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NordicTrack is a well-established retailer that sells home gym equipment. The company sells four different models of elliptical trainers with a range of resistance and incline levels.
A quick look at NordicTrack ellipticals
- Best for 24 digital resistance levels: FreeStride Trainer FS10i
- Best for a -10% decline to 10% incline: FreeStride Trainer FS14i
- Best for a 17.5–18.7 inch (in) auto-adjusting stride: Front Drive Commercial 9.9
- Best for a 14-inch touchscreen console: Front Drive Commercial 14.9
Operating since 1975, NordicTrack is an American-based company that sells home gym equipment, including treadmills, bikes, rowers, strength training equipment, and elliptical machines.
The company has an average customer rating of 1.6 stars out of a possible 5 on Trustpilot. Positive reviews frequently mention good quality products, with less favorable reviews commenting on customer service and delivery problems.
An elliptical trainer is a stationary machine that allows a person to move at their own pace. To use the machine, a person moves their arms and legs simultaneously.
These machines provide low impact exercise, as it does not put much pressure on the ankles, knees, and hips. This means that this machine is ideal for those with injuries or who want to rebuild strength and motion.
NordicTrack offers four elliptical machines. All machines have the following warranty periods:
- 10-year frame warranty
- 2-year parts warranty
- 1-year labor warranty
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for 24 digital resistance levels:
FreeStride Trainer FS10i
- Price: $1,999
- Digital resistance levels: 24
- Incline: 0–10% incline
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 58.5 x 29.5 x 74 inches (in)
- In-box product weight: 284 pounds (lb)
- Maximum user weight: 375 lb
This elliptical machine features a 10-inch smart HD touchscreen for use with the NordicTrack subscription service, iFit. This service allows individuals to participate in on-demand classes where trainers can remotely adjust the machine’s speed and incline level.
The FreeStride Trainer FS10i has Bluetooth connectivity and two digital speakers. There is a built-in fan to help regulate body temperature and space for a water bottle.
The machine has 0–10% incline levels and 24 digital resistance levels. It also has an adjustable stride that will automatically calibrate between 0 and 32 in when a person moves naturally. Individuals can also see their statistics on the console, including heart rate, distance traveled, and workout intensity.
This trainer also has transport wheels, so a person may easily change its location within the home.
Best for a -10% decline to 10% incline:
FreeStride Trainer FS14i
- Price: $2,499
- Digital resistance levels: 26
- Incline: -10% decline to 10% incline
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 58.5 x 29.5 x 74 in
- In-box product weight: 287 lb
- Maximum user weight: 375 lb
As it is from the same series, the FS14i model features many of the same features as the FS10i model, but some additional ones include:
- -10% decline to 10% incline
- 26 digital resistance levels
- 14 in touchscreen console
Best for a 17.5–18.7 inch (in) auto-adjusting stride:
Front Drive Commercial 9.9
- Price: $1,499
- Digital resistance levels: 22
- Incline: 0–20% incline
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 68.25 x 28.75 x 68.5 in
- In-box product weight: 244 lb
- Maximum user weight: 350 lb
The Front Drive Commercial 9.9 is one of NordicTrack’s most affordable elliptical trainers. It has Bluetooth compatibility, two speakers, a fan, and a water bottle holder.
The trainer features a 7-in smart HD touchscreen that provides access to on-demand classes that a person can use to access their iFit membership. This membership comes free for a year after purchase.
This model has an adjustable stride length between 17.5 to 18.7 in that auto-adjusts to intensify training effects. It has a 0% decline to 20% incline, 22 digital resistance levels, and front-mounted transport wheels.
Best for a 14-inch touchscreen console:
Front Drive Commercial 14.9
- Price: $1,799
- Digital resistance levels: 26
- Incline: 0–20% incline
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 67 x 29 x 69 in
- In-box product weight: 210 lb
- Maximum user weight: 350 lb
This model has a touchscreen console that is double the size of the Front Drive Commercial 9.9 model, at 14 in. All other features are the same, except this model also has 26 digital resistance settings instead of 22.
Additionally, this product is larger than the Commercial 9.9 model, which may make it easier to move.
The following table compares the ellipticals on price, size, and more.
| FS10i | FS14i | 9.9 | 14.9 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999 | $2,499 | $1,499 | $1,799 |
| Digital resistance levels | 24 | 26 | 22 | 26 |
| Incline | 0–10% incline | -10% decline to 10% incline | 0–20% incline | 0–20% incline |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 58.5 x 29.5 x 74 in | 58.5 x 29.5 x 74 in | 68.25 x 29.75 x 68.5 in | 67 x 29 x 69 in |
| In-box product weight | 284 lb | 287 lb | 244 lb | 210 lb |
| Maximum user weight | 375 lb | 375 lb | 350 lb | 350 lb |
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Some advantages of using an elliptical machine include the following:
- A person can go at their own pace, which could benefit those recovering from injury.
- Ellipticals allow for backward motion that works different muscles to those working in a forward motion. Research shows the benefits of this, particularly in those with particular knee-related conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
- Evenly spread body weight across both legs during the workout.
- There is very little chance of injury from incorrect use.
- The elliptical machine targets many muscle groups at once, including glutes, hamstrings, quads, back, core, and biceps.
Some safety precautions a person might consider when using an elliptical trainer are:
- Start slowly to allow muscles to warm up. Warming up the body slowly
improves performance and reduces risk of injury to muscles and tendons. - Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Keep an eye on the heart rate so a person can check they are not overexerting themselves.
- Hold the handrails lightly to maintain balance and good posture.
Here we answer some common questions about these products.
Is NordicTrack elliptical worth it?
Whether a NordicTrack elliptical is worth it depends on each person. An elliptical may be a good purchase for a person who intends to use it regularly at home.
However, some people may prefer to purchase gym equipment that allows for greater versatility, such as home gyms. Other people may find that it is more convenient to purchase a gym subscription.
Which elliptical brand is the best?
The best elliptical brand depends on which features a person requires.
People should consider digital resistance levels, incline and decline levels, price, and any membership charges when choosing an elliptical.
Is the elliptical machine good for losing belly fat?
Elliptical machines provide a workout, which helps reduce body fat.
While people cannot target a specific area to burn fat, exercising regularly while eating a healthy, balanced, diet, can reduce fat all over the body.
Elliptical trainers exercise various muscle groups during one workout. They also put less pressure on joints in comparison with other pieces of gym equipment.
NordicTrack offers six different types of elliptical trainers. All of them feature a screen, allowing a person to partake in on-demand workout classes if they wish.