Losing weight and staying healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. I believe that if I did it, anyone can do it.
One of the fitness equipment that can help you lose weight and stay fit is the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer.
I wanted to see what sets out the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer from other trainers on the market.
I set out to try the unit, and here is what I think about it.
Note that elliptical trainers have become a significant part of the home gym; if you need one, read this review first.
Why Do You Need and Elliptical Trainer and How Do You Pick One?
An elliptical trainer is pretty standard gym equipment.
It is a machine that provides you with low impact cardio workout in the form of simulated running.
However, unlike running in the tracks, the trainer reduces the impact on your joints.
If you have hip or lower body injuries, or your joints are weak, an elliptical trainer will help protect you from further injuries.
Besides, working out on an elliptical trainer is fun.
It can be challenging to pick the right trainer for your home gym, thanks to the many choices available on the market.
When shopping, consider the following factors:
Your Budget
I find the cost to be the biggest factor when shopping for home gym equipment.
Elliptical trainers cost anywhere between $200 and $5000.
How much does your budget allow?
You can pick a price range from the high range and then compare trainers that fall in that range.
Nevertheless, always ensure top quality, especially for the frame, regardless of the price range.
Available Space
Elliptical trainers are large, between four and seven feet in length.
Can your workout space accommodate a seven feet trainer?
Besides, you will need an extra 20 inches on both sides of the trainer to accommodate the motion of the unit.
You also need to consider ceiling height; that should accommodate your height plus at least 1.5 feet for the pedal height.
Elliptical Style
There are three different elliptical trainer styles:
- Front-drive
- Center-drive
- Rear-drive.
Front Drive
A front-drive elliptical trainer is a primary design with front-wheel housing at its front. This type is relatively inexpensive, but it can be noisy.
Center Drive
A center-drive elliptical trainer design works like a treadmill with the pedals located where the track would fall. This design is compact.
Rear-Drive
A rear-drive trainer sports a small wheel housing at the back of the pedals, which makes the unit relatively long. They offer smooth workout and great inclinations.
Smooth Motion and Stride Length
The stride length on an elliptical machine should match your height.
For instance, a stride length of 14 inches would be very short for someone of average stature – such a person needs one whose length is about 21 inches.
However, an adjustable stride length is better for a trainer to be used by the whole family.
Besides the stride length, ensure that the pedals move smoothly and quietly.
Upper Body Comfort
The handgrip movement should be comfortable for users of all heights.
Adjustable Resistance and Incline
Adjustable resistance allows you to add intensity to your workout.
At the lowest setting, there’s very little intensity – so you can rehab your muscles or start building your stamina if you are a nonathlete or complete beginner.
At 75 degrees, however, you will definitely feel the challenge.
For me, personally, the adjustable incline is not necessary as long as you can adjust the resistance.
However, having the ability to adjust both the adjustable incline and the resistance can really take your workouts to a whole different level.
Safety Features
A functional unit should offer warm-up and cool-down features.
Again, ensure that the handrails do not get in the way of your exercise.
An easy-to-read console lets you see how hard you are working. Some safety features include pin lock to immobilize the pedals.
Other machines also let you lock up the screen.
Frame
Go for a sturdy frame. Most systems sport a steel tubing frame with a powder coating and anti-corrosive painting.
Other Features
If your budget allows, consider a machine with a heart rate monitor, motivation software, Wi-Fi, fitness tracker, and other technological features.
Introducing the Elliptical E614 Elliptical Trainer
The Nautilus E614 comes as a high-end elliptical trainer with a wide range of features to accommodate your training.
The machine sports a design that looks great in any workout space.
The unit has a weighted perimeter flywheel that lets you work out smoothly and quietly.
It is also very stable, regardless of the intensity of your workouts, thanks to two middle frame supports and its oversized crossbar tubing.
If you are looking for a machine to help you with a cardio workout, this unit will help you. It will also protect your joints.
It is versatile, thanks to its adjustability, so your whole family can use it.
Pros
- Sports a steel frame to last long
- Cushioned pedals for comfort
- 22 workout programs
- Smooth and quiet ride
- Connects to MyFitnessPal and Nautilus Connect
- DualTrack Display
Cons
- Monitors lack backlight
- Handlebars lack pulse sensors
Features and Performance of the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
Sturdy Frame
The frame of the Nautilus E614 features a steel tubing construction.
This steel tubing enhances the functional life of the unit while keeping it stable during high-intensity training.
The durability of the unit is further enhanced by the powder coating on all the metallic parts.
The frame consists of two main parts; the front part features the flywheel while the rear part features the rails.
Caster Wheels for Easy Transportation
At the base of the trainer are three stands, all protected with plastic caps.
Adjustable levelers further stabilize these bases.
At the front base are two high-quality caster wheels, for easy transportation of the assembled machine.
To move the unit, hold the system by the small handles at the rear base.
Compact Design
Although this trainer is not the most compact on the market, it still occupies less space than other machines in its category.
It occupies 72 x 27 inches and requires only a little clearance on its front and rear sides.
Due to the heavy-duty quality of the frame, the system weighs 167.3 pounds.
It is not the heaviest machine, but it still requires two people to carry up or down the stairs.
Users as heavy as 300 pounds will comfortably use this machine – but users with 330 pounds have reported using the trainer with no problem.
