ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 Trainer Review
ProForm
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Key Features & Specs:
- 10-inch HD touchscreen
- Silent magnetic resistance
- 24 digital resistance levels
- Oversized, cushioned pedals
- Multi-grip handlebars
- Two Bluetooth speakers
- 325-pound weight capacity
ProForm, which is owned by the same parent company as NordicTrack, offers a wide range of fitness equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals and hybrid trainers. While categorized as an elliptical, the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 is technically a HIIT trainer, and it’s one of two in the brand’s lineup. The other is the ProForm Carbon HIIT H14, a more advanced (and more expensive) model.
Some major selling points of the Carbon HIIT H10 are that it’s compact (most full-size ellipticals take up a lot of space), it provides a low-impact workout and it’s compatible with iFIT, a major perk for those looking for an immersive workout experience.
In this ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 elliptical trainer review, we’ll go over the machine’s construction and design and dive into the technology features. We’ll also dig into the brand’s warranty—including any fine print you should know about—to help you make a decision about whether or not this is the right addition to your home gym.
ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 Construction & Design
ProForm
Rather than a traditional elliptical, the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 is stair climber and elliptical in one. Similar to the Bowflex Max Trainers, it combines a 10-inch vertical path with a five-inch horizontal one. It also has moveable handlebars, as well as a fixed set with an integrated heart rate monitor.
This stride path not only makes it more compact so it can better fit into your home gym, but there’s a workout benefit, too. According to ProForm, it helps increase calorie burn, while also helping you build strength. The vertical path engages major muscle groups in your lower body, while the moveable handles engage your upper body.
The solid frame has a 325-pound weight capacity, plus front-mounted transport wheels, so you can move it to the corner of a room when you’re not using it. To prevent unsteadiness, there are also adjustable leveling feet.
The ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 operates with an inertia-enhanced flywheel, which means it’s designed to maintain inertia, or motion. This not only translates to a smoother workout, without jerkiness or shaking, but also more closely mimics a natural pedaling feel.
There are 24 levels of resistance that are controlled via silent magnetic resistance (SMR). This plays a role in the smoothness of the exercise machine, but also ensures a quieter operation than other fitness equipment.
The ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 has oversized, cushioned pedals and additional features to help with comfort like a water bottle holder, a Coolaire workout fan and a tablet holder.
ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 Technology
ProForm
Like most ProForm (and NordicTrack) machines, the Carbon HIIT H10 is iFIT-enabled. The touchscreen automatically supports the fitness app, so all you have to do is sign in, and you can start working out right away.
iFIT does require a separate subscription. You can purchase monthly or yearly individual or family plans, and the family plan supports secondary users. If you purchase directly from ProForm’s site, you’ll get a free three-year iFIT membership with your purchase. If you purchase elsewhere, you may have to pay for the subscription separately.
iFIT gives you access to thousands of on-demand and live workouts led by personal trainers. You’ll find global workouts, like a simulated run through The Alps, or studio classes that mimic what you’ll find in a boutique gym. If you have more than one iFIT-enabled machine, you can use one membership across all of them.
If you decide to forgo the subscription, you’ll have access to about 20-30 (depending on the current software update) preset workout programs, plus a manual mode that lets you adjust resistance on your own. Basic metrics, like calories, heart rate, time and distance, will display on the screen, but the workouts aren’t video-supported like iFIT.
This elliptical is also Bluetooth compatible. You can connect your phone and play music through the two Bluetooth speakers, or plug it in the audio auxiliary port.
ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 Console & Controls
Since the ProForm is designed to work with iFIT, it has a console that supports an immersive experience. There’s a 10-inch smart HD touchscreen that displays all the iFIT workouts as you follow along with them. Unlike other connected fitness equipment, this elliptical machine does not support streaming services. In other words, you can’t connect to Netflix or Hulu and watch shows as you workout.
If you’re using iFIT, you can use the touchscreen to navigate through the exercise library and select your workout. Outside of that, there are one-touch controls on the display that let you automatically change the resistance in increments of two from two to 24. There are also up/down buttons if you want to cycle through each resistance level individually. The console also has push buttons for the fan and speaker volume.
Working Out With the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
ProForm
Working out on the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 feels very similar to a regular elliptical. It has the same smooth stride, without as much of a distinct change in motion like you get with a stepper. But because there’s more of a vertical stride than a traditional elliptical, some describe the workout on a HIIT trainer as a little more intense with greater calorie burn. If you dial up the resistance, it also incorporates some level of strength training, since there will be more activation in your lower body.
A big callout is that the workout is also low-impact. Since your feet never level the pedals, like they do with running, there’s less impact to your joints. But low-impact doesn’t mean less effective, especially in this case.
Warranty & Return Policy
The ProForm HIIT H10 has a 10 year frame, two year parts and one year labor warranty. There is some fine print to consider, though. Any repairs must be authorized by iFIT. In other words, you can’t hire someone to fix your machine and then try to recoup that cost through ProForm. If you have to ship the machine back, or need replacement parts shipped to you, you’re responsible for covering shipping fees. You’re also responsible for a trip charge if a technician has to come out to repair your machine at your house.
The warranty does not cover damage caused by shipping, misuse or unauthorized repairs. And it only applies to the original owner, so if you sell your machine, or you buy it from a third-party, you won’t be covered.
Pros of the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
- Generous size touchscreen
- Compact design
- Provides a low-impact workout
- Immersive workout experience with iFIT
Cons of the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
- Screen doesn’t work without iFIT
- Can’t use streaming services
- Expensive (especially with iFIT subscription)
What Customers Say About the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10
Overall, customers are satisfied with the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 trainer. ProForm doesn’t publish any customer reviews on its site, but the machine has an average rating of 3.8/5 stars at Best Buy. A couple of major complaints have to do with faulty wires and damage right out of the box. But other than that, customers say it’s easy to set up and easy to use, and it provides a quality (and efficient) workout.
ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 FAQs
Does the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 work without an iFIT subscription?
Yes, the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 works without an iFIT subscription. You’ll get access to about 20-30 preset workouts, plus manual mode. However, the preset workouts aren’t videos like iFIT.
What muscles does the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 work?
The ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 allows you to get a full-body workout by activating your quads, hamstrings, glutes, biceps and triceps. Because you have to balance on the machine, and your upper and lower body are moving at the same time, there’s also some core activation involved.
Final Thoughts: Is the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 Worth It?
If you’re looking for a fairly compact exercise machine that will give you a low-impact cardio workout at home, the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 is a worthy contender. While it does operate without an iFIT subscription, the interactive programming is one of the biggest draws of any ProForm machine. That being said, you’ll have to factor in the subscription cost when budgeting to see if it’s worth it for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
