Staying fit can take work, and sometimes the hardest part is not the workout itself but simply making it to the gym. When the winter weather hits, it can be even more difficult to get to the gym. Having workout equipment at home can save you the trip and help you get into your training routine sooner with far greater convenience. The NordicTrack Freestride trainer is one home workout machine that can improve upon your ability to fit in your workouts no matter what the weather or status of your car.
In this article, we’ll explore the NordicTrack Freestride Rider and compare it to other elliptical machines on the market to help you make a confident choice.
What Is a NordicTrack Freestride Trainer?
The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is a 3-in-1 machine that provides the user the ability to perform stepping, elliptical, and treadmill functions all on one machine. The natural motions used when operating the machine can be switched with ease to engage different muscle groups during the same workout. The machine features a zero- to-32-inch adjustable stride that allows the user to alter the stride naturally without having to push any buttons. This machine also packs a 10% incline feature to add greater difficulty and resistance to our workouts.
Product Specs
The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer has a variety of features to keep you moving and motivated during your workout. There is a 7-inch interactive coaching touch screen, through which you can enjoy interactive personal training sessions. The stride is auto-adjusting and 32 inches, with the machine sporting a 10% incline-matching tech. A key feature of the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is the iFit Coach experience. The screen displays images such as Hawaiian beaches to motivate us through the workouts, with live interactive coaching adding to the experience.
The interactive technology brings access to a variety of world-class trainers available to guide you through your workouts. Your trainer can digitally adjust your incline, speed, and decline to provide the best workout possible. Beyond elliptical training, the “LIVE” feature also provides a number of additional workout options. These include yoga workouts and dumbbell routines you can use the screen to perform without even being on the elliptical machine. These additional workouts add value to the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer, expanding its operating functionality beyond any single training style or discipline.
Pricing
The original manufacturer’s price for the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is $2,699, which we see as relatively high for a single unit, particularly given that many such machines are available in gyms with highly affordable membership fees. However, it appears the price today is just under $2,000, making it more accessible. Further, the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer can be purchased through a payment plan with a 0% APR for some 36 months, if you qualify. Spread over the duration of 36 months the cost of the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is far more manageable, and around the price of a premium gym membership.
How It Compares
We picked a few other elliptical trainers on the market to see how the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer compares. Here, we’ll run through their prices, ease of use, style, design quality, and warranties.
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Bowflex Results Series Elliptical Trainer
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SOLE Fitness Elliptical Machine
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Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer
NordicTrack Freestride Trainer
The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is a 3-in-1 machine that features elliptical, treadmill, and stepping functions. For stepping routines, there is a 0- to 32-inch drop which naturally adjusts to the preferences of the exerciser. In terms of technology, the machine features a 7-inch smart HD touchscreen, pivoting integrated tablet holder, an auxiliary music port, and two 2-inch, digitally amplified speakers.
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Price
The price for this hybrid elliptical ranges from around $2,000 to $2,700, depending upon the seller from which the machine is purchased. At the time we wrote, some buyers could take advantage of 36-month, 0% APR financing on the machine at a price of $1,999.
Ease of Use
The zero to 32-inch step of the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer adjusts naturally, and so its ease of use is significant. No button pushing is necessary. The three distinct applications of the machine also add to the ease of use, as we can choose which workout style and features we prefer at any time.
Style
The styling on the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer is advanced, with the machine having a streamlined look with non-aggressive colors so that it won’t ruin the aesthetics of the room you place it in. The branding marks and logos are not too prominent for appeal, either, making the overall look and effect more welcoming.
Design Quality
The machine features three types of functionality, which is unusual for an elliptical machine. Further, it has an “auto-breeze” workout fan, soft-touch upper body grips, and over-sized cushion pedals for added comfort.
Warranty
NordicTrack products come with a 30-day trial period, during which time the machine may be returned. When the machine is returned, there is a 10% restocking fee unless the machine is defective, in which case it will be replaced without the 10% restocking fee.
We found detailed warranty information on the machine to be lacking. Although the purchaser is encouraged to purchase an extended 3-year warranty, the price is not prominently listed. The prospective customer is provided a phone number to call to speak to a representative about warranty information.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality: stepping, elliptical and treadmill training
- Comes with a 1-Year NordicTrack iFit membership
- NordicTrack name and quality
Cons
- Somewhat costly
- Relatively large
Bowflex Results Series Elliptical Trainer
The Bowflex features a color screen, multiple customizable workout options, and a futuristic design.
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Design Quality |
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Price
The price on the Bowflex Results Series Elliptical Trainer is just under $1,800, which is right in line with that of the NordicTrack elliptical we reviewed here. The Bowflex model also comes with free shipping.
Ease of Use
There are a variety of workout features available through the Bowflex, including the “burn” meter which allowed us to customize our workouts, in addition, you can save your favorite workouts “on the fly” and come back to repeat them later. The speed and incline controls are integrated into the handles for increased convenience.
