If you’re looking for a single piece of home fitness equipment to meet all of your cardio needs, an elliptical trainer is a smart choice. It provides you with an extremely low impact cardio workout while also sculpting and shaping the muscles of your lower body.
When it comes to home ellipticals, there are a lot to choose from. But there also some standout manufacturers, who produce top of the line elliptical machines across a range of price points. One of the most respected is NordicTrack. Today, we focus in on one of their most popular offerings, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i elliptical. We’ll go in depth to give you the details to decide whether this is the right home cardio machine for you.
About NordicTrack
NordicTrack have been an American fitness institution for more than a quarter of a century. They entered the market with their innovative skier that gave rise to a new fitness craze. Over the years the NordicTrack home fitness line grew to include a full range of low impact cardio fitness machines. A line of ellipticals was released during the 2000’s. They also began producing treadmills, incline trainers, steppers and strength machines.
NordicTrack is a brand of ICON Fitness. They are based in the USA but have warehouses around the globe.
NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i Overview
The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i sits at the high end of the budget price point for home use ellipticals. This is a rear mounted machine with an 18-pound flywheel mounted at the back of the unit. It has an 18-inch stride length, an adjustable power incline and a vertical space-saver design. The max user weight on this sturdy machine is 325 pounds.
NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i Specs
- Dimensions: 80”L x 32” W x 77” H
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs
- Stride Length: 18 inches
- Flywheel:18 pounds
- Incline: 0-8 degrees
Adjustable Power Incline
This machine features auto incline so that you can adjust the angle of your workout with just the push of a button. The angle range is between 0 and 8 degrees, with each degree of incline adding considerably to the intensity of your workout.
24 Workout Programs
With two dozen workout programs built into the console of the SE7i, there’s no excuse to ever get bored when you’re working out on this machine. These programs have been prepared by top personal fitness trainers, with each one having a set duration and automatically adjusting the resistance intensity and stride incline to suit the workout.
22 Resistance Levels
This elliptical provides you with a total of 22 resistance levels. That means that this machine will be able to provide a challenge for even the fittest athlete. It will also enable you to continually progress your resistance level, even as you keep getting fitter and stronger.
iFit Ready
The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i is wired to be ready to connect to the iFit app. This provides you with access to a library of more than 16,000 on-demand workouts that are led by world class coaches and cover every imaginable training goal. With the programs you’ll be able to train in every imaginable environment, from Machu Picchu to Hawaii.
Easy Assembly
The SpaceSaver SE7i features NordicTrack’s unique snap assembly which takes all the hassle out of putting the machine together. In fact, you can do the entire set up in about 15 minutes! However, you will need a friend to help with assembly.
Rear Drive Frame
This elliptical has a rear drive frame. That means that the motor of the unit which features the flywheel is positioned at the back of the machine. This provides you with a better ergonomically designed elliptical, which allows for a more natural stride path. It is especially beneficial for shorter people.
Oversized Pedals
The pedals on this elliptical are oversized to provide you with plenty of room to naturally position your feet and to allow for different gaits. They also feature slip resistant surfaces to make sure that you’ve got a secure footing while you’re exercising.
Backlit Console
The Console on the Spacesaver SE7i features a 5-inch backlit screen. You also have the option of connecting your tablet or iPhone as a screen for iFit workouts. The console provides you with readouts of your essential training diagnostics, including your speed, rpm, calories, heart rate and training time.
The console is also iPod compatible. In addition, it has an MP3 port and integrated two-inch speakers.
Ease of Storage
The SE7i can be easily stored when not in use. It is designed to be folded vertically and comes with storage wheels for easy transportation.
The Spacesaver is a compact machine that is ideal for people with limited space in their home for exercise equipment. Its dimensions are 80”L x 32” W x 77” H.
What’s Not So Good
The biggest problem with the Spacesaver SE7i is the limited elliptical stride range. At 18 inches, this will be too restrictive for many people. It features hand held pulse sensors which are notoriously inaccurate but does not have any provision to connect a wireless heart strap. The screen on the console is also rather small at just five inches. Some reviewers have also noted that they received poor customer service from NordicTrack.
Warranty
The SE7i comes with the following warranty:
- Frame: Lifetime
- Parts: 2 Year
- Labor: 1 Year
Your purchase is also covered by a 30-dymoney back guarantee
Final Thoughts
The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i Elliptical is good entry level cardio trainer that impresses with its two dozen inbuilt workout programs and 22 resistance levels. However, the limited stride length means that it will prove restrictive for people over 5’10". For smaller people, though, this smooth, compact elliptical is a great choice.