Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i Review – How Does It Rate?

Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i

$2799
9.7

Stability/Durability

9.5/10

Console

9.5/10

Stride Options

10.0/10

Entertainment Options

9.5/10

Fitness Options

10.0/10

Pros

  • Adaptable Stride of up to 32 Inches Means Better Crosstraining
  • Ultra Low Impact
  • More Compact Than Standard Ellipticals
  • Up to 10 Degree Incline and Decline
  • Extra Large 10 Inch, HD Full Color Console
  • Incline and Resistance Controls on Moving Arm Bars
  • Center Drive Design More Comfortable
  • iFit Coach Offers Even More Workout Options

Cons

  • Motion May Take Some Getting Used To

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Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i Review – Highlights:

 

The Nordictrack FS9i Freestrider is the premium Freestride Trainer in the series. The Freestrider is a brand new type of elliptical that gives something most elliptical trainers do not – a completely adjustable stride.

 

Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i Review
Nordictrack FS9i Freestrider

 

While most ellipticals – even commercial grade machines – lock you into a set stride length, the Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i gives you up a completely adjustable stride of up to 32 inches!

Basically the stride adapts to your body – not the other way around.

This gives you a more comfortable workout – but there’s also another benefit.

Because your body is not locked into one set stride, it can’t adapt. You’re always changing things up – which means a better crosstraining workout and more calories burned!

With the adaptable stride you can do short up and down strides like a stair climber, longer jogging strides like a standard elliptical or even longer hurdling type strides like a treadmill. So you can basically use the FS9i trainer as 3-machines-in-1.

 

nordictrack freestrider fs9i elliptical

 

 

How Does It Work?

Unlike the standard elliptical trainer design, the Freestrider has cushioned pedals that ride on belts rather than traditional rails attached to the crank.

This gives you more of a feeling of floating on air – and also reduces the impact on your joints, which is great for those prone to shin splints, back or knee issues.

 

nordictrack freestrider fs7i elliptical review

 

And this is a center drive elliptical – with two smaller flywheels on either side of the pedals. This design has the benefit of placing you more upright on the elliptical – which again feels more comfortable and natural for many people.

 

Nordictrack FS9i Freestrider Review

 

How Does the Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i Compare to the FS7i?

The Nordictrack FS9i is a step up from the popular FS7i model in that it gives you a larger console – which makes your workout stats easier to read.

You also get incline and decline (on the FS7i model you only get incline). So you get more crosstraining options.

 

nordictrack freestrider fs9i review

 

There’s also more resistance levels on the FS9i – so you have more room to grow on this trainer.

Finally, the FS9i has a little more weight and substance to it (along with a higher user weight capacity). So it’s a little tougher and can stand up better under heavy use.

 

 

More Compact Than Other Models

A final benefit of this design is that’s it’s also more compact than other elliptical trainers.

You don’t have the track and roller setup you usually get with front drive designs (which can also require more cleaning and dusting). So if you have a smaller area to workout, this is a plus.

 

 

Nordictrack FS9i Console

 

 

Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i Review – The Fun Stuff:

 

But it’s not just all about the design on this trainer – it wouldn’t be Nordictrack’s premium elliptical without all the toys.

You get an extra large, full-color, HD touch-screen console. So you can see your stats in large, living color.

 

iFit Workout on the FS9i

 

The FS9i Freestrider also comes iFit compatible. iFit takes your machine online where you can run famous trails all over the world – from Paris to Hawaii. You’ll see real landmarks pass you by in the console screen – it’s the next best thing to being there!

iFit will also track your workouts over time to show you how far you’ve come (which can be very motivating). You can also use it to set and achieve new goals.

 

nordictrack fs7i freestrider elliptical review with ifit live

 

And for more challenge you can always download new workouts to your trainer from celebrity trainers where they lead you through various workouts around the world – from Thailand to the Swiss Alps.

 

iFit Workout

 

The best part?

If you get the Nordictrack FS9i through the Manufacturer, you can get a 1 year membership to iFit Coach included. So you can try it out for a full year to see if it’s right for you.

 

Click To Get iFit Coach Included on the FS9i

 

 

More Benefits of the Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i:

 

Need more training? The Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i also comes with up to 10 degree incline and decline. Incline changes the slope of your workout and helps you train different lower body muscles.

 

nordictrack freestrider fs9i elliptical trainer

 

You can change both your incline and resistance from the console – or from the controls on the moving arm bars. These in-handle controls are really handy because you don’t have to reach up to the console (and break up your upper body arm workout).

 

 

Another great thing with this trainer is that, if you buy it through the Manufacturer, you can also get a Free wireless heart rate monitor. Many people prefer the wireless chest strap as it tends to be more accurate than hand grip sensors.

The chest strap is also a lot more convenient than having to continually grasp the hand sensors to get a reading.

 

Nordictrack FS9i Incline and Decline

 

Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i Elliptical Review –  Any Downsides?

It’s actually pretty hard to find a downside with this trainer. One small thing to know is that there are no stationary arm bars on this model as with most of Nordictrack’s other trainers.

Also, if you’re used to running on a standard elliptical, the fact that you set your stride and path by how hard you push down might take some getting used to at first.

 

 

 

Where to Buy and Save:

If you want the ultimate elliptical that lets you set your own pace and stride, the FS9i is a fantastic machine.

You’ll never “adapt” to one motion and can constantly challenge your body (and burn more calories) with this trainer. You can buy the Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i directly from the Manufacturer and get Free Shipping here.

 

Click Here To Save on the Nordictrack FS9i Freestrider

 

Nordictrack Freestrider FS9i Review

 

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