Style
The style of the Bowflex Results Series elliptical trainer is futuristic and sleek, featuring black and silver with a red brand badge on the front of the console for a bit of color.
Design Quality
The design quality of the Bowflex is substantial, with a 22-inch stride length, and a minimum ceiling height of the user’s height plus 29 inches. It features a full-color, 9-inch back-lit LCD screen with 11 simplified push-and-go workout programs to get you into your routine quickly and easily.
Warranty
The Bowflex warranty for most of its machines lasts 3 years on parts and 90 days for labor, while an additional three years of each form of protection can be purchased for $169 (or and five years of each for an additional $219). These options make the potential value of Bowflex markedly greater for the customer because lengthy warranties are often not offered on other elliptical machines.
Pros
- Digital display for interactive workouts
- Saved workouts
- Futuristic design
Cons
- Ability to set stride length
- Relatively tall for some homes
SOLE Fitness Elliptical Machine
The SOLE Fitness elliptical machine features a 20-inch maximum stride length, a 7.5-inch display, a sound system, a built-in fan, 15-inch pedals, and a water bottle holder. The machine has a low drop, so an unusually high ceiling isn’t necessary.
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Price
The price of the SOLE Fitness elliptical machine is right in line with other machines reviewed at just under $2,000, with free shipping included. As with the other units reviewed, there is the option to purchase the machine and have a professional assemble it: For a fee just over $90, you can have it assembled and cross that task off your list.
Ease of Use
Simply stepping upon the SOLE is quite simple, and getting started is as simple as getting moving. The machine features numerous fitness programs you can set to allow for a pre-programmed workout to be enjoyed.
Style
The styling of the SOLE elliptical is strong, with a modern, almost futuristic look that is almost entirely black with maroon accents. The screen is nicely situated, and all the handles are well designed.
Design Quality
The overall design is attractive and sleek. However, the LCD screen could be upgraded into a more modern HD display of larger size.
Warranty
The warranty on the SOLE Fitness machine truly sets this particular brand apart from the competition. While many manufacturers offer very limited warranties or extremely narrow warranties on labor, the SOLE warranty includes a lifetime warranty on the frame, a 5-year warranty on electronics and parts, and two years of labor coverage.
Pros
- Outstanding warranty
- Low drop
- Wide pedals and a pulse grip
Cons
- Elliptical-only functionality
- Weighs 230 pounds
Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer
The Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer is more of an entry-level trainer; it offers only elliptical functionality. The screen is reminiscent of those on early electronics from the late 1990s with a blue-hued screen and display. The machine has advanced programming features to vary the difficulty of workouts. The screen displays calories burned, along with workout difficulty level at any point in your climb.
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Ease of Use |
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Design Quality |
Warranty |
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Price
The price of the Horizon Fitness elliptical trainer is markedly lower than the competition at just under $1,400, with the cost of assembly being just under $100 as with the competition.
Ease of Use
The machine is quite easy to use but its features and video screen are relatively uninspiring, and the pre-programmed features are also lacking.
Style
The style of the Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer is somewhat lacking. The machine is a light gray color with a mixture of darker grays and blacks, and it has a very “plastic-like” appearance. The machine will not blend in neutrally, either, as it has a bright blue flair of color on the back and front.
Design Quality
The design quality on this particular machine is relatively simple and unrefined, with a very old-style screen. Given the advanced and futuristic look of the other machines reviewed, the Horizon Fitness Elliptical trainer is lagging behind the competition in this respect.
Warranty
We could find no warranty information readily available for this Horizon elliptical machine, although the manufacturer invites the client to make a phone call to inquire about the potential warranty options that are available.
Pros
- Low price
- Comfortable workouts
- Balanced flywheel
Cons
- Dated display
- Uninspired design
- Warranty information not readily available
Conclusion
The many options available on the market for elliptical machines highlight the growth of the home fitness market. Whether we prefer to train with free weights, exercise bikes, elliptical machines, or ropes, it is now possible to purchase equipment that will work well in our homes. If you are looking for lower-impact cardio workout options, the NordicTrack machine is functional, stylish, and economical.
Final Verdict: 4 stars
(within our 5-star rating system)
The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS7i is a highly advanced piece of equipment. It is the only model we reviewed for this article that can function not only as an elliptical machine but also a stepping machine and a treadmill. This exceptional versatility, plus the interactive HD screen, set the NordicTrack Freestride above and beyond much of its competition. In our view, this is a highly recommended piece of home workout equipment, particularly given the 36-month, 0% APR financing offer available.
For more information on dumbbells, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes, multi-gym units, and rowing machines, check back with us. We frequently post new articles and updates to help you choose the best workout equipment and other products designed to keep us all fit and healthy.