NordicTrack SE7i Elliptical Review

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Last Updated: January 1, 2023

The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i is a multi-function elliptical trainer with a rear drive that allows it to collapse down when not in use. The SE7i has an easy-to-use LCD screen with a tablet holder and smooth pedal motion with 18” span. This is a great option for anyone who needs a quiet, low-impact workout.

NordicTrack SE7i Elliptical review

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The NordicTrack SE7i has been updated in 2022 with a new 10″ touchscreen for iFit content. We are excited to get this new machine in our studio for testing. We will update our review with new pictures and results from tests once we get the new machine into our studio.

Who it’s For: Users looking for an affordable elliptical that collapses down when not in use

  • Low impact movement still provides high-intensity training with power incline and 24 levels of digital resistance!
  • Power incline up to 10% grade enhances training variables and increases posterior muscle engagement
  • Moving handlebars allow users to train upper body muscles as well
  • 5” LCD Screen is bright and easy to see

Our Video Review


Pros
  • You get the best of both worlds, an iFit subscription and compatible tablet holder allows you to use iFit — or just enjoy the 24 preloaded workouts on the LCD screen
  • Lightweight and foldable, so you can collapse the console down when you are finished
  • Great option for users who want a low-impact workout at home
  • The 24 preloaded programs are varied for lots of different routines and options
  • iFit has hundreds of classes and outdoor routes
  • Priced affordably for budget-conscious users
Cons
  • There is no touchscreen, this is an LCD screen with a tablet holder
  • There is a monthly subscription cost for iFit after the 30 days


Elliptical FeaturesSpecifications
  • Includes 30 day NordicTrack iFit® membership
    • The SE7i features a 7” touchscreen that showcases NordicTrack’s iFit database of workout classes and outdoor routes. Via the touchscreen you can select and view any number of walking, hiking or other outdoor trails while on your SE7i. You can also do indoor classes led by a personal trainer. This is a great feature and an exceptional value!
  • 24 Preset Workout Apps
    • If you don’t want to use iFit, there are 24 preset workouts on the SE7i that will work without any internet or wifi. Simply plug in your machine and you can select any of these preloaded workouts.
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance with 24 Digital Resistance Levels
    • Digital resistance is silent when in use, so the pedals on your SE7i don’t make any noise. They slide back and forth silently so you can use your machine anytime of day or night. Digital preset levels make it so you can always find the right level of resistance each time.
  • 10% Power Adjustable Incline
    • This unusual feature on an elliptical machine pivots the pedals up to reach a 10% incline — as if you were walking or hiking up a hill! This makes the SE7i multifunctional and adds more variables to your training routine.
  • Integrated Handle Controls for Ramp and Resistance
    • Since the SE7i is multifunctional, it is nice to have handlebar controls for ramp and resistance right at your fingertips!
  • 325 Lb. User Weight Capacity
    • This is an impressive user capacity for an elliptical trainer. 325lb will support most users which makes this a great option for those looking to increase their fitness but stay low-impact.
  • Vertical SpaceSaver® Design
    • Since this is a rear-drive elliptical, it can fold down on itself. You could easily store this behind a couch so that when not in use, it is tucked out of the way. The SE7i is heavy, but folding it is easy. Simply loosen the knob and release the latch to fold it in half.

Construction:

  • SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
  • Adjustable, Oversized Cushion Pedals
  • Rear Drive
  • 18 Lb. Effective Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • Commercial Solid Steel Construction
  • Oversized Levelers
  • 325 Lb. User Weight Capacity
  • Vertical SpaceSaver® Design
  • Rear-mounted Transport Wheels
  • Out-of-the-Box Easy Assembly
  • 67″ H X 32″ W X 80″ L

Console:

  • 5” Backlit Display
  • NordicTrack iFit® Membership Ready
  • Integrated Tablet Holder
  • Auxiliary Music Port
  • Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
  • 22 Digital Resistance Levels
  • 10% Power Adjustable Incline Controls
  • 24 On-Board Workouts
  • Water Bottle Holder

