NordicTrack FreeStrider 35S Review
I was recently out to the Icon Fitness corporate headquarters where they build NordicTrack ellipticals and treadmills. I met with a couple of product managers and reviewed their current line-up of equipment, and their new entries. In particular, they were very excited about a new concept in cardio fitness equipment, the NordicTrack FreeStrider 35S.
For the longest time the fitness equipment industry was in a rut. Then elliptical trainers came on the scene promising a low impact, upper and lower body workout. The problem with elliptical trainers is the limited motion. By following a repetitive fixed stride, you limit the results. Only certain muscles are utilized, while are ignored.
Note: As of 2/7/10 the NordicTrack FreeStrider 35S was selling for $1,299 with shipping. A $200 decrease in price. Go www.NordicTrack.com 
to for the latest price!
The design and concept of the NordicTrack FreeStrider 35S offers the following benefits over an elliptical trainer.
- Free and Natural Stride
- Range of Motions that Improve Flexibility
- More Efficient Cardio Exercise
- Improved Upper Body Workout
Without sounding like an infomercial, I'll try to explain some of the concepts and benefits of the FreeStrider 35S, and why I find this an intriguing machine.
FreeMotion is a hybrid of an elliptical trainer and a stair stepper. However, unlike those machines your stride is free and natural, giving you a range of motions that provide a number of benefits over an elliptical trainer. Therefore, you can change from a short to long stride without having to make adjustments or push buttons.
Strides up to 35" - Your typical elliptical trainer has a fixed stride, usually between 18"-20", consequently you are restricted to a limited motion. With the FreeStrider 35S you can reach and extend your motion up to 35", the longest stride on the market. With the free, variable stride you can target different muscles, thus allowing you to firm fat and shape your legs. For example.
- Short Stride - Works Glutes and Calves
- Mid Stride - Works Glutes and Quads
- Long Stride - Works Hamstrings and Increases Flexibility
The extended range of motion loosens and stretches your lower joints. For example, at a 35" stride you are almost at twice the joint angle of a typical elliptical. Meaning joints like ankles, hips and knees are stretching to the limit, which is beneficial for athletic activities like tennis, skiing, golf, running, rock climbing, etc.. Furthermore, you'll feel the benefits of this extension/stretching in your lower back.
"Increase range of motion reduces your potential for injuries."
Intense Cardio Workout
I cannot attest to these results, since I was only on the FreeStrider 35S for a few minutes, but here is the logic on why you can get a more efficient workout in less time. With the longer stride and free motion, you are using more muscle fiber. You are working your lower muscles to their limit. Therefore, at just 2 mph and high resistance you get the same cardio benefits as if you are running, and unlike running you are significantly reducing the impact to your ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Makes sense!
Improved Upper Body Workout
Although elliptical trainers claim to give both a lower and upper body workout, the reality is the upper body usually gets minimal benefits. When you use an elliptical do you often find your upper body just going through the motions?
The NordicTrack FreeStrider 35S does a more effective job of working the core muscles - abs, obliques and back. With the extended free stride there is more of a push, pull motion. When the lower body is coming up, the upper body is going down - it is almost like doing crunches. I'm not promising you are going to get a 6-pack, but your abs are going to get a much better workout than they would on an elliptical. The combination of a more efficient cardio burn and a workout that focuses on your core muscles means you are more likely to reduce your waist size in comparison to working out on an elliptical.
In addition to the benefit from the design, there are several features worth mentioning.
- Speakers and input for MP3 player
- 15 targeting tone workouts.
- 10 performance workouts.
- Built-in fan.
- iFit Live - Offers the ability to get customized workouts with audio coaching and to simulate trails through Google Maps. There is an extra cost and the Google Maps feature requires the use a laptop or smart phone.
Our Review - NordicTrack FreeStrider 35S
The NordicTrack FreeMotion is not one of these hyped up infomercial products that promise miraculous results with little to no effort. If you want to lose weight or get fit, you are going to have to work at it. However, if you want to get the maximum results from your efforts, it appears this machine is designed for just that purpose.
Note: In talking to a fitness equipment store salesperson he mentioned that when the FreeMotion first came out they had some service issues. I am told by the company that a year later they have had few service problems and they have been minimal. I also feel the user weight limit is excessive. I would put the user weight limit at arond 210 lbs.
The FreeStrider 35S is an example of the next generation of crosstraining fitness equipment. Elliptical trainers promise a total body workout, but come up short. In comparison, the FreeMotion appears to deliver real results.
Go www.NordicTrack.com to learn more.