NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer Review 2024: Train Free

Dimensions/Storability

The FS14i does not fold up and even though the footprint itself is rather compact, the machine requires a significant amount of forward and rear space for the 32 inch stride length. This is not a small machine. It is heavy and hard to move, so we recommend placing the FS14i where you plan to use it and don’t move it regularly.

There are wheels under the frame to roll the FS14i when needed, but moving it regularly is not recommended. Find a permanent location that can accommodate the FS14i’s 58.5″ L x 29.5″ W x 74″ H dimensions.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Pre-programmed workouts

The onboard workouts are sufficient to keep you active and provide plenty of training variables. However, we find iFIT workouts to be a great way to stay interested and motivated.

iFIT Subscription

Elliptical classes are filmed in a studio with a trainer in front of you and other participants arrayed around them. There are also outdoor elliptical, hiking, walking, and running routes. The resistance is automated, so it will automatically adjust to whatever the trainer is doing.

iFIT supports up to five profiles.

The outdoor routes really make a difference on the FS14i — since you can enjoy the scenery and outdoor landscapes of areas all over the world, it makes it feel more engaging to workout. Our personal preference is the hiking trails offered in some really beautiful locations.

Console/Controls

The 14″ touchscreen on the FS14i is a game changer. The FS10i is a similar machine, but the larger screen on the FS14i makes all the difference. It’s also the same size as the touch screen on the 14.9 Elliptical. You can both see the iFIT program — and manipulate the touchscreen controls better, thanks to the larger screen.

The console is easy to navigate, and most of the functionality is built into the touchscreen.

Users who purchase this machine will most likely use the iFIT programs, so having a larger touch screen makes the FS14i more enjoyable to use.

The touchscreen is embedded in the center of the console. This position makes it easy to see and touch when needed. The speakers are front facing and project at you so they can be heard loudly and clearly.

Touchscreen functionality reduces the buttons needed on the console. The only buttons on the console are to change the incline and resistance levels and turn the fan on/off on the console.

The screen is easy to see and reach. It tilts very slightly to adjust. I was able to see my iFIT classes and workout metrics well. The screen is crisp, and the resolution is adjustable in the settings tab under the main menu.

The touchscreen controls are good. Toggling through class options or screen controls is easy, and navigation is intuitive for both the iFIT and onboard programs. Resistance levels, incline grade, and volume can be adjusted via the touchscreen.

A white display bar along the top of the screen provides the following stats: Calories burned/Calories per hour, Strokes/Strokes per minute, Time Elapsed/Time Remaining, and Distance.

The overall functionality of the FS14i is greatly enhanced by the touchscreen. It makes all the difference in creating an engaging and motivating workout. The size and functionality of the 14″ touchscreen make a big difference.

Fan

The FS14i’s console has a fan that you can control via buttons on the console or the touchscreen. The fan has four settings: low, medium, high, and auto. The auto feature syncs the fan speed with your cadence and resistance, so the harder you work, the more air the fan blows. The air output is surprisingly strong, but the fan does make a noise.

Console Storage

The FS14i doesn’t have any storage or device rack built into the console, so you’re limited to using the touch screen for iFIT, or using your television for entertainment.

Cup Holders

There is one large cup holder in front of the console. It holds my 22oz water bottle or my phone in place. Neither move while I’m using the FS14i.

The only bit of storage is this large cup holder.

Check Best Price

Build Quality

Frame

The frame on the FS14i is steel with oversized levelers underneath that hold the base stable, and powder-coated uprights support the handlebars and console.

The overall construction makes the FS14i feel solid and sturdy while you’re using it.

The pedals are oversized with a textured footrest, and plastic overlays protect the flywheel and joints.

Some users have complained about rocking motion on the FS14i — we didn’t experience this, but it may be due to shifting body weight side to side. If you find the FS14i rocks a bit, try to limit your side-to-side motion and make sure you have a mat or carpet underneath to prevent the machine from shifting on the floor.

375lb user capacity is impressive and opens the FS14i up to most users.

Flywheel

The FS14i is a center drive flywheel system, with the flywheel positioned to the side of the pedals. This allows users to stand upright and provides better balance with less forward-leaning motion than on front or rear drive systems.

The flywheel is 20 pounds, so rotation is pretty smooth. There is a flywheel beneath each pedal for a balanced feel underfoot. Heavier flywheels generally produce smoother motion, but we didn’t notice any jerkiness or heaviness in the pedal rotation. Both flywheels are covered with a plastic overlay to protect the drivetrain from sweat, debris, dust, or damage.

Range of Motion

However, the FS14i has no stationary handles, so it can be challenging to get on and off the elliptical since the pedals don’t lock. Because the pedals are designed to move both up and down as well as forward and back, there is more motion than users may be expecting the first time.

We recommend users hold on to the uprights when stepping onto the pedals. It also might not be best for users with balance or mobility issues to get on and off safely.

The pedals and handles move in line with each other for a synchronized feel. Due to the extended 32 inch pedal range, the horizontal pedal bars do extend both in front and behind the FS14i. We recommend not positioning the FS14i directly in front of a wall or door. Also, warn people who may walk behind or in front of you that the pedals extend forward and back.

