Nordictrack ASR 700 Elliptical Machine

The Nordictrack ASR 700 is a low to mid-range machine with all the standard functions of an average elliptical with a couple of nice extras thrown in. First of all the machine comes with 14 different workout programs. That gives the user enough variety to keep him or her interested for an extended length of time and makes fitness training a lot more enjoyable.

In keeping with that theme, there are also two built-in computer games which play via the console. Called Fat Blocker and Calorie Destroyer they are based on the old favourites Space Invaders and Tetris and are linked to the intensity of exercise. The harder the user pedals, the easier the game but if the user slows down the game gets tougher.

Even more motivating is the technology behind iFit workout cards. Sold separately, these are designed by certified personal trainers and when plugged in to the Nordictrack ASR 700 will take you through various exercise routines automatically adjusting intensity, incline and speed. These cards are available in either weight loss or wellness categories and there is even a set designed by Jillian Michaels of The Biggest Loser fame should you be feeling particularly masochistic.

The Nordictrack ASR 700 has an iPod compatible music port, a Grafixx high resolution console panel, a heart rate monitor and upper body workout arms. The stride is 18” and is not adjustable and the machine requires a space of 31 inches wide and 76 inches long.

Unlike other Nordictrack products this one does not fold up to take up less space when not in use. According to many customer reports, the Nordictrack ASR 700 is a devil to assemble. There are some good reviews about this machine but an alarming number of poor reviews mostly related to parts breaking and poor customer service.

Those who were happy with their purchase tended to comment on the Nordictrack ASR 700 being stable, with a nice solid feel and with enough variety of workout programs to be challenging and interesting for an extended period. Bad reviews cover delivery and assembly with several people commenting on parts being missing and the difficulty of putting the machine together.

The pulse monitor which is built into the stationary arms seems unreliable and there were some complaints about the power supply too. Interestingly the same advice came up in both good and bad reviews from buyers several times. Buy yourself a set of allen wrenches and use them instead of the assembly tools that come packed in the box with the machine.

Nordictrack’s warranties are not the best in the business. At only one year for parts and labor they definitely could have been more generous on coverage for what is after all, a costly piece of equipment. They do offer an extended warranty for a price and several commenters acknowledged that they were happy that they had paid this extra amount because it meant they had some coverage when parts started to need replacement.