2) Power Incline And Decline
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.
Plus, NordicTrack has also added a decline (negative incline) which gives you even more ways to crosstrain and burn calories - something we've never seen before on an elliptical and very cool.
You can even adjust the incline/decline from the moving arm bars so you don't have to break your stride. In addition to better crosstraining, this is also great for families as everyone can choose an incline setting that feels most comfortable for them.
3) 2 Built-In HD Video Workouts
This is another feature that blew us away. In addition to the 36 built-in workouts, the elite 15.0 elliptical also comes with 2 built-in HD video workouts of Hawaii - beautiful Hana and Haleakala in Maui.
A personal trainer coaches you through your workout while sharing interesting facts about artifacts and landmarks along the way. Your incline and decline adjust to match the terrain.
4) iFit LIVE Built-In
iFit LIVE connects to the wireless Internet in your home. From there you can download new workout programs (even some from Jillian Michaels from 'the Biggest Loser'), track your fitness and nutrition online, map out new trails to cover using Googlemaps and even challenge yourself in races against other iFit members.
What's really cool is that when you map out a route using Googlemaps, the elliptical matches the terrain by adjusting your ellipticals incline or decline to fit the actual terrain.
5) Muscle-Tone Cushioned Pedals with 3-Angle Adjustments
The pedals on the NordicTrack elite 15.0 elliptical come with 3 different toe-heel angle adjustments. So you can personalize your workout feel to be more comfortable. Different angles also target and tone different muscle groups - adding even more variety to your workout.
6) Wireless Heart Rate Monitor
The Elite 15.0 elliptical comes with a polar wireless heart rate monitor (along with EKG sensors) so you can stay in your target heart rate zone. Many people prefer wireless heart rate monitoring since it tends to be more accurate than pulse sensors.
7) 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 enjoyable.
8) Handlebar Controls
You can easily adjust the incline/ramp or resistance from your moving armbars (instead of having to reach down to the console to do it.
Weaknesses:
There aren't alot of weaknesses here. If you don't have wireless internet in your home, you won't get full use out of the iFit LIVE feature or web browser.
Summary: Highly Recommended
It's not hard to see why the Nordic Track Elite 15.0 elliptical is one of our favorite new ellipticals this year. This is the ultimate machine - with everything from web browser to decline to toning pedals to video workouts.
In addition to the fun stuff, there's also a very rugged build to the elliptical - with a very stable 400 pound user weight capacity and extra long warranty. So it's going to last you a lot longer than your standard home elliptical and take more of a beating.
If you're looking for the ultimate in workout luxury for under $2000, this is hands-down one of your best options.
Where To Buy Online:
You can get the sale on the Nordic Track Elite 15.0 elliptical direct from the Manufacturer. You can also currently get Free Shipping which will save you about $150.
One of the main reasons? A built-in web browser. You can read emails, catch up on news or check in with Facebook friends as you workout.
There's also 2 built-in HD video workouts that show you beautiful Hawaii landscapes on the large 10" full-color console.
For extra comfort, the pedals come with 3 different toe-heel angle adjustments.
And with iFit LIVE included (you don't need to buy the extra iFit module), you can download new workouts, race against Facebook friends and track your fitness activity online.
Finally, you also get an incline and decline on this machine for even better crosstraining results.
Is the Elite 15.0 right for you? Here's a review to help you decide:
Features:
Price: $1599 (+ Free Shipping)
Stride Length: 20 - 22"
Resistance Levels: 28
Built In Workout Programs: 36 + 2 HD Video Workouts
Upper Body Arms: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Pulse Grip + Wireless
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
User Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
iFit LIVE Built-In
Web Browser
Full Color Touch-Screen Console
Warranty: Lifetime Frame, 5 Year Parts and 2 years on Labor
Strengths:
1) Built-In Web Browser
This is one of the coolest things we've seen on an elliptical this year. It uses the wireless in your home to connect to the Internet.
From there you can read emails, surf the net, watch Youtube videos or check with Facebook friends. The extra-large 10" touch-screen console comes in full color so it's easy to surf the net while you workout.
