NordicTrack x16 Elliptical In-Depth Runner's Review

NordicTrack x16 Elliptical ($2,799 MSRP)

As a longtime path runner who’s been battling patellofemoral syndrome flare-ups for over a 12 months, I’ve needed to get inventive with my coaching. The journey hasn’t been straightforward (however removed from distinctive) – I’ve gone via intervals of relaxation, bodily remedy, and punctiliously rebuilding my operating quantity. However the fact is, generally my knee simply wants a break from the pounding of the paths and pavement. That’s the place low-impact cross-training has been useful, and I have been testing the NordicTrack x16 Elliptical to see if it may grow to be a helpful a part of my rehab and long-term coaching technique.

Whereas I typically choose the numerous terrain and pure motion of path operating to the predictability of most ellipticals – even the BowFlex Max Coach I not too long ago reviewed – my focus has shifted. My present principal aim is to take care of health whereas defending my knee, which has made me admire the worth of the precise gear. For the previous a number of weeks, I’ve rigorously examined the x16 in my basement, evaluating its efficiency throughout varied resistance ranges, inclines, and exercise applications.

I obtained the x16 Elliptical for free of charge from NordicTrack, a widely known model within the residence health house that’s owned by iFIT, Inc. I doubt that is information, however NordicTrack has been round for over 40 years and is without doubt one of the most acknowledged names in residence cardio gear, providing the whole lot from treadmills to bikes to rowers. The x16 represents their entry into what they’re calling a “3-in-1” design – combining parts of an elliptical, stepper, and treadmill movement in a single machine.

Professionals

– Free movement stride feels pure and is light on joints

– Huge incline/decline vary (-10% to 10%) provides actual selection

– 26 resistance ranges accommodate the whole lot from restoration to HIIT

– Tilting 16″ touchscreen is crystal clear and simple to view

– iFIT integration is seamless with wonderful exercise library

– AutoBreeze fan that adjusts routinely is a pleasant contact

– Built-in deal with controls make on-the-fly changes straightforward

– Strong construct high quality with 375 lb consumer capability

Cons

– Ceiling clearance is an actual concern – measure rigorously!

– Heavy and never simply moved regardless of transport wheels

– iFIT membership required to entry full options

– Worth level is steep in comparison with primary ellipticals

– Studying curve to optimize the 3-in-1 movement

House Supply

NordicTrack affords free customary curbside supply (as much as a $249 worth) with choices to improve to in-room supply or white glove service that features meeting and haul-away. 

I opted for the white glove supply which comes at an extra value, and I am actually glad I did. At 289 lbs boxed, this machine isn’t any joke. The supply group was skilled, bought it arrange in my basement in about 45 minutes, hauled away all of the packaging, and walked me via the fundamental controls. Price each penny.

One crucial word before you purchase: measure your ceiling peak! The x16 stands 74 inches tall (that is over 6 ft), and once you’re utilizing it, it’s essential account in your personal peak plus the pedal movement. My spouse and I are each 5’6”, so we’ve got sufficient clearance in our basement, but when I have been 4-5 inches taller, it will be a major problem. NordicTrack says that is designed to offer an extended vary of movement, however that comes with spatial necessities. Double-check your house earlier than ordering.

The three-in-1 Design

NordicTrack markets the x16 as a “3-in-1 elliptical, treadmill, and stepper.” This implies the machine is designed to simulate three several types of movement relying on the way you modify the incline and your stride sample. At decrease inclines with a clean stride, it looks like a standard elliptical. Enhance the incline considerably with shorter steps, and it mimics a stepper or stair climber. Use an extended, driving stride at reasonable incline, and so they declare it approximates the texture of a treadmill.

In apply, the “3-in-1” description is considerably marketing-forward, however there may be fact to it. What I’ve discovered most precious is how the free-motion stride permits me to fluctuate my gait naturally all through a exercise. Some days I deal with clean elliptical movement. Different days, particularly when my knee is feeling good, I take advantage of a extra aggressive, forward-driving stride that feels surprisingly treadmill-like. And cranking the incline to 8-10% with shorter steps completely works the glutes and quads like a stepper.

The true magic is that every one of this will occur in a single session with out stopping. I can go from recovery-pace elliptical movement to high-incline climbing to fast-paced “operating” movement just by adjusting my stride and utilizing the controls. For somebody managing an harm, this adaptability is gold.

