The Nordic Track elliptical ACT looks very different from your typical elliptical trainer. It uses a design that's been popping up in commercial ellipticals over the past several years.
The design is called center drive and it's a 2 side flywheel design which uses 2 smaller flywheels on either side of the elliptical. This is instead of one large flywheel in front or in back as most home ellipticals have.
There are a few advantages to this that many elliptical buyers like. This article will give you the advantages (and a few disadvantages) of this design so you can decide if the Nordic Track ACT is right for you.
Advantages:
#1 Stand In A More Upright Position
Many ellipticals (especiallly the cheaper department store versions) have you leaning more on the handrails when you work out.
With the ACT, you're standing in a more upright position, which feels more comfortable for many people. It also means you're using more of your own body weight (vs leaning on the handles) so you'll end up burning more calories.
#2 Foot Pedals Closer Together
The ACT foot pedals are spaced closer together than many standard ellipticals. This more closely mimics your natural body mechanics, can reduce strain and feel more comfortable while you workout.
#3 Adjustable Stride Length
The Nordic Track ACT elliptical comes with an adjustable stride length. You can choose an 18", 20" or 22" stride length.
Different strides can give you a different feel to the elliptical motion and many people prefer a specific stride length based on their height and the length of their legs. So if you have multiple people using the elliptical they can choose the stride the feels right for them.
This is another feature which can help you tailor your workout to be more comfortable.
#4 Compact Design Saves Space
Center drive ellipticals tend to be more compact than the typical single flywheel trainers. The A.C.T. for example measures only 47" long (whereas a single flywheel elliptical can be up to 78" long). This can be ideal for smaller home gyms or just those who prefer a more compact elliptical.
#5 iFit Card Reader For Interactive Workouts
iFit cards contain 8 weeks of workouts per card.
Each card has a specific goal - performance or weight loss 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 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.
While this is not unique to the ACT elliptical, it's still a nice feature to have that can help you push yourself to higher fitness levels.
Disadvantages:
The main disadvantage to this elliptical is that you won't find incline capability (which many people like to have.) Incline changes the slope of the elliptical motion so you end up crosstraining different groups of muscles.
Also, there aren't as many models to choose from with center drives - the ACT is probably the most popular on the market right now since it includes so many features for a low price.
Summary:
So those are some of the main advantages and disadvantages to the Nordic Track ACT elliptical. Overall, it's a good value buy and users seem to love it - also shown by the fact that Nordic Track has kept it around for several years now (they only do that with their more popular, best selling models).
If you're looking for a more comfortable elliptical with adjustable strides and entertainment options like iPod dock, speakers and iFit card reader for more workouts, you'll probably be very happy with the ACT elliptical.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can get the Nordic Track elliptical ACT direct from the Manufacturer. You can also currently get Free Shipping which will save you about $150.
