NordicTrack E 5.5 Elliptical Trainer Review

The NordicTrack E 5.5 elliptical trainer comes with a number of features that makes this an interesting offer. However, realize this is a light weight machine with certain limitations. I would not recommend it for serious users and extremely overweight individuals, and suggest an elliptical that is in the $1,000+ price range. That said, NordicTrack and their sister company Proform make some of the best budget crosstrainers in the industry.

Note: The Nordictrack E 5.5 was selling for $799 with shipping. Worth a couple of hundred less. Go to www.NordicTrackEllipticals.com for the latest deal.*

At $799 the NordicTrack E7.1 is a much better deal.

Features on the NordicTrack E 5.5…

Adjustable Stride - This is one of the most interesting options on the E 5.5 model. You can shorten or lengthen the stride (16", 18", 20"). Why would you want to adjust the stride? For two reasons — you can accommodate multiple users at different heights, and you can target your exercise to different parts of your body.

Elliptical trainers are often touted as providing a total body workout. Actually, they exercise more muscle groups than just about any other exercise machine, but it is far from total. However, by changing the stride length, you can exercise more muscles and focus the resistance on specific areas. Here is an example of the different stride lengths and what they emphasize…

• Short Stride - You target the thighs.
  
• Middle Stride - You focus on the hips and abs.
  
• Long Stride - Your legs stretch and you emphasize the back, legs and buns.

SpaceSaver Technology - When folded you save approximately 3' of space. This is attractive to people living in limited spaces. In addition, when folded the E 5.5 is fairly easy to move about.

iFit Live Compatible — iFit Live allows the NordicTrack E 5.5 to communicate with the Internet. There are two features worth noting.

Personalized Workout Programs —  You create a fitness goal profile ifit.com, such as losing a certain amount of weight or training for a race, and iFit downloads a progressive workout routine that controls the incline of your elliptical and includes audio coaching from personal trainers, including Jillian Michaels. After your workout the NordicTrack E 5.5 trainer feeds back your stats to your online account, allowing to your track your progress.

Simulate Running outside with Google Maps — This feature of iFit Live is impressive. You can map out a route on Google Maps and the NordicTrack E 5.5 with simulate the terrain by adjusting the resistance. By placing a laptop or a smartphone on the console, you can watch your progress through Google Maps. There is an additional cost for the WiFi module, the cost includes a 12 month subscription.

Sound System - Studies show that music motivates people when they exercise. With the NordicTrack E 5.5 you get built-in speakers and can connect your iPod player. Overall, the sound is not that bad.

20 Workout Programs - The selection of workout programs is rather generous. I personally switch programs everytime I workout. I like changing up my challenges so my body doesn't get into a workout rut.

Built-in Fan - Not a costly features, but yet having fans built into the console is a favorite among customers.

Our Review — The NordicTrack E 5.5 Elliptical Trainer

The adjustable stride length gives the NordicTrack E 5.5 a different twist by allowing you to focus your workout on different muscle groups. Also the ability to fold this elliptical and listen to music while working out is appealing.

However, it is important to realize that this is a budget elliptical. It has some limitations. First, because of the light weight of the machine it is not the most stable elliptical. It weighs approximately 150 lbs. I'm not comfortable with the suggested user weight limit of 275 lbs. In addition, the stride is a bit choppy and and not the smoothest. I would not recommend this elliptical for anyone over 5'10".

Here's my take, if you can afford it move up to the NordicTrack ACT or the NordicTrack Commercial Xm. Both are more solid machines with a decent service record. They weigh more, making them more stable and they both a more comfortable stride that feels is much smoother.

Although if your budget is limited the NordicTrack E 5.5 is one of the best values at $599.

Go to www.NordicTrackEllipticals.com for further details.