Excellent build quality doesn’t always imply good performance. Fortunately for us, Marcy NS-40501E Elliptical Trainer brings both. The flywheel they have used in this model is precision machine dwell balanced. That translates to a smooth ride and inherent inertia.
Offering eight preset resistance levels, the Marcy NS-40501E helps keep your workouts challenging as you progress with your fitness goals. The adjustable resistance levels via the simple-to-use, easily accessible tension control turn-dial knob below the workout console.
The simple-to-use and easy-to-read fitness monitor LCD is not too impressive; it does give you real-time access to all your stats. You can track your time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, goals, and SCAN.
The NS-40501E may not be the best, but it is among the top few in this price range. Not only do you get excellent performance, but they have also included some features that aren’t as common as you would expect them to be. So if you’re looking for an elliptical, efficient, stable, and affordable, Marcy NS-40501E should be the first on your list.
Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: Marcy NS-40501E Elliptical Trainer
Price: For a great deal on this elliptical, merely go here on Amazon
Warranty: 2 years
My rating: 7.5/10
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 49L x 24W x 64H inches (125L x 61W x 163H cm)
- Assembled weight: 73 lbs (33 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Stride: 12 inches (31 cm)
- Incline: No
- Footplates: Standard, ribbed
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, eight levels
- Fitness Monitor: Time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, goals, SCAN
- Extras: Tablet holder
- Warranty: 2 years
NS-40501E Frame
The Marcy NS-40501E features a frame made of steel tubing. According to the manual, its construction is durable; it should support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Of course, there are several ABS parts in the machine’s construction. The pedals and the covers of the flywheel and resistance system are some of them.
Compared to other ellipticals, this model is relatively small. With the frame fully set up, the NS-40501E is only 49″ (125 cm) long and 24″ (61 cm) wide. Thus, it should fit even into a small room or apartment. However, leaving at least two feet of clearance around the unit is advisable for safe access and operation.
The unit is not extremely heavy. Fully set up, it weighs approximately 73 lbs (33 kg). This weight offers plenty of stability. Its rear base is also equipped with adjustable levelers, while the front base features transport wheels to facilitate its relocation.
One last aspect to mention here regards the unit’s paint finish. The NS-40501E features a non-corrosive powder coating. The color used is gray, the only color available for this trainer.
Handlebars
This Marcy elliptical trainer has two set handlebars, one fixed and one mobile. Unfortunately, the fixed handlebars do not have pulse sensors like other machines, and the fitness monitor is not telemetric. Therefore, if you want to keep track of your pulse during your workouts, you must use a separate device.
The mobile handlebars are reasonably long; their top is approximately 64″ (163 cm) above floor level. They also have top, ovalized grips. In addition, both sets of handlebars feature rubberized grips to prevent hands from slipping during exercises.
NS-40501E Pedals
As mentioned above, the unit’s pedals have durable, thick ABS material. Their sustaining bars are steel-made, though. Thus, they should support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) with no problem. Moreover, the pedals are significant; they can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes.
They have front and side borders and a ribbed surface for superior foot stability. However, they do not have articulation or extra shock absorption elements as the pedals on gym-grade machines. But still, the unit delivers a shallow impact ride.
The position of the pedals is adjustable. There are three connection holes on each side of a metallic pedal arm. Therefore, you can connect each pedal closer to the front or the rear.
Elliptical path, stride & step-up height
Since it’s an elliptical machine with a rear-drive system, its elliptical path is slightly inclined forward. Therefore, it may generate the feeling of marching down a soft ramp. However, this doesn’t necessarily have a negative effect. On the contrary, it should provide a more consistent workout for the glutes.
The machine’s stride isn’t overly long. It’s only 12″ (31 cm). Therefore, a ride on this machine may not be too satisfying for a tall person over 6’0″ (183 cm), as they won’t benefit from a full range of motion. But anyone can achieve a high cardio workout on this machine, depending on how fast they pedal.
The step-up pedal height is approx — 10″ (25.4 cm). Also, the pedal’s highest point is approximately 16″ (40.6 cm). Therefore, it’s advisable to use it in a room with a ceiling at least 20″ higher than your height.
The elliptical’s Q-Factor is not specified. However, the spacing between the pedals isn’t wide, only a few inches. Thus, the machine doesn’t generate extra lateral stress on the knees and ankles during exercise.
