If you’ve ever used a Precor AMT at your gym, you’ll know why they’re so popular. It’s not quite an elliptical, because it’s much more than that. For many, the elliptical is an effective exercise machine for low impact cardio, but it can get tedious doing the same repetitive motion for the entire duration of a workout. If you’re looking to invest and purchase your own AMT, you’ll see that there are generally three main models out on the market, the Precor AMT 100i, Precor AMT 835 and Precor AMT 885. While on a superficial level they may look extremely similar, there are subtle differences that set these machines apart. We’ll go through every aspect step by step so you can decide which model is right for you.
What is an AMT?
AMT stands for Adaptive Motion Trainer which, coincidentally, is what the Precor AMTs do. Contrary to any other elliptical on the market, there is no delay or manual adjustment needed to adjust your stride. The machine adapts to your stride both in speed and motion on-the-fly which allows you to perform unique workout without unnecessary breaks. Every model of the AMT also comes with an integrated stride dial which displays which muscles you’re working. This changes as you alter your stride length.
Another great aspect about the AMT that not every other elliptical has is the contralateral arm movement. It moves in sync with your legs to create a natural unison between your arm and leg movements, also allowing you to get a total body workout. These features are all present in every model of the AMT, so let’s move on to the differences.
Stride Length
All AMTs are created to adapt to people of all shapes and sizes. The original AMT 100i has an adaptive stride length from zero to 27 inches. The Precor AMT 835 and 885 have improved upon this with a wider range of zero to 36 inches. Unlike the 100i, the 835 and 885 also have something called a stride height. This is adjustable from 6.8 to 10 inches to allow an easier transition on and off the platform.
Dual Action
This is a fancy term for providing both an upper body and lower body workout. All models of the AMT include this but Precor has stated that they have worked with a Western Washington University biomechanics lab to further improve upon this in the later iterations of the AMT. They have optimized the AMT to work with varying fitness sizes and levels from 5% size female to the 95% male user.
Foot Pedals
On all AMT models, the foot pedals have toe caps on them to ensure optimal muscle usage. Precor not only powder-coats the machines once, but twice in order to apply a rust resistant undercoat to provide additional support to the cosmetic topcoat steel frame.
Consoles
The console type is easily the largest and most apparent difference between the Precor AMT 100i, Precor AMT 835 and Precor AMT 885 models. While these consoles can be modified to fit other models, we’ll go with the models most commonly seen on each model.
The Precor AMT 100i and 935 generally come equipped with the P30 consoles. This is a large 15 inch LED display panel with tactile dome keys, a quick start button, motion controls and even a numerical pad.
The Precor 885 on the other hand generally comes equipped with the top of the line P80 console, which is a 15 inch LCD capacitive touch screen. While all units come with accessories holders for a water bottle, reading communication devices and portable music player, only the P80 comes with an iPod/iPhone docking station.
Fitness Tracking
Each console comes with electronic readouts on a variety of workout metrics, including minimum calories burned, % of workout completed, resistance level distance strides, heart rate and much more. All AMTs come with handheld heart rate sensors located on the handlebars. The AMT 835 and AMT 885 have increased accurate heart rate monitoring from the AMT 100i.
A small quirk that should be noted is maximum workout time. With the AMT 100i it was 240 minutes then became unlimited with the AMT 835. The AMT 885 restricted maximum workout time to 120 minutes.
Dimensions
- Precor AMT 100i: 74 x 28 x 69 inches, Total weight: 445 lbs
- Precor AMT 835: 80 x 35 x 69 inches, Total weight: 412 lbs
- Precor AMT 885: 80 x 35 x 73 inches, Total weight: 422 lbs
We hope that we’ve cleared up some confusion between these great AMTs. You can’t go wrong with any model; it all depends on your preference and budget. Of course, the earlier models are far more cost effective than the newer top of the line AMT. Whichever you choose, have peace of mind knowing that we have them all in stock!
