| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NordicTrack C 7.5 Check Discounted Price | L:68" W:26" H:69" | 325lbs | Eddy current, 22 lvls | 26 | Frame: lifetime Parts: 2 years Labor: 1 year |
If you’re looking for an elliptical trainer with a small footprint, that also offers an array of functions pretty close to a commercial model, the Nordic Track C 7.5 is definitely one to put on your list. That’s because this particular model also comes with quite an affordable price considering the range of features and functions that it can supply. For example, some of the best aspects regarding this machine are its solid construction, motorized incline, and its iFit enabled console, which also has a decent number of built-in workout apps.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 68L x 26W x 69H inches (127.7L x 66W x 175.2H cm)
- Assembled weight: 220 lbs (99.7 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 20 lbs (9 kg)
- Supported weight: 325 lbs (147.4 kg)
- Stride: 18 – 20 inches (45 – 51 cm)
- Incline: Automatic, 0-20°
- Footplates: Articulating, angle-adjustable
- Handlebars: Mobile (with incline and resistance digits) and fixed (with pulse sensors)
- Resistance system: Eddy current, 22 levels
- Console: 26 workout programs
- Amenities: Bottle/accessory holder, media tray, speakers, cooling fan
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 2 years / Labor 1 year
Frame
The NordicTrack 7.5 is quite a heavy elliptical machine, with an overall weight of 220 lbs (cca 100 kg). Due to this aspect, it’s pretty obvious that it features a solid frame, made of thick, steel tubing. All steel parts are coated with an anti-corrosion and anti-scratch paint, offering a virtually rust-free finish. The only PVC parts in the machine’s construction are the covers of the flywheel and pulley, pedals and joint covers of the arms.
Even though it’s a heavy trainer, it shouldn’t be difficult to move once assembled, as the front stabilizer bar features a set of two caster wheels, while the rear bar incorporates a lifting handle. Thus, tilting the machine on its wheels is pretty easy. Also, the elliptical’s bases feature adjustable feet, offering the possibility to achieve maximum stability on just about any type of flooring. The overall weight of the machine also plays an important role in its final stability. Therefore, even if the user is close to the maximum allowed capacity (of 325 lbs), the machine shouldn’t wobble or tip on the side, if stabilized properly.
On the other hand, compared to other elliptical trainers, especially with the models with a rear drive, such as the ProForm Smart Strider 735, this particular model features quite a small footprint, at least when it comes to its length. It takes 68″L x 26″W (127.7 x 66) of floor space, and can actually fit even to a smaller room. Its frame is non-foldable though.
Drive
Like most elliptical trainers with an eddy current resistance mechanism, the C 7.5 model from NordicTrack features a smooth and quiet belt drive system, using a heavy-duty v-belt. The belt connects the machine’s pulley to the magnetic flywheel. Pulley is actually wider in diameter 
than the flywheel, finished with a set of solid, steel crank arms. The machine uses a medium range, 20 lbs (9 kg) flywheel, inertia-enhanced, with most of its weight in its perimeter, offering a consistent, smooth and stable pedaling motion.
Reverse pedaling is possible on this elliptical machine, thus you will be able to undergo workouts focusing almost completely on your quads. The console will continue to track values such as calories, or RPM for example, even if you pedal backwards.
The roller arms of the machine are finished with v-groove polyurethane rollers, with stainless steel, sealed ball bearings. These supply a smooth and quiet gliding motion on the rails.
The pedals are not equipped with a suspension mechanism, like the ones on the Yowza Miami, for example. However, their beds feature a layer of thick rubber cushioning, which not only reduces the impact on your feet, it also offers superior adherence. The pedals have a slight outward tilt, of approx. 2°, in order to adapt better to your stepping motion, and to maximize the contact surface with your feet. These being said, the pedaling motion supplies a really natural feel.
The mobile arms of the machine are finished with multi-grip handlebars. They’re covered with a thick layer of rubber foam, to supply a secure and comfortable grip. They’re also long enough to accommodate users of all sizes, and promote multiple posture workouts.
Incline and stride
One of the best aspects regarding this NordicTrack elliptical trainer, is its motorized incline system. The incline motor is placed within the front enclosure of the machine, connecting to the gliding rail, which also serves as an incline ramp. As you adjust incline, the rail will raise up at the front, increasing the intensity of your workout.
Evidently, since incline is motorized, adjustment is done exclusively from the console. The maximum incline supplied is 20°. Also, at 0° incline, you will benefit from the maximum stride of 20″ (51 cm), while if you adjust incline, the stride will shorten a bit, up to approx. 18″ (46 cm). These being said, the elliptical is made to accommodate users between 5′ – 5’8″ (152 – 172 cm). Users over 6′ (183 cm) may consider the stride too small.
