Nautilus NS300 Home Gym - I can't believe I'm really working out!
Written: Dec 28 '02 (Updated Jan 01 '03)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Commercial-quality features, performs well, easily adjusted, variety of exercise options
Cons: A substantial financial investment
The Bottom Line: Well-made, backed by a strong warranty. Easy to use, comfortable, offers a variety of exercises, and requires a minimal amount of space. Almost like being at the gym.
|
|
|
| diverpam's Full Review: Nautilus NS 300 |
My husband and I decided to make a serious investment in our health and our future by purchasing exercise equipment that would help motivate us to work out. After looking at several brands and types of home gym equipment, we decided on the Nautilus.
It was the most expensive that we saw, but it was also the most well-made, sturdy and attractive.
After making a few trips to the gym during my last attempt at getting fit, it was easy to recognize the difference between the lightweight equipment we saw in various stores and the Nautilus equipment we tried out in the Exercise Superstore.
Sturdy Design, Aesthetically Appealing Design
The 11-gauge steel frame looks and feels markedly different than those "flimsy" sets we saw. It works with a series of cables (American made military specification) and computer balanced plates. The plates range from 10 lbs. to 200 lbs.
The cushions are well padded and covered with a durable vinyl material that is double stitched and embossed with the Nautilus logo.
Excellent Warranty
The Nautilus warranty is 30 years on the frame and welds.
The upholstery, pulleys, and bushing bearings have a 5 year warranty.
The cables, grips and other parts have a 1 year warranty.
We were as impressed by the warranty as we were the look and feel of the equipment.
Primary Components
Weight stack, pulley system, fully padded seat and adjustable seat back, Leg Extension bar, Arm Press, Lat Pulldown Bar, and Pec Dec. There is a low pulley station with foot plate. This pulley station comes with a steel bar, padded cuff, and cuff with handle. These can be easily changed out with a large clip on the chain.
There is also an optional leg press available. We opted not to purchase it initially. We may go back and get it later.
Space Requirements
The NS-300 Home Gym is designed to fit easily into a corner of a room. Even with the pec dec, it still fits easily into our new home gym.
The footprint is only 47"W x 72"L x 83"H. The weight stacks can be fitted on either side of the machine to provide flexibility in where you use it.
Easy to Adjust and Use
The adjustment pins are easy to use. Just pull the pin to release it, move the handle and reset the pin. It is very easy to adjust the handles for the pec dec from their stored position (Where they are out of the way).
The back is fully adjustable just by lifting a handle and the seat can be raised and lowered.
The equipment moves smoothly in a wide variety of exercises. My husband and I both use the Nautilus regularly and it is quick to change weights and positions on the equipment as we swap out using the equipment. I usually start on the treadmill and he starts on the Nautilus.
Arm Press
There are 11 positions on the arm press so it can be adjusted for various exercises,as well as be moved out of the way when using other parts of the equipment.
The grips allow you to hold the bars with your hands placed horizontally or vertically. They are covered with a comfortable material that allows you to get a firm grip on the bars. The options will allow you to work various muscle groups.
Pec Dec Arm Adjustment
It is quick and easy to pull up the pin, move the arm to desired position and release the pin. The handles on the Pec Dec are also covered with material to allow a firm grip on them. This is an option that you can choose to purchase with this model.
Weight Adjustment
You simply pull the pin from the weight stack and insert it firmly in the stack for the desired weight. The weight is clearly written on the side of each weight.
What You can Do on the Nautilus
Chest Exercises
Chest Press, Incline Chest Press, and Chest Fly. The Press Arm and Pec Dec are used to work the chest muscles.
Shoulder Exercises
Rear Deltoid Rows, Seated Shoulder Press and Front Shoulder Raise. The press arm is used for these exercises by adjusting the position of the bar and changing the direction you face while sitting.
Back Exercises
Wide Pulldowns, Reverse Grip Pulldowns, Seated Lat Rows, Low Back Extensions, and Seated Low Row. You can use the Lat Bar or lower Pulley Bar for these.
Arm Exercises
Triceps Kickback, Triceps Pushdown, Standing Biceps Curl, and Seated Triceps Extension. These are done with the press arm, lat bar and lower pulley with handle.
Leg Exercises
Leg Extension, Standing Leg Curl, Standing Hip Extension, Standing Calf Raise, Standing Hip Abduction. These are done using the well-padded leg extension bar, as well as the lower pulley weight station. There is a padded cuff you can slip around your ankle.
Abdominal Exercise
Seated Abdominal Crunch. Use the strap behind the seat, grasp the handles and lean forward.
Each of these exercises is illustrated on a panel in the back of the equipment. There is also a booklet that comes with the NS-300 that explains the exercises, what the do, and how they should be correctly done.
My Recommendation
I never thought I would say that I actually enjoyed working out. However, I have seen quite a difference in the time I have been using the Nautilus. I've been able to gradually increase weights and reps and I can tell a difference in how I feel. The equipment is easy to use and I can complete a workout in 20-30 minutes.
I'm glad that we made the investment to purchase this high-quality equipment and would definitely do it over again. This is far superior to some of the equipment we've found in hotel workout rooms and almost as good as being at a gym.
I would recommend that you opt for the store to deliver and assemble this for you. It took two men about two hours to set up the equipment. They do it for a living... I hate to think how long it would have taken us to set up. We paid about $120 for delivery and set up.
I have found that if I invest a significant amount of money in something I'm a little more motivated to get started and try to stick with it. I plan to use this equipment for many years and feel confident that it will last as long as (or longer than) I do!
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
diverpam
|
 - Top 200 |
|
Member: Pam
Location: Collierville, TN
Reviews written: 263
Trusted by: 350 members
About Me:
~~~~So many oceans...so little time!~~~~
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.