Functionality:

  • NordicTrack iFit® Membership Ready
  • Integrated Tablet Holder
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 22 Digital Resistance Levels
  • 10% Power Adjustable Incline
  • EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Monitor
  • 24 On-Board Workouts

Warranty:

  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty

In-depth Review of NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i


Construction

Frame

Nordictrack SE7i Elliptical folded down

  • The SE7i is a foldable elliptical with a rear-drive flywheel. It is designed to fold up, which is a great feature. The SE7i weighs 215 pounds, so it is on the lighter side for an elliptical, but be aware, this is still pretty heavy! We recommend setting it up where you plan to use it and then just fold it in half when you are finished. Trying to lift it or move it regularly is not advised.
  • The SE7i also has an incline feature. The front end tilts up to achieve a 10% grade, which engages more muscles when working out. This is great for upper and lower body training.
  • The handles are connected to the foot pedals, so hands and feet are coordinated, which is a nice feature.

Geometry

FlyWheel

NordicTrack SE7i Elliptical flywheel

  • The rear drive flywheel is centered between the pedals so each foot pedal rotates around the flywheel to create a feeling of forward motion. The flywheel only weighs 18 pounds, which isn’t the heaviest, but it’s enough to create a smooth glide underfoot.
  • The rear drive system design places the flywheel at the back of the machine. This helps keep the elliptical stable by balancing the weight. It also makes it so the “stride” of the pedals is contained mostly within the footprint of the machine — the foot pedals don’t extend forward or backward behind the machine when in use. Instead, they move smoothly around the flywheel, which is a safer design for those in the room when it is being used. This makes it a good option if you have kids or pets who may walk around you when in use. Other ellipticals have pedals that stick out in front or pretty far behind the machine, so this is a preferable design for safety.
  • The handles allow you to use more upper body muscles than usual on a treadmill or stair stepper. Pulling the handles towards you engages the biceps, anterior deltoids, and lats. Pressing the handles forward engages the triceps, rear delt, and forearms. This feature makes the SE7i beneficial for multiple muscular systems since you can develop both lower body and upper body conditioning all at once.
  • The rear-drive system also lowers the step-up height on this machine. The pedal track sits close to the ground, so it’s just a quick step up to get on the pedals.

Pedals

NordicTrack SE7i Elliptical pedals

  • The foot pedals are extra-wide and designed to work with any size shoe. There is a slight ledge around the perimeter that holds your foot on the pedal. The surface is textured so your shoe doesn’t slip.
  • The pedal is also oversized and glides easily up and down the track.

Handles

NordicTrack SE7i Elliptical handlebars

  • There are two sets of handles on the SE7i. Stationary handles attach to the console and do not move. These are excellent for getting on and off the machine. There are EKG grips on the stationary handles. If you plan to do a workout that emphasizes the lower body, you could use the stationary handles and then really focus on working your quads, glutes, and hamstrings as you push against heavy resistance.
  • There are also moving handlebars that connect to the pedals. The moving handles extend vertically in front of the console and they are angled to provide a symmetrical grip so you can keep your wrists, elbows and shoulders in alignment while in use. A spongy grip material adds a bit of cushion to the steel beam bars. These allow for more upper body engagement. You can pull and push on the handles as much or as little as you would like to work your shoulders and arms as well.
  • Handles connect down to the pedal beams so motion is streamlined between hands and feet.

Incline

NordicTrack SE7i Incline Arm

  • The SE7i pivots up to a 10% incline. This is great functionality for an elliptical in this price range! Incline training increases variables for a more well-rounded workout. The combination of 24 digital resistance levels and a 10% grade will raise your heart rate while allowing you to stay low-impact. The combination of incline and resistance makes the SE7i a great training machine!

