NordicTrack SE9i Elliptical Review

The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i is a multi-function elliptical trainer with a rear-drive that allows it to collapse down when not in use. The SE9i has a 7” touchscreen and smooth pedal motion with 18” span. This is an affordable, foldable option for a great low-impact workout.

The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i is a multi-function elliptical trainer with a rear-drive that allows it to collapse down when not in use. The SE9i has a 7” touchscreen and smooth pedal motion with 18” span. This is an affordable, foldable option for a great low-impact workout.

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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
• Full color 7” display showcases hundreds of fun iFit classes

Our Video Review

In-depth Review of NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i

Construction

Frame

• The SE 9i is designed to fold down, so the console and handlebars collapse onto the pedals. This allows users to place the elliptical behind a couch or other furniture and then fold it down out of sight when you are finished. The frame is sturdy and will support up to 325 pounds. The machine is well built and feels stable when in use. The folding frame does not affect functionality or performance.
• The stride length of the pedals is 18” which is shorter than some other ellipticals. This works fine for shorter users who want to maximize floor space and don’t need the extra leg span. However, for taller people or those with a long stride, 18” may not provide enough span for a full stride length.
• The handles are connected to the foot pedals, so hands and feet are coordinated, which is a nice feature.

Geometry

• The SE9i is a rear drive system, which means the flywheel is 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 jut backward 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.
• 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 weighs 18 pounds, which isn’t the heaviest, but it’s enough to create a smooth glide underfoot.
• 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 SE9i 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

• The foot pedals are wide and comfortable. 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.



• The pedals are also adjustable so you can raise the heel using the pedal adjust lever on the end of the pedal itself.

Handles

• There are two sets of handles on the SE9i. Stationary handles are attached to the console and provide a solid hand-hold when getting on or off the SE9i. These handles have EKG grips as well which will transmit your heart rate to the console screen.
• The moving handles are angled up to provide a vertical 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 handles have button controls on the end to easily adjust incline and resistance.
• The moving handles connect down to the pedal beams so motion is streamlined between hands and feet.

Incline

• The SE9i pivots up to a 10% incline. This increases training variables for a more well-rounded workout. The combination of 24 digital resistance levels and a 10% grade can certainly generate one glute-killing workout! The combination of incline and resistance makes the SE9i a great training machine!
• Incline is automated in any iFit or onboard programs, so you can start any class and the machine will adjust for you as you progress. This allows users to keep their hands on the handles at all times.

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. Resistance is automated to sync with both the iFit classes and onboard programs, so you have the option to manually adjust resistance or allow it to follow the course of the workout without having to adjust it. This lets users keep their hands on the handlebars throughout the workout.

Console/Controls

Screen

• 7” Screen
  • The touchscreen is embedded in the center of the console. This position makes it easy to see and touch when needed. It is flanked by speakers and a fan which makes the design intuitive to use. Touchscreen functionality reduces the buttons needed on the console which also cleans up the overall design and keeps it clutter-free.
  • At times this screen feels rather small. Although it is nice to have a full-color touchscreen, it is hard to see the smaller metric numbers or options in iFit. A slightly larger screen would be a useful upgrade.
• Resolution
  • The screen is crisp, has bright resolution and easy to read graphics. Screen technology has significantly improved in the last few years and these days, touchscreens on NordicTrack equipment are as good as we find anywhere.
• Touchscreen Capabilities
  • The touchscreen controls are good. Occasionally we had to tap a button twice to get it to respond, but nothing too concerning. Toggling through class options or screen controls is easy and navigation is intuitive in both the iFit and onboard programs.
  • Resistance levels, incline grade and volume can be adjusted via the touchscreen.
• Metric Display
  • A white display bar along the top of the screen provides the following stats:
    • Calories burned/Calories per hour
    • Strokes/Strokes per minute
    • Time Elapsed/Time Remaining
    • Distance
• Functionality
  • The 7” touchscreen on the SE9i makes a big difference in creating engaging and motivating content. Occasionally we found the 7” to be a bit small but it’s better than comparable models with LCD screens and no subscription content.

Accessories

• Fans
  • A multi-power fan is located in the console of the SE9i which you can control via buttons on the console or in the touchscreen.
  • 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.
• Tablet Holder
  • The SE9i has a tablet holder attached to the top of the console. This has an adjustable clip you can lift to tuck your phone or tablet in securely. The tablet holder swivels from side to side and is a great place to set your personal device while working out. You can watch or read easily from this position.

Noise Level

• Since it uses magnetic resistance, the SE9i 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 SE9i does fold; the console collapses down onto the track so the machine sits folded on the floor. You could easily set the SE9i 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.



• The SE9i can also be lifted and set up on the rear stabilizer if you would like to store it vertically rather than horizontally. However, be aware that this is a very heavy machine. It is hard to lift and when left sitting vertically it could be knocked over by a child or pet. While NordicTrack states you can store it this way, we recommend users only store the SE9i vertically if you have it safely tucked in a corner or up against a wall. There is a steel bar on the front stabilizer that allows you to lift it vertically or roll it out of the way when needed.

iFit and Onboard workouts

Pre-programmed workouts

• There are 30 pre programmed workouts on the machine that will guide you through various intensities and resistance. There is also a featured workout of the day from iFit that is free for non-subscribers, so you can enjoy whatever class or outdoor route is promoted. The onboard workouts are sufficient to keep you active and provide plenty of training variables. However, we find iFit workouts to be a great way to stay interested and motivated, so it’s nice to have one free year to determine how much you will actually use it.

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.