Free Movement Stride

The x16’s free-motion stride has been extremely light on my knee. Conventional ellipticals lock you into a set stride sample, which I discovered can nonetheless create repetitive stress on my patellofemoral joint. The x16’s 32-inch auto-adjustable stride provides you flexibility in how you progress, and I can subtly change my gait sample all through a exercise to keep away from aggravating my knee.

For context, I have been coping with this harm for effectively over a 12 months now – that nagging ache behind the kneecap that flares up with repetitive loading, particularly operating downhill or throughout high-volume coaching. Bodily remedy has helped tremendously, however low-impact cross-training has grow to be important for sustaining and supplementing health whereas conserving irritation below management.

The x16 looks like a mixture of a clean, low-impact elliptical with the ability and drive of one thing like a Lever treadmill. The pedals transfer in an arc that lets me modify how a lot knee flexion I am experiencing, and the cushioning on the outsized pedals absorbs impression fantastically. Even after 45-60 minute exercises, I had zero knee soreness – one thing I normally cannot say about operating, even on delicate trails.

The decline operate (all the way down to -10%) has been significantly helpful for rehab. Eccentric loading – the place the muscle lengthens below rigidity – is essential for rebuilding quad energy, and the decline setting lets me simulate downhill strolling with out the impression. I have been working with my bodily therapist on eccentric workouts, and having the ability to incorporate them into cardio classes has been a game-changer.

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Incline and Decline Vary

NordicTrack advertises a spread of -10% decline to 10% incline and that feels about proper. The incline adjustment is clean, responsive, and makes a noticeable distinction in exercise depth. I’ve examined the whole lot from flat restoration classes to sustained efforts at 8-10% incline, and the machine handles all of it with out hesitation.

At 10% incline with reasonable resistance (round stage 15-18), the exercise is difficult. My coronary heart charge climbs shortly, and I can really feel it working my glutes, hamstrings, and calves in a means that mimics uphill path operating. The incline modifications are managed through buttons on the console or through built-in controls on the handlebars.

The decline setting is much less widespread in ellipticals, and as I discussed above about my eccentric loading workouts, I admire having it. It is not precisely like operating downhill, nevertheless it’s shut sufficient to be helpful coaching. I have been incorporating decline intervals into my classes – 2 minutes at -8% adopted by 2 minutes at 6% incline – and it is a good way to simulate path operating ups and downs with out the joint stress.

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Resistance Ranges

The x16 affords 26 ranges of digital resistance, and I examined this throughout the total spectrum. The resistance adjustment is impressively clean and different.

Ranges 1-8 are good for energetic restoration or warm-up. Ranges 10-18 are the candy spot for steady-state cardio. I can keep a conversational tempo whereas nonetheless elevating my coronary heart charge into Zone 2-3. Ranges 20-26 are legitimately laborious. At stage 24-26 with any incline, these higher ranges are nice for interval work. What I actually admire is that resistance modifications occur virtually instantaneously. Once I’m doing interval coaching and wish to leap from stage 10 to stage 24, the machine responds instantly.

Built-in Deal with Controls

One characteristic that NordicTrack highlights is the built-in deal with controls, and I’ve to say, they’re extremely handy. Each handlebars have buttons for adjusting incline, decline, and resistance with out having to succeed in for the console or touchscreen. 

Once I’m in the course of a tough interval and my coronary heart charge is spiking, the very last thing I wish to do is let go of the handles and fiddle with touchscreen controls. The deal with buttons are intuitive – up/down arrows for incline on the left, up/down for resistance on the precise. They’re tactile sufficient that I can discover them by really feel with out trying down.

That stated, I do generally by chance bump the controls after I shift my grip, particularly throughout longer classes when my fingers get sweaty. It is not an enormous drawback, nevertheless it has occurred a couple of instances the place I’ve inadvertently modified the resistance by a stage or two. The buttons are pretty delicate, which is nice for responsiveness however requires a little bit of consciousness throughout use.

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The 16″ Tilting Touchscreen and iFIT Integration

The x16 encompasses a tilting 16″ HD touchscreen that is the most effective shows I’ve used on residence health gear. The decision is sharp, colours are vivid, and the contact response is quick. The tilting operate is genuinely helpful – I preserve the display screen at a better angle throughout elliptical exercises, nevertheless it tilts down for floor-based workouts like stretching or core work after my session.

