Jill and Ben have been saving for the past several months to buy an elliptical trainer. They’d both used one at their small town gym- until it closed- and loved the results. Both of them felt energized and had toned muscles that would have taken months in just a short amount of time. They decided to get a NordicTrack elliptical trainer because all of their ellipticals are equipped with a long stride, Smooth Magnetic Resistance and multiple resistance options, an easy read monitor and various workout programs.

Jill has narrowed it down to two styles: ones that fold up for convenient storage, and ones that have trainer guides. The SpaceSaver Elliptical both folds away and comes with a DVD that demonstrates multiple workouts. The AutoStrider 600 also folds for storage, but rather than a DVD, it has iFIT compatibility; that means you can insert a card designed by a personal trainer, and that trainer’s voice will walk you through a workout. She also liked the CX 938, though it doesn’t store as easily, it does have iFIT compatibility.

Ben’s tastes were relatively simple: he wanted one that plays music. Both the AutoStrider 990 and the AutoStrider 800 are equipped with a music port that allows you to plug in your mp3 player and play it through speakers that are right on the elliptical machine. Both of these ellipticals fold for storage, and the 990 model is also iFIT compatible.

There are several other NordicTrack elliptical trainer styles, including the CX 1055, 1050 and 935 models and the top-of-the-line Reebok RL 1500 model. These all have various features for adjusting your workout to target specific muscles, reach a cardio goal, burn calories and lose weight. Despite the many options, Jill and Ben settled pretty decisively on the AutoStrider 990. It included all the specifics they wanted and at a price they could afford. They are excited to say they’ve ordered their NordicTrack elliptical trainer and are expecting to be using it regularly in just a few weeks.