Strengths:
Dual Side Flywheel Design Gives A More Comfortable Workout - You may have noticed this design in many of the high end commercial elliptical trainers. It's a trend that is slowly creeping into the residential elliptical market.
The main advantage to this design is that it places your body a little more upright on the machine. You don't have to lean as much to reach the handlebars - which can give you a more effective workout.
Plus the foot pedals are placed slightly closer together so it may feel more comfortable and natural than front or back flywheel models.
3 Position Adjustable Stride - Choose From 18, 20 and 22" - Adjusting the stride length of your elliptical allows you to work different muscles, which can help you see results faster. Strides can be adjusted between 18", 20" or 22".
The 22" is the one of the longest strides you can find on an elliptical trainer and is great for taller users to get an optimal workout. Plus having the different stride lengths to choose from makes this a great elliptical for families or multiple users as everyone can choose the stride that suits them best.
iPod Port With Built In Sound System - You can plug your iPod or MP3 player into the built-in audio jack and listen to your favorite music through the premium speakers built into the console. This alone can make your workouts a lot more enjoyable.
iFit Card Reader For Interactive Workouts - iFit cards contain 8 weeks of workouts per card.
Each card has a specific goal - performance or weight loss for example. You just plug the card into your console, the machine remembers where you left off and starts you on the next workout.
You get the voice of a personal trainer talking you through your workout. Nordic Track has teamed up with Jillian Michaels (the personal trainer on The Biggest Loser) to make iFit cards with her coaching you through Jillian's specially designed workout.
iFIT® Fitness Journal To Track Your Progress - This is a tracking tool that charts your fitness history so you can track how much you've improved. It gives you daily, weekly and monthly workout totals for up to 2 different users.
Compact To Save Space - Because of the two side flywheel design the Nordic Track A.C.T. elliptical is more compact than the standard single flywheel ellipticals. Measuring only 47" long (standard design ellipticals can be up to 78" long), it's great if you want a higher end elliptical that doesn't take up much space.
Weaknesses:
While it should be fine for most people, the A.C.T. weight capacity is a bit on the low side (250 lbs). So if you're planning on really heavy, constant usage, you may want to look at another machine with a higher 350 lb user weight capacity.
Summary: Highly Recommended
The Nordic Track A.C.T. elliptical carries a lot of features that you won't find on other machines. THe main one is the dual side flywheel design for added comfort during your workout. Plus you get 3 different stride lengths to optimize your workout and train different muscle groups.
The icing on the cake is all the fun stuff that can make your workouts even more enjoyable: iPod dock with console speakers, fitness tracking tools, 20 built-in workouts and iFit card reader.
Overall one of the best center drive ellipticals currently on the market.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can get the Nordic Track A.C.T. direct from the Manufacturer. You can also currently get Free Shipping which will save you about $150.
The 2 side flywheel design (also called center drive) has 2 smaller flywheels on either side of the elliptical foot pedals instead of one large flywheel in front or in back.
The big advantage to this is that you get a more upright elliptical workout position - which for many people feels much more comfortable.
Some trainers even claim you can burn more calories with this design since you're not leaning on the handrails as much - which often happens with cheaper ellipticals.
So is the ACT elliptical right for you? Here's a quick review of what you need to know about this ellitpical:
Features:
Price: $899 (Sale)
Stride Length: 18", 20" & 22"
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 20
Built In Workout Programs: 20
Upper Body Arms: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Pulse Grip
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
User Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
Warranty: Lifetime Frame, 10 Year Brake, 1 Year Parts and Labor
