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NordicTrack A.C.T. Commercial PRO Elliptical Trainer Review

2012 Elliptical Trainer Reviews     |     "Best Buy" Elliptical Trainers

NordicTrack A.C.T. Pro Elliptical Trainer ReviewThe NordicTrack A.C.T. center drive elliptical trainer has proven to be so popular they've have come up with several versions of it, each with different electronic features. The NordicTrack A.C.T. Pro is their new release. Unique to the Pro version is iFit Live and the Grafixx hi-res display.

NordicTreack A.C.T. Commercial Pro Features...

18"-22" Adjustable Stride — The one flaw with an elliptical trainer is you need to find the right model with the right stride length for your height. For example, taller individuals will want to opt for a longer stride. If you have multiple users at different heights, that can be an issue. With an adjustable stride, individuals can adjust the stride to their personal comfort zone.


Note: The NordicTrack A.C.T. Commercial PRO elliptical trainer typically sells for $1,299 with free shipping. Go to www.NordicTrackEllipticals.com for the latest deal.*


The other advantage with an adjustable stride is the fact you can change the stride length and focus your workout on different parts of your lower body. The adjustable stride provides more of a "full body" workout than a standard stride elliptical.

Compact Design — Elliptical trainers can be space hogs. Some models have very long lengths, particularly front wheel designs. Of course, there are some very compact rear wheel designs, but they are usually cheap models that are not very stable. The center design condenses the mechanics and results in a machine that is only 47" long. In comparison, the Sole E95 is 82" in length. The A.C.T. is ideal for apartment and condo dwellers.

Very Stable — Unless you get a very heavy model, many elliptical trainers are not that stable. They may tend to rock, especially during a strenuous workout. The center drive ellipticals have a square base that contributes to a solid, stable feel.

Level Motion — There is some controversy over which is better, a front or rear wheel elliptical trainer design. Now the discussion needs to include center design. Although it is a matter of preference, there are a couple of advantages with the A.C.T. Commercial center design.

First, you are centered over the motion. In comparison to the front design, you tend to have to lean forward when using the handlebars. I find the center design to be more natural in positioning and in the motion of the stride.

Second, I also thought the position of your body in relation to the handlebars gave you a better upper body workout. I have a front drive elliptical, and unless I make a conscious effort to put pressure on the handlebars, my arms tend to just go through the motions. I thought the center drive did a better job of distributing the resistance and the benefits.

Pedal Distance — One additional advantage to the center design of the NordicTrack A.C.T. is the pedal distance. They are closer than many models. This is an attractive feature to females of average to below average height. Many complain about the discomfort of the pedal distance of many front and rear drive ellipticals.

Cooling Fan — According to NordicTrack this feature is very popular with their customers. Their fans tend to be more effective than the competition.

Sound System — The sound system is not as good as the premium system on their treadmills, but it is still adequate and convenient. You can plug-in MP3 players.

Warranty — The warranty is 10-year brakes and 2-year parts and 1-year labor.

Grafixx Hi-Res Display — This is a backlit display with a higher-resolution graphic display than you will find on other models. It has the ability to animate your screen.

iFit Live — iFit Live allows a 2-way communication between your elliptical and the Internet. All your workout data like distance run, time, calories burned, etc., is downloaded and tracked on your personal profile page on iFit.com.You also have these additional features...

  • With Google Maps™ you can map your own workout route and through your laptop or smart phone you can view your progress with a street, map or satellite view. As you encounter inclines the resistance will increase on your elliptical.
  • Workout with Jillian Michaels.There are workout programs that you can download that include Jilliam Michaels audio coaching.
  • Download workouts suited to your fitness goals. You input your desired goals and iFit Live will download workouts geared towards those goals. These workouts are design by certified personal trainers, are progressive, and include audio coaching.
  • Other features include a nutrition and activity tracker, motivating text messages and emails, and workout videos available for download.

This is the kind of feature that can push people to burn more calories and get into shape. Note, there is an additional cost for iFit Live and it requires Wi-Fi.

Our Review - NordicTrack A.C.T. PRO

Being a center drive elliptical is what makes the NordicTrack A.C.T. PRO appealing. As mentioned above, there are a number of benefits to the center drive design, particularly the small footprint. Although the variable stride is a big plus.

What also makes the A.C.T. PRO worth considering is the iFit Live. This feature can be a great motivator for those who need an extra push to burn the calories. It also helps to break the monotony of exercising in place.

When priced right this elliptical is an attractive package.

Go to www.NordicTrackEllipticals.com to learn more.


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