The Nordic Track Ski Machine is a classic piece of fitness equipment. It pretty much put NordicTrack on the map over 20 years ago - before they made treadmills, ellipticals or home gyms.
It works by simulating a cross-country skiing motion. There are 2 'skiis' on roller rails that move back and forth. You attach your shoes to the foot straps and can then move forward and back, just like you do when cross country skiing. You also have a hip pad that you lean up against for support and arm pulleys to work your upper body (kind of like using ski poles).
By simulating a cross country skiing motion the NordicTrack skier lets you work your arms and legs (or just your legs if you don't want the upper body workout). And just like cross country skiing, it gives a total body workout which burns a lot of calories in a short time.
So is it the right piece of fitness equipment for you?
Well, here are 3 advantages that a skier gives you over other forms of exercise equipment to help you decide:
#1 High Calorie Burning - Because you can work your arms and legs at the same time, the ski machine gives you an overall total body workout. Plus you're also getting a full range of motion with the leg skiing movements which again, recruits more muscles and burns more calories.
This means you can slim down very quickly. And because it doesn't use heavy weight (mainly your own body as resistance) it can help you get a sleeker toned look (vs bulking up with weights).
I borrowed a Nordic Track Ski Machine some years ago from a friend to try it out. I started sweating almost immediately after starting my workout and my jeans were loose within 4 days of using it. So in my experience it does get results pretty fast.
#2 Low Impact - Unlike a treadmill, the skier provides a low - almost no - impact workout. This makes it great for people who are prone to injury. It also gives a great alternative if you have hip, joint or back problems - but still want to get an effective workout.
#3 Holds Up Well Over The Long Term - If you read user reviews of this machine, you'll notice that one thing sticks out. Many people have had their ski machine for 10+ years. Others had their skiers for years - and are buying a 2nd one because the first one finally broke down.
Not only does this show how much people like their skiers - but it also shows how well they may hold up over the long run. And for a piece of fitness equipment that generally costs under 0, this is impressive.
So those are 3 advantages - any disadvantages?
Well, you don't get a lot of bells and whistles as you do with some other Nordic Track equipment like their treadmills or ellipticals. The skier does come with a 5 window console that shows time, distance, calories burned and pulse so you do get some feedback.
But if you're looking for more entertainment, you may want to set up your skier in front of your television - or charge your iPod and wear it while working out.
Bottom Line?
While it's fairly simple, you do get some great advantages with the Nordic Track ski machine including high calorie burning workouts, low impact and decent long-term durability.
Overall if you're looking for great value and fast results, the Nordic Track skier may be worth checking out.
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