NordicTrack A.C.T. Commercial 7 Elliptical Review

This is the new version of the NordicTrack A.C.T. Commercial 7 elliptical. Like other models in this “Mid-Mech” series it has a center drive resulting in the unit having a fairly compact footprint compared to front and rear drive models.

The elliptical has 35 challenging programs to engage your interest and help you achieve your specific fitness goals. Additionally there are 24 digital resistance levels which can be selected to help you burn more calories or tone up.

This elliptical trainer is iFIT enabled. You can access specialized workout programs, track your progress and custom-tailor your training to your specific goals. This feature requires a home-wireless internet connection and subscription to iFIT which is sold separately.

Other highlights include: Silent Magnetic Resistance braking, adjustable stride length, wireless heart rate monitor, color touch-screen, workout cooling fan and a sound system with iPOD / MP3 connectivity.

The machine is covered by a strong warranty which offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on all parts and 2 years labor.

Here’s a list of the main features:

… workout programs

The trainer has 35 workout programs. Each workout has been put together by a certified personal trainer to help maximize the benefit from your workout session. These built-in workouts will assist you in achieving your fitness goals whether it be to lose weight or tone up.

… upper body grips

Upper body grips allow the user to burn more calories and tone the muscle groups in the arms and trunk. These workout arms feature soft touch grips and are able to accommodate any height of user. They fall naturally to hand and remain comfortable throughout the workout.

… color touch screen

The console on this elliptical has a full color, touch-screen display. You are able to view your workout stats, favorite websites and even high definition video workouts on the 7-inch full-color touch screen.

Many people like to be entertained during their workout as they realize that this will inevitably increase their time on the machine and so increase the calories that they burn.

The user is able to navigate their workout stats with a touch of a finger or go online to check email, watch news and sports or participate in social networking.

… digital resistance levels

This model makes it easier to burn calories and increase your muscle tone by allowing the user to increase or decrease the amount of resistance that is applied to the elliptical’s motion.

There are a total of 24 digital resistance levels which can be selected from the conveniently located buttons on the control panel.

… compact foot-print

This elliptical is a center drive design which benefits from a smaller foot-print compared to either a front or rear drive elliptical trainer.

The floor area occupied by the machine is:

54.0″ L x 31.5″ W x 64.25″ H.

This smaller footprint may be of consideration if you have limited amount of space available in which to operate the trainer.

… magnetic braking

Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) braking is used on this model. This system offers a frictionless, resistance braking which is very smooth in operation and allows the user to adjust the intensity of their workout without having to break the continuity of their workout.

… adjustable pedals

This elliptical is equipped with cushioned, adjustable pedals. These ergonomically designed pedals have a textured surface to make them comfortable during use.

The user is able to adjust the heel-to-toe angle of their foot position in order to provide greater stability and traction during the workout.

… heart rate monitor

The trainer is also equipped with a “CardioGrip” heart rate monitor. This helps you to make the most out of every workout by monitoring your heart rate with sensors that are built into the handlebars.

The elliptical also comes with a “Polar” wireless chest pulse strap. This transmits the user’s heart rate data to the control console continuously without the need of holding onto the sensors on the hand grips.

By monitoring your heart rate you can ensure that you’re always in the right training zone for your goals. This results in a more effective workout, burn more fat, and improve your cardiovascular health.

… adjustable stride

The stride length of the machine can be adjusted in order to suit the user with a choice of 18″, 20″ or 22″ settings. In situations where there is more than one person using the machine a new setting can be selected in order to meet that individual’s stride preference.

… iFIT enabled

This trainer is iFIT enabled with an iFIT module already built into the console. This feature provides the following benefits:

MAP: Exercise anywhere in the world with Google Maps
TRAIN: Download workouts to help with your fitness goals.
COMPETE: Compare progress to others in the iFIT community.
TRACK: Upload your workout data to monitor your progress.
GOAL: Set Calorie, Time or Distance goals for your workouts.
VIDEO: Watch high definition videos with simulated workouts.
WEIGHT LOSS: Download sets of weight-loss workouts.

The iFIT technology motivates and inspires by allowing the user to progress along virtual trails all over the world using the Google Maps Street view technology.

It should be noted that this feature requires a home wireless internet connection, and membership to iFIT which is sold separately.

… iPOD connectivity

The built-in audio system on this model has an iPOD compatible music port. The user simply plugs in their iPOD, or MP3 player, into the Interplay Music Port situated on the control panel. You can enjoy listening to your favorite music or an audio book title during your work out session.

… cooling fan

A strenuous workout can leave you leave you feeling hot and sticky, but this trainer provides the perfect solution with an integrated workout cooling fan. The console mounted “CoolAire” workout fan has two speeds and is operated from a button on the control panel.