When it comes to elliptical trainers, there seem to be two main options: light and flimsy home-use models, or heavy but durable commercial models. The Matrix elliptical creates a third category: compact but sturdy.
In this Matrix elliptical review, we’re going to discuss the ins and out of this home-use cross trainer so that you can determine if it’s the right product for you.
But why buy an elliptical at all? Why not a bike, rower, or treadmill? The truth is that ellipticals are arguably the best type of cardio machine for the home. They are low impact, which means they are easy on your joints, your floor, and your neighbor’s and housemate’s ears!
In addition, they are very low maintenance, usually very reliable, and allow you to work your legs and upper body at the same time. You can use an elliptical for improving your fitness, toning all your major muscles, or burning fat and losing weight. No other cardio machine is so easy to use or so versatile.
There are lots of ellipticals available, and some are better than others, and the Matrix elliptical is an excellent choice for home exercisers.
Matrix Elliptical Review
Matrix Fitness E-30
Features
- Built in Sprint 8 high intensity interval training System
- Featuring Virtual Active, travel the world from your elliptical' s console
- Touchscreen console with best in class Apps to keep boredom away
- Lifetime frame Warranty
- Bluetooth Compatible - Connect your favorite devices
Key Features
While the Matrix Fitness E-30 Elliptical, is not quite commercial-grade, it comes very close and offers a range of benefits and features not usually found on home-use machines. That means it will be both reliable and hardwearing while delivering great workouts. The main features of this elliptical are:
- Unique suspension frame
- 1-pound flywheel for smooth braking
- 20 resistance levels
- Frictionless electromagnetic system for near-silent operation
- Integrated arm action
- Large stay-flat pedals
- Fixed 20” stride length
- HD touchscreen console with built-in programs and optional apps
- 18 preset workouts
- VR screen for immersive workouts
- Compact footprint, ideal for home use
- Built-in drink bottle/cup holder
- Built-in heart rate grips
- Wireless heart rate monitoring – chest strap not supplied
- Internet connectivity for software updates and running the apps
Dimensions
The Matrix Fitness E-30 Elliptical with Xer Frame + Console is more substantial than most home ellipticals, but not as big or bulky as those primarily made for commercial use. 
Because of this, you should make sure it will fit into your workout space.
The dimensions of this product are:
- Length – 57.5 inches
- Width – 29.5 inches
- Height – 67.8 inches
- Weight – 284 pounds
- Maximum user weight – 325 pounds
284 pounds might not sound light but, compared to most commercial ellipticals that come in at 400 pounds plus, it actually is. The compact footprint, combined with having the drive mechanism at the front, means that this machine will fit into smaller spaces than the average commercial cross-trainer. The low weight and shorter length make this elliptical ideal for home use.
Computer Features
The Matrix Fitness E-30 Elliptical has a very good performance computer. 
With internet connectivity, you use this touch screen to control every aspect of your workout, and you can also link your machine to several different workout apps to make your exercise as enjoyable and productive as possible.
The main features of the computer are:
- 5″ extra-wide blue LCD Display
- ViaFit connectivity & passport ready
- Wi-Fi enabled for software updates & ViaFit connectivity
- Average pace
- Calories and calories per hour
- Clock
- Time elapsed, time goal, and time remaining
- Current speed and pace, and previous speed (mph/kph)
- Elevation
- Current and peak heart rate
- Current and previous incline %
- Mets and watts
- Programs include calorie, distance, fat burn, incline, intervals (incline), intervals (resistance), manual, rolling hills, speed, Sprint 8, and time
Please note: some of these features are optional paid subscription services, such as Sprint 8, ViaFit, and Virtual Active.
Ease of Use
The Matrix elliptical is relatively straightforward to use, but it’s not as simple as some home use cross-trainers.
The multi-functional touch screen display is described as intuitive.
However, you’ll still need to spend time learning all the menus so you can access the features and functions you want to use.
While this console can definitely add a lot to your workouts, it’s also more involving than many other on-board computers, especially if you use any of the optional apps.
That said, if you can operate a tablet or smartphone, you’ll soon get the hang of this console and, once you are exercising, everything else about this elliptical is pretty standard.
In short, once you’re familiar with the console, this machine is very easy to use.
Assembly
The Matrix Fitness E-30 Elliptical is delivered in parts and requires some home assembly. However, because they are relatively light and compact, this is an easy job for one person. That said, the construction will probably be faster and easier if you have someone to help you.
Putting the Matrix elliptical together should take no more than 1-2 hours, requires no specialized engineering skills, and needs just a few basic tools.
Warranty
Despite being made for the home workout market, the Matrix E-30 is backed by a warranty that’s just as good as any for a commercial machine. That’s good news because this elliptical is not the cheapest machine around, and it’s nice to know you can buy with confidence.
The Matrix E30 elliptical home warranty covers:
- Frame: Lifetime
- Parts: 5 Years
- Console: 5 Years
- Labor: 2 Years
When bought directly from the manufacturer, Matrix ellipticals are also sold with 30-day trials.
Bottom Line
The Matrix Fitness E-30 Elliptical with Xer Frame + Console manages to stand between two places in the fitness market – home use and commercial. In many ways, that’s what makes this particular product so appealing. A lot of home ellipticals are too light and flimsy for serious use and probably won’t last more than a year or two. But, most commercial products are overkill for home use, not to mention being so big and bulky you may not even have room for one.
This elliptical is more than the average home use machine. Still, it isn’t quite up to the demands of commercial use, and this makes it the ideal choice for discerning exercisers who want more from their workout equipment.
This machine is robust enough to stand up to moderately heavy use, has plenty of handy features, but is light and compact enough that you won’t have to give up your garage or build an extension on your house to own one. And while, at 284 pounds, you won’t want to carry the Matrix elliptical from room to room, it’s nice to know that, if you move to a new home, you won’t have any trouble transporting your workout machine.
In short, if you are looking for a home elliptical that delivers a gym-quality workout without taking over your home or breaking the bank, the Matrix elliptical is an excellent choice.
Patrick Dale is an ex-British Royal Marine and owner and lecturer for a fitness qualifications company. In addition to training prospective personal trainers, Patrick has also authored three fitness and exercise books, dozens of e-books, thousands of articles, and several fitness videos.