Resistance

  • Magnetic resistance is quiet and smooth. Magnets adjacent to the flywheel oppose the wheel’s rotation to create resistance. There is no friction which reduces both noise and wear on the flywheel.
  • 24 resistance levels are digitally set to be precise and consistent. Whether you use an iFit program, follow a preloaded routine, or just adjust the resistance yourself, you can always find the same level of resistance. This is tremendously beneficial compared to a tension knob that just randomly increases resistance but isn’t measurable.

Console/Controls

NordicTrack SE7i Elliptical console

Screen

  • 5” Backlit LCD Screen
    • The console is well-designed and easy to use. The LCD screen provides large digital numbers that are easy to see. While this isn’t as fancy as a touchscreen, it works well for adjusting incline, resistance and following the preloaded programs.
  • Metric Display
    • The screen provides the following stats:
      • Calories burned/Calories per hour
      • Strokes/Strokes per minute
      • Time Elapsed/Time Remaining
      • Distance
  • Tablet Holder
    NordicTrack SE7i Elliptical tablet holder

    • The SE7i includes a tablet holder on the top of the console that should hold most tablets securely. The tablet holder is conveniently located. Using your personal device, you can log into iFit and watch a program while working out on your elliptical. The tablet holder enhances the functionality of the SE7i significantly since you can use it as a basic elliptical with no subscription content or internet needed, or you can sync with iFit and enjoy the wealth of great iFit content with both walks and hikes for your SE7i. It’s nice to have different options and this is a great design for users who really don’t plan to use or pay for iFit after the first 30 days.

Accessories

  • Fans
    • A multi-power fan is located in the console of the SE7i which you can control via buttons on the console. The fans provide good air flow and are positioned about chest high.
    • The fan is such a great addition! When working out at home, it is more difficult to control ambient temperature since others may be home at the same time (not exercising!) The fan has multiple settings so you can choose which power is appropriate for your room.

Noise Level

  • Since it uses magnetic resistance, the SE7i makes very little noise. The pedals glide smoothly and the handles are attached in such a way that you can exercise without disturbing those around you. The motor makes a bit of noise when inclining or declining, but this is subtle and limited to those times when you are adjusting the tilt.

Storage / Folding

  • The SE7i does fold; the console collapses down onto the track so the machine sits folded on the floor. You could easily set the SE7i parallel with the back of a couch so it extended alongside the couch when in use and then folded down behind the couch when you finished.
  • Once folded, you can also lift the SE7i up so it sits on the rear stabilizer. It is not overly sturdy in this position, and could be accidentally knocked over by a child or pet, so if you do plan to store it upright, we recommend placing it against a wall or behind furniture where it won’t get knocked down.

NordicTrack SE7i Elliptical folded upright

iFit and Onboard workouts

Pre-programmed workouts

  • There are 24 pre programmed workouts on the machine that will guide you through various intensities and resistance. The onboard workouts are sufficient to keep you active and provide plenty of training variables. This is a perfect exercise machine for users who want functionality but simple tech. It doesn’t have all the extra bells and whistles that many users don’t want to pay for.

iFit Subscription

  • iFit is included free for the first 30 days with up to five profiles. Elliptical classes are filmed in a studio with a trainer in front of you and other participants working out alongside. Trainers are excellent at cueing form since it can be easy to develop sloppy form when on an elliptical. The resistance is automated, so it will automatically adjust to whatever the trainer is doing.
  • There is no touchscreen, so all iFit programs must be viewed on an iFit compatible tablet secured in the tablet holder.

Bottom Line:

The NordicTrack SE7i is a light-weight folding elliptical that is quiet, easy to get on and off, with a smooth drive system. The rear drive system balances the weight of the machine and the long footprint keeps it stable. A 10% incline feature is especially useful as it adds more variables to your training and also allows you to work harder without increasing the resistance — which is easier on the knees. 24 onboard workouts come preloaded on the machine, so you don’t need wifi or internet to use them — just plug in and go! The best part is when you are finished, you can collapse it down on itself — and possibly tuck it behind a piece of furniture. The SE7i is a good home-use elliptical for anyone who is budget and space conscious.

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