Exercise and Fitness

NordicTrack Elliptical Review

nordictrack elliptical

iFit-ready consoles, tablet holders and workout fans are among the features that come standard on most NordicTrack ellipticals. Many models also let you adjust your stride length manually or with power incline.

Top 2022 NordicTrack ellipticals have HD touchscreen monitors and moving handlebars for total-body workouts. Some even have iFit, which offers streaming workouts and a 30-day free trial.

Adjustable Stride Length

The stride length of an elliptical determines who can use the machine comfortably, so it’s nice that this NordicTrack model adjusts from 20 inches to 24 inches. This is a long enough range to accommodate most people and is similar to the stride size on commercial ellipticals at gyms.

In addition to the adjustable stride, this elliptical also offers several other adjustments. This includes an incline that can be raised up to 20 degrees, which works the large posterior muscles like your glutes and hamstrings more than if you just pedal on flat ground.

This elliptical also has a large 7-inch color touchscreen display that lets you see your workout stats on the go. It comes with access to over 16,000 iFit classes and has a ledge under the screen that securely holds a tablet. It also has a heavy flywheel and belt drive system that makes it quieter than other ellipticals. Its noise level is about 59 dB when on standby and a bit louder when you’re using it.

iFit Workouts

Cardio may not be everyone’s favorite type of workout, but ellipticals can make it fun and challenging. iFIT offers an extensive library of accessible workouts that you can access on your own time, on your own device.

The iFit workouts feature trainer-led classes that can automatically adjust your resistance and incline settings, as well as provide a variety of fitness challenges to keep you motivated. This can be a great way to ensure you don’t get complacent with your workouts and push yourself to new levels of intensity.

For users who aren’t iFit members, you can still get great workouts on your NordicTrack elliptical by using apps like TrainerRoad or Zwift. Both of these fitness apps offer hundreds of different cycling and running workouts that can be done on your elliptical, as well as in virtual worlds. You can also pair your elliptical with Bluetooth headphones to listen to music during your workout. The SE9i elliptical is a perfect example of how versatile and innovative NordicTrack products can be. It has a foldable design and can be stored vertically, saving you space in your home gym. It also has a 14-inch touchscreen monitor that displays your stats and provides easy navigation to iFit workouts.

Quiet Motor

In a top-rated elliptical, the flywheel for resistance is located in the front rather than the back of the machine. This means the machines are quieter, as they don’t have to move a large mass around the room while you exercise. The premium ellipticals in this category also have heavier fly wheels, which are smoother to use and give you a great workout without making loud noise.

The ellipticals in this line also have good-sized frames that are relatively compact when not in use. This makes them easy to tuck away, even in small apartments or studios. They’re also less likely to be knocked over by kids or pets than larger ellipticals. Some have moving handlebars to support full-body workouts and HD displays for fitness apps and iFit. The FS10i and SE9i have power-adjustable incline and decline to simulate the ups and downs of terrains you explore through iFit’s Google Maps component. This feature isn’t available on all models, but it is a nice touch for those with limited space.

Space-Saving Design

The SE9i elliptical folds and stores vertically, making it a space-friendly choice for those with limited home gym space. This model uses a rear drive system, meaning the flywheel is in the back and your body weight balances the machine for a smooth ride. It also means the pedals don’t extend too far out in front or back behind the machine, which makes it a safer option for anyone else using the room while you’re working out (especially children).

This model also has a huge 14-inch HD monitor where you’ll be able to navigate through thousands of iFit workouts and classes. However, Nicole did notice that the screen and base wobbled a little back and forth, which could be a bit annoying during her workouts. Thankfully, the SE9i comes mostly preassembled and you only need to attach the front and rear stabilizers, each handle and connect the console. Then, you’ll be ready to get moving!