| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcy NS-1009 Check Discounted Price | L:25.5" W:20" H:12" | 250 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Count, T-Count, Calories, Scan | Frame: 2 years |
The Marcy NS-1009 is not exactly one of the newest elliptical trainers but it’s still available (at least for now). It can be used both as a stepper (standing up) and as an under-desk elliptical. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Stamina E1000 but comes with a set of elastic bands.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 25.5L x 20W x 12H inches (65L x 51W x 30H cm)
- Assembled weight: 26 lbs (11.7 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Stride length: 6 inches (15 cm)
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, count, total count, calories, scan
- Extras: Resistance tubes
- Warranty: Frame 2 years
Frame construction, parts, and accessories
The Marcy NS-1009 Bionic under-desk elliptical features a steel frame but most of it is covered by several guards
made of thermoplastic material. The steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The front section rests on a metallic plate on which the wheels of the pedals roll. The rear section of the unit features a stabilizer bar.
The trainer is not too large. It should fit under most desk types. It is approx. 25.5″ (65 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide, while its highest point above the floor is 12″ (30 cm). The pedals’ highest point is actually lower, only about 10″ (25 cm) above the floor level. So, if you want to use this elliptical while seated and at a desk, the desk top board should be at least 10″ (25 cm) above your knees.
The unit is not too heavy. Its net weight is only approx. 26 lbs (11.7 kg). Therefore, it can easily be moved by only one person. Plus, its casing features a lifting handle at the top for easier transport.
The unit’s pedals are pretty tough as well. Their trays are made of durable thermoplastic material. They are textured and have inner side, front, and rear guards for improved foot stability. They attach to two short steel bars and feature large silicone wheels with internal ball bearings. They are durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg) while standing up.
Last but not least, the Marcy NS-1009 includes two elastic resistance tubes made of rubber material. They have standard D-handles with foam grips for improved comfort. They attach to the rear stabilizer of the machine and you can use them either for arm exercises or for stability while working out in a standing position.
Drive system
First of all, this Marcy elliptical machine offers a stride of approx. 6″ (15 cm), similar to most other under-desk
trainers. It isn’t an extremely long stride, so you won’t be able to perform a workout with an ample range of motion as is possible on a regular elliptical trainer. However, it still is pretty great for toning leg muscles, improve stamina, recovery training, and weight loss.
It’s also important to mention that the unit can be used as a stepper; the user can stand up on the pedals as long as they don’t exceed 250 lbs (113 kg). If used for a standing up workout, the metallic plate and the wheels of the pedals should be in front of the user. Conversely, if used while seated, it’s best that the crankset of the machine is in front of the user.
The machine is equipped with a metallic flywheel which is concealed by the plastic guards. It’s exact weight is not specified, but since the trainer does not weigh more than 26 lbs (11.7 kg), it probably doesn’t weigh more than 15 lbs (6.8 kg). It is perimeter-weighted, though, for more consistent momentum. It is also bi-directional.
The unit’s drivetrain uses a poly-v belt. This being said, its transmission does not need oiling. It also promotes a smoother and quieter motion than a chain drive.
Resistance system
The Marcy NS-1009 Bionic Under-Desk Elliptical is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being
said, you don’t need an adapter for it. The machine cannot adjust the resistance automatically. It also does not have pre-set workouts.
The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake placed under the internal flywheel and connected to the tension lever via a steel cable. Therefore, when you push the lever forward or backward, the magnets change their position in relation to the flywheel, increasing or decreasing the resistance.
The main advantage of this magnetic resistance system is that the brake does not touch the flywheel. Therefore, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. There is no drag and the wear-and-tear of the bike is virtually zero.
The unit makes available 8 levels of resistance. The first level offers a fairly light pedaling difficulty, great for users who require recovery training. Conversely, the 8th level of resistance provides considerably more resistance. However, the maximum tension setting still provides considerably lower resistance than a standard elliptical. So, this trainer is meant for light and medium-intensity workouts at best.
Fitness monitor
The Marcy NS-1009 elliptical is equipped with a basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display that tracks time, 
calories burned, count (number of strides for the current workout), and total count (number of strides since the first use of the machine). It does not show distance, speed, or watts. It also does not have a pulse reading function.
The monitor unit is pretty easy to use. It only has one button. By pressing this button repeatedly, you can select the workout metric that you want to view on the display. It also has a scan function; when the scan mode is activated, the display puts the workout metrics in a sequence, showing each one for 4 seconds.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires one AAA (1.5 V) battery which is not provided with the elliptical. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you push the button. It also automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity on the trainer.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the trainer comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the pedal trays, the rear stabilizer, the front plate, and the two resistance tubes. This shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.
Maintenance also doesn’t require much. The internal parts do not need any lubrication. So, in terms of maintenance, you only have to keep the unit clean and periodically inspect it for loose or damaged parts.
The Pros
- Compact construction, small footprint;
- Sturdy construction – can support standing up workouts;
- 250 lbs weight capacity;
- Lifting handle included;
- Resistance & stability tubes with D-handles included;
- Extra-large pedals with inner, front, and rear guards;
- Large silicone wheels for reduced noise;
- Zero-friction, magnetic resistance system (8 levels);
- Belt drive system for a smooth and quiet pedaling motion;
- Fitness monitor integrated into the unit – it tracks time, count, t-count, and calories burned;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the tools necessary for the assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- A battery for the fitness monitor is not included;
- No pulse reading function;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The Marcy Bionic NS-1009 is an under-desk elliptical trainer and stepper. It is equipped with a set of large pedals with silicone wheels, a magnetic resistance system with 8 levels, and a quiet belt drive. It also integrates a fitness monitor that tracks time, strides, total strides, and calories. It’s a machine for light workouts, muscle toning, and burning a few extra calories while working at a desk, while seated, or while standing up. It also comes with a set of resistance tubes for stability and arm exercises.