NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical Review
For a fitness goal to be achieved, workouts require dedication. If elliptical workouts have left you unmotivated after doing them for a time, the NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical might change your mind.
This review will cover everything you need to know about the elliptical – from the machine itself, the assembly, to NordicTrack Australia’s customer service.
NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical Trainer: The Features
Here is a short outline of the 9.9 elliptical’s features:
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NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical Trainer Overview
The NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical trainer is a commercial elliptical unit thus it’s solid and durable enough to offer workouts that deliver results.
The elliptical’s frame is composed of hardwearing, first-rate steel material featuring steel cross beams and sizable levellers that help stabilise the fitness equipment.
Rails with a powder finish provide support and protection to the console and handrails. The ramp meanwhile is built of composite material for extra strength and resilience.
The built is formidable and unyielding, and rightly so since it claims to accommodate up to 159 kilograms of weight. A 159-kg weight capacity is one of the highest in the industry and it’s one of the model’s foremost advantages – it can accommodate a lot of sizes.
Larger individuals who weigh more than 100 kg will be glad to know there is an elliptical with a weight capacity that will fully accommodate and help them work towards a healthier weight.
The NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical features a front-drive design that’s more compact – a breeze to install and get down from.
Front-drive elliptical setups require users to get into a position that makes them lean forward compared to rear-drive ones, which require users to carry out a straight posture.
Because of the inclusion of a front-drive set-up, minimal pressure is placed on the hip joints – that means your body won’t feel sore following a strenuous routine.
When it comes to the flywheel, it’s sufficiently heavy at 11kg and has a good size. You know how it is with heavier flywheels – the heavier it is, the smoother and more stable the ride.
The 9.9 elliptical is on the heavy side, weighing 110 kg (boxed weight). That won’t be an issue since NordicTrack assures the elliptical will be handled easily – it comes with transport wheels beneath the elliptical’s frame.
NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical: An In-Depth Review
The Stride And Incline
Using the NordicTrack 9.9 elliptical makes workouts more comfortable – one aspect that massively impacts the comfort level of this elliptical trainer is that it’s engineered ergonomically.
The adjustable stride length comes at a nice 18 to 20 inches. Not all folks have the same gait and I find the capability to reduce stride length a definite advantage of this elliptical model.
Now, let’s delve a little more into the level of challenge that this nifty elliptical can provide. The 9.9 elliptical comes with an intense, top-notch selection of 20 incline levels.
If you want to adjust the elliptical pathway’s slope, you can set the incline from 0 to 20 degrees. Using the iFit, the unit’s incline and resistance levels will also auto adjust according to the workout.
Want more changes in your routine? Refer to the Google Maps feature in the app to simulate various terrain or road conditions. Live training with experts also includes trainer’s settings so you can get resistance and incline that best fits your level or goal.
The incline levels guarantee that certain muscle groups will be activated as you move. More intense routines will engage loads more muscle groups. For extra convenience, users are also treated to managing the incline settings straight from the equipment’s console instead of manual adjustments.
However, the sound the elliptical makes is something that you may want to consider. It works quietly during use but it produces mechanical noises once you adjust the incline.
As for the tension settings, the 9.9 elliptical comes with 22 digital resistance levels so you can be challenged at every turn. The resistance is auto adjustable according to the workout you choose from iFit as well. Or, you can manually adjust through the One Touch controls.
The Monitor
The NordicTrack 9.9 elliptical has several highlights, one of them being its full-colour HD monitor. The monitor measures 7 inches and is accompanied by its trusty SmartScreen console.
It’s very user-friendly – if you want to view your workout stats, all you need to do is slide or skim your fingers on the screen. The high-tech console displays an exceptional range of elliptical programs that will make your routines more productive, enjoyable, and motivational to better achieve your fitness goal.
It’s also Bluetooth-capable – the console is built with wireless tech that makes iFit connectivity available. The iFit Coach is the most talked-about feature of the brand’s workout streaming service.
Using iFit is one of the best improvements that you can make to your workout since it encourages users to be more creative and adventurous with their routines. Users get to access an extensive range of enlivening exercise routines, activities throughout the world, cross-training ideas, and more. It even presents mindful exercises like yoga.
Users get guidance for their workouts with some assistance from top trainers from all over the globe using a live, interactive platform. The trainers will live-control your elliptical’s incline and resistance. No workout is a waste if you take advantage of what iFit offers in real-time.
Every day, there is a workout that you can try out through iFit. The workout programs offered are quite diverse – you can opt for a cardio routine, endurance training, or exercises that can help tone your muscles.
iFit coaches also provide crucial advice apart from challenging elliptical workouts. The coaches present personalised lifestyle recommendations that will further benefit your fitness goal from nutritional guidelines to advice on getting high-quality sleep.
One advantage of purchasing the NordicTrack 9.9 elliptical is its offer of a 30-day iFit membership free of charge. This trial membership allows a maximum of 5 user profiles so you and family members or mates can get into the iFit craze.
The Handlebar and Pedals
The set-up of the handlebar requires some discussion because it has a specific look that is not always seen on the brand’s elliptical models. It is crafted with multi-position handlebars that are curved in appearance.
