Nordic Track Ski Machine - Top 3 Benefits Over Other Fitness Equipment

The Nordic Track Ski Machine is an oldie but still a goodie - a classic piece of fitness equipment. It put Nordic Track on the map over 20 years ago - before they made treadmills, ellipticals or home gyms.

The skiier works by simulating a cross-country skiing motion. There are 2 'skiis' on roller rails that move forward and back. You attach your shoes to the foot straps and can then move back and forth, just like you do when cross country skiing. You also have a pad at hip level that you lean 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). Just like cross country skiing, you get a total body workout which burns a lot of calories in a short time.

So is it a good fit for you? Well, here are 3 benefits a skier gives you over other types of fitness equipment to help you decide:

#1 More Calories Burned - Because you 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 uses more muscles and burns more calories.

This can mean you slim down very quickly. And because it doesn't use heavy weights it can help you get a sleeker look (vs bulking up with weights).

Having tried out a Nordic Track Ski Machine some years ago, I can vouch for this. I started sweating almost immediately after starting my workout and my jeans were loose within 4 days of using it.

#2 Low Impact Workout - Unlike a treadmill, the skier provides a low - almost no - impact workout. This makes it a good option for those who may be 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 Run - When reading 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 ski machines - 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 $700, this is an impressive feat.

So those are 3 advantages - are there 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. You do get a 5 window LED display that shows time, distance, calories burned and pulse so you can track your workout numbers.

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 highly effective calorie burning workouts, low impact exercise 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.