NordicTrack AirGlide 7i Elliptical Review | Read This First

Dimensions/Storability

The NordicTrack AirGlide 7i has a fairly compact design for an elliptical. It’s a front-drive elliptical, which helps to reduce its overall dimensions. The dimensions are the same as the 14i: 69″ long x 25″ wide x 71″ tall. It has a pretty narrow design.

You’ll want to factor in those dimensions plus a few extra feet for getting on and off the elliptical. If you put it along a wall, you’ll need to make sure the pedals and handles have enough room to move.

You’ll also need to factor in your ceiling height to use the incline feature. The AirGlide 14i’s tallest pedal when inclined is 26″ high off the floor. The 7i should be the same since it has a 15% incline. We recommend adding 30″ to your height to determine the minimum ceiling height you’ll need to comfortably and safely use the 7i.

The NordicTrack AirGlide 7i has two front transport wheels and a rear-mounted handle. When it’s delivered, it weighs 235 lbs in the box, so it isn’t a light or small machine. It might not be realistic for some people to move on their own. To move it, you’ll lift the back end using the handle. This engages the wheels so that you can wheel it around.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Like most fitness equipment with attached touchscreens, the NordicTrack AirGlide 7i offers subscription training content. Although it requires a monthly fee, you don’t have to subscribe to the content to use the elliptical.

If you want highly interactive and engaging content on an elliptical, you should probably consider subscribing to iFIT.

iFIT

iFIT is a complete training platform available on NordicTrack equipment. It is subscription-based, which means it requires a membership to use. iFIT costs $39 per month, but you can reduce the price by buying a year or multi-year membership.

iFIT has thousands of on-demand workout videos led by knowledgeable and engaging fitness instructors. There are workouts filmed in professional studios that feature an instructor on an elliptical leading the class. There are also outdoor workouts filmed all over the world. These workouts involve walking, jogging, running, hiking, and even snowshoeing and ice skating.

You can take many of iFIT’s workouts on the NordicTrack 7i Elliptical. Our team prefers the outdoor-filmed workouts, which take place in locations all over the world, on every continent. The iFIT workouts make NordicTrack equipment engaging and interactive.

If you don’t want to follow along with an instructor, you can create routes in the Google Maps feature. Once you pick a location on the map, you can select where to start and end your workout, and the feature will create a route. The workout will progress you through the Google Street View images of the routes in time with your speed.

You can listen to music in iFIT classes. The preselected playlists of songs are split into different genres. You can switch between the stations while working out. I would like the indoor workouts to incorporate music into the classes, like other training platforms. However, the music in this feature is updated regularly, so it doesn’t feel overplayed or dated.

Onboard Workouts

As mentioned, you don’t have to subscribe to iFIT to use the NordicTrack AirGlide 7i. Without iFIT, the touchscreen offers limited training options. Manual mode and a featured iFIT workout are available.

Streaming from third-party apps like Netflix and YouTube isn’t available with or without an iFIT subscription. If you want to stream outside content, your best bet is to place the 7i in front of a TV.

Console

The NordicTrack AirGlide 7i Elliptical has a 7″ touchscreen. This is the smallest touchscreen that iFIT offers on their equipment. Even though it is small, the screen should still be within view and relatively easy to navigate in manual mode and iFIT.

It might be hard for some people to see, but considering the console is fairly close on the 14i, this screen should be fine for most people to see and reach. The console, as a whole, is most likely positioned a little low, especially for taller people, so keep this in mind. Most people will probably have to look down at the screen.

In addition to the screen, there are adjustment buttons to adjust the incline, decline, and resistance. There are also adjustment buttons on the moving handles. I like using the touchscreen to adjust the 14i. Considering this screen is smaller, it will probably be harder to use the adjustments on the touchscreen in workouts to adjust the 7i.

In an iFIT class, the AirGlide 7i will automatically adjust the elliptical’s resistance and grade. The incline and decline match the terrain in outdoor workouts. For instance, if your coach hikes up a mountain, the 7i will incline to match it. The resistance is adjusted based on your previous workout history with the SmartAdjust feature that adapts to your fitness level.

The speakers are clear and have enough volume on the 14i, so we assume they should be the same on the 7i. I’m also hoping the fan is the same. The 14i’s fan has a good breeze and multiple settings to help keep you cool.

The only bit of storage is the large oversized cupholder below the console. It should hold your phone or water, not both. There isn’t a device rack on the AirGlide 7i, so keep this in mind. That is why I recommend placing this elliptical in front of your TV for outside content; otherwise, iFIT is worth it if you want some guided training.

Check Best Price

Build Quality

The NordicTrack AirGlide 7i is very similar to the 14i in build. It is a front-drive elliptical with nice features that should make it comfortable and easy to use. We also assume it is quiet.

This isn’t the most budget-friendly elliptical, but it is the low-end and most affordable option from NordicTrack. It is around $1400. If you’re looking for a standard elliptical from a reputable brand with nice training options, I would consider the 7i.

Frame

The AirGlide 7i has a steel frame that supports the base. It is narrow, but you shouldn’t experience any shaking from side to side while pedaling. The elliptical has two floor stabilizers, which are the width of the frame. One is at the front, and the other is at the rear. Underneath each are two feet on which the elliptical sits.

The NordicTrack 7i handles up to 300 lbs of weight. The 7i should handle folks up to this limit.

Pedals

The pedals are padded and oversized. They appear to be the same as the 14i, with NordicTrack’s textured padding. I like this padding on other NordicTrack ellipticals. It is comfortable without being squishy or bouncy underfoot.

