NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical Review (2024): Discontinued Model With A Space-Saving Folding Design

Editor’s Note: The NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the ProForm Carbon EL as the best alternatives, or view our Best Elliptical Machine For Home Gyms roundup for more options.

The NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical is a folding cross trainer that was manufactured over a decade ago. At the time, this was NordicTrack’s first attempt at a foldable, space-saving design for an elliptical trainer. 

Although this particular machine is not so easy to find anymore, there is a chance you’re landing on this review because it’s time to upgrade your elliptical trainer now that it’s seen over a decade of use. 

Alternatively, perhaps you’re here because you came across the NordicTrack CX 1000 at a garage sale and you know buying used equipment can get tricky. However, in this NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical review, I’ll break down the facts I can gather for this discontinued machine and give you two alternatives if you’re looking for a present-day option.  

Cardio Experts Here to For Your Elliptical Needs

Here at Garage Gym Reviews, we take our product reviewing process very seriously. Our team is staffed with industry experts including certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and CrossFit Level 1 Trainers. 

We not only have years of collective experience in the fitness industry, we’ve also had hundreds of hours using and testing everything fitness-related, ranging from resistance bands to rowing machines. Ellipticals for home use are no different—we’ve tested all the top brands including several models from NordicTrack and sister company ProForm. 

Although we have not tested this NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical, we’re confident that our knowledge of cross trainers and the NordicTrack brand will help us deliver the most accurate information available about this discontinued machine. 

Looking for an Alternative to the NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical?

When looking for an alternative to the NordicTrack CX 1000, it’s inevitable that you’ll find more features and technology in today’s machines than you did a decade ago. That said, both NordicTrack and sister company ProForm have a lot to offer when it comes to tech and interactive programming. 

I think the ProForm Carbon EL is the best alternative to the NordicTrack CX 1000 because it does have modern features but is not overwhelming in the tech department. You will not see a built-in touchscreen, but rather a tablet shelf and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming iFIT on your own device. 

The Carbon EL is not only iFIT-enabled, it has an adjustable stride length, and comes equipped with an inertia-enhanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling experience. Additionally, the Carbon EL uses auto-adjust technology to alter your resistance settings as you follow along with trainer-led classes on iFIT. 

Best Alternative to NordicTrack CX 1000

ProForm Carbon E10 Elliptical

GGR Score: 3.9

Check Price

Product Highlights

• 10” touchscreen
• 19” adjustable stride
• 20-degree incline
• 25-lb flywheel
• 10-year frame warranty

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Touchscreen with IFIT
• 24 levels of silent magnetic resistance
• 19-inch adjustable stride will work for most
• 25-lb flywheel should provide a stable workout
• Pedals are adjustable

Cons

• 275-lb weight capacity is on the lower end
• Large footprint
• Customer reports of the machine being loud

Bottom Line

The Carbon E10 is a sturdy front-drive elliptical machine with decent specs. While it has a large footprint and a user weight capacity on the low end, you can get this machine for “free” if you purchase a 3-year family iFIT membership, a definite plus.

A Quick Look at the NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical

According to the owner’s manual, the NordicTrack CX 1000 was manufactured around 2008. Due to the fact this machine is nearly 15 years old, there are slim pickings to purchase this elliptical today (even on sites like eBay). 

If you currently own the CX 1000 (or you’ve found one used) you will have some peace of mind knowing there are still replacement parts available from retailers like Amazon and Walmart. If you’re looking for parts, just search the model number (NTEL79960) to get replacement parts that will work. 

However, if you’re considering picking up used a CX 1000 machine, here are some things you’ll want to know:

NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical Specs

Due to the fact the NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical is discontinued, here are the specs I could find based on research:

Key Features of the NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical

The NordicTrack CX 1000 doesn’t quite compare to the brand’s current elliptical lineup with iFIT-enabled smart touchscreens, auto-adjust technology, and incline training. However, when this machine was released in 2008, this rear-drive elliptical provided a suitable exercise machine for home gyms across the country. 

An interesting feature to the NordicTrack CX 1000 is the fact it does not come equipped with a power cord—instead it’s powered with five D-batteries stored in the console. If you bought this new back in the day, the batteries were not included in the purchase of the CX 1000. 

The CX 1000 features a simple console with a display showing metrics like time, resistance, and revolutions per minute. There are even pulse sensors flanking the elliptical console where you can monitor your heart rate. 

