Editor’s Note: The ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the ProForm Carbon EL as the best alternative, or view our Best ProForm Ellipticals for more options.
ProForm ellipticals are popular for a reason—they serve home gym owners very well. One popular elliptical in their fleet was the 520 E. It was first available in 2014 and had a great eight-year run of success. However, ProForm recently discontinued it in favor of newer models. However, it’s not like those that got sold will be taken back. People who own a 520 E may decide to sell it, so you may find one at a yard sale or on an online marketplace.
If that’s the case, then you should know all you can about this elliptical, and this ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical review will provide that knowledge.
We Know Ellipticals
The team at Garage Gym Reviews is made out of various experts such as personal trainers, CrossFit-L1 trainers, and more. The testers and team use ellipticals often, and we have tested many over the years. We also do a lot of research into what makes them work so well. Because of that, we know what to look for in the best gym equipment. Before you hit “order,” see what our testers have to say so you know what you’re about to buy and place in your workout space.
Looking for an Alternative to the ProForm Endurance 520?
Best Alternative to ProForm Endurance 520
ProForm Carbon EL Elliptical
Product Highlights
- 18 levels of silent magnetic resistance
- 0 to 20 degrees of manually adjustable incline
- 5” high-contrast multi-color display
- Tablet holder
- iFIT-compatible with SmartAdjust technology
- Steel frame
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 18 levels of silent magnetic resistance
- 0-20 degrees of incline
- SmartAdjust technology allows iFIT trainer to adjust resistance
- Free 30-day iFIT membership
- Free shipping
Cons
- Incline adjusted manually
- 275-lb user weight capacity
- Long assembly process
Bottom Line
The ProForm Carbon EL elliptical is an affordable machine with both resistance and incline abilities if you’re looking for guided workouts. If you don’t think you’ll use iFIT, there’s probably a better machine for you.
If you like the Endurance 520 but can’t find one, there are alternatives. Another great elliptical in the ProForm line is the Carbon EL. This machine provides 18 different magnetic resistance levels and 20 levels of incline, as well as a 5-inch backlit display screen. They have comparable footprints, it’s among the cheapest ellipticals in the brand, and you can get free shipping.
A Quick Look at the ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical
The ProForm Endurance 520 E elliptical machine could be called an entry-level elliptical. It is a silver and black machine that has a steel frame. It is easy to operate, which can be beneficial for beginners, but it’s also durable and offers a wide variety of programs and resistance levels, which can be great for advanced trainees. It is a front drive elliptical, meaning the flywheel is at the front of the machine. These tend to be more popular than rear drive ellipticals.
As is the case with all ProForm products, the Endurance 520 E is iFIT compatible, and it even comes with a 30-day iFIT subscription. It’s also easy to move if necessary, thanks to the transport wheels. Out of over 1,600 ratings on Amazon, it had 4.5 stars as well as many positive customer reviews. You can see why when you break down the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Silent magnetic resistance
- Heart rate monitoring
- High weight capacity
- Tablet holder and water bottle holder
- Compatible with Google Maps
- 0-20% power incline
- Low-impact training
- Moving handles for full-body workout
Cons:
- Small touchscreen
- No cooling fan
- Short handles
ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical Specs
| Footprint | 68” L, 34” W, 69” H |
| Weight | 200 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Flywheel | 20 lbs |
| Stride length | 20″ |
| Incline | 0-20% |
| Resistance options | 18 |
| Preset programs | 18 |
| Interactive programming | 18 compatible apps, iFIT subscription |
| Warranty | 10 years frame, 2 years parts, 1 year labor |
Key Features of the ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical
The 520 E elliptical trainer has moving handles, which can help you train different muscle groups at the same time. It also stood out for its price. At less than $800, it was a very affordable machine and one of the best ellipticals in that price range. You can track workout progress by calories, speed, incline, and distance.
Front-drive ellipticals tend to be more compact than center drive or rear drive versions. However, they may also require more maintenance because there are so many moving parts. The good news is beginners may find front drive machines to be easier to get on and off of.
Footprint, Portability, and Durability
The 520 E is almost 6 feet tall, and you will have to step up on it to use the machine. So, make sure you have high ceilings in the room you plan to keep it in. It’s portable thanks to those transport wheels on the front, as well as the handle on the back. You simply lift the back and roll it where you want.
It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, and the frame is made of alloy steel. It will withstand hard workouts and fast pedaling. Don’t be afraid to put it to work when you get it in the home gym. As is the case with all ProForm ellipticals, it’s literally built for it.
Ergonomics
The pedals on the 520 E are large and cushioned, which will make an already low-impact cardio workout even more comfortable for the user. It has a 20-inch adjustable stride, as well. The handlebars may not be long enough for taller users, but there are also center handlebars if you need to either give your arms a break or feel more comfortable holding something close to center. Both of those handles have soft grips.
The leveling feet on the bottom of the machine won’t damage your floor and they will keep the elliptical in place while you’re using it. The adjustable incline can be changed by the user or automatically by one of the pre-installed programs.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
This machine works with up to 18 different workout apps, but the one that offers the most benefits is the iFIT app. The subscription comes with access to workout programs designed by personal trainers, access to an iFIT coach, and an easy-to-use backlit LCD display.
When it comes to conveniences, there are a few. The water bottle holder is directly below the center display for easy access, and the center display has an integrated tablet holder, which will support your iPod or smartphone. It also has a sound system, but the reviews on the speakers have been mixed. You can charge your device by using its USB connection port.
Final Verdict of Our ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical Review
We really like the ProForm Endurance 520 E elliptical. It was a very low-cost, high-quality machine that offered several benefits to enhance your fitness journey. This machine is no longer available online or in retail stores, but should you ever see one somewhere like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, then you should prepare your workout room accordingly. It can help you achieve your fat loss, endurance, or athletic goals by offering a full-body, low-impact way to train hard and smart.
ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical Rating
ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical
ProForm has been making a variety of popular fitness equipment for years. Find out more about one discontinued model with this ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical review.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 799
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.2
ProForm Endurance 520 E Elliptical FAQs
How old is ProForm Endurance 520?
The ProForm Endurance 520 E was first available in 2014, and it was discontinued in 2021. Even though it’s closing in on 10 years old, it still proves to be beneficial for many customers who have one in their garage gym.
How much does a ProForm Endurance 520 weigh?
The Endurance 520 E weighs 200 pounds when it’s completely assembled. It will support user weight up to 300 pounds. It will be a solid machine to have for HIIT workouts or for people looking to start a weight loss transformation. While it is a large machine, it can be moved if needed thanks to the transport wheels.
Are ProForm ellipticals good?
ProForm ellipticals are great pieces of fitness equipment. Whether you’re talking about the 520 E, the more recent Carbon EL, or other ellipticals in the fleet, ProForm ellipticals are popular for a reason—they work. Another popular elliptical brand worth looking at is NordicTrack, who makes the Elite 1300 and FS7i ellipticals.
