The Nordic Track E500 is very similar to the discontinued Golds Gym Powerflex and offers some features you won't find on other machines.
Nordic Track is owned by ICON Health and Fitness - one of the largest exercise equipment manufacturers in the world.
They also own names like Reebok, Weslo, Epic, Proform and Gold's Gym.
So is the E500 a good buy for you? Here's what you need to know before you buy:
Quick Stats:
Price: $1599
Number of Exercises: 65
Resistance Weight: 240 lbs (upgradeable to 340 lbs)
Size: 82" L x 66" W x 80"H
Warranty: Parts and Labor for 1 year
Extra Features:
- One Touch Resistance Control
- Electronic Personal Training Tracker
- 9 Workout Stations:
- Pull-Up Station
- Dip Station
- Vertical Knee Raise Station
- Preacher Station
- Squat Station
- Lat Tower Station
- Mid Pulley Station
- Low Pulley Station
- Leg Station
Strengths:
The Nordic Track E500 Strength System is pretty much the exact same gym as the discontinued Gold's Gym Power Flex. (This makes sense since ICON owns both the Nordic Track and Golds Gym names).
The E500 gives you 240 lbs of resistance (upgradeable to 340 lbs) controlled by the One-Touch Resistance system. This system lets you go from 1 to 240 lbs of resistance in one-pound increments.
You can change resistance with the touch of a button - which makes it really easy when you're working out (no taking up time to switch weights or crossbows).
The Electronic Personal Training Tracker counts your reps and sets automatically. Once your set is complete, the tracker beeps twice, reminding you to rest before you move on to the next set. This is a handy feature that lets you focus on proper form while working out instead of counting reps.
The NordicTrack E500 comes with 9 workout stations including the most popular 3 for muscle building: pull-up station, knee raise station and dip station.
Weaknesses:
The E500 is competing with some heavy hitters at this price like Bowflex, Weider and Body Solid. So compared to what you get with similar home gyms, it's only average value.
Overall Conclusion: Not Recommended
The Nordic Track E500 offers some popular features that you can't find on other home gyms.
The Digital Resistance Control can save you a lot of time while working out and the Personal Trainer tracker is a unique feature that can let you focus on form instead of counting reps.
Die-hards will really like the 9 workout stations including the pull-up station, dip station and knee raise station.
Having said this however, realize that this is an economy home gym - there's a lot of competition out there - and this may not hold up as well over the long run.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can save money on store markup by buying the Nordic Track E500 direct from the Nordic Track Closeout Store. They have a closeout site where you can save up to $1500 on Nordic Track Equipment.
You can often save on shipping and sales tax also.
