NordicTrack AudioStrider
990
Elliptical Trainer Review
With Adjustable Power Incline
 The
AudioStrider 990 elliptical is one NordicTrack's most popular
crosstrainers, and it recently received a "Best Buy"
rating from a venerable Consumer Rating Magazine.
The Power Incline feature is what makes
it so appealing. It is similar to the adjustable incline on
a treadmill. By increasing or descreasing the incline you can
target different muscle groups. According to NordicTrack:
"Changing the incline of an elliptical changes the
shape of the elliptical stride, which alters the muscle groups
that your workout focuses on. With a wide range of incline
settings, you can work every muscle in your legs and glutes."
Note: As of 3/8/10 the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 was
selling for $899 with shipping. A $100 reduction in price and a good value. Go to www.NordicTrack.com for the latest deal.*
 There
are other brands that offer this feature, but they are commercial
grade models for the home, and cost a minimum of $3,000 (See
Precor Ellipticals).
Meanwhile, the AudioStrider 990 normally sells for $999.
I've used the power incline, and in addition to exercising
different muscle groups, it gives an intense cardio workout,
allowing you to burn more calories in less time. You can adjust
the incline up to 30%, which is equivalent to hiking up a steep
mountain.
Additional NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Elliptical Trainer
Features...
18"
- 22" Elliptical Stride - The variable stride works in conjunction with the power incline. When you incline up to 30 degrees the stride length extends to 22". This gives a smooth elliptical motion, rather
than a bouncy feel. In addition, with the extra long foot
pedals you can further adjust your stride to your comfort
level.
Acoustics™ Sound System - For a speaker system
installed in an elliptical console it rocks. The clarity is
quite good, and when you crank up the subwoofer, you can feel
it vibrate the entire machine. It accepts popular audio inputs
like MP3 and iPod.
 iFIT Technology - iFIT is like having your own personal
trainer. iFIT is a series of programmable cards you insert
into the elliptical trainer (Price $30). Each card offers
an 8-week program that covers 24 different workouts. The programs
control the resistance and duration of the workout, and
are designed by personal trainers. Included is audio coaching that provides
motivation and suggestions to optimize your workout. There
are 3 levels to choose from - beginner, intermediate and advanced.
In addition, they cover different fitness goals - wellness,
weight loss, body shaping and endurance. There is also a series designed by Jillian Michaels
 Space Saver Design - The AudioStrider 990 folds. It
doesn't save that much space, approximately 24", but
when folded it does make it easier to move around.
Short Pedal Distance - You'll find the pedals on the
NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 are a short distance apart. This
is a feature particularly attractive to shorter individuals.
I've had several complaints from people buying machines with
wide pedal distance, causing the elliptical motion to be awkward
and uncomfortable.
20 Personal Trainer Workouts, 2 Heart Rate Workouts and
2 Learned Programs - These are programs are pre-installed
in the elliptical. Considering this is a moderately priced
machine, the selection is generous. I find using different
workout programs helps to alleviate the boredom of exercising
and promotes an increase cardio workout and fat burn.
Warranty - One-year parts and labor. I would rate
the coverage as average and recommend increasing the coverage
by another year or two.
Our Review - NordicTrack 990 Elliptical Trainer
The NordicTrack AudioStrider elliptical trainer is a good bargain
when selling at $999. Overall, you get an excellent selection
of features. For example, the PowerRamp adds a whole new
dimension to your workout. That is why Precor ellipticals
are so popular in health clubs. Furthermore, the sound system is the best
you'll find in any fitness equipment.
I would recommend this elliptical for moderate use. If you
plan to exercise excessively, or if there will be multiple users,
you will want to upgrade. In addition, the suggested 325 lbs. weight
limit is pushing it. I would set it at 240 lbs. or less.
With any elliptical at this price range I am always concerned about
the quality control. I was told by NordicTrack the service record
is good and the return rate is extremely low. Personally, I have yet to received any angry customer reviews.
Considering all of the above, I would suggest this is one of
the better values when selling at $999.
For more information go to NordicTrack.com 
Consumer Magazine Review
The AudioStrider 990 received a "Best
Buy" rating. It was listed as excellent for "Exercise Range"
and "Very Good" for construction and ease of use. At this price very good is not a bad rating for quality of construction.
Customer Review
This is a great machine. It's smooth and quite, EXCEPT for the beeping that occurs every time you change resistance levels. There's no volume control so you can't turn it off. NordicTrak Support has an SD card that turns off this beep for some models. However, they will not provide it for this model (I checked). Otherwise, it's a really nice machine.
Barry
I've had my Nordic Track Audio Strider 990 for 7 weeks. The ordering & delivery process was smooth - I ordered it online and applied for the payment plan. I received a $4000 line of credit from Icon fitness, which covered the Nordic Track and is able to be used at all Icon companies. Nordic Track contacted me within 6 hours to confirm order and to sell me the 4 year warranty for the same price that the 3 year was listed as on the original sale website. I ordered the elliptical on Tuesday night and it was delivered to my house by Old Dominion freight on Friday - the distribution center was only 100 miles from my house, so that delivery time might be atypical. The box did have some damage on delivery - it appeared to have been punched by a forklift tine at some point. The product inside wasn't damaged - the pieces were packaged in styrofoam inside the box so it cushioned them from the fork.
Assembly took longer than the manual estimated and definitely takes two people. As we were assembling we discovered that the plastic cover over the front leg where you attach the incline mechamism was assembled a little off track - where the two halves snap together at the front of the shaft the sides weren't aligned properly so the locking tabs were on the outside inside of locked into the slots on the inside. The cover was bolted down securely and the incline ramp hasn't been impacted. All the parts were present and clearly labeled.
The unit has been used almost every day at least once, sometimes twice, by both myself and my husband. I weigh 125 (130 at the time of delivery), he weighs 231 (238 at the time of delivery). When I first started using the unit it was very quiet. Once my husband starting using it I started hearing a clanking noise in the right leg where it hooks onto the flywheel. The screw also worked loose in the right foot pedal. I tightened the screw and the noise there stopped. The flywheel/leg clanking has not stopped - this model does fold up so those clips can release from the flywheel allowing the legs to fold. I have tried to tighten the clip on that side but there are no parts to adjust. I haven't noticed an impact in performance and the sound has quieted considerably in the last several weeks of use. The operation is smooth and I have had no trouble with resistance or incline changes. The footpads are large and comfortable, even for my husband. The heart rate monitor has been accurate, matches to my polar monitor most of the time. The programs are nicely done and have good variety. The only minor annoyance is that it beeps every minute, even if the resistance isn't changing at that section of the program.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the performance so far. My previous elliptical broke after three months (ProForm Cardio Stride), so I'll see how this one is doing at that point and send an update.
Shannon
I have had my elliptical since March of ’08. I have lost 51 pounds by using it for 30-45 minutes five times a week on average. The weight loss would be more dramatic if I had radically changed my eating habits…I probably snack more than I should. The machine has operated very well with minimal, very occasional clunks and squeaks. Gone from 38” slacks to 34”…this machine is quite literally a life saver.
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