Handles

The handles on the FS14i angle upward to keep your wrists, elbows and shoulders in alignment while in use. There are resistance and incline/decline adjustment buttons on the handles for easy and quick adjusting.

Handles connect down to the pedal beams so motion is streamlined between hands and feet.
From the base of the console, the handles extend 8″ vertically to provide plenty of areas to hold, whether you are pedaling up and down or front to back.

We do wish that there was a stationary handle or handles to help get on the machine, and to use when you just want to work your lower body like on the NordicTrack 14.9 Elliptical.

The texture on the handles doesn’t feel sticky or slippery, even after you get sweating.

The FS14i’s handles engage the upper body, so you get a more full-body workout. Pulling the handles towards you engages the biceps, anterior deltoids, and lats. Pressing the handles forward engages the triceps, rear delt, and forearms. The FS14i develops the lower-body and the upper-body at once.

Pedals

The foot pedals are wide with extended length and extra support under foot. Large steel horizontal beams underlie each pedal which attach to the handles.

The pedals have an extended range of 32″, which enhances your range of motion significantly. We like that NordicTrack features this length on their FS10i and 14.9 elliptical as well. This pedal stride does feel a bit long, especially if you’re shorter, but it’s nice that you can adjust to make your stride shorter.

While we definitely like that the stride is adjustable, in our testing, we found it to be a bit challenging to figure out the different movements beyond the forward-motion elliptical movement. In order to do the stair-stepper motion or even just shorten your stride length, you have to lessen the movement from the handles.

Foot pads are molded with a ledge around the sides and front to keep your foot from slipping forward or side to side. The pedals are plenty large and will support users of all sizes.

The gently textured surface provides a nice foot-hold for any athletic shoe.

Incline

Most ellipticals do not incline. The FS14i both inclines and declines — so you can work uphill or downhill like you would on a treadmill. This increases training variables for a more well-rounded workout. Users can move the pedals in an up/down stair stepper motion with the drive angled to a 10% grade for one glute-killing workout.

The combination of incline and resistance makes the FS14i a great training machine.

The incline is automated in any iFIT or onboard programs, so you can start any class, and the machine will adjust it for you as you progress. This allows users to keep their hands on the handles at all times.

Resistance

The FS14i uses magnetic resistance which is quiet and smooth. Magnets adjacent to the flywheel oppose the wheel’s rotation to create resistance. There is no friction which reduces both noise and wear on the flywheel.

Twenty-six resistance levels are digitally set to be precise and consistent. Resistance is automated to sync with both the iFIT classes and onboard programs, so you have the option to manually adjust the resistance or allow it to follow the course of the workout without having to adjust it. This lets users keep their hands on the handlebars throughout the workout.

The resistance levels augment the functionality of the multi-directional design. Most people are strongest in the sagittal plane when motion is forward, so using the FS14i as a treadmill or elliptical is easier than as a stair stepper since pulling the feet up and down tends to be more challenging.

Having several different resistance options not only enhances the functionality of the FS14i as an elliptical but also makes it more usable as a stair stepper or treadmill.

Noise Level

The FS14i makes very little noise. The incline and decline feature can make the most noise, but its overall noise output when in use is still pretty low.

Should You Buy the NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer

The NordicTrack FS14i is a hybrid 3-in-1 trainer that can be used as an elliptical, treadmill, or stair stepper. The iFIT classes and programs help target different areas and movement patterns in each workout. When taking an iFIT class, the FreeStride Trainer will automatically adjust the tension and incline levels when the trainer gives the cue.

The handles move in line with the pedals for streamlined motion between hands and feet. The FS14i also inclines to 10% grade and declines to -10%. This makes hiking uphill and downhill more realistic. Uphill work increases activation of the posterior chain: glutes, hamstrings, and calves, as well as the quadriceps from the anterior chain.

The NordicTrack FS14i is a good elliptical trainer, but it takes up a bit of space and requires about four feet of clearance both in front and behind the machine. However, the 26 digital resistance levels and extended range of motion make this a great option for those who need a low-impact but high-calorie burning workout.

As a center drive elliptical, the FS14i allows users to stand upright for better balance and more posterior engagement. The 20lb flywheel motion is smooth, so both pedals glide evenly. iFIT classes and content are varied and interesting. iFIT offers live classes and several outdoor routes, and it has a leaderboard as well.

Check Best Price

NordicTrack FS14i Q&A / FAQ

How much is the NordicTrack FS14i Elliptical?

The NordicTrack FS14i Elliptical is $2,499 at the time of writing this review. Use our above links to check the current price of the elliptical as sales and price changes are frequent for exercise equipment.

What ceiling height is needed for the NordicTrack FS14i?

The NordicTrack FS14i is appropriate in rooms with 8 to 8.5-foot ceilings, depending on your height.

Is the NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer any good?

The NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer is a great elliptical for users who want a highly variable stride, guided content from iFIT, and incline/decline.

Is the NordicTrack elliptical better than Bowflex?

Bowflex ellipticals have more compact dimensions and vertical elliptical paths. The NordicTrack elliptical feels closer to running, while the FreeStride trainer has even more versatility. Which elliptical is better depends on your space limitations and training needs.

Check Best Price