NordicTrack Fusion CST Review
Overall Score 9.8
Fusion CST Review
Our Take
The Fusion CST from Nordictrack is an exciting, well-designed exercise machine that creatively combines a high-energy cardio workout with INTENSE low-impact strength building in a single piece of equipment. Cardio & Strength fused together ─ a Fusion is a fitness "Game Changer" for those using it.
The Fusion CST and the newer Fusion CST Studio are ─ a step up compared to traditional clunky weight stacks at the typical gym. At its core, it features a smooth magnetic resistance-driven flywheel paired with six pairs of pulleys fixed at different heights. The Fusion CST design facilitates smooth and quick switching for a more fluid, fast-paced, and intense workout session without the need to take a break to make adjustments ─ which in part makes this exercise equipment so effective in burning calories and building stamina, endurance, and strength. Simply put, a Fusion CST packs a Calorie Burning Punch for your Fitness relative to its small footprint of just 42 inches wide.
A useful training feature is its built-in, easy-to-read digital WATTS meter that lights up when working out and the 10-inch removable smart tablet that comes included. Owners have access to Fusion on-demand workouts and studio-led sessions powered by iFit.
With its Bluetooth connectivity, the Fusion enables trainers to dynamically sync and adjust the resistance on the fly as you train to match with the workout session streamed, during which elite iFit trainers TAKE YOU THROUGH THE MOVES for proper form, guidance, speed with some plus some amazingly intense motivation.
iFit membership is a key component of Fusion ownership, with the first-month’s subscription included with your Fusion CST ─ a $39 value. But that said, you can always use the Fusion independently without iFit and follow your own set of movement routines.
Click Here to learn more about why you need iFit
Overall ─ the Fusion CST provides a time saving cardio workout that builds strength and cardio endurance, exercising all your major muscle groups in each intense, low impact workout.
Lower body: Doing a Squat or Explosive Squat
Abduction lower body movement
Lower body, Sumo Squat to Explosive Skip without iFit
The Fusion CST in Action doing an upper body Lat Pull Through - fusing strength with intense cardio workouts. The footprint of this equipment is small, but you will want some room to move/flow
Firsthand Fusion CST Runner’s Story
““Fusion CST, what an amazing machine, I have had this machine for a couple months now and I try to use it 6 days a week like the program, that I’m on, says to. I went out for a run this morning, been a long-distance runner for 41 years, and what a difference I felt in my legs.
When running up a hill this morning, I literally could feel myself using my entire leg, from the ball of my foot all the way to my quads, I don’t think I have ever felt like I have used my legs that way, ever when going up a hill. Not to mention I made it up a hill that I have never, in 19 years of living here, been able to make it up this hill without having to stop and catch my breath or rest at least 1 time. Thank you iFit and Nordictrack for making this amazing machine.”
FUSION CST TESTIMONIAL VIDEOS
Want to get fit or lose weight? The Fusion CST from NordicTrack combines a cardio workout with strength building for an intense calorie burn in one piece of exercise equipment. The video testimonials below are from Nordictrack but do highlight some useful information we found to be accurate and give a sense regarding this device from individuals who tested the Fusion CST for 90+ days.
Performing an Upper Body Chest Fly Using the included freestanding tablet holder to workout alongside an iFit trainer. In the background, a Lat Pull Through facing the Fusion base unit
WHAT WE LOVE
Workouts • Strength Building + Cardio • Design
What we love about this equipment is how versatile and flexible training workouts can be, there are so many combinations and options of how to flow and move with this exercise machine for upper, lower and core workouts, you simply do not find yourself becoming bored.
Use the Fusion-CST to prepare for your next adventure. If you are looking to keep fit, get fit for the sports and activities, you love, or you want to burn a ton of calories and lose some weight then you will want a Fusion CST or Fusion CST Studio.
Recent studies have shown workouts that combine resistance and strength building movement burn calories while adding lean muscles help you lose weight. The Fusion CST series provides cardio workout plus strength building at the same time so you can get the most out of your workout investment and time.
Besides being versatile, this equipment is well designed, and operates whisper quiet with its smooth magnetic resistance technology, to create intensity. The Fusion-CST integrates really well with the iFit connected-fitness platform making it better than similar exercise gear ─ in effect you get an on-demand Personal Trainer in your home gym to workout with on your schedule, who can also manage resistance changes throughout the session. Alternatively use it without iFit training to your own workout format.
iFit training sessions were designed and specifically made for the Fusion CST. Elite iFit trainers show you how to use this exercise equipment to achieve results. We particularly like the access to studio trainer-led classes by John Peel, and the feedback experience overall we received from users so far, is it has been excellent.
