NEW Jan 2026 - Digital Essential

Good addition to my home gym

This machine won't replace a standard elliptical for cardio enthusiasts, but it is a great option for people who want cardio with a challenge. The lateral movement is different enough that the body has to work harder to keep a rhythm, and you use muscle groups that you wouldn't normally use as hard otherwise. I haven't had the machine for that long, but it does seem durable overall. There are some cheap plastic parts, but none of real consequence. The digital display is a nice feature, but it isn't going to give you the kind of programming features that high end commercial machines have. But it is solid for what the typical home gym uses. I do recommend having a pair of plain wired headphones, as wireless ones seem to have a hard time staying connected for me.

Does not save user settings, so each time you use a program such as HIIT, you have to adjust your age, gender, and weight. The display unit does not have speakers. It seems you can only get to a manual workout after starting content. It does not have music streaming apps. The on demand Helix Live is poorly recorded videos where all you can hear is music. The coach is talking but you can't hear it, so you can't follow along with directions to change intensity and such. I do not recommend spending money on this. Overall it is a machine that gives a good workout. But for the money, this isn't a good value. The manufacturer very obviously lacks in support and rushed the digital version to market, as none of the manuals accurately reflect how to assemble this model. Not the paper one that they sent with the machine, and not the ones on their website. I had to contact support when things didn't attach properly, and they were extremely slow to respond.

I love it

It was hard at first but now my legs and thighs are stronger than ever. I recommend adding the lateral trainer to your personal gym.