Using the handlebars is also made more comfortable because of the setup. The elliptical features mobile arms that make changing between grips in various positions possible. You get to clutch on the grips in several ways whether to suit the kind of exercise you want to perform or match the length of your arms for comfort.
The pedals on the other hand also guarantee the best fit for your shoes so you will feel comfortable throughout your activity. The pedals are quite sizable and padded, plus they are anti-skid and anti-slip, too. The Body Fit Cushion on the pedals meanwhile feels sufficiently pliable and comfortable.
The Accessories
Working out is a sweaty event, but that’s to be expected. But it does not have to be so uncomfortable that you will feel fatigued from the heat, not exertion.
To keep you cool during your hot routines, the 9.9 elliptical is equipped with an Autobreeze fan. The fan is positioned in the console part and is set up with multi-speed options to boot – a very welcome bonus since you get to manage the airflow and angle that you need.
And because you will be sweating a lot to burn calories, you need to have your water ready. The elliptical already includes a water bottle holder so you can get hydrated between exercises. The positioning of the bottle holder is also very convenient so you can reach your water bottle effortlessly.
Apart from the fan and water bottle holder, the elliptical is also built with a media shelf where users can store their smartphones or tablet. The shelf is not really that feasible for tablets since it might cover the elliptical’s monitor – you can buy a separate tablet holder for this.
That way, you can concentrate on your workouts. Another favourite feature of mine is the elliptical’s digitally-amplified sound system. I love working out to my top EDM tunes to further pump me up during interval training.
There is also an option to purchase an iFit Bluetooth enabled chest heart rate monitor if you want to focus on improving your cardiovascular health or burning calories.
Warranty, Return Policy, And Delivery
The NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical includes a warranty for its frame and electronics. The frame has a lifetime warranty while its electronics have a 2-year warranty with 1 year for labour.
Once the 1-year warranty expires, the Limited Warranty is slated for the product’s components only. The shipping and labour will be separately charged to the customer.
Orders for NordicTrack products in Australia are typically shipped 1 to 2 business days upon receiving payment for the item. Delivery time though varies, depending on your location in the country.
NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical: Pros And Cons
- Seamless and easy to use
- Features a smart HD touchscreen monitor for more immersive workout experience
- Features 0 to 20% auto-inclination
- Up to 22 levels of resistance
- Quiet operations due to magnetic resistance
- Sturdy and elegant yet ergonomically-designed fitness machine
- Interactive iFit technology as its workout app
- Features Autobreeze Fan and oversized cushioned pedals for comfort
- Supports maximum user weight of 159kg
- May not be suitable for homes with low ceiling
- Produces conversational level mechanical sound during inclination
The Assembly
The 9.9 Elliptical was delivered and assembled by Winning Services, which is the delivery and assembly partner of NordicTrack Australia. A simple Google Search will show you that Winning Services provides exceptional services and is highly trusted by their customers.
At the time of writing, the installation service for NordicTrack costs $165 – I asked through Live Chat about additional assembly fees and they were quick to respond.
Before the delivery, the installer asked me if he can access the apartment to evaluate the situation first so he can plan out the delivery and installation properly.
Winning Services was a breeze to work with; the installers were complete gentlemen and very professional. They followed safety precautions throughout the procedure and did a thorough job of setting up the elliptical piece by piece, carefully putting the items together while making sure I am happy with the setup.
I have to say this one took some elbow grease to assemble. It took the installers about 40 minutes to complete the assembly. As I have mentioned earlier, this one is heavy at 110 kilograms (boxed weight) plus it comes with a variety of components that should be installed on the unit.
Before the installation, they also laid out a mat on the floor to protect it. They were very scrupulous about cleanliness. The plastics, Styrofoam, and other materials left after the installation were packed in the cardboard box before storing in the truck.
Setting It Up Yourself
If you are wondering what the NordicTrack 9.9 elliptical manual contains, rest assured that it comes with illustrations and essential details you need about the equipment and the installation instructions. The instructions are also easy to understand.
Mounting the entire elliptical cross trainer requires several tools to complete. I suggest having a screwdriver on hand, a rubber mallet, and at least two wrenches of the adjustable type to make the process simpler.
For beginners who have never set up an elliptical trainer, I highly recommend adding on the installation service when you check out. It is so worth having the experts to assemble it for you.
The Verdict On The NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical Trainer
You can bet that exercise with the NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical will be one exciting event. This is the real deal for beginners and intermediate users who love a good challenge. It comes packed with advanced features for the best results.
Users of this elliptical trainer are quite spoiled with top-notch workout features from a good range of resistance levels, a decent incline range, automated stride, ergonomics for extra comfort, and the latest interactive training assistance.
The 9.9 elliptical is expressly crafted to engage the muscles and improve cardiovascular health, thereby providing users with performance outcomes that will make them satisfied with their hard work. If you are after durability and excellent craftsmanship, you can rely on this quality fitness piece.
In addition, The NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical Trainer is suitable for beginners up to serious fitness enthusiasts and will give you the best value for your money. If you want to be challenged, I suggest subscribing to the iFit app once the 30-day trial is over.