YOUR HOME GYM
The Nordictrack Fusion includes 30-days of iFit membership. A big trend in fitness these days is bringing the gym to your home so you don't have to go ─ you get to stream Fusion Studio workouts to the tablet where trainers can live adjust real-time your machines resistance to match the session your taking - you're literally in a class, never alone but with others, so it's motivating, and you get to select your favorite classes and instructors to train along-side with
Studio classes streamed on the tablet help guide you through various moves. iFit Fusion trainers lead you through the proper form and pace, so you get the most out it. Above move is called a Front-Raise
WHAT TO KNOW
You can exercise all your major muscle groups in a single workout to build strong lean muscles that tend to be less sustainable to injury.
iFit led studio workouts, created specifically for Fusion-CST owners, are engaging ─ designed to motivate and take you through the proper form and pace of movement sets. You can also set a difficulty level and allow your resistance to dynamically be adjusted depending on what moves you are doing, whether that be bicep curls or lunges.
The Silent Magnetic Resistance lets the Fusion CST make transitions quietly and quickly among resistance settings without having to pause for adjustments, so you maintain the intensity level through-out your workout.
iFit membership provides access to over 800 trainer-led cross-fit workouts to choose from, so can keep your body challenged and guessing what is coming next. As an option you never have to touch your machine's controls. Your trainer can live control ( AutoAdjust ) resistance to match your workout and trainer Cues. Of course, you can always override adjustment if you prefer and make your own changes.
The Fusion CST’s footprint is 59.4 inches wide by 41.5 inches deep and 73.7 inches high. But we preferred to allow some space to move about when exercising with the Fusion CST.
WATTS METER displays your workout load on the center console and the tablet displays the workout. You can remove or move the tablet to different heights as you go through your workout session
GOOD TO KNOW
Whisper-quiet SMR™ technology creates resistance for your workout without the traditional clanking weight stacks. SMR™ uses a magnetic current to create resistance, which allows for a quieter and more fluid workout.
There are 20 different resistance settings to build strength and increase your stamina.
The Fusion CST comes with a 10-year frame warranty and a 1-year parts & labor warranty.
You can purchase in-home assembly for $249. This is handled by in-house technicians (no third parties) and includes delivery in the room of choice, assembly of the machine, and making sure the machine is 100% functional. If you want to assemble the Fusion CST yourself, shipping is free.
You can adjust the resistance and quickly switch to a different pulley height. The Fusion CST provides 20 different resistance levels
POINTS OF DISTINCTION
You can exercise all your major muscle groups in a single workout. Upper body, core and lower body. The Fusion CST takes you through fast-paced, high-powered cardio workouts while adding varying degrees of resistance, so you build strength at the same time. Better results in shorter time.
This machine is well designed and is quiet with its patented smooth magnetic resistance flywheel.
The Fusion CST ships with a 10-inch HD tablet computer to use with iFit to select and view Fusion CST specific workouts and other on-demand sessions.
On the center console is an easy-to-read WATTS meter that indicates your workload and power.
Ships with a Bluetooth enabled chest strap for wireless heart rate monitoring.
Cardio workout & Build Strength at Same Time
The Fusion CST is a perfect addition to any home gym. It has a compact size of 61 inches by 42 inches and combines cardio with strength building to get results in a shorter time
iFit CLASSES TAKE YOU THROUGH MOVES
The Fusion CST comes with a wireless Bluetooth heart rate tracker strap that update in your iFit App.
Short on time but want to lose weight? Want to build strength?
Consider the Fusion CST
Who Should Buy a NordicTrack Fusion CST?
People who want to add strength building to their cardio workouts at home.
Those who want to work out on their own schedule but still have professional coaching access.
People who want to lose weight or
burn a ton of calories fast.
People who want to add low impact Cross-Fit training into their workouts.
The Fusion CST provides the ability to target specific muscle groups.
PRICE
The Fusion CST is competitively priced
Fusion CST $1,999 now on Closeout at $999
iFit First Month subscription Included (a $39 value)
Shipping free to your door
Room delivery and Assembly +$249 IN CART
The Fusion CST comes with a 10-year frame warranty and
a 1-year parts & labor warranty. An extended warranty is available.
SO IN THE END ─ Final thoughts
Packs a Calorie Burning Punch to your Fitness
The Fusion CST combines cardio workouts with strength building so you accomplish both at the same time. You have access to Fusion specific streamed studio classes, to ensure proper form and speed, on the included 10-inch removable tablet ─ allowing you to fit in a training session on your schedule.
This is an impressive addition to any home gym. A space saver with a footprint of 3.5 ft. by 5. Ft it does not take up much space but does pack an effective calorie burning punch.
With its smooth magnetic resistance flywheel, the Fusion is quiet and has 20 different resistance levels to select from. As a connected-fitness machine these levels can be dynamically adjusted by your trainer to match the workout you are taking, or you can manually adjust resistance yourself to suit your preferred intensity.
Final Word
Even as a closeout item the Fusion CST still adds so much value at $999, reduced from $1,999, and offers a lot of benefit to make it still a strongly recommended buy. You can exercise all your major muscle groups in a single workout. Plus, the savings on time treks to the gym makes it do-able. If you are confident in your ability to design your own workout routines, then iFit is not required.
| SCORE | Points |
|---|---|
| OVERALL SCORE | 9.8 |
| 10" Tablet | 9.5 |
| Construction | 9.8 |
| Resistance | 9.9 |
| Durability | 9.7 |
| Workouts | 9.9 |
| Service level | 9 |
| Price | 9.8 |
