Monday, April 19th
2021 Home Gym Reviews
NordicTrack
- Cost: From $1,999 to $3,299
If you ever went inside that gym you paid membership fees to, you're probably already familiar with the NordicTrack brand. They don't only manufacture treadmills and ellipticals, though - NordicTrack's unique Fusion CST 2-in-1 trainers combine cardio and strength for a trainer-led, fat-burning, lean muscle-building workout.
Easy on the joints
Their 6-foot tall tower features 3 pulleys with 20 possible resistance levels. The Fusion CST also uses flywheel-based magnetic resistance technology, which makes a workout with this system easy on the joints. Some models also include a pull-up bar and a rower. Assembly of this machine is very doable, requiring only the attachment of the arms, legs, handles, and feet. Grab a friend to help, though, as Fusion CST models weigh around 400 lbs.
iFit membership included
If you're not already a strength trainer, the prospect of teaching yourself how to use each station of a typical home gym can be a little intimidating. The Fusion CST series is not only visibly less complicated: with the purchase of one of these models comes a 1-year iFit membership, giving you access to a library of interactive easy-to-follow training sessions, as well as the ability to tune into live classes. You will also receive a wireless Bluetooth chest strap heart rate monitor, and the screen located in the middle of the tower of some models is actually a removable NordicTrack tablet. This home gym system is a cross-training favorite of the cycling and running crowds.
Home gym overview
- Type of Home Gym: Magnetic resistance
- Cost Range: $1,999-$3,299
- Different Models: 3
- Financing Available: Yes
- Weight Resistance: 20 levels, otherwise unspecified
- Return Policy: 30 days, $250 + 10% restocking fee
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor, 10 year frame
- Shipping: Free, $99 extra for in-home delivery
Limited for body builders
It probably goes without saying that the Fusion CST is not a serious body-building tool. The resistance doesn't go any higher than 20 levels, and it isn't really specified anywhere just how much weight that actually is. Another con is that the cable arm height is not adjustable.
Disappointing warranty
Finally, the limited 1-year parts and labor warranty leaves a lot to be desired - many home gyms come with 2 year, 10 year, or lifetime warranties, and should your Fusion CST stop working in some way, it would probably be more of a challenge to find a third-party repair service. There is a lifetime warranty on the frame.
Poor return policy
Another possible drawback of purchasing from NordicTrack is their return policy: any returns, which are only possible for the first 30 days, will cost a $250 fee as well as a 10% restocking fee. You had better be sure the Fusion CST is the unconventional home gym of your dreams, or prepare to bite an expensive bullet.
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Where Can You Find the Best Home Gym?
Have you been meaning to get into shape but find it difficult to get to the gym on a regular basis? Are you worried about wasting money on a gym membership that you'll seldom use? Do you ever arrive at the gym only to find every weight station occupied?
Whether you're trying to lose a few pounds, tone up your problem areas, or you just want to introduce some healthy habits to your lifestyle, investing in the convenience of a home gym system is the perfect solution. As the owner of a home gym, you will never again have to worry about expensive monthly fees, feeling crowded during your workout, or the stress of fitting a work out into a busy schedule.
Home Gym FAQ
Continued from above...
If you don't know where to start, we'll break it down for you. Home gyms essentially come in two varieties: weight plate gyms, and resistance system gyms. Weight plate gyms, while more complicated, pricier, and bulkier, are better for bulking up. These home gyms come with one or more weight plate stacks that can be used to increase resistance for a tougher workout and impressive results.
Resistance gyms create tension using technology from flexible rods to magnets to simple bodyweight. One advantage of this type of resistance is that it puts less stress on tendons and joints, meaning that working out consistently with a resistance home gym can be especially beneficial to people who suffer from arthritis. These home gym systems are typically compact and perfect for those who wish to tone and sculpt their bodies.
There are a multitude of home gym brands and models available for purchase online today. When deciding which is the best fit for your personal fitness goals, there are several factors to consider:
- Cost. How well does the brand's price range fit your budget? What level of quality will you get for what you pay?
- Weight Resistance. What sort of weight resistance does the system use? What is its maximum weight resistance?
- Assembly. Can this home gym be used right out of the box, or does it take days to get in working order?
- Warranty. Does your warranty cover only the frame of your home gym system, or also parts and labor? For how long?
- Return Policy. Are returns only possible under the condition of an expensive return fee? If you aren't happy with your home gym after 30 days, is a return even possible at all?
TopConsumerReviews has reviewed and ranked the best Home Gyms available today. We hope these reviews help you pick the best home gym for your fitness goals!
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