NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS9i Review

38″ Variable Stride & Full Color Android Browser Display

I just returned from a visit to the NordicTrack headquarters at Logan, UT.  Being from the South the winter weather was rather shocking, but it was worth the trip to review their new FreeStride Trainer FS9i.

The name of the machine best describes the type of exercise you get – FreeStride. It is ergonomically designed to move the way you do, unlike a treadmill or elliptical trainer where you are locked in a particular motion.  The ability to have variable motions allows you to target more muscles and it breaks you out of the mold.

When you exercise within a set pattern your body adjusts and consequently minimizes the benefits of the workout. What you want is “muscle confusion”, which is exactly what the FS9i does, confuses your muscles.

FreeStride Trainer FS9i Features

Variable Motion — As mentioned above, the ability to vary the motion of your exercise is extremely beneficial in sculpting muscles and burning calories.  The FreeStride Trainer FS9i mimics three different exercise machines…

• Stairstepper
• Elliptical
• Treadmill

You get a stair climbing motion, a smooth elliptical stride and the ability to simulate running on air.  In addition, the FreeStride Trainer FS9i has a stride length up to 38”.  So users can extend their stride length to what feels natural.  Furthermore, the ability to define your motion and stride length is ideal for accommodating users of different heights.

10% Incline – 10% Decline — To enhance your workout the FreeStride Trainer FS9i allows you to incline and decline the motion.  You can simulate going up and down hills, and in the process you further target additional leg muscles and get a more intense cardio workout.

Upper Body Workout — Like an elliptical trainer, the FreeStride Trainer FS9i comes with moving upper body handle bars, which allows you to target upper body muscles.  I found it most advantageous to alternate my resistance training between my upper and lower body.

20 Lbs. Flywheel — Similar to an elliptical trainer the FreeStride Trainer utilizes a flywheel.  The heavy flywheel  gives the motion a smooth and natural feel.

10” Full color Touch Screen Display — The display is Android powered.  It gives you colorful feedback on your workout stats.  In addition, you can access you email or the Internet, allowing you to catch on the news, watch sports or catch up on social media.

iFit Live Compatible — iFit Live is NordicTrack’s signature technology that allows your FS9i to communicate with the Web.  Other companies are offering interactive technologies, but iFit Live defines the standards.  With iFit live you can…

• Define goals like lose weight or train for a race and iFit Live will create a workout routine over a period of time to assist you in reaching those goals.  The workouts are progressive and include motivational audio coaching.
• Track you stats.  iFit live has one of the most robust tracking interfaces.  It gives you a clear picture on your progress towards your goals.
• Simulate running outdoors with Google Maps.  You can trace routes on Google maps and your FreeStride Trainer FS9i with simulate the terrain with the incline/decline feature.  You can watch you progress on the display.
• Simulate running outdoors with interactive videos.  There is a library of videos shot at famous National Parks and cityscapes.  The videos are synced to your FS9i so that they progress with the intensity of your workout.

Note: There is an additional charge for iFit Live.

Warranty — You get a fairly standard coverage that includes lifetime frame, 5-years parts and 2-year labor.

Easy Assembly — I have not assembled a FreeStride Trainer, but from what I was told it is considerably easier to assemble then your typical elliptical or treadmill.   They can often take several hours and two people to assemble.

Additional Features Include

• Decent speaker system with MP3 input
• 38 preset workouts that target different fitness goals
• Water bottle holder
• Resistance and incline controls on the moving handlebars
• Wireless heart rate chest strap
• Workout fan

FreeStride Trainer FS9i Review

When you first get on the FreeStride Trainer FS9i it is rather awkward because you are defining the motion.  However, once you get the hang of it, it is a rush.  You will find similar commercial versions of the FS9i in health clubs, and they are growing in popularity because of the “muscle confusion” workout that they provide.  In addition to confusing your muscles it also takes the boredom out of exercising in place.  You have a variety of options that makes exercising more challenging.

However, that is only part of the story of the FreeStride Trainer FS9i.  The other is the numerous options and add-ons.  Features like the 10” Android browser, iFit Live compatibility, incline/decline capability, 38 preset programs and speakers make this a total motivational and interactive workout machine.

In talking to one of the staff members at the headquarters he mentioned that the Freestride Trainers are their hottest selling items. Having experienced it personally I can see why!

Go to www.NordicTrack.com and learn more!

Video review taken when visiting the NordicTrack Headquarters!