The Yowza Sanibel Elliptical Machine Gets a Big ‘Thumbs Up’

Is the Yowza Sanibel elliptical machine with its patented Counter Rotational Core Motion the answer to hours of boring and endless ab crunch exercises? We say Yes! If you have ever desired an innovative design that really helps tone the waist and work the upper body – it is finally here: the Sanibel is the industry’s first Cardio Core Elliptical Trainer.

What You Get

The Yowza Sanibel elliptical machine comes with a blue backlit LCD display console. You get 12 programs including 3 Target (Time, Distance, Calories), Random Ab Blaster program with 50 variations, Core Intervals with 8 intensity levels, Endurance programs with 8 levels, Watts Control, Core Fat Burning, Heart Rate Control, and Manual. You also get 9 user memory profiles to set and store weight, height, and sex.

Specs on the Yowza Sanibel include:

• Counter Rotational Core Motion
• Electromagnetic Braking System
• Rear drive, silent roller-less action
• Sure-Fit™ Self-Pivoting Pedals
• 21" stride length
• 10 preset programs; 9 user memory
• 16 Resistance levels
• Grip Pulse handlebars
• Polar™ Wireless Heart Rate receiver
• iPod dock & hi fidelity speakers
• 3-speed adjustable fan
• Unit Weight/Dimensions — 226 lbs; 81"L x 33"W x 66"H
• Max User Weight — 400 lbs
• Warranty: lifetime frame & brake, 5 years parts & electronics, 2 years labor

UPDATE: The Yowza Sanibel model was replaced by the Sanibel i35 model. Check out our reviews of the newer model.

The Word on the Street

The Yowza Sanibel elliptical machine is different from every other trainer on the market because of a new invention: the patented counter-rotational core motion.

When you exercise on it, the converging axis arm movement combines with your variable lower body motion to successfully work the muscles in the ab core group: the rectus abdominus (“6-pack”), the obliques (“love handles”), serratus anterior (“boxer’s muscle” around the rib cage), and the deep transverse abdominus (“the girdle”). Work on this important group in the front also helps the spine and back muscles since they are counterbalance to the abs.

The components on the Yowza Sanibel are nothing less than state-of-the-art: the oversized Sure-Fit™ pedals pivot on cushioned rubber buffers, the roller-less and track-less rear-drive design is maintenance-free, the pivot points are built with roller bearings, and the elliptical machine features a sturdy steel frame with powder coating.

It offers challenging programs with variations, and the controls on the moving handlebars allow for easy and quick changes to resistance levels.

New owners are excited to report in elliptical reviews that the Yowza Sanibel exceeds all expectations. The core motion feature is the key reason they bought this machine, and they find that it not only tones the waist and stomach areas, but that its action works to strengthen and condition the back muscles as well.

And there is one more advantage: since the elliptical machine is designed with low impact training in mind, you will not be sore after the workout session.

Our Thoughts

The Yowza Sanibel is the first cardio elliptical trainer that isn’t all about the legs. During upper bodywork, you will be pushing and pulling the rotating bars while twisting at the waist, making your upper body do the bulk of the exercise, and your legs doing only 20%.

This will be done in 60-second intervals, then you switch to legs doing most of the work for an interval, and switch again. With the moving handlebars, you won’t be “going through the motions” but really getting a full body workout.

While we wish the Yowza Sanibel didn’t have that crowded type of single panel blue display that reminds one of a NordicTrack elliptical, that isn’t enough to turn us off to this impressive machine. It’s solid and smooth, and it’s an ab blaster too!

This trainer ideal for those of us who do it all – ellipticals, treadmills, and lift weights – yet still have trouble targeting the abs effectively. At $1,499, the Yowza Sanibel elliptical machine gets a big thumb’s up. It’s a Best Buy.

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