NordicTrack AudioStrider 800
Elliptical Trainer Review

The NordicTrack AudioStrider 800 elliptical trainer is the stripped down version of their popular AudioStrider 990. For approximately $200 less you get fewer workout programs, and the incline adjustment is manual, rather than powered.

If you are not familiar with an incline feature on an elliptical, it is similar to the incline on a treadmill. In the case of the 800 you can adjust the incline up to 30%, although you only have three levels of adjustment.

Why would you want to adjust the incline of an elliptical? There are primarily two reasons. First, you increase the intensity of your workout. It is like hiking up a mountain, and consequently you can get a more intense workout in less time. Second, you workout different muscles in your lower body. By adjusting the incline you can focus on different muscle groups in your legs, adding to a more complete exercise. According to NordicTrack...

"Changing the incline of an elliptical changes the shape of the elliptical stride, which alters the muscle groups that your workout focuses on. With a wide range of incline settings, you can work every muscle in your legs and glutes."

NordicTrack leases this technology from Precor, which holds the patent. The incline features on the Precor elliptical is one of the reasons they are so popular, and found in many health clubs Of course, these models start at about $4000, while the AudioStrider 800 is priced under $1,000.

Additional features include...

Sound System - You can plug in your MP3 and listen to your favorite tunes right from the console. Note, there is no volume control.

iFIT Technology - iFIT is like having your own personal trainer. iFIT is a series of programmable cards you insert into the elliptical trainer (Price $30). Each card offers an 8-week program that covers 24 different workouts. The programs control the incline, speed and duration of the workout, and are designed by personal trainers. Included is audio coaching, motivation and suggestions to optimize your workout. There are 3 levels to choose from - beginner, intermediate and advanced. In addition, they cover different fitness goals - wellness, weight loss, body shaping and endurance.

18" Elliptical Stride - This stride length is ideal for average size individuals. It gives a smooth elliptical motion, rather than a bouncy feel. In addition, with the extra long foot pedals you can further adjust your stride to your comfort level by moving your foot back or forward.

Folding Design - You can actually fold the 800, although when folded you only save about 20" of length. The biggest benefit of the folding feature is it makes the 800 easier to move.

8 Workout Programs - You get a moderate selection of popular workout exercises that change the resistance of the stride.

Warranty - One-year parts and labor. I would rate the coverage as average and recommend increasing the coverage by another year or two.

Our Review - NordicTrack AudioStrider 800

The NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro is a hit. The various features combined with the power incline make it a consideration at $999. For a couple of hundred less the 800 is also worth considering if you don't mind manually changing the incline.

Note: that this is a budget elliptical trainer, and not commercial grade like a Precor. The feedback I get is that the 800 generally holds up well, however if you are planning to use it for strenuous, or extensive workouts it probably is not going to hold up as well as a $2,000+ machine. One further note, although they state the user limit is 300 lbs, I would max out at around 230 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The various customer reviews suggest most people feel the NordicTrack AudioStrider 800 is a good value. There were some complaints about the quality of the machine, but come on, this is an elliptical trainer selling for around $800.

One common complaint is that the machine does not come with a power cord. You have the option of powering the machine with batteries or a power cord. You think they would throw the power cord in, rather than trying to get an additional $30.

Regardless, the overall consensus was favorable for the performance of the 800.

For more information go to NordicTrackEllipticals.com.

Also see the NordicTrack Elite 1300 elliptical trainer review and the NordicTrack ARS 1000.