You may be somewhat in shape, but you can get exhausted just trying to decide which home fitness cardio machine might work best for you. Elliptical models boast impact-free workouts, treadmills claim their virtual runs are better than outdoors and stair-step machines seem to be all about resistance and virtual hike options. The trick is to find a machine that not only fits your fitness needs, lifestyle, available space and budget, but also offers enough options to keep its bang-for-the-buck for many years (and fitness levels) to come. NordicTrack Freestride Trainers are a versatile option that just may be your answer.
What Is a NordicTrack Freestride Trainer?
NordicTrack Freestride Trainers are prime examples of the newest trend in home gym equipment. The alternative motion machine brings the best of treadmill, elliptical and stair-stepper options into a single workout. These trainers all boast center drives and inertia enhanced flywheels, along with 20+ digital resistance levels to keep your workouts challenging. Additionally, they utilize upper-body grips for total body workouts. Most have adjustable inclines and all include auto-adjustable stride technology to ensure your workout keeps up with you.
Product Specs
All NordicTrack Freestride Trainers use center drives, meaning their mechanics are positioned in the center of the machine — not the front or the rear — so they’re more compact than standard elliptical or treadmill exercise equipment. That alone makes them ideal for home use.
Every model includes multiple resistance levels that you can adjust with the touch of a button. And, all are constructed using a Freestride suspension system, which relies on belt technology to ensure little to no impact and smooth transitions. Pre-programmed workouts are a standard inclusion, but Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities allow for additional guided fitness options, and the built-in addition of NordicTrack’s Auto Breeze Workout Fan will help you keep your cool while you sweat it out!
Pricing
NordicTrack has been a reputable name in home fitness for more than 25 years, thanks to the manufacturer’s use of high-quality design materials and innovative technology. Pricing for NordicTrack Freestride Trainer models range from around $1,299 to $3,799, depending on which model you choose, but it’s a solid investment if you’re looking for sturdy home gym equipment.
NordicTrack Freestride Trainer Options
We decided to compare a few NordicTrack Freestride Trainer options to give you a better idea of what will best suit your fitness style and pocketbook.
- NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS5i
- NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS7i
- NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS9i
- NordicTrack X11i Incline Trainer
NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS5i
The FS5i is the base-level version of the Freestride series, but its value and quality far exceed a regular base-level product. Made with a 7-inch back-lit display for following on-board workouts with ease, an integrated tablet holder, Bluetooth technology and 22 digital resistance level options, it’s nowhere near ordinary.
image via: nordictrack.com
Price
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Ease of Use
The FS5i is a beginner-friendly model that offers 32 different pre-loaded workouts, along with the capability of streaming live and online workouts on your tablet or iPad should you want more guided options.
The integrated tablet holder, digitally amplified speakers and auxiliary music port all make it easy to jam out to your favorite tunes while getting in touch with your inner fitness beast. The 32-inch adjustable stride allows for easy workout changes mid-stream, but some consumers have noted the motion is far less smooth than an elliptical.
Assembly Time
Assembly at home statistically takes about 60 to 75 minutes as NordicTrack has streamlined and simplified the process. We suggest using two people for assembly due to the weight of the machine and its parts. If you feel really confident and have a little extra time, however, then one person can get the job done. For those not so confident in the at-home-assembly department, a professional assembly option is offered at the time of purchase.
Design Quality
The FS5i model in the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer series is the most budget friendly of the group, but don’t let that fool you regarding equipment quality. The flywheel on this model weighs in at 16 pounds, which is on the lighter side as far as elliptical machines go, so it’s perfect for beginner and intermediate fitness levels, but for those wanting a super high intensity workout it may not be the best fit. Regardless of fitness level, the solid steel construction makes this a durable option for most fitness levels.
Warranty
This model comes standard with a lifetime frame warranty, a 5-year parts warranty and a 2-year labor warranty from NordicTrack. Extended warranty plans for preventative maintenance and standard service can also be purchased through iCON for an additional charge.
Pros
- Beginner fitness-level friendly
- Safe low-impact workouts
- Comprehensive warranty options standard
Cons
- Heavy and difficult to move once assembled
- The 32-inch stride may prove short and choppy for taller users
NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS7i
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The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS7i is the mid-range option in the series. It has a 38-inch adjustable stride, as opposed to the 32-inch in the entry level model, and includes a 7-inch HD touchscreen and 1-year iFit membership standard for extra daily workout options to keep your routine fresh. The incline capability goes from 0 to 10 degrees in range, and the flywheel weighs in at a more realistic 20 pounds for a smoother, more natural motion.
Price
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Ease of Use
The added stride adjustment in the FS7i is far more user-friendly for those with longer legs, and the handlebar incline and resistance controls make for smoother workout adjustments without ever breaking stride. The variety of pre-loaded and online accessible workout options is a definite bonus, and the increased machine capacity allows for users up to 375 pounds.
