The elliptical trainer is a popular machine choice among fitness enthusiasts. It’s low impact and perfect for full-body workouts. It gets even better when you gain these benefits with the new NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical. Read on my review and discover why this model is your next home gym addition!
Overview of the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical
The NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical is a replacement unit for the previous model Commercial 9.5. It sports a slightly different design.
But the machine still has the same curved handlebars, clean lines and front-drive system. It also has adjustable stride and incline settings, lots of workout options and a robust flywheel. The price point is the same as well.
Learning about a product starts with its features, of course. So, I’ll highlight the best aspects of the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical first.
Next, I’ll summarise my personal experience with the exercise machine to make it easier for you to assess the item. Luckily, NordicTrack Australia was kind enough to lend me a unit to test out!
Then scroll down further for details about their website, delivery and assembly service.
Best Product Features of the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical
Here are the reasons why Commercial 9.9 is worth checking out.
Heavy-Duty Construction
The NordicTrack 9.9 Elliptical is a commercial-level machine for several reasons. For one, it features a solid high-quality steel frame and supporting cross beams.
This fitness machine also comes with powder-coated rails and a ramp made of composite material. All these aspects combined make this NordicTrack model capable of withstanding intense and frequent workouts.
The quality and durability of materials used allow this elliptical to support a good 159kg maximum weight capacity, too. That means it suits a wide range of users and is perfect for sharing at home or the gym.
Also, any exercise machine is an investment. And if you plan to buy one, like an elliptical, you’d want something well-made and long-lasting.
Compact Front-Drive Design
The NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical is a front-drive unit, meaning its flywheel is at the front. Is this better than a rear-end drive?
Yes. That’s because it is commonly more compact and space-efficient.
However, keep in mind that the Commercial 9.9 is still 174cm high (handles included), 173cm long and 74cm wide. So, make sure you have ample floor space and ceiling height that suit this machine.
Aside from being compact, a front-drive elliptical makes it easier to mount and dismount, too. You won’t have to climb over as much to step on the oversized cushioned pedals.
Lastly, rear-drive ellipticals impose users to take on a straight posture. However, a forward-leaning stance that front-drive units encourage is better.
Leaning forward while pedalling lessens the pressure on your hip joints. Reduced joint stress means reduced soreness after a workout.
Full-Colour HD Monitor
Perhaps the full-colour 18cm (or 7-inch) touchscreen console of the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical is among its notable features. You can easily see your workout stats through the vivid display and with a swipe of your fingers.
Also, its wireless technology lets you use the iFit program or NordicTrack’s signature streaming training service. With it, you get to access all sorts of fitness classes and workout modes, which I’ll describe further next.
Tons of Training Options
As I’ve mentioned, you get to enjoy various workout modes through NordicTrack’s iFit service. Here, you can scan through its library of training options with varying intensities.
It makes the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical suitable for a wide range of users.
Some focus on cardio and fat-burning, while others are excellent for strength building and muscle toning. You can also grow your existing collection of workouts by streaming new ones every day.
There’s also the globe-trotting option to select your virtual workout scenery or landmark on Google maps! The live interactive platform is also worth trying. Here, you get to exercise with a pro trainer who can control the resistance level or incline for you.
Do you want to add variety to your elliptical routine? You can also use iFit and do other exercises like cross-training, yoga and total-body sculpting.
The best part is you can try all of these out using the included 30-day free iFit membership for up to five user profiles!
Adjustable Stride, Resistance and Incline Options
The most commendable feature of the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical would have to be its adaptability. For instance, you can adjust its stride length from 46cm to 51cm (or 18-20 inches).
With this ability, users with short or long gaits can comfortably exercise with the same elliptical. The machine also comes with 22 digital resistance levels to motivate you to pedal harder.
But what sets it apart from similar ellipticals is its 0% to 20% incline settings that you can adjust through the console’s One Touch system. The benefit of this feature is two-fold: it lets you target different muscle groups, and it keeps your workout session challenging.
Adjusting the incline can help encourage a better exercise form. Also, the machine automatically adjusts the incline and resistance to match your selected workout terrain. All you have to do is enjoy the scenery and follow along!
These excellent adjustable features work together with an 11kg inertia-enhanced flywheel.
More importantly, this part works with a super quiet magnetic resistance system. That means you can do your elliptical routine at any time without the disruptive noise!
Well-Designed Pedals and Handlebars
Aside from workout variety, comfort is also a priority of the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical. Its oversized pedals, for example, have an extra cushion and adjustable toe-heel angles. They’re non-slip, too.
The soft-touch, curved handlebars are as comfortable, too. Moreover, you can hold onto these mobile bars in various ways to suit your arm length and preference.
