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.
Note: As of 12/30/08 the NordicTrack AudioStrider 800 was selling for $699, with shipping. A $100 decrease from last week. Go to
www.NordicTrack.com
for the latest deal.
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
The NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 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 towww.NordicTrack.com
Also see the NordicTrack
Elite 1300 elliptical trainer review. and the NordicTrack
ARS 1000.