The NordicTrack NTEL71218 C 12.9 Elliptical Trainer was designed to offer productive and convenient workouts considering the features integrated.
It has multiple workout programs and interactive personal training that is powered by iFit for an outstanding experience.
What this means is that you can remotely access elite workout coaches in real-time that guide you through the proper execution of workouts for optimum and expedited results.
Moreover, at the time of this review, 12 months of iFit membership is included; although, a credit card is required for activation. Unless you cancel, the membership renews automatically for a fee after the expiration of the initial 1 year.
This is a full-body and low-impact cardiovascular exercise machine for weight loss, improvement of lungs and heart health, and muscle group toning.
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Table of Contents
The Frame and Construction
This elliptical trainer is a piece of high-end indoor exercise equipment that is equipped with various advanced features.
Its frame is made of superlative high-quality steel that is coated with anti-corrosion and scratch paint.
While other parts such as the drive/resistance system covers, the pedals, the bottle holder, the joint, and console covers are made of ABS.
Hence, it looks classy and supports 350 lbs./158.7 kg maximum user weight capacity.
This is obviously going to need a bit of space since its overall assembled dimensions are 68.5’’ long by 28.75’’ wide by 68.25’’ high.
To put it differently, the NordicTrack NTEL71218 C 12.9 Elliptical Trainer meeds a space area with perimeters of 5’71’’ length by 2’40’’ for workouts and additional clearance of 2’ around it for ease of access and safety.
The workout area must have at least a 7’5’’ ceiling height for proper workouts.
By the way, the unit is still not as large as the Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer, though.
The NordicTrack NTEL71218 C 12.9 Elliptical Trainer is a sturdy and stable machine. Thanks to its front and rear rectangular steel stabilizers with adjustable levelers that enable balancing on a platform that isn’t entirely even.
Although, the use of a protective rubber mat could further enhance the stability and floor-friendliness.
Another significant factor that guarantees stability is the elliptical machine’s assembled weight of 210 lbs./92.24 kg.
That said, some may argue that it will be difficult to move, but that assertion is not necessarily correct because there are transport wheels at the front base and a handle at the rear for an easy relocation process.
The Handlebar of the NordicTrack NTEL71218 C 12.9 Elliptical Trainer
There are 2 ergonomic sets of handlebars designed for different workout purposes. One set is fixed (static), and the other is dual-action (moveable).
The fixed handlebars integrate HR sensors and are attached to the console mast. Hence, they are static and contact grips for heart rate monitoring.
On the other hand, the moveable handlebars do not have heart rate sensors, but they are designed for upper body exercise. The arms, shoulders, core, and back muscle groups are engaged when they are used.
They move concurrently with the pedals because they are connected. In other words, as long as the pedals move so do they, regardless if they are used or not.
The 2 sets of handlebars are cushioned with anti-slip rubber foam to provide secure and comfortable grips for prolong workouts.
Pedals & Incline System
The pedals are large and textured. They are attached to the steel bars that are connected to the incline power ramp and rollers.
So, when you select an incline/decline level the pedals’ stride length also increases or decreases.
The power ramp/incline buttons are designated on the left side of the console, and they include 2 degrees, 4 degrees, 6 degrees, 8 degrees, 10 degrees, 12 degrees, 14 degrees, 16 degrees, 18 degrees, and 20 degrees keys and a gradual control +/- key.
The pedals are large enough to accommodate different foot sizes comfortably. They are to be ridden with standard gym shoes.
The Drive
The NordicTrack NTEL71218 C 12.9 Elliptical Trainer has a front-drive system that comprises a durable poly V-belt, a pulley, cranks, and a 30 lbs./13.6 kg high-inertia flywheel.
Due to these elements, the drive’s operation is smooth and quiet, and it also offers consistent vibration-free motion.
As a result, your workout activity won’t disturb or distract the family members or the neighbors.
Also, you don’t have to periodically take the drive system’s shrouds apart for lubrication or adjustment.
It is possible to pedal in reverse if you so wish.
Resistance System
This elliptical trainer is equipped with a motorized silent magnetic resistance system (SMR) with 24 adjustable levels. This consists of a servo motor, a magnet, and a flywheel.
The resistance is generated when the servo motor shifts the magnet close to the flywheel and emits magnetic fields.
Since no friction occurs during the process of generating resistance, no part wears out after a period of time, and the elliptical machine’s operation remains silent even when the resistance is engaged.
For the resistance system to be functional, the machine needs to be plugged into a 120V power outlet.
You can adjust the resistance levels via the quick keys (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24) or through the gradual +/- key on the right side of the console.
The resistance system does offer a different feel of workout challenges that are suitable for everyone at any fitness level.
The Console
The console is the powerhouse that integrates some of the great features of the NordicTrack NTEL71218 C 12.9 Elliptical Trainer.
For instance, it features a colorful 7’’ HD interactive Touchscreen monitor that tracks workout stats such as Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Stride, Resistance, RPM, and Pulse with good readability that cannot diminish no matter how poorly-lit an environment is.
There is Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to sync your smartphone for quality sound output via the built-in speakers.
35 onboard workout programs are available for achieving different fitness goals. 5 user profiles enable 5 different users to enter personal information such as age, weight, height, and gender for a more personalized workout experience.
