NordicTrack Elliptical Review - Are NordicTrack Ellipticals a Good Value?

NordicTrack Elliptical Trainers are some of the most popular ellipticals online. The Nordic track name is owned by Icon Health and Fitness, one of the largest fitness equipment companies in the world (They also own brands like Proform, Healthrider, Image, Epic and Reebok.)

The advantage to buying from the largest fitness equipment company in the world is that, unlike some elliptical brands that have closed up shop and filed for bankruptcy, ICON is large enough that it can probably weather the storm of tough economic times.

Nordic Track is ICON's higher end line of fitness equipment. And their ellipticals offer some very popular features with buyers. Are they a good value for you? Here's a review of the strengths and weaknesses of the Nordic Track elliptical brand to help you decide:

Strengths:

Quick Ramp / Incline - Incline lets you increase your elliptical workout slope. By doing this, you can train different muscle groups. This not only avoids overtraining one muscle group, but it also helps you burn more calories and get an overall more efficient workout.

Incline is a feature that isn't found on most elliptical trainers (unless you want to spend $2800+ on a commercial elliptical). Note however that incline is only found on certain Nordic track models.

Built In Speakers with iPod / MP3 Port - Several of this year's new models come with built in speakers and iPod / mp3 plug in ports. You plug in your iPod or mp3 player and listen to your favorite workout music, audiobook or even watch downloaded videos. This is a great feature that can make your workout a lot more enjoyable.

Improved Stride Lengths - While many of the older NordicTrack elliptical models offer 15-16" stride lengths, the new models are coming with 18" - 20" stride lengths. This longer stride helps you more fully work your leg muscles, burn more calories and get a better workout overall. Taller users especially feel the difference with a longer stride as it gives you a smoother feeling elliptical motion.

iFit Compatibility - Several models offer iFit card capability. iFit workout cards offer 8 weeks of personal trainer designed workouts (per card). You insert the card directly into the elliptical console and the program will automatically adjust your speed and incline to fit the workout's goals. The voice of a personal trainer talks you through the workout.

Folding - Several of the new Nordic Track Spacesaver ellipticals fold up for easy storage and movement. While fairly common with treadmills - this is rare to find with elliptical trainers.

Weaknesses:

Several of the older economy models are still kicking around stores. They're not as advanced as the newer models and may not hold up as well over the long run.

Also, as with any brand, the more economy units do not give you as much in terms of stability, user weight capacity or fitness tools.

Summary:

NordicTrack elliptical trainers have vastly improved over the years and now give you a lot more than they used to.

You get popular fitness tools like iPod / Mp3 docks with built in speakers, longer stride lengths, foldability and iFit workout compatibility.

Some models even offer incline capability (which is usually only found in $2800+ commercial models) which helps you work an entirely different set of muscles and burn more calories.

NordicTrack ellipticals are also affordable if you're on a budget and compared to some other Icon models they do offer longer warranties.

Keep in mind that if you plan on heavy, frequent use of your elliptical, you'll want a higher end model with high user weight capacity and longer warranty as they will probably stand up better over the long run.

Kathryn O'Neill writes for Elliptical Reviews - offering elliptical reviews by brand, quality of construction, 'Best Buys' and more. For a list of the latest NordicTrack ellipticals including reviews and where to buy at a discount see the NordicTrack Elliptical Comparison Page.