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 The NordicTrack Elite 12.0 elliptical trainer offers a new concept in crosstraining. NordicTrack is known for being innovative. Their R&D department is the best in the business. What the Elite 12.0 offers that no other elliptical on the market is capable of is the ability to decline the elliptical stride.
Now NordicTrack has been selling elliptical trainers with power inclines for several years. They are similar to the incline features on treadmills, and it simulates going uphill. The advantage is that you get a more intense workout, while you are able to target different lower body muscles like glutes, quads, and calves. Fixed motion ellipticals have limited benefits, since they only activate limited muscles.
Note: The NordicTrack Elite 12.0 Elliptical Trainer typically sells for $1,299 with free shipping. Go to www.NordicTrack.com for the latest deal.*
Why would you want to decline an elliptical trainer? So you can even further workout lower body muscles and simulate the action of going downhill. The NordicTrack Elite 12.0 is capable of inclining 20 degrees and declining 10 degrees. Simulating going up and down a hill or mountain.
NordicTrack Elite 12.0 Elliptical Trainer Features...
iFit Live — iFit Live is all about motivating yourself to achieve your fitness goals, and maybe go beyond them. It allows for 2-way communication between your elliptical trainer and the Internet. This is how it works: You create a profile and define your fitness goals at iFit.com. Let's say you want to lose 10 lbs. in three months. Through your Wi-Fi connection, iFit will download personalized workouts designed to achieve your desired goals. The workouts are created by fitness trainers like Jillian Michaels. They are progressive in nature and include audio coaching. Depending on your progress the workouts will get more or less intense.
After you complete your exercise the results are communicated back to iFit.com so you can constantly track your progress. Studies show those who track their progress are more likely to succeed in achieving their goals.
 In addition, through Google Maps, you can experience exercising on trails throughout the world. You define a route on Google Maps, and the NordicTrack Elite 12.0 will simulate the terrain by adjusting the incline or decline. With the use of a laptop or a smart phone you can visualize your progress through either a satellite, map, street, or earth view on Google Maps. There is also a library of existing routes through famous cityscapes or trails in national parks. I tried iFit Live when I was at the corporate headquarters and ran through my neighborhood viewing familiar sites.
Note: There is an additional cost for iFit Live and you need a wireless internet connection.
30 lb. Flywheel — This is a reasonably heavy flywheel that will contribute to a more natural elliptical motion. You'll find on cheaper models with lighter flywheels that they tend to have a choppy elliptical stride.
25 Built-in Workouts — You get a good variety of exercise challenges. Each workout targets specific muscle groups by changing the incline or decline of your stride. I find changing workout routines helps to prevent you from getting bored.
Resistance and Incline Controls in the Moveable Handle Bars — I like the fact that you can make adjustments to the resistance or the incline without having to break your stride.
 Sound System with MP3 Speakers — Although the speakers are smaller than what you would find in their more expensive treadmill, they still crank out some volume with respectable clarity.
375 lb. User Weight Limit — This is very high. In fact, there are only a few commercial ellipticals I would recommend at this weight limit. I would put the limit at 275 lbs.
8" Workout Fan — A decent size fan that does a decent job of cooling off your core.
Warranty — You get a lifetime warranty on the frame and 5-year parts and 2-year labor. Respectable coverage for the price.
Front Drive vs. Rear Drive Elliptical — You will notice that NordicTrack offers both front and rear drive ellipticals. Which is better? The rear drive will give you a slightly smoother motion. However, there are three benefits to a front drive elliptical. First, they are more compact, by as much as a foot. Second, they are much easier to mount and dismount. Having to step over the mechanism of a rear drive can be difficult for some users. Finally, the front drive often has the pedals closer together, which places less stress on your hips.
Our Review - NordicTrack Elite 12.0 Elliptical Trainer
When I tried the Elite 12.0 elliptical I first found the ability to decline a bit unnerving. Once I got use to it I could see how it worked my quads. The one benefit of being able to both incline and decline is the fact you can get the full experience of going up and down hills or mountains on iFit Live.
Overall the Elite 12.0 has a smooth and natural elliptical stride. One of the most important features that you want on an elliptical trainer. Furthermore, it is a very stable machine. When you factor in features like iFit Live, impressive speaker system, impressive warranty, and a generous selection of programs, overall you have an impressive pacage.
When priced right, the NordicTrack Elite 12.0 is a consideration due to the unique and innovative features.
Go to www.NordicTrack.com to learn more!
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