At maximum incline, the pedals stand at about 24″ (61 cm) above the floor level. Therefore, to make sure that the room where the elliptical will be placed for use will fit you, add this dimension to your own height.
Resistance
As we’ve mentioned above, this fitness machine features an eddy current resistance mechanism, involving a magnetic flywheel and a servo motor. In order to benefit from the 22 levels of resistance, it requires to be connected to a 120-volt power circuit. It comes with a power cord and a U.S. standard plug (not an adapter). By adjusting resistance from the console unit, the motor will adjust the magnets’ pull, creating drag onto the flywheel, offering more tension for the pedaling.
Just as in any magnetic resistance system, there is no contact between the resistance generating elements. Therefore, pedaling remains smooth, while the wear and tear of the resistance elements is virtually zero.
Console unit
The console supplied with the NordicTrack 7.5 C is quite a multifunctional unit. And maybe one of the most important aspects about it is that it’s iFit enabled. It means it already has a built-in iFit module, being able to connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. 
However, in order to benefit from extra workouts, trails from GoogleMaps, or in order to track your progress online, you will also need an iFit membership, and the iFit app installed into your tablet or smartphone.
The console has a built-in sound system, compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones or tablets, a multi-speed fan, and a tablet holder. It features a 5″ diagonal display, backlit with blue LED. It can track the most important values that anyone would want to know during their workout, such as time, speed, distance, calories, RPM and pulse. It features a trail function which will measure your distance in laps of 1/4 miles (400 m), great to have if you want to train on a professional level. Of course, it also indicates the current resistance level and incline. On top of these, the console features 26 preset workouts, 13 for calorie burning, and 13 for performance training.
The console features direct keys for several resistance settings (1,6,10,14,18,22) and incline settings (0°, 4°,8°, 12°, 16°, 20°). However, both incline and resistance can be gradually increased or decreased via the Up/Down and + / – keys. iFit and Bluetooth have their own keys, as well as each one of the 13 program groups.
One last aspect to be mentioned here regarding the console is that it can track pulse through a chest strap transmitter, via Bluetooth. This accessory is not supplied though. However, the fixed handlebars on the console mast do incorporate pulse sensors. Thus, in case you want to focus on your heart rate, you can do this by using the built-in sensors.
Assembly and Maintenance
For assembly, in addition to the tools supplied with the machine, you will need a Philips screwdriver, and a rubber mallet to slide some of the parts perfectly in their place. A hard copy of the owner’s manual is also supplied with the box, which will guide you through the assembly steps. Overall, the assembly isn’t difficult. You’ll have to mount the frame onto its bases, then add the console mast, the legs and arms of the machine, and finally the console, connecting the wires. It should take no longer than an hour.
Maintenance focuses especially on the rails of the machine which should be wiped clean before any workout. This will help prevent any damage that dirt or sand may cause to the rollers or rails themselves. Also, in case the joints of the arms or legs begin to squeak, some greasing will do the trick.
Lastly, in order to activate your warranty, you will need to register your product with nordictrackservice, as soon as possible after you unbox the machine.
The Pros
- Heavy frame, sturdy construction;
- Small footprint for a heavy elliptical;
- Caster wheels for easy transport;
- Cushioned, outward inclined pedals, for a maximum contact with your feet, and a natural motion;
- Mobile arms finished with multi-grip handlebars;
- Fixed grips with pulse sensors;
- Smooth and quiet drive;
- Motorized incline, up to 20°;
- Motorized, magnetic resistance with up to 22 levels;
- 26 built-in programs;
- iFit enabled;
- Various amenities included, such as sound system, cooling fan, tablet shelf, bottle holder;
- Console can read pulse via a Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitter;
- Easy to assemble;
- Very little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty plan.
The Cons
- HR chest strap transmitter not included;
- Tablet will partially cover the console display, if placed on the tablet holder.
Final Word
The NordicTrack 7.5 elliptical trainer has quite a lot to offer for its price. It’s actually a fitness machine that comes with a great price / quality ratio. It’s great for for stamina building, interval training, weight loss, and of course, cardio training, a fitness machine made for users of all levels. It features a sturdy construction and a smooth, low-impact pedaling motion. On top of that, if you have an iFit account, you will benefit from a limitless array of possible workouts, apart from the 26 ones provided with the console. All in all, it’s a decent elliptical trainer, offering great value for the price.