Strengths:
1) 18" - 20" Stride
Many cheaper ellipticals come with a short 14 - 16" strider which doesn't really work your leg muscles to the full extrent. A longer stride can help you more fully work your leg muscles and get a more comfortable workout. Note that the stride length changes are you change the incline from 10 to 30 degrees.
2) iFit Live - Workout With Jillian Michaels
iFit Live is one of the coolest things to come out of NordicTrack in a long time.
If you have wireless Internet in your home you can connect your elliptical to the Internet. It's powered by Googlemaps and Google terrain so that you can see different trails all over the world as you workout.
You can customize and download your own workout programs and workout with Jillian Michaels from 'The Biggest Loser' - where she coaches you through your workout.
You can also compete against your Facebook friends, track your activity and nutrition online and even download workout videos.
3) Power Incline For More Effective Workouts
Incline (not the same as resistance) increases the workout slope of the elliptical path. This helps you burn more calories and target different muscle groups.
The Nordictrack E7.1 elliptical comes with Power Incline from 10 to 30 degrees - which means you don't have to get off the machine to adjust the incline manually. You just press a button while working out and the elliptical adjusts to your chosen incline.
4) Folds Up To Save Space
While many treadmills fold up, there are fewer elliptical trainers that fold (and still feel stable). If you don't have a lot of room to workout, this elliptical comes in handy since you can just fold it up and away when done.
5) iPod Port With Built In Sound System
You can plug your iPod or MP3 player into the console audio jack and listen to your favorite music through the speakers built into the console. This alone can make your workouts a lot more enjoyable
Weaknesses:
While the E7.1 is a great little elliptical - and it comes in at an excellent price (as of this writing), be aware that it is still a starter elliptical. It won't give you the commercial grade feel or ergonomics of a Sole or Smooth Agile Trainer. It's probably best for light or medium use.
Summary: Solid Budget Buy From NordicTrack
If you're on a budget but still want some 'bells and whistles' the Nordic Track E7.1 elliptical offers great value. You get incline so you can crosstrain different muscle groups. The iFit LIVE gives you all sort of options like downloading new workouts and tracking your results online.
The built-in fan will keep you cool and the elliptical even folds up to save you space. While it's still a starter machine and probably not best for heavy, frequent use, at this price point, you get a good bargain for the money.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can get the Nordic Track E 7.1 elliptical direct from the Manufacturer. They're currently throwing in Free Shipping which will also save you about $150.
You get a 10 - 30 degree Power Incline (also called Ramp) so you can work different sets of muscle groups and get a better crosstraining workout.
There's also iFit LIVE which connects your elliptical to the Internet so you can download new workouts and track your fitness progress online.
Plus it folds up for easy storage - which makes it a great option for apartments, condos or smaller workout areas.
So is it the right buy for you? Here's a review of the Nordic Track E 7.1 elliptical to help you decide:
Features:
Price: $999 ( + Free Shipping)
Stride Length: 18" - 20"
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 16
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, 1 year on Parts & Labor
