Nordictrack Freestrider FS5i Review: Pros and Cons of the Most Affordable Freestrider Trainer

Website design By BotEap.comThe Nordictrack Freestrider is a new generation of elliptical trainers that gives you the ability to set your own pace. This is something traditional elliptical cross trainers cannot do due to design limitations.

Website design By BotEap.comThe Freestrider used to come in two models: the original FS7i and the premium FS9i. However, starting at just under $2000, the FS7i proved a bit prohibitive for some buyers.

Website design By BotEap.comBut now there’s a more affordable option, new for this year, the FS5i Freestrider.

Website design By BotEap.comIt’s a bit more streamlined than the other models, but it’s also about $400 less than the FS7i. So is it right for you? Here’s a review of the Nordictrack FS5i pros and cons to help you decide:

Website design By BotEap.comPro #1 Set your own pace

Website design By BotEap.comThe FS5i comes with the main advantage of the Freestrider design: primarily the ability to set and change your own pace. So you can take short strides to climb stairs, longer strides to jog, or even longer strides to jump over obstacles.

Website design By BotEap.comWhile most traditional elliptical trainers give you strides of around 18 to 20 inches, the Freestrider FS5i can give you strides of up to 38 inches, which is incredible.

Website design By BotEap.comThis helps work your leg muscles harder and you can end up burning more calories overall in less time.

Website design By BotEap.comPro #2 Center Drive Design

Website design By BotEap.comAgain, like all Freestride trainers, this is a mid drive design. This means that instead of one large flywheel at the front or rear of the pedals, you get two smaller flywheels on either side of the pedals.

Website design By BotEap.comThis has the advantage that you stand taller on the machine with less support from the arm bars. This feels much more comfortable for most people and, again, can result in more calories being burned since the machine is not supporting your weight.

Website design By BotEap.comPro #3 tablet mount above console

Website design By BotEap.comYou can dock your tablet on top of the console and surf the web, watch your favorite shows, or connect to iFit LIVE (see below) while you exercise, which is a great little option for adding more entertainment to your workout.

Website design By BotEap.comPro #4 iFit LIVE

Website design By BotEap.comNordictrack FS5i is iFit compatible. iFit connects your elliptical to the Internet. From there, you can track and map your workouts over time and set new goals.

Website design By BotEap.comYou can also download new training programs for your coach. You can even run world famous trails, from Hawaii to Paris, and watch real-life landmarks go by on your tablet screen.

Website design By BotEap.comBasically, you will never get bored with all the things you can do with iFit LIVE.

Website design By BotEap.comPro #5 Compact

Website design By BotEap.comThe FS5i trainer is also more compact than a traditional elliptical trainer. So if you have a smaller workout area, it’s a great option.

Website design By BotEap.comPro #6 Glossy Backlit Console

Website design By BotEap.comThe two-color console is bright and backlit with a scrolling message board to guide you through your workout. There’s also an iPod dock with speakers to listen to your favorite tunes while you work out.

Website design By BotEap.comThose are the pros, and the cons?

Website design By BotEap.comWith #1 Two Color Console

Website design By BotEap.comThe FS5i doesn’t come with the full-color console or integrated web browser that the other two models do. Still, if you have a tablet that you’re going to use to surf the web or connect to iFit, this might not matter much to you.

Website design By BotEap.comContra #2 No Tilt

Website design By BotEap.comThe other two models have incline, which changes the slope of your elliptical path. The FS5i does not have this feature.

Website design By BotEap.comWith #3 Without handrail controls

Website design By BotEap.comWhile you can control the resistance from the console area, there are no resistance controls on the movable arm bars, which do come with higher-end models.

Website design By BotEap.comBottom line?

Website design By BotEap.comThe Nordictrack FS5i Freestrider is a new, more affordable elliptical that costs around $400 less than the standard Freestrider bike.

Website design By BotEap.comIt’s a bit stripped back in terms of the luxury extras you get with the other models. Overall, though, you still get the main benefits people love with this Freestrider: the ability to choose your own stride and the low-impact center drive design.

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