I like that this elliptical includes stationary handlebars as well. They make it easy for users to climb on and off the exercise machine.
Useful Special Features
The NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical comes with the details that make your workout convenient and comfortable.
For example, the auto-breeze workout fan is perfect for beating the heat while burning calories! It comes with multi-speed options to regulate airflow, too.
The water bottle holder at the centre also makes it easy to stay hydrated during intense elliptical workouts. Its Bluetooth connectivity also lets you enjoy your playlist while pedalling.
The two built-in digitally amplified speakers should perfectly complement your favourite tunes. Alternatively, there’s a Bluetooth headphone connection, so you can exercise without disturbing the rest of the house.
The NordicTrack Australia accessory page also offers optional add-ons like a chest heart rate monitor or tablet holder for optimum workout experience.
Product Test Drive and Personal Experience
Testing the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical is the best way to assess it.
Here’s what I have to say about the elliptical, which I have summarised in a table and then discussed in detail.
Pros and Cons
- Durable, high-quality construction
- Comfortable, cushioned pedals
- Has stationary and mobile handlebars for exercise variety
- Innovative workout app with lots of exercises and modes
- Seamless auto incline and decline function
- Virtually quiet and non-disruptive machine
- Value for money and good warranty coverage
- Easy-to-navigate NordicTrack Australia website
- Efficient delivery and customer services
- Quite a tall machine that needs ample ceiling height if you are a tall person
- 7″ font on display may not be big enough for seniors
- Assembly can take time due to machine weight and multiple parts
The elliptical is well-made and elegant looking.
After assembly, I instantly noticed the durability of its handlebars and frame. It’s evident from its finish and materials that this machine is of high quality.
When I first hopped on and tried it, my feet glided like butter! My movements were easy and smooth. The extra cushion on the pedal felt like a firm, foam-like material.
I like it because my ankles were not sore after my test workout. My feet were not numb, either.
I used to exercise at the gym with an elliptical. And my feet would always feel uncomfortable after about 40 minutes. Perhaps, one contributing factor is the flat hard pedals on the previous machines I’ve tried.
Another thing I noticed while using NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical is that I felt very stable while pedalling. It does not rock too much either, except when I intentionally make large movements. I weigh around 56kg, by the way.
Overall, the initial experience of using it was a thumbs-up. And now, I love it a lot that I’ve been squeezing in 10 to 15 minutes of elliptical exercise in my daily schedule!
Product dimensions are accurate.
According to the NordicTrack Australia website, the 9.9 elliptical is 174cm high with handles included. True enough, it is quite a tall machine. I’m 163cm tall, so I tried confirming its height by standing in front of it.
From here, you can see that there are a few extra centimetres above me. I also measured the lowest and highest pedal to be at 30cm and 50cm, respectively.
If you are taller than me or have low ceilings at home, it’s best to keep these measurements in mind.
The measurement of the console at 7 inches is also accurate. And I have no problem with this screen size.
However, seniors or people with poor eyesight may find the font size too small for their liking. They might find it hard to read the text on the display.
NordicTrack’s iFit service is a huge plus.
If the construction and performance of the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical is the cake, then the iFit app is the icing, for sure. Among all the other features, this one is my favourite.
It’s an innovative and powerful system that takes NordicTrack equipment to the next level. There are so many different programs and workouts to try. Your only problem here will be choosing which one to try first.
I especially like using it while pedalling around the world through Google Maps. You can even pick from point A to point B in any part of the map to create your custom route. It’s like burning calories with travelling on the side!
Other iFit features include live classes and workouts like active recovery, strength training and yoga.
The only problem here is that the position and angle of the built-in screen may not suit these exercises. A solution for this is to use the app from an external device like a tablet or laptop.
The live interactive training is a great feature as well. Trainers use the conversational approach while explaining the workout, introducing the training location, etc.
I think this is an excellent touch as it makes the training experience friendly, personal and encouraging. I also like that the trainers include historical facts and interesting information about the training location, whether it is in Namibia or Mexico or anywhere basically. When training, I feel like I am also travelling in those locations.
The incline transition is seamless.
I have to say, the auto incline and decline feature was the star for me. Honestly, I have never experienced any equipment that auto-adjusts before.
The inclination and declination were seamless, too. It moves slowly and does not disrupt on-demand workouts at all. I like that it lets you focus on training rather than tinker with the console buttons.
Sometimes, I don’t even realise the movement until I read the number on the screen and hear the mechanical sound.
It is virtually quiet with functional incline controls.
The NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical has a magnetic resistance system that keeps its operation virtually quiet. To be sure, I tested it out with a decibel reader.
With no change in inclination, the reader registered 38 dB, which is like the humming sound from a fridge.
