Nordic Track Elliptical

Elliptical trainers have become some of the most popular workout machines for both health club and home use. The ability to get a full body workout without the impact of running makes this the perfect trainer for weight loss. The Nordic Track elliptical machines are some of the most advanced and they continue to reinvent the concept.

The latest 2010 range of machines features 2 brand new designs. Not only are they incredibly robust, but they have a lot of research behind them and features unique ergonomics and many features you simply won’t find on other brands. The new iFIT technology puts Nordictrack in a whole new league and it’s the perfect solution for anyone who needs a personal trainer, but who cant afford it.

A Nordic Track elliptical can be the perfect solution for complete home fitness. The machines are strong enough to accommodate heavy use, yet some of the models can fold up for easy and compact storage. Every model has something unique to offer and depending on your budget and personal needs, there’s one for you. Below is my pick of the top 7 Nordictrack Ellipticals and why I think they are the best value for money.

As one of the most popular Nordic Track ellipticals, the Audiostrider 990 got a nice revamp in 2010 in this new Pro model. With a new frame and slightly new design, the biggest difference is “under the hood” with an improved flywheel design that is heavier than the previous model, making training on the Audiostrider 990 Pro much more smoother and the machine much more stable. Switching between resistance levels is easy with the 1-touch buttons and transitions are smooth and with more than 16 levels of resistance it offers a wide range for both beginner and more advanced workouts.

It offers 2 settings for stride length with an 18’’ and 20’’ option to accommodate taller users. The machine itself can adjust to an incline of 30 degrees. This is great to vary the intensity of the workout and also to involve different muscles groups in your workout.

It comes programmed with 25 workout routines and although the iFIT is not included as standard, its fully compatible with the NordicTrack iFIT technology. The console has an iPOD dock with a built in cooling fan to keep you cool during heavy workouts.

It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and 1 year for parts and labor. Although its quite a big machine, I like the fact that it has a storage “mode” that can save you as much as 3 feet.

Main Features:
* 30 Degree Power Intensity Ramp™
* 25 Built in Workouts
* 18-20″ Stride Length

Who Is It For: This is a great entry level elliptical and perfect for a budget under $1000. Its perfect for light commercial use or heavy residential use and it probably ideal for anyone who wants a good quality elliptical trainer at home.
User Rating: 9/10
Price: $999.00

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This is the latest Nordic Track treadmill and an addition that I’m not entirely convinced about. It basically has all the features as the AudioTrider 990 Pro but for $100 less it got stripped of all the luxuries that the 990 Pro has.  Nevertheless, it is still one of the most affordable machines on the market a if your budget is really stretched and you don’t want to compromise on quality, then this is a good option.

The Pathfinder comes with the new Power Ramp feature that adjusts the incline between 10 and 35 degrees. The ability to adjust the incline greatly improves the versatility of the machine and allows for a greater variety of workouts. Its fully iFIT Interactive compatible with an interactive display, iPOD compatibility and heart rate monitor built into the handles, this machine is well worth its price.

The machine is pretty basic, but it still compares very well with the 990 Pro. The main differences are “under the hood” but the fact that the Pathfinder comes with 15 digital resistance levels and a space saver design means its probably a better solution for home use. It is however, not as stable or as hard working as the more expensive models but still more than adequate for general home use.

Main Features:
* 15°-35° Power Ramp
* Innovative New Shock System
* 18″-20″ Adjustable Stride
* 350 lb. Weight Capacity

Who Is It For: This is the ideal elliptical trainer for people on a budget. It’s the cheapest Nordic Track elliptical, but still has the main features and durability that makes it one of the top brands.
User Rating: 8/10
Price:$999.00

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The most striking thing about these new Nordic Track ellipticals is the duel flywheel design and unlike traditional front or back flywheels it reinvents the concepts completely. The result is a machine that is slightly wider but a lot shorter. Not only does this save a lot of space, but it’s a safer design for health clubs with heavy foot traffic around machines and the machine itself is much more stable during your workout.

As a commercial machine, durability and heavy wear and tear is a main concern and the majority of elliptical trainers in a gym break down regularly because of the flywheel and resistance mechanism. The A.C.T is specifically designed for commercial use and is incredibly robust with its magnetic resistance. As a workout machine its designed to accommodate a wide range of users and exercises with an 18’’ to 22’’ stride length and handle bars (with heart rate sensors) for upper body training.

It comes with 20 iFIT pre-programmed without routines and is fully compatible with iFIT Interactive. For me the overall look of the machine is a bit strange but the improved ergonomics and robustness of the design makes is a great buy for anyone who needs something for heavier use. You can expect to find this machine in many of the smaller boutique gyms and at health spas. It has all the great exercise benefits of a traditional elliptical with the added benefit of withstanding heavy use in a compact machine. The A.C.T Commercial Pro model comes with loads of added extras and a top of the range flywheel mechanism and is considered as one of the most robust machines in the business.

Main Features:
* Adjustable from 18″ to 22″ Strides
* 20 iFIT® Personal Trainer Workouts
* Incredibly Compact 47″ Design
* CoolAire Workout Fan

Who Is It For: This is an inexpensive commercial machine that has great durability flexibility. Its perfect for average commercial use and for multi-user setups.
User Rating: 8/10
Price:$1,999.00

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This is the “new” 2010 model of the very popular A.C.T machine and comes with several new and improved features – most of which you can’t see. The main difference is in the mechanics f the machine and it features some significant improvements to the flywheel design and the magnetic resistance. Not only is it more robust and more stable, but it provides a much smoother workout.

All and all it’s a bigger, more powerful machine and definitely more suited to heavier use. It has all the features that the A.C.T Commercial has but it does come with a much higher price tag. What you pay for is improved durability and performance and most of all it comes with a full 2 year warranty on parts (on top of the standard NordicTrack warranty).

The biggest downside is the price, but you pay for quality and this is primarily the reason for the higher price. If you can’t justify it with heavy use, then you are better off going for the cheaper model as it has the same look and feel.

Main Features:
* 18″-20″-22″ Adjustable Stride
* Brand New Heavy Weight Fly Wheel
* 350 lb. Weight Capacity

Who Is It For: This machine is specifically designed for heavy commercial use and I can highly recommend it for health clubs and heavy use with multiple users.
User Rating: 8/10
Price: $1,999.00

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The FreeStrider is new concept that combines the benefits of both a stair climber and an elliptical trainer into one very flexible machine. While a normal elliptical has a predetermined stride length, the FreeStrider is designed to allow you to vary your stride length without limitation. Not only does it allow you a very wide range of exercises, but it allows you to train muscle groups that normal elliptical machines can’t reach.

It comes with cardio handle bars, equipped with a heart rate monitor and an advanced control panel that includes an iPOD docking station, built in speaker system and a directional fan. It comes with 25 pre-programmed workouts and is fully iFIT compatible and has full wireless capability.

The warranty on the FreeStriders are standard, but they are definitely fit for light commercial use. This machines is definitely more than just another elliptical trainer and I really like the ability to target the hamstrings and gluts with the increased motion. All and all it has much better versatility and the 35S is perfect for home use. For heavy commercial use, the bigger model comes with a more robust flywheel design and an increased warranty.

Main Features:
* 35″ User Defined Variable Stride
* Durable Commercial-Built Frame
* iFit Live™ Compatible
* 300-lb. Weight Capacity

Who Is It For: This machine is for someone who wants more than just an elliptical trainer. If you want to do serious lower body workouts, then this is the machine for you.
User Rating: 8/10
Price:$1,699.00

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