Fixed and Mobile Handgrips
You can train comfortably on the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer, thanks to the ergonomic handgrips.
The mobile handgrips are long and slightly inclined towards the trainer’s main axis, to give you a natural grip.
The stationary grips are small.
The fixed grips sport pulse sensors that monitor your heart rate.
Both handgrips have a rubber foam material coating with plastic caps on the ends.
Cushioned Footplates
Each footplate features a hard plastic material build with thick cushioning, to make your workout comfortable.
The neat design of the footplate accommodates users with small shoe sizes, as well as those with plus size.
The cushioning absorbs as much shock as possible from your lower back, knees, and ankles.
Fixed Stride
Users up to 6 feet tall will find the fixed stride of 20 inches sufficient.
Taller users might find it a bit short, but at 20 inches, the unit can give anyone consistent workout for your arms, legs, and back muscles.
6 Levels of Incline
You can inline the trainer for up to six levels.
This gives you an array of possible routines.
However, the incline feature is manual – you need to step off the machine to adjust the incline.
Manual incline adjustment is easy using a lever on the rear part of the flywheel housing.
Heavy-Duty Belt
The Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer is belt-driven.
It features a heavy-duty and stretch resistant belt made to last many decades.
This drive system also sports a large pulley with a perimeter-weighted flywheel, to give you a smooth and quiet ride.
Controlled Resistance
You can easily control the resistance of the machine from the console.
All you need to do is plug the machine in a standard 120V circuit.
However, you can still operate the machine without connecting it to a power source, but only on the first level of resistance.
The machine also allows you to pedal backward.
Advanced Console
I love the fact that I can incorporate several accessories on the console of this machine.
For starters, the console sports a 3-speed fan, to cool you during the workout.
There is also a sound system with two speakers, one on each side of the fan.
A tablet shelf on the console holds your tablet or smartphone while you work out.
You can see the workout progress on two high-resolution monitors.
The monitor on the top shows workout time, distance, and calories burned.
The other monitor tracks and shows your speed, time, distance, pulse, and resistance level.
You will have access to 22 workout apps and allow you to set up your fitness goals on these apps.
Lastly, the console has a USB port so you can transfer data from Nautilus Connect or MyFitnessPal.
Easy Assembly and Maintenance
Out of the box, the Nautilus E614 has 22 pieces for you to assemble.
The assembly process is simple and shouldn’t take more than an hour.
Start by attaching the drive system, the bases, pedals, lateral arms, and the console post.
Finish by attaching wires, and finally, the console.
All the tools, materials, and the manual required are available in the package.
What Others Think of the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
The Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer is ideal for anyone looking for a full-body workout while reducing impact at the joints.
Many users love the ease of use of the system, the adjustable resistance, and the adjustable incline.
Users also love the size and weight of the unit because it feels very sturdy.
Although it is not the most compact, the weight is manageable, and the size fits in small working spaces.
Alternative to the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
While the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer is a high quality elliptical trainer, there are also other options out there that are worth your consideration. Here are a few I’ve found during my search that you may also want to take a look at.
Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Trainer
The Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Trainer is different from the Nautilus E614 in the adjustability of the stride.
With this unit, the stride adjusts from 20 to 22 inches. It also offers ten programs or training routines; 6 standard, two custom, and three heart programs.
Unlike the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer, the Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Trainer has a pulse grip heart rate monitor and a chest strap heart monitor.
This elliptical also sports a 7.5 inches LCD console to track your workout. It also sports a built-in fan, a sound system, and a water bottle holder.
When compared to the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer, this unit is smaller and weighs less than the Nautilus E614.
Proform 150I Elliptical Machine
The ProForm 150I Elliptical Machine features a front-drive design.
In comparison to the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer, the stride length is shorter than in the Nautilus E614 at 17 inches. People taller than 5 feet 8 might find it a bit short.
The ProForm 150I Elliptical Machine also offers 12 resistance levels, which is higher than the Nautilus E614.
This elliptical trainer also features iPod compatible audio speakers, caster wheels for transportation, and a water bottle holder.
You won’t be disappointed with this elliptical trainer’s large LCD with 12 workout apps, iFit compatibility, and EKG heart rate monitor.
Overall, the whole unit weighs 250 pounds, which is less than the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer.
Bowflex Max Trainer
The Bowflex Max Trainer is an ideal unit when you need to track your fitness goals and create a workout routine that matches your needs.
This unit offers 20 levels of resistance, which is more than the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer offers.
If you have limited workout space, the Bowflex Max Trainer has a compact build, smaller than the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer, and many other elliptical machines.
On the console is an interactive backlit display under which is a magnetic media rack to hold your smartphone.
On the handgrips of the Bowflex Max Trainer is a pulse rate monitor that is Bluetooth compatible.
The Bowflex Max Trainer also features dynamic handles for comfortable workouts and high-performance, ergonomic pedals similar to what the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer offers.
Final Thoughts
I recommend the Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer for hands, body, and a back workout.
The unit is ideal, whether you have three minutes to work out, or you have thirty minutes.
I tried it, and I like its versatility (your whole family can use it), its sturdy and durable design, connectivity to MyFitnessPal and Nautilus Connect, and its ease of use.
The manufacturer sweetens the deal by offering you a generous warranty and peace of mind if you aren’t convinced – so give it a try!
