Strengths:
1) 0 - 20 Degree Incline
Incline changes the slope of your elliptical pathway and helps you crosstrain different muscle groups. It can also help you get a more comprehensive calorie-burning workout since you're using more leg muscles.
Although incline is becoming more common on ellipticals these days, you usually find it on more expensive machines - so it's great to find here.
2) iFit Live - Workout With Jillian Michaels
If you have wireless Internet in your home you can connect your elliptical to the Internet with iFit LIVE. It's powered by Googlemaps and Google terrain so that you can run different trails all over the world.
You can also download new workout programs including some from Jillian Michaels from 'The Biggest Loser' - where she coaches you through your workout.
You can also compete against your Facebook friends and track your fitness and nutrition goals online.
3) Adjustable 18 or 20" Stride
Stride is the furthest distance between the elliptical pedals. The proper stride works your leg muscles more fully and also feels more natural.
With this elliptical, you can choose from 2 different strides - 18 or 20 inches. So everyone in the family can choose a stride that feels best for them.
Also, different stride lengths work different groups of muscles. So different strides can also help you crosstrain different muscle groups.
4) iPod Port With Built In Console Speakers
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 enjoyable.
5) 20 Built In Workout Programs
In addition to the iFit LIVE the Nordic Track 5.7 elliptical also comes with 20 more built-in workouts. These workout automatically adjust the incline and resistance for you during the workout. They target calorie-burning or performance goals
Weaknesses:
The Nordic Track E5.7 elliptical comes in at a great price - but it's still a starter elliptical. The console window is on the smaller side and it's not going to give you the commercial grade feel as some of the higher end ellipticals out there.
Also, if you don't have wireless Internet in your home, you won't get full use from the iFit LIVE feature.
Summary:
The Nordic Track 5.7 elliptical offers some surprisingly good value for an elliptical under $600 and would be ideal for budget buyers.
You get a decent stride length, backlit console, incline for better crosstraining and even iFit LIVE to add even more challenge to your workouts. While it's not a health club machine, to get a Nordic Track at this price is incredible.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can get the sale price on the Nordic Track 5.7 elliptical direct from the Manufacturer. You can also currently get Free Shipping which will save you about $150.
One of the best things about this elliptical is that you can crosstrain different lower body muscles using the incline feature, which changes the slope of the elliptical pathway.
It also comes with an adjustable 18 - 20" stride length. So everyone in the family can find the stride the feels best for them.
The 5.7 is also iFit LIVE compatible which means you can download new workouts to your machine, map out new routes online and track your fitness goals over time.
Is the 5.7 elliptical right for you? Here's a review to help you decide:
Features:
Price: $599 (+ Free Shipping)
Stride Length: 18" or 20"
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
iFit LIVE Compatible
Warranty: Lifetime Frame, 1 Year Parts
and labor