The guts of the x16’s software program expertise is iFIT, NordicTrack’s subscription-based health platform. I will be upfront: iFIT membership is required to unlock the total capabilities of this machine, which is an extra value past the gear itself.  Pricing as of 12/26/25 is beneath:

That stated, iFIT is great. The exercise library is very large – NordicTrack claims over 10,000 exercises – and I’ve but to expire of choices.

I’ve carried out scenic path runs via the Grand Canyon, interval classes with elite trainers like Tommy Rivers Puzey and Hannah Eden, and low-key restoration classes. 

The manufacturing high quality is excessive, and the trainers are motivating with out being overbearing. My favorites have been the path operating collection – it is satisfying to “run” via gorgeous surroundings on a large display screen whereas my knee stays joyful.

One in every of iFIT’s standout options is SmartAdjust, which NordicTrack describes as intelligently adjusting incline and resistance to your health stage based mostly in your exercise conduct. In apply, the machine learns out of your changes. If you happen to persistently improve resistance throughout a specific part, SmartAdjust will begin to anticipate that subsequent time. The exercises grow to be extra customized over time.

The x16 additionally helps streaming providers like Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify instantly on the touchscreen. On days after I wish to zone out and do steady-state cardio, having the ability to watch a present beats staring on the basement window. The sound high quality from the built-in 2″ audio system is respectable, although I normally join my headphones.

AutoBreeze Fan

The x16 contains an AutoBreeze fan that routinely adjusts its depth based mostly in your exercise effort. NordicTrack says the fan “modifications depth to match your exercise,” and it does precisely that. Throughout warm-up or restoration, the fan runs at a low setting. As my coronary heart charge climbs and the exercise intensifies, the fan ramps up accordingly.

I am a self-proclaimed mega-sweater (simply ask anybody who’s run with me on a sizzling day), so the fan has been a welcome characteristic. It is positioned effectively – aimed toward my face and chest – and strikes sufficient air to make a distinction. It is not industrial-strength, however for a house elliptical, it is higher than most. The automated adjustment means I haven’t got to fiddle with settings mid-workout, which retains me targeted.

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Construct High quality and Stability

At 289 lbs, the x16 is a tank. As soon as it is arrange in your house, it is not going anyplace with out important effort. The body feels strong and steady even throughout high-intensity intervals after I’m actually driving via the pedals. There isn’t any wobbling, creaking, or flexing – one thing I’ve skilled on cheaper ellipticals in lodge gyms.

The outsized, cushioned pedals are snug and accommodating. They’re massive sufficient that I can shift my foot place barely all through a exercise, which helps forestall hotspots or numbness. The cushioning absorbs impression effectively, and the non-slip floor retains my sneakers planted even when issues get sweaty.

NordicTrack charges the x16 for customers as much as 375 lbs, which is a strong weight capability and speaks to the sturdy building. The ten-year body guarantee is reassuring and suggests they’re assured within the construct high quality.

That stated, the x16 does include transport wheels to assist transfer it, however given the load, “transport” is a beneficiant time period. It is attainable to tilt and roll the machine, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly a two-person job, and you will wish to watch out on carpet or uneven surfaces. When you decide a spot for this elliptical, plan on it staying there.

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Testing Throughout Settings: My Expertise

Over the previous a number of weeks, I’ve examined the x16 throughout all kinds of settings and exercise kinds. This is what I’ve discovered:

Restoration Classes (Low Resistance, 0-2% Incline): Excellent for energetic restoration days. I can keep a clean, straightforward tempo whereas barely elevating my coronary heart charge. 

Endurance Exercises (Average Resistance, 3-5% Incline): My go-to classes. I usually do 45-60 minutes at resistance ranges 12-16 with a slight incline. The movement feels pure, and I can simply settle right into a rhythm whereas watching Netflix or following an iFIT scenic exercise.

Hill Climbs (Excessive Resistance, 6-10% Incline): At 8-10% incline with resistance round 18-22, I am working tougher. It is about as shut as I can get to uphill path operating with out the impression.

Interval Coaching (Variable Resistance, 0-6% Incline): That is the place the x16 is meant to shine. I’ve carried out a couple of iFIT HIIT exercises that alternate between 30-second max efforts (resistance 24-26) and 90-second restoration intervals (resistance 8-10). The machine responds immediately to resistance modifications, and the free-motion stride lets the consumer actually push throughout work intervals.