Next, I tried changing the inclination from 0 to 20 degrees while exercising. The reader showed 66 dB, which is similar to the sounds of a normal conversation.
Finally, I tried to lower the inclination back to 0 degrees without exercising. And the reader displayed 59 dB, which is like a quiet office.
So, generally, the machine is non-intrusive, whether on standby or in use. Note that adjusting the inclination up or down 20 degrees takes a little more than 1 minute.
It is reasonably priced.
The NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical is a replacement model for the old Commercial 9.5. But the good news is you get a more heavy-duty and elegant-looking machine at about the same price point.
As of writing, this machine comes with a lifetime frame warranty. It also has 2-year parts and 1-year labour warranty coverages, respectively.
Its users will surely get value for money, considering all the excellent features the new machine has. Plus, the entire ordering process, from delivery to assembly, is flawless.
And I’ll be discussing these next.
Where to Buy Online
The ordering process starts by accessing the NordicTrack Australia website. Here, you can see the exercise machine categories they have on offer.
Click on the equipment you like, say ellipticals, to take you to a page showing all the models under this category.
Each product range also has a brief description to help visitors match their fitness goals with the right machine type. The price is under each item, too – perfect for people looking for an affordable model.
If you click on the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical, you’ll see a more detailed product page. This part comes with all the details you need, including payment options, feature description, specs and product measurements.
You can click on more product pages to compare and contrast similar units. Then, once you’ve decided, click add to cart to place your order. It’s that easy!
Or, you can click the “Check Price” button below to view the most up-to-date price from the product page directly.
Customer Support
If you need more information about the NordicTrack machines available in Australia, you can fill up their Request Consultation form. You can find this below every product description page.
Once submitted, the Australian NordicTrack staff will email or call you at your most convenient time. The best part is that the consultation is free.
For faster replies, I suggest using the website’s LiveChat box. Should there be no agents available for live chatting, you can also leave a message here so they can get back to you.
Shipping, Delivery and Installation
Transacting with NordicTrack Australia was a breeze, from order to delivery to assembly. The process took exactly two weeks, which is accurate as stated on their website.
Also, it was pretty quick, considering I ordered three large pieces of equipment: NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical, NordicTrack Studio Bike S22i and NordicTrack X22i Treadmill.
Also, I was informed at every stage about the status of my order, which I appreciate a lot.
About the Delivery and Installation
NordicTrack Australia made the right choice in choosing Winning Services as their courier and installation partner.
For my order, they sent two gentlemen for the delivery and assembly. Both were polite, experienced and professional.
But before removing the equipment from their truck for delivery, Winning Services requested to visit my apartment in Melbourne to see how they can deliver and install everything efficiently.
It’s a big time-saver since they’ll be delivering large equipment pieces to the highest level of my apartment building.
About the Winning Services Staff
Both men in charge of my order delivery and installation adhered to health safety procedures (with masks on the entire time). Before unboxing the elliptical, they laid out a protective mat to avoid damaging our floor.
They were meticulous during set-up and took time to adjust the alignments. They also made sure that the positions of each piece of equipment were to my liking.
After assembly, they picked up the plastics and Styrofoam and then stored them in the cardboard boxes before putting them in their truck.
I sent a thank you text to the installer, and he replied, “thank you for your appreciation. Those words encourage us to work even better for our customers”.
Overall, I had a good experience with these gentlemen. Customer service was top-notch throughout.
About Setting Up the Elliptical Yourself
According to the product manual, the assembled elliptical is about 93kg. So, you need at least two people to move it. Also, there are a bunch of parts to put together.
While the manual is well illustrated and detailed, assembly time may take longer than necessary for beginners. You’ll need tools like a Phillip screwdriver, adjustable wrenches and a rubber mallet for the assembly, too.
In my case, the two men started the elliptical assembly at around 10:46 am and ended at 11:28 am. So, I find it more practical and time-efficient if experts will do it for me.
And based on my experience, I had no problems whatsoever with the Winning Services staff. Also, I think it’s best to have professionals assemble complex machines like this to avoid accidents.
Final Thoughts
The NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical is the perfect example of what modern exercise machines should be. It boasts a stunning design and packs a punch with high-technology features.
Its construction suits long-term use, too. And performance-wise, its adjustable settings, smooth transition and noiseless operation will surely impress any fitness enthusiast.
Then, of course, there’s the iFit app, which makes this elliptical a must-have. With an ever-growing workout library, interactive training sessions and globe-trotting experience, there’s no dull moment with this trainer.
It’s a reasonably priced machine, and yes, there are more affordable no-brand units. However, the quality, warranty terms and excellent customer service I experienced first-hand are worth the extra cost!
Keen to add the Commercial 9.9 Elliptical to your home gym? Click the button below to check the most up to date price.