Is There A Difference Between the Nordic Track & Nordic Track Free Motion?

The Nordic Track company got its start about 25 years ago with a cross-country ski simulator. This machine was called the Nordic Track. Widely advertised, it could be seen in most gyms and many homes. Since then, the company has expanded and offers many low-impact cardiovascular machines, as well as some strength-training equipment. Nordic Track is now a division of ICON Health & Fitness. Yes, there is a difference between the original machine and its free-motion descendant, called the Free Strider.

  1. Cross Country Ski Simulator

    • The Nordic Track company now offers the Classic Pro Skier, which is the descendant of the original Nordic Track. It looks much like the original, with wooden skis that move smoothly back and forth and cords to simulate skiing arm motion, but has added improvements in technology. There are seven resistance levels, elevation control, different resistance settings, and feedback for time, distance, calories, and pulse. There is a learning curve for this piece of equipment, but it can give you a great cardiovascular workout.

    Free Strider

    • The Nordic Track Free Strider is an elliptical type of cardiovascular machine. This is a low-impact machine with pedals that move in an elliptical track, while you keep your feet flat on the pedals. Stride length and incline are adjustable, and levers are used to add upper body exercise. Several different workouts can be programmed. The Free Strider has a music port for your iPod. It has some similarities to the Classic Pro Skier, but it is not the same. Nordic Track's machine is called Free Strider. Free Motion is a different company.

    Equipment Comparison

    • The Classic Pro Skier and the Nordic Track Free Strider are both low-impact cardiovascular machines. With both of them, you keep your feet on the surface rather than running, and you work out in an upright position. The motion of the Free Strider is elliptical, while the skis on the Skier go forward and back. They both incorporate arm movements, but the Skier uses cords and the Strider uses vertical levers. The Strider has side rails that you can use to aid balance, but the Skier does not. With a longer stride on the Skier, your heel raises, but the Strider is designed for your foot to stay flat throughout the motion. Both have adjustable resistance and elevation features.

    Other Nordic Track Equipment

    • Nordic Track has expanded its offerings in both commercial and home markets beyond the Skier. The brand includes 10 other ellipticals, besides the Free Strider, and three incline trainers. They have a large range of treadmills, and both upright and recumbent exercise bikes. Besides their cardiovascular machines, they have a small number of free weight strength training devices. They also sell apparel and accessories.