Decline Work (Low Resistance, -6 to -10% Decline): Much less widespread however helpful for rehab. The eccentric loading at decline settings has been nice for quad energy. 

The three-in-1 movement takes some experimentation to optimize. The primary few classes, I wasn’t certain learn how to greatest use the machine’s versatility. However after taking part in round with stride size, incline, and resistance combos, I’ve discovered what works for me.

Specs

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How It Compares to Different House Health Gear

As somebody who’s new to proudly owning a house elliptical, I am unable to do an exhaustive comparability to different ellipticals. However I’ve used ellipticals at health facilities, motels, and the gymnasium at work, and I can say the x16 compares very favorably when it comes to construct high quality, options, and consumer expertise.

The movement feels extra pure and fewer “locked in” than most business ellipticals I’ve tried. The incline/decline vary is healthier than something I’ve seen in a typical elliptical, and the 26 resistance ranges present extra granularity than the 10-16 ranges you usually discover on primary fashions. The touchscreen and iFIT integration blow away the clunky, outdated consoles on most gymnasium gear.

That stated, the x16 just isn’t cheap . At $2,499 on sale (from $2,799 MSRP), it is a important funding. Add within the annual iFIT membership (required for full performance), and also you’re taking a look at a considerable ongoing value. However if you’re like me who wants constant low-impact coaching, it is price it. However if you happen to’re simply in search of a primary elliptical for infrequent use, there are undoubtedly extra inexpensive choices on the market.

The closest comparability I could make is to the Bowflex Max Whole 16 Elliptical/Stair Stepper I reviewed beforehand. Each machines provide distinctive hybrid designs that transcend conventional ellipticals, and each characteristic premium touchscreens with sturdy health app integration. The Bowflex focuses extra on the stepper/climber movement with its dual-track system, whereas the x16 emphasizes the free-motion elliptical stride with its wider incline/decline vary. 

The x16’s 32-inch stride size provides extra freedom of motion in comparison with the Bowflex’s extra structured path, and the decline operate is one thing the Bowflex does not provide. 

For my knee rehab particularly, I’ve discovered the x16’s free-motion stride to be gentler and extra adaptable. That stated, each are wonderful machines with considerate options and strong construct high quality – the selection actually comes down as to whether you favor a extra guided stepping movement (Bowflex) or a extra variable, pure stride with extra help (x16).

Conclusion

The NordicTrack x16 Elliptical has exceeded my expectations. Coming into this assessment as somebody who historically prefers operating and has a slight aversion to indoor coaching, I have been impressed by how a lot I’ve genuinely loved utilizing this machine. The free-motion stride is snug and adaptable, the incline/decline vary provides actual coaching versatility, and the iFIT integration retains exercises contemporary and interesting.

I can get intense, difficult exercises with out aggravating my knee. I can simulate uphill climbing, work on eccentric energy with decline settings, and do interval coaching – all with zero impression. It is allowed me to take care of and complement health now that top quantity coaching has grow to be a slippery slope.

The touchscreen is great, the controls are intuitive, and the construct high quality evokes confidence. Small touches just like the AutoBreeze fan and USB-C charging port present considerate design. The tilting display screen for off-machine exercises is a pleasant bonus, and the streaming functionality means I can atone for exhibits throughout longer classes.

The downsides are actual however manageable. The ceiling peak requirement is crucial – measure rigorously before you purchase. The machine is heavy and never simply moved. And the iFIT membership is functionally required, which implies an ongoing expense. The worth is steep in comparison with primary ellipticals, however you are getting much more machine for the cash.

If you happen to’re a runner in search of high-quality cross-training, somebody managing an harm who wants low-impact choices, or simply somebody who desires a flexible, premium elliptical for residence use, the x16 is completely price contemplating.

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John Tribbia (5′ 6″, 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/path runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Toes, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Regardless that he competes much less ceaselessly lately, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover John having fun with the every day grind of operating on any floor, although his favourite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has gained races corresponding to America’s Uphill, Imogene Move Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Sequence; and he is held a number of FKTs on a number of iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah. If you happen to comply with him on Strava, you will discover he runs at various paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile earlier than the break of daybreak virtually on daily basis.