If you've been scouring the used market for a solid elliptical, you've probably come across the nordictrack audiostrider 600 more than a few times. It's one of those "classic" machines that seems to hang around forever, and for good reason. It wasn't just built to look pretty in a showroom; it was built to actually take a beating in a home gym. Even though fitness tech has moved toward giant touchscreens and subscription-only models, there is something remarkably refreshing about a machine that just works.
I remember when these first started popping up in people's basements and spare bedrooms. At the time, having built-in speakers was a massive selling point—hence the "Audio" in the name. But beyond the speakers, it was the overall build quality that really set it apart from the cheaper, rickety machines you'd find at big-box retailers. If you're looking for a low-impact workout without spending three months' rent, this might be exactly what you need.
The Physical Build and Footprint
Let's be real for a second: the nordictrack audiostrider 600 is not a small piece of equipment. It's got some heft to it, which is actually a good thing. Light ellipticals tend to wobble or "walk" across the floor when you start really giving it your all, but this one stays put. It features a front-drive design, which some people prefer because it feels a bit more like a natural climbing or running motion compared to rear-drive models.
The footprint is something you definitely want to measure before you bring one home. It's about six feet long, and because it's an elliptical, you need extra clearance at the front and back for the pedals' path. I've seen people try to cram these into tight corners only to realize they're hitting the wall every time they take a stride. Give it some room to breathe, and it'll reward you with a much smoother experience.
The frame itself is solid steel. You can tell just by looking at the welds and the thickness of the metal that NordicTrack wasn't cutting corners back then. It feels stable even if you're a bigger person, and the weight capacity is generous enough to accommodate most users without the machine groaning under the pressure.
That "Audio" Feature and the Console
It's funny to look back at the "Audio" part of the nordictrack audiostrider 600 name. In the age of wireless Bluetooth earbuds, having a physical 3.5mm auxiliary port and built-in speakers feels a bit like looking at a vintage car with a cassette player. But you know what? It actually works quite well. If you don't like wearing headphones while you're sweating—maybe they slip out or get gross—having the speakers right there in the console is actually pretty convenient.
The console itself is fairly straightforward. You aren't going to find a 22-inch 4K screen here. Instead, you get a clear, backlit LCD that shows you the basics: your time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. It's functional. You don't have to wait for a software update to finish before you can start your workout. You just step on, start pedaling, and you're good to go.
One thing that was pretty advanced for its time was the iFit compatibility. Back then, iFit worked with these little SD cards that you'd plug into the machine. It's a far cry from the live-streaming trainers of today, but the core concept was the same—guided workouts that automatically adjusted your resistance. It's a bit "retro" now, but it's a testament to how long NordicTrack has been trying to make home workouts more engaging.
The Stride and Resistance
The heart of any elliptical is the stride, and the nordictrack audiostrider 600 delivers a pretty comfortable 18-inch path. For most people of average height, this is the "sweet spot." It doesn't feel like you're taking tiny baby steps, and it doesn't feel like you're overextending your hips.
The resistance system uses SMR, or Silent Magnetic Resistance. This is a huge deal if you live in an apartment or have kids sleeping in the next room. Since there's no physical friction creating the resistance, the machine stays relatively quiet. You'll hear the mechanical "whir" of the flywheel spinning, but you won't get that annoying grinding sound that cheaper strap-based machines produce.
It also features a power-adjustable incline. This is probably my favorite part of the machine. By changing the ramp angle, you can shift the focus of the workout from your quads to your glutes and hamstrings. It's an easy way to add variety to a cardio session without having to manually climb off the machine and fiddle with a lever.
Maintenance and Longevity
If you're buying a nordictrack audiostrider 600 today, it's likely a used unit. Because of that, you've got to be prepared for a little bit of maintenance. These machines are workhorses, but like any mechanical device with moving parts, they need some love.
The most common issue you'll run into is a squeak. Usually, it's coming from the "wheels" that slide along the rails. If the previous owner didn't keep those rails clean, dust and pet hair can get trapped in the grease, creating a grinding noise. A quick wipe-down and a fresh coat of white lithium grease usually fixes it right up.
You should also check the pivot points. Every few months, it's a good idea to tighten the bolts. The constant motion of an elliptical can slowly loosen things over time, and a "clunking" sound is usually just a bolt that needs a half-turn with a wrench. If you take care of it, there's no reason this machine can't last another decade.
Is It Still a Good Buy?
So, should you pull the trigger if you see a nordictrack audiostrider 600 for a good price? Honestly, if it's in good shape, it's a fantastic value. You're getting a heavy-duty, club-style elliptical for a fraction of what a modern equivalent costs.
Sure, you don't get the fancy touchscreen or the integrated Netflix app. But let's be honest: you can just prop a tablet up on the console and have the exact same experience for a lot less money. The core mechanics—the flywheel, the magnetic resistance, and the sturdy frame—are what actually matter for your fitness goals.
The nordictrack audiostrider 600 represents a time when fitness equipment was built to be a tool rather than a digital service platform. It's simple, it's effective, and it's surprisingly comfortable to use. If you want a low-impact way to get your heart rate up while catching up on your favorite shows, this machine is more than capable of getting the job done.
Just make sure you have a friend help you move it. It's heavy, and your lower back will thank you for not trying to manhandle it into your basement alone. Once it's set up, though, it's a reliable partner for your fitness journey that won't ask for a monthly subscription fee just to let you use the pedals. It's just you, the machine, and a better version of yourself waiting at the end of the workout.