At-home fitness machines offer the best of both worlds: the convenience of working out at home, and the ability to pick a machine that best aligns with your unique fitness goals and workout preferences. (Plus, it’s always nice to have a machine that no one else has sweated on.) For professionals who won’t compromise on physical or mental well-being despite packed schedules, the right equipment is key.
Ellipticals are especially useful, as they offer low-impact workouts and often take up less space than treadmills. The NordicTrack X16 Elliptical is one option that caught our eye, so we asked a member of our testing team to try it and report back. Here’s everything she loved about it, and the one very minor drawback she noted.
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Our team of experts, including athletes, personal trainers, and nutritionists, have tested an array of fitness equipment using our comprehensive fitness testing methodology to find the best-performing machines.
NordicTrack X16 Elliptical
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at NordicTrack
- What we like: This machine felt well-constructed and operated very smoothly—and quietly
- Who it’s for: People who want a versatile and low-noise machine
- What makes it different: Pairs with iFIT for a wide range of workouts
Pros
- Very quiet
- Solid construction
- Pairs with iFIT for wide variety of workouts
Cons
- iFIT requires subscription
- Not easy to move around
NordicTrack X16 Elliptical Specs
Our Experience with NordicTrack X16 Elliptical
The NordicTrack X16 Elliptical could almost be considered a combination of a stepper, elliptical, and treadmill, and it has 26 resistance levels in addition to a broad incline range—from a 10 percent incline to a 10 percent decline. This machine offers low-impact workouts, which shouldn’t be confused with low intensity; you can still get a challenging workout by customizing the speed and incline settings to your preference.
The NordicTrack X16 Elliptical also pairs with iFIT, a workout streaming service that requires a subscription fee. One interesting option: You can choose workouts that allow you to follow the trainer, meaning the elliptical automatically adjusts speed and incline throughout the workout to match the trainer. (You get a free one-month iFIT membership with the purchase of this elliptical.)
Paige, a member of our testing team, tried the NordicTrack X16. Here’s what she loved, and what she thought could be improved.
What We Liked
These were some of the standout features of this machine, according to Paige.
- Overall experience (4 out of 5): “This machine is extremely smooth, one of the smoothest ellipticals I have been on. It almost felt like I was floating. It’s also extremely quiet and I could barely hear it while in use,” said Paige.
- Construction and durability (5 out of 5): Paige said, “The construction is very impressive and compact. The screen and handles are durable, and I did not notice any shaking, wobbling, or weird clicking noises during workouts. The machine was almost silent at all resistance and incline levels.”
- Programming (5 out of 5): Paige explained, “This machine utilizes iFIT programming, which gives a wide variety of workouts of different goals and intensities. I enjoyed that the machine automatically adjusted to the workout I chose so I didn’t have to worry about keeping up—I could just enjoy the workout!”
What We Would Change
Paige noted one drawback.
- Portability (3 out of 5): “There are wheels on the back of the machine and handles to move it around,” said Paige, though she added, “It is on the heavier side and may require multiple people to move the machine to prevent injury.”
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
As with any fitness machine, the NordicTrack X16 Elliptical may be better suited for some people than others.
Those with limited space
The NordicTrack X16 Elliptical has a smaller footprint than many fitness machines, making it a compact elliptical that’s ideal for smaller spaces.
People who want a highly customizable workout
With 26 resistance levels plus a maximum 10% incline that can be changed to a –10% decline, this elliptical allows users to tailor their workouts to their exact preferences, and adding iFIT workouts provides even more variety.
Those with roommates or other family members
Because this machine is so quiet, it’s perfect for people who want to exercise without disturbing the people around them.
People with joint concerns
The NordicTrack X16 Elliptical is considered an excellent option for low-impact workouts, making it perfect for those with joint issues.
Comparing NordicTrack X16 to Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical
| NordicTrack X16 Elliptical | Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical | |
| Price | $2,299.99 | $1,999 |
| Resistance Levels | 26 | 20 |
| Incline | 10% incline to -10% decline | 20 levels |
| Display | Tilting 16″ Touchscreen | 7″ LCD screen |
| Dimensions | 58.5″ L x 29.5″ W x 74″ H | 76″ L x 24″ W x 65.5″ H |
| Programming | Pairs with iFIT workout streaming service | Bluetooth streams media through integrated speakers, and purchase includes free app that can “control your workout and push data to your favorite fitness apps” |
Why The Right Fitness Equipment Matters to Professionals
Your health and wellness can affect your work, because feeling good can lead to better workplace performance. So investing in a fitness machine like an elliptical—while obviously beneficial to your cardiovascular health—can also be seen as an investment in your career, in a way. Ellipticals are particularly useful because they tend to have a more compact footprint, while also offering a wide range of customizability with differing speeds, incline settings, and workout options. It’s an ideal machine for those who want to maximize efficiency while also being able to customize their workouts.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
For people who want to prioritize work without sacrificing fitness, the NordicTrack X16 is an elegant solution. It’s a powerful yet quiet machine that’s solidly built and fits neatly into smaller spaces, so you can work out at home and free up valuable time.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between NordicTrack X16 and X24?
The main difference between these two fitness machines is the NordicTrack X16 is an elliptical, and the X24 is a treadmill. Both pair with iFIT, though, and both offer the Follow Trainer and SmartAdjust features. The X24 has a larger, 24-inch touchscreen, however, plus a feature called ActivePulse that automatically adjusts workout intensity to keep your heart rate in a certain zone.
Are NordicTrack ellipticals any good?
Our tester loved her experience using the NordicTrack X16, emphasizing the smooth operation, very low volume level, and overall solid construction of the machine. While everyone has different preferences, we feel this machine has features that will appeal to a wide variety of people—especially given how easy it is to customize workouts to suit your own fitness level.
How big is the NordicTrack X16?
The assembled dimensions are 58.5 inches in length, 29.5 inches in width, and 74 inches tall, so it has a fairly compact footprint.