NS-40501E Resistance
The Marcy NS-40501E has a manual magnetic resistance system. Therefore, you don’t have to connect it to a power source to benefit from the adjustable resistance. Also, the console doesn’t play any role in the unit’s resistance adjustment.
The resistance system consists of a small magnetic brake attached to the tension knob on the console mast through a steel wire. By turning the knob, the brake changes its position to the metallic flywheel, which results in more or less resistance on the pedals.
There are eight distinct tension levels available. The first level generates almost no resistance. Therefore, exercising using this tension level is excellent for users with specific disabilities. On the other hand, the 8th level of resistance does provide quite a bit of pedal tension.
Although the unit’s maximum resistance isn’t comparable to a commercial-grade elliptical, it still allows it to burn more calories and achieve a higher cardio activity.
The weight of the flywheel is not specified. But considering this isn’t an extremely heavy elliptical trainer, its internal wheel isn’t weighty. Instead, it should be between 12 and 20 lbs (5.4 – 9.0 kg).
The flywheel is perimeter-weighted. Therefore, it delivers a pretty consistent momentum and a steady motion. It’s also bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse if you want, and when pedaling in reverse, the console will continue to track your calories burned or distance traveled.
Drive System
The Marcy NS-40501E elliptical has a belt drive system. Since it uses a belt, the pedaling motion is almost entirely silent. Also, the belt doesn’t require lubrication.
The machine’s crank system is quite durable. Its crank arms are steel. They’re tough enough to sustain users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Their connection points to the pedal arms and the moving handlebars’ connection to the pedal arms and the console mast integrated stainless steel ball bearings for a smooth operation.
Fitness monitor
This Marcy elliptical trainer has the same console as the Marcy NS-40504U upright bike. In addition, it has an LCD that tracks time, distance, speed, and calories. It also has an odometer function, indicating how many miles you have traveled on the bike.
Unfortunately, the monitor doesn’t have a pulse reading function. The fitness monitor is not telemetric, and there are no pulse sensors integrated into the handlebars. Therefore, if you need to monitor your pulse, you must use a separate device.
The speed and distance are in imperial units (mph and miles). Unfortunately, there is no metric setting available.
The fitness monitor doesn’t have any built-in preset programs. However, it does offer goal setting for time, distance, and calories. You can select a value for any of these metrics, and it will begin to countdown from the specified value until it reaches zero.
The fitness monitor is relatively easy to operate. There are three main buttons: MODE, SET, and RESET. The MODE button lets you toggle the unit’s SCAN function ON/OFF. When the SCAN function is ON, the display shows each workout metric for 4 seconds.
The SET button allows you to set time, distance, and calorie goals. And the RESET button clears all the values to zero.
The fitness monitor uses two 1.5V (AA) batteries, which do not come with the machine. It starts up when you begin to pedal or press a button. It also has a sleep mode to enter if there is no bike activity for 4 minutes.
Finally, the monitor integrates a tablet holder. This accessory is large enough to accommodate any tablet. However, the tablet has no USB or connection port on the console.
NS-40501E Assembly & Maintenance
This Marcy elliptical machine isn’t complicated to put together. Its frame with the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. Therefore, all you need to do is attach the stabilizer bars, the pedal bars, the pedals, the console mast, the moving arms, the stationary handlebars, and the fitness monitor. Consequently, it may take more than an hour of your time. The manual provides clear assembly instructions, schematics, and some of the tools required for the assembly.
For maintenance, the machine’s joints may require lubrication from time to time. The internal parts shouldn’t need any lube, though. It’s also advisable to periodically inspect the unit for loose bolts and parts.
Pros
- Solid construction for a light elliptical – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);
- Small footprint;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Fixed and mobile handlebars;
- Bi-directional flywheel providing a smooth and steady pedaling motion with a consistent momentum;
- Three attachment positions for each pedal;
- Eight levels of magnetic resistance;
- Fitness monitor that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Countdown functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Tablet holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance is required.
Cons
- A tablet placed on the media holder will cover the fitness monitor LCD;
- The monitor does not have a pulse reading function.
Marcy NS-40501E Elliptical Trainer Summary
The Marcy NS-40501E is a home-use elliptical trainer offering eight levels of manual magnetic resistance. It has a fitness monitor that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, and burned calories. In addition, it’s durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs.
Moreover, it’s an excellent machine for light cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning, stamina development, and losing weight. And finally, it’s one of the most affordable ellipticals of this type.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.
Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.