NordicTrack C 7.5 Entry Level Elliptical Machine

Overview

The NordicTrack C 7.5 elliptical machine was first introduced several years ago, replacing the popular E 8.9 and E 5.7 models and adding iFit Bluetooth technology that syncs with your smartphone or tablet. An entry level front drive model, this one gives you plenty if features and capabilities at a very affordable price.

Here’s a look at the top features…

New iFit Technology

The biggest change, and pretty much the only significant difference between the new C 7.5 and the previous E 8.9 elliptical is the new iFit Bluetooth Smart technology. Using your phone or your tablet, you can tap into iFit’s huge collection of additional workouts on top of the ones that are built into the machine. You can also track and share your workout results, as well as choose a destination anywhere in the world via Google maps and watch the trail unfold right in front of you. It’s a very cool feature that’s appearing on more and more ICON Fitness ellipticals these days.

Endless Workout Possibilities

The C 7.5 comes with 26 built in workouts designed by a personal trainer, so there are plenty of options for you there. You also get a ton of additional workouts through iFit as we mentioned, including programs from Jillian Michaels, one of the leading fitness gurus who you’ve probably seen on TV. There are 20 degrees of power incline and 22 resistance levels to choose from. So you can see how no two workouts will be the same…unless you want them to be.

Comfort Features

In addition to the wide array of workout options, NordicTrack also makes a point to ensure comfort and adjustability in their ellipticals. Here you have oversized, cushioned pedals, SoftTouch grips on the handlebars, and an auto-adjustable fan that matches your intensity.

Additional Touches

The NordicTrack C 7.5 elliptical is also compatible with your iPod or other MP3 player so you can listen to your music while you workout. The speakers are pretty nice as well. There’s a tablet holder, a water bottle holder, heart rate monitor and transport wheels for easily moving the machine from one place to the next.

NordicTrack C 7.5 Test Drive

The C 7.5 elliptical is an entry level machine but it doesn’t really feel like one. Although it is very similar to the previous model, it feels a little bit sturdier. It now has multi-position hand grips which is a nice touch as you can choose where to place your hands while you work out and change your grip throughout.

The console, although it shows the same stats, is a little cleaner and easier to read. It’s very easy to change your incline as well as your resistance level with one touch buttons. The 5″ display is very basic but it shows you your relevant metrics such as speed, distance, calories, time and heart rate. (Take a look at the up-level C 9.5 if you prefer a touch screen display.)

For us the iFit technology worked seamlessly, as we used our iPad and were able to hook it up relatively easily. keep in mind that you do need a membership to use iFit, but at $99 a year it is well worth it, even if you use the machine once a month…hopefully you use it more than that 🙂

The C 7.5 is relatively quiet, and moves easily from one resistance level or incline level to the next. The workouts are varied enough, offering plenty of options for whatever your fitness goals may be. The sound system is nice as well…we plugged in our iPod and were impressed by the sound that comes out of the two speakers located on either side of the console.

Any negatives? Not really. When you use iFit or just use your tablet in general, it does block the LCD display. So you can’t see your workout stats if you’re using your tablet which can be slightly annoying. However if you use iFit you can see your stats there on your tablet or phone, so you don’t really need to see them on the machine as well.

Conclusion

The new C 7.5 is a very good choice, especially given the price tag of about $799 when it’s on sale. You’d be hard pressed to find an elliptical with this many features anywhere else. It also feels like a more expensive machine, as NordicTrack has been making strides in quality and build.

Note that this is the only front drive model without a touch screen display. Certainly not a deal breaker but if you think you would enjoy a touch screen look at the C 9.5 as well. It’s only about $100 more and also gives you a heavier flywheel, more workouts and more resistance levels.

If you’re in the market for a good elliptical under $1000, the new C 7.5 from NordicTrack is a very nice option to consider.

THIS ELLIPTICAL HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. CHECK OUT THE COMPARABLE NORDICTRACK C9.9 HERE