Assembly Time
Similar to others in the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer line, assembly at home statistically takes about 75 to 90 minutes. Again, we recommend highly that two people perform the assembly because of the trainer’s weight. However, one person can accomplish it alone. For those not so confident in the at-home-assembly department, a professional assembly option is offered at the time of purchase.
Design Quality
With the FS7i flywheel weight at 20 pounds, motions have a much smoother and more natural feel than with the FS5i. The solid, steel design of the machine makes for a durable, long-lasting option for almost any fitness level.
Warranty
The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS7i model comes standard with a lifetime frame warranty, a 5-year parts warranty, and a 2-year labor warranty. Extended warranty plans for preventative maintenance and standard service also can be bought through iCON for a separate charge.
Pros
- Heavier flywheel provides smoother motion
- Compact size compared to most cardiovascular equipment
- 35 pre-loaded workouts plus 1-year membership access to iFit workouts included
Cons
- Heavy and difficult to move despite transport wheels
- Consumers reported tendency for increased machine noise levels during higher intensity workouts
NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS9i
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Talk about an upgrade! The NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS9i model takes all the included benefits of the FS7i model and an additional 10 degrees of decline, plus 26 digital resistance levels as opposed to the previous 24. An included 10-inch HD touchscreen plus a pivoting integrated tablet holder will thrill those who thrive on multi-tasking during workouts.
Price
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Ease of Use
With a longer stride than the FS5i, the addition of 10 degrees of decline to workout options, and an upgraded 10-inch touchscreen, the NordicTrack Freestyle Trainer FS9i edition could be viewed as the Cadillac of multi-workout home cardio equipment.
Easy-to-adjust increased resistance levels, along with all three training modalities, make this trainer hard to beat in terms of great workout options for almost any fitness level.
Assembly Time
Home assembly usually takes about 75 to 90 minutes, similar to other NordicTrack Freestyle Trainer models. Again, we recommend you get a friend to help you with assembly — two sets of hands are better than one! Anyway, the machine and its parts are heavy, but you can get it put together alone if need be. For those not so confident in the at-home-assembly department, a professional assembly option is offered at the time of purchase.
Design Quality
The compact, solid-steel frame design, paired with the NordicTrack Freestride suspension system that uses belt mechanisms to ensure the smoothest workout with the least amount of impact possible, means a durable machine with workout flexibility for any fitness level.
Warranty
As with all NordicTrack Freestride Trainer machines, the FS9i model comes standard with a lifetime frame warranty, a 5-year parts warranty and a 2-year labor warranty. Extended warranty plans for preventative maintenance and standard service can be bought for separate charges through iCON.
Pros
- Increased touchscreen size makes online workouts more engaging
- Addition of 10-degree decline expands the number of muscle groups you can tone
- Additional resistance levels for higher workout intensity
Cons
- Consumer reported heavy and difficult to move once assembled
- Higher priced than most other home gym cardio equipment options
NordicTrack X11i Incline Trainer
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The X11i Incline Trainer from NordicTrack is a treadmill innovation that boasts 12 speeds, incline options that range from -6% to 40% for serious muscular engagement and a patented rapid response motor to ensure consistent power throughout workouts.
Price
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Ease of Use
As far as incline trainers go, the NordicTrack X11i is one of the best. Its incline range that includes a -6% decline allows for more toning workout options than flat level training, and its 40% incline capability burns calories at five times the normal rate. The 44 pre-loaded workouts give an array of fitness regimen options, and the increased track length over most typical health club treadmills (22” versus 20”) ensures plenty of extra workout space.
Assembly Time
Throughout NordicTrack’s track record in the home fitness industry, it has worked to streamline the assembly process and the time it takes to get it ready to go. Full assembly of the X11i Incline Trainer generally takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Design Quality
Standard One-Touch controls, EKG pulse grips, and 2.5-inch precision balanced non-flex rollers in the deck construction make the design and durability of this incline trainer hard to beat.
Warranty
NordicTrack’s standard warranty offerings are some of the best in the industry, and the X11i is no exception. It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, motor and deck. It also includes a 6-year parts and electronics warranty, and has 3-year labor coverage. Extended warranty plans for preventative maintenance and standard service can also be purchased.
Pros
- Increased calorie burn, thanks to additional incline capability
- Fairly easy to assemble solo
- Large variety of pre-programmed and online workouts keeps things interesting
Cons
- Impact on joints during workouts is increased more than other Freestyle models
- Heavy and difficult to move once assembled
- Slightly higher priced than many treadmills on the market
Conclusion
To sum it up, the NordicTrack Freestyle Trainer series definitely gives you the best bang for your buck. Its pricing is more expensive than what you’ll pay for other brands and models, but the NordicTrack’s alternative motion technology that melds three workout types into one, paired with the vast amount of pre-programmed and online workout options that are included, make your investment more than worth it.
When it comes to your health, you shouldn’t look to cut corners That’s why we think, if you can afford it, the NordicTrack Freestride Trainer FS9i is the best 5 star trainer you can find. Besides, technically, by buying an at-home trainer from NordicTrack, you’ll probably save money compared to what you would have spent on a health club membership and travel fees per year!