NordicTrack Audiostrider 990 Pro Elliptical Trainer

It used to be that those people who never exercised were called couch potatoes because they are usually to be found vegetating on the sofa in front of the TV. Nowadays the exercise-resistant are as likely to be sat in front of a computer as they are to be in front of a television so I guess that makes them pc potatoes but call them what you like, their reasons for not exercising are almost always the same, "Exercise is b-o-o-o-ring!"

Whatever mode of entertainment the lumpen ones prefer can now no longer be used as an excuse because the NordicTrack Audiostrider 990 Pro Elliptical connects wirelessly to the internet making the whole process of getting fit much more interactive and enjoyable.

Ellipticals in general are a huge leap forward from the monotony of a treadmill. This one comes with 15 Target Toning workouts and 10 Performance Workouts all designed by certified personal trainers so the user can choose to work on problem areas or go for building up power and stamina with some great cardiovascular training.

If that is not enough variety, there is also a power incline which ramps up the intensity, changing as it does so the shape and length of the elliptical stride. Using this at the maximum 30 degree angle will have any couch potato convinced he or she has just jogged up Mt. Everest. There is also a heart monitor built in to the handlebars so the user can elect to work within a heart rate training zone - an effective way to get fit and stay healthy according to the American Heart Association.

Even normal walking causes an impact on joints every time the foot hits the pavement, so it is not surprising to find that many runners suffer from joint related injuries like knee or hip bursitis, pulled hamstrings, shin splints or tendonitis. For many outdoor runners the pain is part of the price they pay to participate in a sport that they are passionate about but for those who are exercising simply to get fit, high impact injuries caused by the repeated movements on an exercise machine are unacceptable.

That explains the growing popularity of ellipiticals. With their gliding motion, elliptical exercise machines dispense with the jarring effect of repeated footfalls. Even at the highest intensity ellipticals do not cause stress related injuries in the same way that a traditional treadmill can.  The fact that ellipticals cause less stress to joints should not be taken to mean that they are in any way less effective in cardiovascular training, for losing weight or for building stamina. In fact the opposite is true as these machines are very comfortable to use and therefore they are more likely to be used over longer periods of time.

The stride length of the NordicTrack Audiostrider 990 is adjustable and the machine is very sturdy with a user weight capacity of 350lbs; 50lbs more than most similar machines on the market. There is a built-in sound system which should please our entertainment junkies and if that is not enough to keep them motivated then the iFit Live wireless internet connection can beam Jillian Michaels, The Biggest Loser’s scariest personal trainer, into their living room to bark workout instructions right into their ears.

Other benefits of the iFit Live system (which needs a wireless connection to work) include an online profile, a customised fitness program, nutrition and activity tracker, automatic workout downloads and racing competitions with friends via Facebook. The Audiostrider’s space saver design means that it folds up when not in use however it is a large machine and buyers need to consider the floor space needed when using it.

All in all a nice machine for the money but there are a few points of concern. First of all, Nordictracks’ warranty leaves rather a lot to be desired. It does have a lifetime cover on the frame but at only one year for parts and labor it does not seem adequate for a piece of equipment that will set the buyer back by almost $1,000. A little research on the internet turned up a few complaints about odd noises and squeaks after a few weeks using the Audiostrider and some difficulties in receiving replacement parts.

Given the overall doubts regarding the warranty, I would be more inclined to forego the IFit features and opt for a LifeCORE product like the award-winning Lifecore LC 985VG.