Nautilus E514c Elliptical Trainer

The Nautilus E514c Elliptical Trainer originally sold for $999. While you can now find it available at half that price, the quality and assortment of features of the Nautilus reflect the original price. This is a professional gym-quality fitness trainer available at a much lower price. While there are a variety of cheaper machines that will provide you the same low-impact elliptical workout for your lower body, the Nautilus stands head and shoulders above most of the competition.

First of all, the quality of all the materials is superior, meaning that nothing will break on this easily. When it’s put together it looks very nice and professional with a quality finish. And the instructions are extremely clear and easy to follow. Because of the complexity of the machinery, it does take two people to put it together, but all the parts are clearly labeled and the average person shouldn’t have much trouble.

Among the features that set the Nautilus E514c Elliptical Trainer apart are the large and easy to read console which includes a water-bottle holder, a retractable reading rack, and speakers. There’s even a fan with three different speeds to keep you cool. You can plug your MP3 player or cellphone into the machine and listen to music. Or put your iPad or tablet computer into the reading rack, plug it into the speakers and watch a movie while you exercise. The giant display, 2.25 inches by 5 inches, is easy to read and shows far more information than your average display including your total time, speed, distance, watts, calories burned and progress on the pre-programmed training workout—if you chose to use one.

The display also shows your pulse and it can measure it through the grips or you can get a chest strap to measure your heart rate and send it to the computer telemetrically. Between the telemetry and the ability to use MP3 players, you can see that this workout machine uses the latest technology. With all that technology, the Nautilus E514c EllipticalTrainer will go through quite a few batteries, so it comes with its own power adaptor. That lets you plug it directly into the wall.

While you can get on and work out on your own, the Nautilus E514c Elliptical Trainer also comes with 21 workout programs to choose from. In addition there are 16 levels of magnetic resistance. The magnetic resistance ensures a smooth and quiet ride and limits the chances of broken parts. Other kinds of resistance rely on two parts rubbing against each other which means eventually something is going to break.

This machine provides an 18 inch stride length which puts it way ahead of most of its competitors. Even the tallest person will feel comfortable being able to take steps of one foot and a half. However, the size and weight as well as the transport wheels mean that it doesn’t take too much space. And you can always push it into the corner. However at 180 pounds, it is not going to be too easy to move.

 

Finally, like the best of machines there are static handlebars that do not move as well as moving handles that help you keep your balance and synch your upper-body workout to your pace.

In conclusion, the Nautilus E514c Elliptical Trainer has everything you will ever need in an elliptical trainer and then some. It will work great for the casual user who takes a short stroll three times a day and the serious athlete who works out for hours every day. If you aren’t sure how serious you are about fitness or new to elliptical training, you might want to save your money. But if you are committed to a long-term fitness program, the Nautilus E514c Elliptical Trainer is a great value.