The NordicTrack Fusion CST is an exercise machine that combines cardio and strength training into a $2700 package. Read our review to find out if it’s worth the investment.
About NordicTrack Fusion CST
The NordicTrack Fusion CST is a popular home workout machine that’s been called the future of workout equipment. It’s received great ratings and reviews across the internet since being released in early 2017.
The Fusion CST is designed for those who want high-intensity cardio and low-impact strength training in one small, space-saving package. With a mere 42” wide footprint, the Fusion CST is popular with those who live in big homes and small apartments alike.
In March, NordicTrack unveiled the Fusion CST with a 10” tablet. All future Fusion CSTs will come with this 10” tablet, which lets the machine interact with iFit Coach Plus (giving you an on-demand video exercise library), live Fusion CST classes, recipe recommendations, and other fitness support.
NordicTrack Fusion CST Specifications
- Retail Price: $2,699 (although you can find it listed as low as $2,299 online)
- Machine Type: Pulleys (with magnetic resistance, not weights)
- Number of Available Exercises: 100+
- Dimensions: 42” wide, 61” long
- Available Workout Targets: Legs, abs, curls, pulldown, rows
- Accessories: 10” tablet, pulley system
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on the frame, 1 year warranty on parts and labor
Features
The Fusion CST is popular for its combination of low-impact strength training with high-intensity cardio. Some have called it a “whole new class of home gym” or “the future” of home training. Typically, we have machines that are designed for either strength training or cardio – but rarely both. The Fusion CST, as the name suggests, is a fusion machine that combines both workout styles in a surprisingly successful way.
If you’re the type of person who likes a full body workout, and appreciates light muscle tone along with your cardio workout, then the Fusion CST may be worth the price.
The machine also comes with smooth magnetic resistance. If you don’t like the awkward, jerky pulley-and-weight systems found on cheap home workout machines, then the Fusion CST may be more your style. However, magnetic resistance isn’t for everyone.
Obviously, as with any NordicTrack machine, the company will push you to subscribe to iFit Coach Plus (a one year subscription comes with every purchase). iFit Coach Plus is the company’s on-demand workout library that comes with a monthly subscription fee.
NordicTrack has made the subscription very tempting with the Fusion CST, as you have a 10” tablet computer on every machine. You can use your subscription to access a library of exercise videos or even yoga workouts.
However, even if you don’t subscribe to iFit Coach Plus, you can use other NordicTrack fitness apps. You can also use the tablet to adjust resistance settings (20 different resistance settings are available). Or, follow a long-term training program or choose from Fusion CST-specific video guides.
Meanwhile, for the actual workout, you can do cardio and strength training with four sets of pulleys. Unlike traditional workout machines, these pulleys rely on magnetic resistance instead of weight stacks. Magnetic systems come with smoother motions, quieter operation (you don’t hear clanging metal every time you hit the bottom) and reduced space requirements.
Two final features are worth mentioning. The machine comes with a workload and power measurement display called the Watts meter, which makes it easy to see how much power you’re generating on each rep.
Your purchase also comes with a chest strap to provide wireless heart rate monitoring. You can view your heart rate over the 10” tablet as you workout.
Pricing For NordicTrack Fusion CST
The Fusion CST is priced at $2699 USD.
However, we’ve seen the price drop as low as $2299 during online sales throughout 2017.
Your purchase price includes domestic shipping anywhere in the continental United States (no Alaska or Hawaii) as well as a lifetime frame warranty and one year of parts and labor.
NordicTrack Fusion CST Review Summary
NordicTrack Fusion CST is a premium at-home piece of workout equipment that comes with a reasonable price tag (especially if you find it on sale) and high-quality performance. Purchases come with a 10” tablet, wireless heart rate monitoring via a chest strap, 20 resistance settings, and more.
Overall, the Fusion CST costs the same as a high-end elliptical trainer – but it has low-impact strength training features built into it. That strength training is provided via pulleys and magnets – so you won’t find any loud weights. However, not everyone enjoys the resistance of magnets compared to conventional weights and pulleys.
The other issue is the 1 year warranty, which is less than most high-end ellipticals on the market. Since the Fusion CST was just introduced earlier in 2017, we don’t have any information about its long-term performance or durability.
However, if none of these issues bother you, then the NordicTrack Fusion CST may be the right piece of fitness equipment for you. It’s effective, well-reviewed, and priced at a reasonable rate.