NordicTrack CX 1000 Foldability

Although the footprint and weight of this machine is not disclosed on the owner’s manual, we do know the CX 1000 folds up and gives you back about half of your dedicated floor space. 

Folding ellipticals are fairly rare and the way this machine folds is pretty unique in my opinion—first you have to detach each pedal and then fold the frame. When you’re ready to fold the CX 1000 for storage, you’ll start by releasing the latch under each foot pedal and lifting the pedals off the sleeve of the crank arm. 

The next step is to raise the pedals until they are held in place by the adjacent magnets located on the uprights of the machine. Now that the foot pedals are folded and stored out of the way, you can grab the handle on the rear of the machine and lift up until it locks in a vertical position. 

From the folded position, you can use the handlebar on the back of the macchine to tip the elliptical onto the transport wheels to move it out of the way. 

When you’re ready to workout on the CX 1000, you’ll use the latch located on the bottom of the machine (now exposed because it’s folded upward) to release the frame down to the floor. You’ll then have to pull the pedals off the magnets and reattach the sleeves to the crank arms. 

Once you’re working out, if you notice any side-to-side motion, you can use the leveling feet on the back stabilizers to eliminate any unwanted movement.  

Ergonomics and Comfort

The CX 1000 has an adjustable stride length that can be moved into one of three positions manually—when you’re off the elliptical, of course. Although most modern exercise equipment makes these kinds of adjustments electronically, on a machine nearly 15 years old, manual adjustments are standard. 

According to the owner’s manual, adjusting the stride is a fairly easy process: You just need to find the adjustment knob and pull it free and select one of the three stride length options. The knob can be found on the crank arm, which is located where the flywheel is housed on the machine (and where the pedal arms attach to the drive).

Although the CX 1000 has three options for stride length, the manual doesn’t specify length of any of the settings. Generally speaking, rear-drive machines are a little bigger and often can give you a longer stride to make the pedaling motion feel more like walking. 

Another feature I noticed about this machine was the large handlebar in the shape of an arc on the top of the console. Typically we see ellipticals with sets of handlebars (one moving with the pedals, and the other set fixed). However, the CX 1000 features handlebars built into the sides of the console and the big one I mentioned over the top. Either of these fixed handlebar positions provides an option to grab onto something stable while getting on and off the machine which is good for everyone, especially older folks. 

Benefits and Conveniences

Although the CX 1000 does not feature the modern technology and interactive programming of the NordicTrack models on the market today, the CX 1000 is a solid machine that still delivers a quality cardio workout. You will even find eight built-in workout programs that do not require an internet connection. 

Although the console is simple, it offers just enough to keep you comfortable during a cardio session with a built-in workout fan to keep you cool while training and a water bottle holder attached to the upright for easy asses while pedaling. 

Final Verdict of Our NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical Review

At the end of the day, the NordicTrack CX 1000 elliptical can still provide a heart-pounding cardio workout despite the fact the machine is over a decade old. If you happen to come across the CX 1000 for sale, here are the highlights to remember:

• Foldable, space-saving design
• Preset workout programs 
• EKG heart rate monitoring
• Tracks revolutions per minute 
• Replacement parts are still available on Amazon and Walmart 

NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical Rating

NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical

If you’re interested in an alternative to the NordicTrack CX 1000, check out the ProForm Carbon EL

Product Currency: $

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
2.6

NordicTrack CX 1000 Elliptical FAQs

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

Further reading

Plantar Fasciitis Statistics: Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Heel Pain

by Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC

Plantar fasciitis statistics and facts covering what it is, how to treat it, and who is most susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis. Read more

Best Prebiotic Foods: A Dietitian’s Top Picks for Fueling Your Gut Microbiome

by Sharon Lehman, RD

Here are 11 of the best prebiotic foods to eat, according to a registered dietitian, for a more balanced gut microbiome and better health. Read more

First Look: Rogue Fitness Stainless Steel Ohio Bar

by Cooper Mitchell, GGR Founder

The Rogue Ohio Bar is one of the most popular barbells in the world. To make an already great bar better, Rogue is now offering it in a Stainless Steel version that will have better corrosion resistance than most competitors. Read more

Nautilus T616 Treadmill Review (2024): Low-Impact, Maximum Comfort Treadmill

by Kate Meier NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1

In our Nautilus T616 review, we take an unbiased look at this mid-range treadmill. Read more