NordicTrack SpaceSave SE7i Elliptical Review (2018)

Quick Summary

The foldable NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i lets you train on a large, stable rear drive elliptical and then fold the machine to reclaim floor space.

When purchased on sale it’s a best buy for relative newcomers to elliptical training, as they best appreciate its mix of advanced electronics and 24 levels of not-so-strong resistance.

This machine is also most appropriate for people who are smaller than the average adult.

Get details from our in-depth SE7i review below.

Specifications

Model	SpaceSaver SE7i
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the elliptical's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	88.8%
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$1,499
Best Price Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the best price we've found.	$999
Resistance Resistance is what determines calories burned per stride. The more levels, the more precisely you can control the difficulty.	22 Levels
Resistance Type The type of resistance affects the performance of your elliptical. Magnetic and Eddy-Current are the most common types.	Silent Magnetic
Stride Length Stride Length is important for comfort and smooth strides. A stride length of 18-21 inches is ideal for most heights (5'3 - 6'7).	18"
Pedals Elliptical pedals can be cushioned and adjustable for maximum comfort and minimum impact on joints for injury prevention.	Adjustable & Oversized
Incline Some elliptical trainers can be set at an incline to increase difficulty and burn more calories.	Power Adjustable
Flywheel The flywheel controls the smoothness and resistance of your workout. In general, the higher the better.	18 lbs
Programs Elliptical Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	24
User Profiles For each profile the elliptical allows, you can create a custom user account with saved programs and goal settings.	1 User
Heart Rate Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.	Pulse Grips
Display Elliptical Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	5" Display
Max. Weight Max User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that it can safely support, which can represent durability.	325 lbs
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this elliptical will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	80" x 32" x 71"
Upper Body Most ellipticals have handles to hold while you're working out that provide an upper body workout.
Accessory Tray Some ellipticals include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Speakers Ellipticals that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers (without headphones).
Cooling Fans Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout on your elliptical.
Folding? Some ellipticals are designed to conserve space by folding up. This is a convenient option, but some features might be reduced.
Quick Controls Quick Controls allow you to select speed, incline and even workout programs with the touch of a button (usually on the handles).
Warranty The warranty is an important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs.	Frame: Lifetime Parts: 2 Years Labor: 1 Year

Our Rating

Rating: 88.8/100. The NordicTrack SE7i with rear drive is the simpler of two models in NordicTrack’s SpaceSaver Series of foldable elliptical machines. The SE7i has the same essentials as the pricier SE9i – moving handlebars, an 18-pound drive and an 18-inch stride – but it has simpler electronics. The SE7i in this review is probably the better choice if you’d rather not pay extra for NordicTrack’s new 7-inch display technology for 2017, which is a high-definition touchscreen with web browser. Another difference between the two SpaceSavers is that the SE9i supports wireless pulse monitoring and the SE7i can only be used with grip pulse sensors.

While the SE7i lacks a web-enabled touchscreen or video monitor, it does have a shelf for holding your own tablet computer at eye level. In this way you can integrate iFit or just use your favorite apps to help keep workouts interesting.

Other key specs include a power incline up to 8 degrees, 24 workout apps, a workout fan, a water bottle holder, and a two-year parts/electronics warranty.

Pros:

Easy to assemble (Takes 15 minutes!)
SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
22 resistance levels
Automated incline for extra challenge (8 degrees)
18″ stride (Good if you’re petite, not good if you’re tall)
Resistance and incline controls on handlebars
24 workout apps
iFit Coach ready
iPod-compatible (2-inch speakers)
Grip pulse monitor
Water bottle holder
Foldable
Transport wheels

Cons:

Resistance isn’t enough for advanced athletes & heavier trainees
Stride is 18-inches, generally most comfortable for people 5′ 3″ and under
No wireless heart rate receiver
5″ screen is small and somewhat retro for 2016

Introduction

The new NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i elliptical trainer makes a good first impression. It’s very easy to assemble (ready for its first workout within 15 minutes) and demands little space for storage. You can choose from 24 built-in workouts that control the pedal resistance and incline, or you can control these features yourself using convenient handlebar-based controls. If you add an iFit Coach membership, then literally infinite workout program downloads become an option too. You can connect your tablet computer to enjoy iFit video workouts, Google Maps workouts and other iFit member benefits on a high-definition screen.

SpaceSaver elliptical trainers have effectively 18-pound drives and 18″ strides, so they are best suited to shorter trainees seeking not-so-forceful resistance.
Read on for details about the workout programs, features and factory-direct warranty package for the new SE7i for 2017.

Workout Programs

The SE7i is preloaded with workouts and also supports unlimited workout program downloads from the popular iFit app.

The 24 preloaded workouts were designed by a certified personal trainer. Each program has a set duration and automatically adjusts the machine’s resistance and incline. It has 22 resistance levels and can augment the challenge with an up to 8 degree tilt.

iFit Coach is an all-in-one fitness app available with an annual membership ($99). It evolves with your activity to make customized fitness recommendations, and it lets you download a new workout routine anytime. Get a new personal trainer workout everyday, use iFit’s library of HD videos from famous personal trainers, and experience Google Maps workouts that mimic real terrain with the automated elliptical incline.

SpaceSaver SE7i Features

NordicTrack SpaceSaver ellipticals have “snap assembly” and are ready to use within 15 minutes of unpacking. Two people are needed for safe set-up.

The SE7i features an 18″ stride on a rear drive frame. Especially for shorter trainees it provides healthy ergonomics and very natural-feeling motion. The pedals are cushioned and oversized to help you get a comfortable fit.

Resistance comes from an 18-pound flywheel and can be supplemented with the challenge of a maximum 8 degree power incline. You get 22 resistance settings for precise training.

Exercise data for the preset workouts is shown on a crisp 5” LED with backlighting for easy viewing. You can connect your own tablet computer or smartphone as a monitor for iFit workouts.

The SE7i is iPod-compatible. It has an MP3 player port and integrated 2″ speakers.

SpaceSaver ellipticals can be folded vertically for storage with minimal floor space required.

Warranty & Guarantee

NordicTrack SE7i warranty includes:

– Frame: Lifetime
– Parts: 2 Years
– Labor: 1 Year

NordicTrack also provides a 30-day money back guarantee.

Conclusion

The NordicTrack SE7i is best for newcomers to elliptical training who aren’t especially tall or heavy. It has impressive ergonomics for relatively small trainees, so if you’re small it can be a bargain at the sale price. And while the maximum resistance isn’t so forceful, the machine does have an incline for extra challenge and muscle toning. Adding a tablet computer and iFit Coach subscription to the SE7i can help keep you motivated to exercise on a regular basis.

If you need a heavier duty elliptical or would like to take longer strides, check out NordicTrack’s Front Drive or Mid-Mech Series. Although these ellipticals suit taller trainees, they’re no larger than the SpaceSaver SE7i when it’s unfolded. Mid-Mech ellipticals are especially compact.