Precor 966i Experience

This technology is patented by Precor and it’s designed with the purpose to:

– Mimic natural running motion so that it feels smooth and natural
– Harmonize running speed and belt speed so that joint stress and fatigue are minimized
– Ensure workout comfort but at the same time maximize the benefits for heart and lungs

This technology is patented by Precor and its purpose is to answer the following question: How to engineer a running surface that’s solid enough to provide maximum stability and pliable enough to absorb high-impact motion and at the same time not sacrifice stability, safety or speed?

This is why Ground Effects Technology offers the following main features:

– Absorbs shock during high impact movements but only when it’s needed
– Supports a strong push-off

The Precor display is built to work with types of Cardio Theater options: a receiver (XTV option) or a 12 inch PVS screen. The channels on the Cardio Theater options are controlled from the 10 digit-numeric keypad located on the console.

This is self powered Cardio equipment and it works only when the user is physically on the treadmill.

– This wireless system allows listening to music, radio, or programs shown on TVs while exercising by plugging a stereo headphone into a receiver. You select the desired channel. Channels are manually set-up prior to starting using this manual.

– Integrated PVS controller for Power, Channel and Volume up/down, Mute, Home, and Source
– Dual Tuner: Digital and Analog signal support.
– Easy setup and programming.
– The Home button is a pre-defined channel set¬ting

– You step on the exercise equipment, select a desired TV program using the Channel buttons, and you begin exercising
– The program appears on liquid crystal display (LCD) directly in front of you. Depending on how the PVS is configured, Closed Captioning appears unless you plug in headphones.
– Volume buttons allow changing the audio level.
– Very useful is the automatic Search with the Integrated Controller

These are dedicated windows located at the bottom of the console and display the following info: speed, incline, distance, time, pace and average speed

Programs are accessed through only 6 buttons located on the left side of the console. Programs included are:

– Manual
– 4 Intervals that include 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, Custom
– 7 Variety that includes Random, 2 Cross Country, 2 Gluteal, 2 Custom
– 6 Heart Rate Control that include Basic, Custom Weight Loss, Weight Loss, Heart Health, Endurance, Speed
– 4 Weight Loss that include Custom weight loss HRC, Weight Loss HRC, 2 Aerobic
– 8 Performance that include Track, 5K, Gerkin Fitness Test, USAF PRT, Navy PRT, Army PFT, USMC PFT, Federal Law Enf. PEB

Information like Weight and Age are inserted manually by each user so that feedback is accurately provided to match each person’s specific detail.

You can change the program during workout without losing info like the number of calories consumed.

Calories and Heart Rate display are easily located at the top of the console.
Smart Rate displays the info regarding the optimum workout zone. This section works when the user uses the hand grips or the chest trap.

The treadmill is equipped for heart rate telemetry reading when connecting the chest strap.

– Holders for bottles, magazines, phone or music devices like iPod.
– Safety clip.

We did intensive research about Precor treadmills in order to write this review. What we looked for especially were details about their patented technologies, Integrated Footplant and Ground Effects. The names of these technologies practically say it all, still we want to share with you some important details about them which we had the chance to test ourselves.

Precor analyzed in details the basic running/walking on the ground and then replicated the same process when building the Precor Experience Series. When running or walking outside the ground provides the push needed to accelerate at each step. The Precor Footplant technology applies this natural acceleration by adjusting the belt speed as the foot hits the deck.

On their treadmills Precor has installed a special software to monitor heel strikes which communicates with equipment hardware, adjusting the motor speed about 100 times a second. This is why they feel when running on a Precor is smooth and rhythmic, quite enjoyable.

Ground Effect is actually a patented design which provides maximum lateral stability across the running surface so that your feet have the required hard surface (as outside running) to speed during the workout. This technology applies depending on each user’s height and weight.

Both technologies have as start point the theory of Relative Perceived Exertion (RPE). This is the difference between how hard your brain says you’re working and how hard your heart actually works. During running the perceived level of exertion drops when impact to joints is reduced. Precor technologies absorb the impact of each foot strike up to 38% more than other machines so you continuously feel motivated.

Working out on Precor 966i Experience has been very pleasant. Although it can’t feel the same as running outside the experience is pretty close. We could run for 3 hours and feel good, motivated and satisfied with ourselves while on other treadmills we resisted for 1- 2 hours before feeling the need to rest.

Don’t forget this is a heavy and pretty complicated machine, especially if you choose the Cardio Theater option. Be attentive when you assembly the machine and be sure you have a specialist to assist you if this is the 1st time you have a Precor treadmill. The machine is very heavy so have always at least 2 persons when you want to move the treadmill from one place to another.

Workouts are various and the Performance Programs (8 in number) are something new. We used on other treadmills the 5 k workout but not the other 7 included on the Precor 966i. It has been interesting to try something new.

As a conclusion, this is a solid machine and its unique features make Precor an important choice when looking for a professional treadmill. Their experience in building treadmills is noticeable in the improvements this new Series has installed. It’s always good to buy your treadmill from a professional manufacturer. Especially when at stake is a large amount of money, like $5,000.