Another feature that maximizes your comfort is the adjustable angle. You can position the pedals at three different angles. The handle at the back of each pedal adjusts the angle to keep the heel of the pedal in line with the toe or to lift your heels higher than your toes. This feature is designed to help prevent foot numbness, which is common on standard ellipticals.

The stride length is 17.8″ to 18.5″ long. It moves forward and backward in a standard elliptical pattern. NordicTrack states that this is an “Auto Adjustable Stride.” Instead of the stride adjusting like the NordicTrack FreeStride Trainers, the stride adjusts slightly longer and shorter as the elliptical inclines and declines. The difference is so minor that you won’t notice it.

From using the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, I like this stride length for people of most heights. I’m 5’1″, and Matt is 6’5″. We are the shortest and tallest members of our team here at TRG. This stride length is comfortable for both of us. The 7i should be comfortable for people of most heights.

Handles

The handles are also accommodating for most heights. The moving handles are long and vertical, so you can grip them where it’s most comfortable for you. I prefer the lower half of the handles on the 14i, and Matt prefers the upper. Even though I’m short, I can still reach the adjustment buttons on each handle though.

The inner handles are non-moving, convenient for targeted lower-body training and getting on and off the elliptical. However, the 7i’s pedals will move even when it isn’t on, so I recommend holding onto the inner stationary handles when you step on and off the pedals.

Flywheel

The 14i has a really heavy-duty flywheel that contributes to the elliptical’s overall stability and durability. The 7i isn’t as heavy-duty, but it’s still a good weight of 25 lbs. We prefer flywheels to be at least 20 lbs.

Considering NordicTrack makes high-quality equipment, we assume this flywheel provides a smooth and consistent pedal stroke, just like other NordicTrack ellipticals.

Incline

The NordicTrack 7i inclines up to 15% and declines to -5% by raising and lowering the platform to which the pedal arms are attached. When inclined, the pedals lift you higher, changing your position slightly to target your muscles differently than when it is not inclined. The same happens when declined, although the pedals lower for this.

In our testing, we have found the AirGlide 14i incline and decline to be a little loud and slow to adjust the grade. It only makes noise while it is adjusting, though. The 7i is most likely a little noisy while adjusting the incline and decline. Besides that, we expect the 7i to be quiet and appropriate for most homes.

Resistance

The AirGlide 7i uses adjustable magnetic resistance, just like most home ellipticals. Magnetic resistance is quiet and smooth. It is unclear how many levels of resistance there are. The 14i has 26 levels. I assume the 7i has 22-26 levels of resistance.

Since it has a smaller flywheel, it might offer fewer resistance levels. However, we expect the tension to still be substantial on the 7i. Most people should have plenty of resistance to pedal and move the handles against.

Warranty

NordicTrack includes their standard warranty with the AirGlide 7i Elliptical. It has a 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and a 1-year labor warranty. Due to its size and weight, you’ll likely need an extra hand or two to help set this elliptical up.

Should You Buy the NordicTrack AirGlide 7i Elliptical?

Based on our experience using the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, we expect the 7i to perform similarly. The AirGlide 7i has a nice, fairly compact design, especially for a home elliptical. The front drive keeps the weight centered under you and the console. Between the stride length and 300 lb weight limit, the 7i should work well for people of most heights and sizes up to that limit.

The 7″ touchscreen is a little small but still displays iFIT just fine. We haven’t had any problems using 7″ screens on other NordicTrack equipment.

You can access thousands of trainer-led workout videos and the Google Map feature to create routes with a subscription. The outdoor workouts are filmed worldwide and allow you to follow an instructor as they walk, hike, jog, run, or snow-shoe across various locations and terrain. The AirGlide 7i will also automatically adjust the incline, decline, and resistance with iFIT.

If you’re looking for an interactive elliptical with nice training features and a smooth and sleek design, I would consider the AirGlide 7i. You’ll save a few hundred dollars from the premium AirGlide 14i while still benefiting from many of the same features.

Check Best Price

NordicTrack AirGlide 7i Q&A / FAQ

What are the benefits of a NordicTrack elliptical?

NordicTrack ellipticals are quiet, smooth, and capable of handling a lot of use. They provide full-body, low-impact workouts. They also include touch screens that are enabled with subscription training content. The content is engaging and provides guidance and encouragement when needed.

The NordicTrack AirGlide ellipticals provide a standard elliptical workout. The stride lengths are comfortable for most heights. The Freestride Trainers are a bit more versatile, with an adjustable stride that allows them to work as a stair-stepper and elliptical trainer if you want more variety in your low-impact workouts.

Are NordicTrack ellipticals good?

NordicTrack has some of the best ellipticals on the market. Many of their ellipticals are our top recommendations for most people. They are well-constructed and accommodate a wide range of abilities, sizes, and heights. They also include subscription training content for guided workouts.

Is our NordicTrack AirGlide 7i Elliptical review a paid review?

We were not paid to create our review of the NordicTrack AirGlide 7i Elliptical. We haven’t received the 7i to test yet. We haven’t been paid to create our reviews from the equipment that NordicTrack has sent us to test. We have affiliate links, and when you make a purchase through them, we receive a commission.

Along with NordicTrack, we work with several popular brands like Sole, Horizon, Bowflex, and others. This allows us to test and recommend popular ellipticals on the market. This also lets us make our top recommendations based on our testing experience.

Check Best Price