Starting a fitness journey can feel a bit like being lost in a sea of technical terms and a mountain of equipment choices. It can be overwhelming, to say the least. But don’t worry, we’re about to make things a whole lot simpler. 

We’re zooming in on the top NordicTrack elliptical models for home fitness in 2024 to break down the nuts and bolts in plain language. By the end, picking the right elliptical will feel as breezy as a walk in the park!
Eager to explore more about NordicTrack elliptical models? Don’t miss our detailed guide, Best Ellipticals for Home Gyms: 2024 Elliptical Buying Guide, for an in-depth look!

What are the differences between the NordicTrack Elliptical Models?

AirGlide 14i Elliptical: Your Everyday Fitness Companion

First on deck is the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i. This elliptical is a blend of technology and comfort, designed to make every workout not just a physical experience, but a sensory one as well. 

The machine is embedded with features that cater to both beginners and experienced exercisers, ensuring a versatile and inclusive user experience. The AirGlide 14i is fitted with a 14-inch smart HD touchscreen that is intuitive and user-friendly. It serves as your control panel, informational guide, and interactive companion that brings a range of iFIT workouts (a paid subscription fitness platform) and real-time feedback to your fingertips.

Here’s what makes the AirGlide 14i a standout choice:

• 14-inch Smart HD Touchscreen: Offers interactive and immersive workouts, making it easier to track your progress and stay motivated.
• Terrain Simulation: With up to a 15% incline and a -5% decline, experience the sensation of various real-world terrains.
• Soft Touch™ Upper Body Grips: Designed for comfort, allowing for an effective upper body workout that is easier on the hands.
• Oversized Cushioned Pedals: Ensures a comfortable footing, reducing impact during intense workout sessions.
• ActivePulse™ Technology: Automatically adjusts speed, incline, and resistance to keep you in the optimal heart-rate zone for effective, targeted workouts.

In essence, the AirGlide 14i is more than an elliptical – it’s a personal fitness companion equipped to adapt to your individual needs, fitness goals, and intensity preferences, ensuring every workout is not just effective but also engaging and enjoyable.

Commercial 14.9: Scaling New Heights

For those who are inclined (pun absolutely intended) toward pushing boundaries and scaling new fitness peaks, the NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 is an excellent choice. This machine is designed for intensity and endurance, promising a workout that’s as challenging as it is rewarding.

The Commercial 14.9 is designed for goal-oriented exercisers, for whom every workout is an opportunity to outdo themselves. While the lack of a downhill simulation might seem like a minus, the enhanced incline feature can turn your workout into a mountain-scaling expedition, challenging both endurance and strength. 

Here’s what makes the Commercial 14.9 a standout choice:

• Up to 20% Incline: Elevate your workouts, quite literally, and engage different muscle groups for a full-body workout.
• 350 lbs User Capacity: Built for durability and strength, accommodating a wide range of users.
• 14-inch Smart HD Touchscreen: Make every workout interactive and personalized, with real-time feedback and a plethora of iFIT workouts to choose from.
• SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance: Ensures a smooth, quiet workout, optimizing comfort and performance.
• Front-Mounted Transport Wheels: Enhances mobility and ease of storage, making it a practical choice for home gyms.

In the pursuit of fitness, variety is crucial. The Commercial 14.9 doesn’t just offer different levels of intensity but turns every workout into a unique experience. This model is dependable and user-friendly, and each workout on it is a story of achievement and pushing limits.

FreeStride Trainer: A Symphony of Versatility

The NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer goes beyond the conventional, standing as a versatile fitness ally that morphs each workout into a tailored experience. This machine is where the elliptical, treadmill, and stepper unite, offering a diverse cardio portfolio. 

Designed with adaptability in mind, the FreeStride Trainer’s center-drive ensures an intuitive response to every stride, pace, and intensity, adding a personal touch to every workout.

Here’s what makes the FreeStride Trainer a standout choice:

• 32” Auto-Adjustable Stride: Adapts to your individual stride in real-time, offering a workout as distinct as each user.
• -10% Decline to 10% Incline: Provides a dynamic workout terrain for varied muscle engagement and intensity.
• 375-lb User Weight Limit: Showcases its robust and sturdy build, accommodating a diverse range of fitness enthusiasts.
• 14-inch Smart HD Touchscreen: Delivers an interactive, engaging, and diverse workout experience.

To put it simply, the FreeStride Trainer is a perfect balance of innovation and versatility, engineered for those looking to step into a world where the boundaries of conventional workouts are replaced by a horizon of infinite possibilities. 

Every feature is tailored to ensure that your workout isn’t just about physical exertion but is a holistic journey of engagement, exploration, and personal achievement.

Comparing the AirGlide 14i, Commercial 14.9, and FreeStride Trainer

When considering NordicTrack’s elliptical models, it becomes clear that each is crafted with a distinct user experience in mind. The AirGlide 14i, Commercial 14.9, and FreeStride Trainer, while sharing the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation, cater to different fitness objectives and preferences.

Core Similarities and Differences:

All three models boast a 14-inch smart HD touchscreen, offering interactive and immersive workout experiences. They’re also equipped with features like SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance and ActivePulse™ Technology (available through your paid iFIT membership)  to optimize performance and comfort.

However, their differences lie in their design:

• The AirGlide 14i is versatile and user-friendly, offering both incline and decline to simulate varied terrains.
• The Commercial 14.9 emphasizes intensity and endurance..
• The FreeStride Trainer stands out for its adaptability, combining the features of three different machines and offering a unique, auto-adjustable stride for personalized workouts.

The choice between the AirGlide 14i, Commercial 14.9, and FreeStride Trainer hinges on individual fitness goals and preferred workout styles. Whether it’s the versatility of the AirGlide, the intensity of the Commercial 14.9, or the adaptability of the FreeStride Trainer, NordicTrack offers a personalized workout experience for every exerciser.

The Bottom Line

NordicTrack’s top elliptical models for home fitness in 2024 provide a custom fit, so to speak, for each user. The AirGlide 14i is known for its versatility, making it a favorite for a wide range of users. It combines technology and comfort, delivering an engaging workout experience that can be tailored to various fitness levels.

In contrast, the Commercial 14.9 is built for those seeking to push their limits. It’s robust, offering enhanced incline features for a more intense workout, making it ideal for individuals aiming for advanced fitness milestones. 

The FreeStride Trainer stands out for its adaptability, combining the features of an elliptical, treadmill, and stepper, offering a comprehensive workout experience.

Choosing between these models comes down to identifying your specific fitness goals and preferences. Each model is engineered with the user in mind, ensuring that all exercisers can find a model that aligns with their fitness journey, intensity preference, and workout style. And remember, choosing the right elliptical is like choosing the right pair of shoes – it should fit you perfectly and be ready to take you places. So, happy striding!

Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.