. I take anything and everything that improves my health seriously. Hence, I try to share my knowledge in helping people that wish to up their health status to one that enables them to live strong with confidence.
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