The S7200HRT features many innovative programs, including the variable stride-based GLUTE BURN and SUMMIT HIKE programs. The GLUTE BURN program prompts users to vary their stride speed and pedaling direction, while automatically changing incline levels to specifically target the glute (buttocks) muscles. The SUMMIT HIKE program changes incline levels to simulate hiking up a hill or mountain. During each of these programs, users can control the intensity by adjusting the incline or resistance.

Vision Fitness performed a significant amount of research on biomechanics and ergonomics, aimed at developing the most natural and correct full-body movement, when designing our Suspension Elliptical™ trainer and ultimately developed the PerfectStride™ motion. PerfectStride™ starts with correct foot positioning. Vision Fitness analyzed users at every incline angle and pedaling direction to make sure that the footplate would properly adjust with the change in stride. Some companies' incline trainers fail to maintain a natural, ergonomic foot position by pushing the toes upward sharply (known as dorsiflexion) at certain points in the elliptical path. The S7200HRT avoids this by ensuring that the footplate experiences minimal change throughout the stride at all levels of incline. A key design feature is that the footplates pivot, providing a flat, stable, and comfortable surface for users to apply force.

The second component of PerfectStride™ is an ideal elliptical motion. The S7200HRT has the most natural elliptical foot path on the market. The shape of the ellipse creates a smooth and easy transition from the top of the ellipse, where the muscles are relatively inactive (the swing phase of the gait cycle), to the bottom of the ellipse, where the muscles are activated to propel the user through the cycle. Our removal of the downward and forward force requirement, as found on traditional elliptical trainers, allows for an earlier posterior force, resulting in a workout that places greater emphasis on the muscles that extend the leg (that is, the Gluteus, Hamstrings, and Quads). As a result, the S7200HRT requires more muscle activation, which will, in turn, give you a more effective workout than other cross-trainers.

Next, PerfectStride™ incorporates optimal stride adjustments. As the incline angle changes, the stride length adjusts to keep your motion natural and fluid at the new angle. Our adjustable stride helps you achieve a proper range of motion, keeping you in an optimal workout position.

Lastly, PerfectStride™ ensures proper posture. Our neutral footplate position throughout the entire stride results in proper alignment between the knee and hip joints and allows the user to have ideal upright posture at all times. Maintaining an upright posture is important because it removes emphasis from the low back muscles and places it on the leg muscles, where it belongs. It's easy to see why we call it PerfectStride™.

Benefits of our Variable Stride

More Variety
Research shows that variety in your exercise routine increases the likelihood that you'll stick to it. More importantly, variety keeps muscles "confused," minimizing the "plateau effect" that occurs when you do the same motion over and over again and, thus, producing greater results. Whether you are looking for weight loss, muscle gain, or cardiovascular improvement, consistent yet diverse workouts will help you achieve your goals more quickly and more easily. Our Suspension Elliptical™ allows forward and backward pedaling; changes in resistance, speed and incline (which automatically adjusts stride length); various positions for your hands; and a multitude of programming options.

Ability to Increase Intensity
By increasing the incline level, you increase the exercise intensity. This allows you to achieve a higher level of aerobic fitness and, thus, burn more calories than you would if no incline were available. As your fitness level increases, you can continue to adjust resistance and incline to increase the intensity with which your muscles are worked.

Muscle-Targeting Workouts
To determine how our variable stride physiologically affects users, we performed studies using sEMG (surface electromyography) to measure the connection between changes in leg muscle activity and changes in the stride length and incline angle. An increase in the electrical activity detected through sEMG indicates increased activity of the muscle being monitored.

Results of the sEMG:
In the forward direction, exercise at full incline (level 16) resulted in a significant increase in muscle activity when compared to forward exercise at level 1. At higher inclines, users burn more calories as a result of a greater amount of their muscle mass being active. Different combinations of direction (pedaling forward or backward) and incline angle (levels 1 to 16) emphasize different muscle groups. Refer to the chart below.