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

The Nordictrack Freestrider is a new generation of elliptical trainer that gives you the ability to set your own pace. This is something that traditional ellipticals cannot do due to design limitations.

The Freestrider used to come in two models: the original FS7i and the premium FS9i. However, starting at just under $ 2,000 made the FS7i a bit pricey for some buyers.

But now there is a more affordable option, new for this year, the FS5i Freestrider.

It’s a bit more streamlined than the other models, but it’s also around $ 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:

Pro # 1 Set your own pace

The FS5i comes with the main advantage of the Freestrider design: primarily the ability to set and change your own pace. So you can do short steps for stair climbing, longer steps for jogging, or even longer hurdle-type moves.

While most traditional elliptical trainers give you strides of between 18 and 20 inches, the Freestrider FS5i can give you strides of up to 38 inches, which is incredible.

This helps your leg muscles work harder and you may end up burning more calories overall in less time.

Pro # 2 headunit design

Again, like all Freestride trainers, this is a center-drive design. This means that instead of one large steering wheel in front of or behind the pedals, you have two smaller steering wheels on either side of the pedals.

This has the advantage that you will stand more upright 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 burned as the machine is not supporting your weight.

Pro # 3 tablet stand above the console

You can dock your tablet over the console and surf the web, watch your favorite shows, or connect to iFit LIVE (see below) while exercising, which is a great little option for adding more entertainment to your workout.

Pro # 4 iFit LIVE

The Nordictrack FS5i is compatible with iFit. iFit connects your elliptical to the internet. From there, you can track and map your workouts over time and set new goals.

You can also download new training programs to your coach. You can even hike the world’s famous trails, from Hawaii to Paris, and watch real-life landmarks go by on your tablet screen.

Basically, you will never get bored with all the things you can do with iFit LIVE.

Pro # 5 compact

The FS5i trainer is also more compact than a traditional elliptical trainer. So if you have a smaller training area, this is a great option.

Pro # 6 console with bright backlighting

The two-color console is bright and backlit with a scrolling message board to guide you through your workout. There is also an iPod dock with speakers to listen to your favorite songs while you exercise.

So those are the pros, what about the cons?

Two-color console with # 1

The FS5i does not come with the full-color console or integrated web browser that the other two models carry. Still, if you have a tablet that you are going to use to surf the web or connect to iFit, this may not matter to you.

With # 2 No tilt

The other two models have incline, which changes the slope of its elliptical path. The FS5i does not have this function.

With # 3 Without handrail controls

While you can control resistance from the console area, there are no resistance controls on the swing arm bars, which do come with higher-end models.

Bottom line?

The Nordictrack FS5i Freestrider is a new, more affordable elliptical trainer that costs around $ 400 less than the standard Freestrider trainer.

It’s a bit reduced in terms of the luxury extras you get with the other models. Overall, though, you still get the main benefits people like with this Freestrider: the ability to choose your own pitch and the low-impact center drive design.

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