Strengths:
4 Interactive Video Games - This isn't a necessary elliptical feature - but it's still a lot of fun to play video games on your elliptical console (especially for the video game junkies that still want to stay fit).
You can choose from 4 games: Calorie Destroyer, Fat Blocker, Black Jack and Texas Hold 'Em. The harder you work, the easier the game becomes - which means you'll probably end up burning more calories just to win the game.
Power Incline Ramp For More Effective Workouts - Incline (not the same as resistance) allows you to automatically increase your workout slope and work different muscle groups.
This helps you burn more calories, get a better workout by targeting different muscle groups and helps to avoid overtraining. Incline is a feature that is usually only found on $3000 commercial models however Nordic Track is starting to put it on some of their machines.
The Nordictrack 1000 elliptical comes with Power Incline which means you don't have to get off the machine to adjust the incline manually - you just press a button while on the machine to change the incline.
iPod Port With Built In Sound System - You can plug your iPod or MP3 player into the built-in audio jack and listen to your favorite music through the premium speakers built into the console. This alone can make your workouts a lot more energetic and enjoyable.
iFit Card Reader For Interactive Workouts - iFit cards are unique to ICON products like NordicTrack. They contain 8 weeks of interactive workouts on each card.
Each card has a specific goal focus - weight loss or performance for example. You just plug the card into your console, the machine remembers where you left off and starts you on the next workout.
You get the voice of a personal trainer talking you through your workout. Nordic Track has even teamed up with Jillian Michaels (the personal trainer on The Biggest Loser) to make iFit cards with her coaching you through Jillian's specially designed workout. It's like having a personal trainer in your machine (without the extra cost).
20 Personal Trainer Workouts, 2 Weight Loss Workouts and 2 Customizable - As if you already didn't have enough to keep you challenged, the ASR 1000 elliptical also comes with 24 built in workouts.
The Personal Trainer workouts automatically adjust the resistance to focus on aerobic, weight loss, and performance goals. The 2 Weight Loss workouts help you burn the maximum calories during your workout and then there's 2 customizable that you create and save yourself.
Weaknesses:
The Nordic Track ASR 1000 elliptical has some great features on it - however it's still an economy machine and probably not ideal for heavy or constant use.
Also, we would have liked to see is a longer parts warranty (parts and labor are covered for 1 year but you can buy extra coverage on checkout). However at this price point, all warranties are pretty similar.
Summary: Recommended
The Nordic Track ASR 1000 is one of those ellipticals we get excited about. It has some great essentials: decent 18" stride, 300 lb user weight capacity, 30 degree incline, magnetic resistance, easy-to-read backlit display and heart rate monitor.
Then there's the extras that make this machine fun: 4 built in video games that get easier as you work harder, iPod dock with speakers, iFit card reader and 24 built-in workouts.
Although this isn't a health-club machine, it's still one of the better elliptical values under $1000 - with tons of fun stuff - which makes it great for younger users too.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can save on the Nordic Track ASR 1000 by buying it direct through the Nordic Track manufacturer. You can save on store markup and they're also currently offering Free Shipping which can save you about $150.
Plus they've also given our readers a special coupon code where you can get 5% off the purchase price - just enter "NT5off" (without the quotes) on checkout
Some people prefer front drive ellipticals, claiming they give an overall smoother ride.
Plus Nordic Track has stuffed the ASR 1000 with all the fun stuff you can imagine - iPod dock with built in speakers, 4 different video games and iFit workout card readers for interactive workouts with Jillian Michaels (the personal trainer from The Biggest Loser TV show).
There's even incline capability which lets you change your workout slope, target different muscle groups and burn more calories.
So is it the right buy for you? Here's what to know about the NordicTrack ASR 1000 elliptical before you buy:
Features:
Price: $1999
Stride Length: 18"
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 20
Built In Workout Programs: 20
Upper Body Arms: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Pulse Grip
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
User Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Warranty: Lifetime on Frame,12 years on brakes, and 1 year parts and labor warranty.