On top of that, the console is telemetry-enabled. This is to wirelessly monitor your heart rate through the use of the included HR chest strap.
There is an iFit app that syncs with the 7’’ HD interactive Touchscreen and no download is required. This gives you access to a whole lot of workout values and experiences that include the ability to connect to world-class trainers in real-time, access On-Demand workout videos, train in virtual exotic terrains through Google Maps, and more.
During an iFit live session, a coach can remotely adjust the resistance and incline level of your elliptical machine.
Remember an iFit subscription is required for you to be able to use it. However, there is 1-year free access after which a paid subscription will be needed. However, you can cancel if you don’t need it.
Accessory
This machine has built-in speakers and a USB port on the console for streaming music and charging a smartphone device respectively.
To stream music from your smartphone to the built-in speakers, you have to sync them using Bluetooth.
There is also a tablet holder that is strategically positioned at the top of the console. Hence, the monitor doesn’t get blocked when a device is placed on it.
Finally, the console features an auto-breeze fan that keeps you cool as you exercise, and a water bottle holder right below the console for staying properly hydrated.
Storage
The NordicTrack NTEL71218 C 12.9 Elliptical Trainer is not foldable and not overwhelmingly large.
Its overall dimensions are 68.5’’ long by 28.75’’ wide by 68.25’’, and so a storage area with perimeters of 5’71’’ length by 2’40’’ width should accommodate it.
You can easily move the machine through the front-mounted wheels regardless it weighs 210 lbs./95.25 kg.
Pros/Features Overview
- Heavy-duty and commercial fame
- Its stability is great; thanks to the base framework, and its overall weight of 210 lbs./95.25 kg
- Transport wheels and a handle integrated for an easy relocation process
- Supports up to 350 lbs./158.7 kg maximum user weight capacity
- It possesses a front belt drive system that provides smooth, and quiet operation
- The silent magnetic resistance system with 24 adjustable levels offers a different range of workout difficulties that are suitable for aerobic and cardiovascular exercises
- There is a power ramp that automatically adjusts the incline of the pedals to up to 20 degrees
- The pedals are large and textured for enhanced and secure foot placement
- 35 workout programs
- 5 user profiles
- 7’’ interactive HD Touchscreen display tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Speed, Resistance, Stride, RPM, Calories, and Pulse
- The console is telemetry and iFit enabled; you can track your pulse rate with the included HR chest strap, access live workout coach, multiple workout videos, virtual exotic workout routes, and more
- 1 Year iFit subscription available
- Contact grips for heart rate monitoring
- 2 sets of handlebars (static & mobile)
- The maintenance is not serious
- Assembly is not complicated
- Auto-breeze fan for keeping you cool during workouts
- Tablet holder and water bottle holders
- Excellent warranty
Cons
- It requires a little bit of space for workouts
Warranty
- 10 Years for the Frame
- 2 Years for the Parts
- 1 Year Labor
Product Dimensions & Specifications
- Length: 68.5’’
- Width: 28.75’’
- Height: 68.25’’
- Ceiling height: at least 7’5’’
- Shipping dimensions: 66’’ L x 30’’ W x 15’’ H
- Net weight: 210 lbs./95.25 kg
- Gross weight: 241 lbs./109.32 kg
- Maximum user weight capacity: 350 lbs./158.7 kg
- Frame: Steel
- Handlebars: Moveable & static
- Pedals: Large, and textured
- Incline: Automatic, 0-20 degrees
- Adjustable levelers
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: SMR with 24 adjustable levels
- 7’’ interactive HD Touchscreen Monitor
- IFit enabled
- Telemetry enabled & contact grips
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 35 workout programs
- 5 User profiles
- Auto-breeze fan
- Tablet holder included
- Water bottle holder included
- Transport wheels included
Shipping
The NordicTrack NTEL71218 C 12.9 Elliptical Trainer arrives in a big neatly packaged box that weighs 241 lbs./109.32 kg with dimensions of 66’’ long by 30’’ wide by 15’’ high.
It may be shipped out without extra charges, and delivery is usually in a couple of days.
Assembly
Assembling this elliptical trainer could seem overwhelming at first sight. But you will eventually realize that it is not as complicated as you think once it is unpacked.
Take a deep breath and follow the instructions in the manual, and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Maintenance
No serious maintenance is required of you.
Just make sure to keep the elliptical machine clean.
Keep the console away from dirt, moisture, and excessive sunlight.
Lubricate the joints if there is any squeaky sound.
Finally, do a routine check of the parts to ensure they are tight and in good condition.
Conclusion
The NordicTrack NTEL71218 C 12.9 Elliptical Trainer is one of those elliptical machines that enable you to achieve your fitness goals effortlessly.
How can you not when you have access to live workout classes with some of the best coaches in the world!
How can you not when there are on-demand workout videos available!
How can you not when there is an automatic incline system that is adjustable up to 20 degrees, a silent resistance system with 24 adjustable levels, 5 user profiles, 7’’ interactive HD Touchscreen monitor, and more.
How can you not…
I am a health and fitness enthusiast. I take anything and everything that improves my health seriously. Hence, I try to share my knowledge in helping people that wish to up their health status to one that enables them to live strong with confidence.
We also review health and fitness equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, spin bikes. recumbent bikes and many more.
