NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS7i Elliptical Review – Pros & Cons

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Last Updated: January 1, 2023

The NordicTrack Freestride FS7i Trainer is a multi-function hybrid elliptical trainer with high quality components and enhanced functionality. The FS7i foot pedals move both forward and back as well as up and down, so it will function as an elliptical, treadmill or stair stepper. These multi-position functions make the FS7i a great option for users who want a low-impact but high-yield workout! The FS7i also has a 7” touchscreen with hundreds of iFit classes to enhance your training.

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Who it’s For: Users looking for a multi-function elliptical that provides the ultimate low-impact workout

• Unique pedal motion allows for both up and down as well as forward and aft.
• Low impact movement still provides high-intensity training with power incline and 24 levels of digital resistance!
• Offers 32” of stride length for extra range — this is nearly double the length of regular ellipticals
• Power incline up to 10% grade enhances training variables and increases posterior muscle engagement
• Moving handlebars allow users to train upper body muscles as well
• Full color 7” display showcases hundreds of fun iFit classes

Our Video Review

In-depth Review of NordicTrack Freestride FS7i Elliptical

Construction

Frame

• The FS7i frame is built of steel side and cross beams that hold the machine securely on the floor. The center drive system allows for a more compact footprint with most of the machine standing upright rather than extending front to back. However the upright design never compromises stability as the FS7i feels sturdy when in use with no rocking or rotation side to side.
• Horizontal pedal supports and vertical uprights are also steel with powder coating for protection. Plastic overlays on the flywheel and console protect the more delicate features from dust and sweat.
• Oversized Levelers under the base provide extra support for the varied motion on the FS7i.
• 375lb user capacity is impressive and opens the FS7i up to most users.

Geometry

• The FS7i 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. However, stability can be an issue when getting on or off the FS7i so be sure to hold on to the uprights when stepping onto the pedals. Since the pedals are designed to move both up and down as well and forward and back, there is more motion than users may be expecting the first time. Always hold on to handles or uprights for stability and balance when using the FS7i.
• Handles and pedals are synchronized so you get a fluid motion between upper and lower body. With the extended pedal range, the horizontal pedal bars do jut out both in front and behind the FS7i — so make sure to have enough space — we recommend not positioning the FS7i close to a wall or door. And warn people who may walk behind or in front of you that the pedals to extend forward.
• The handles allow you to use more upper body muscles than usual on a treadmill or stair stepper. Pulling the handles towards you engages the biceps, anterior deltoids, and lats. Pressing the handles forward engages the triceps, rear delt, and forearms. This feature makes the FS7i beneficial for multiple muscular systems since you can develop both lower body and upper body conditioning all 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. Users can move pedals forward and backward with ease so the workout is in your muscles not your joints.
• Foot pads are molded with a ledge around the sides and front to keep your foot from slipping forward or side to side.
• Gently textured surface provides a nice foot-hold for any athletic shoe. The pedals are plenty large and will support users of all sizes.

Handles

• Handles are angled up to provide a vertical grip so you can keep your wrists, elbows and shoulders in alignment while in use. A spongy grip material adds a bit of cushion to the steel beam bars.
• 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 area to hold whether you are pedaling up and down or front to back.

FlyWheel

• This is a center drive system. The Flywheel is effectively 20 pounds so rotation is pretty smooth. Heavier flywheels generally produce smoother motion, but we didn’t notice any jerkiness or heaviness in the pedal rotation. The flywheel is covered with a plastic overlay to protect the drivetrain from sweat, debris, dust or damage.

Incline

• Unlike most other center drive ellipticals, the FS7i pivots up to a 10% incline. This increases training variables for a more well-rounded workout. Try using 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 FS7i a great training machine!
• Incline is automated in any iFit or onboard programs, so you can start any class and the machine will adjust for you as you progress. This allows users to keep their hands on the handles at all times.

Resistance

• Magnetic resistance 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.
• 24 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 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.
• This many levels augments the functionality of the multi-directional design. Most people are strongest in the sagittal plane when motion is forward, so using the FS7i 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 FS7i as an elliptical, it makes it more usable as a stair stepper or treadmill as well.

Console/Controls

Screen

• 7″ Screen
• The touchscreen is embedded in the center of the console. This position makes it easy to see and touch when needed. It is flanked by speakers and a fan which makes the design intuitive to use. Touchscreen functionality reduces the buttons needed on the console which also cleans up the overall design and keeps it clutter-free.
• At times this screen feels rather small. Although it is nice to have a full-color touchscreen, it is hard to see the smaller metric numbers or options in iFit. A slightly larger screen would be a useful upgrade.

• Resolution
• The screen is crisp, has bright resolution and easy to read graphics. Screen technology has significantly improved in the last few years and these days, touchscreens on NordicTrack equipment are as good as we find anywhere.

• Touchscreen Capabilities
• The touchscreen controls are good. Occasionally we had to tap a button twice to get it to respond, but nothing too concerning. Toggling through class options or screen controls is easy and navigation is intuitive in both the iFit and onboard programs.
• Resistance levels, incline grade and volume can be adjusted via the touchscreen.

• Metric Display
• 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
• Distance

• Functionality
• The overall functionality of the FS7i is greatly enhanced by the touchscreen. It makes all the difference in creating an engaging and motivating workout. Occasionally we found the 7” to be a bit small but it’s better than comparable models with LCD screens and no subscription content.

Accessories

• Fans

• A multi-power fan is located in the console of the FS7i which you can control via buttons on the console or in the touchscreen.
• The fan is such a great addition! When working out at home, it is more difficult to control ambient temperature since others may be home at the same time (not exercising!) A fan allows users to get the most out of the FS7i and really kick up a sweat but still stay cool and comfortable.

• Tablet/Phone holder
• There is a tablet holder connected to the top of the console. Adjustable clips on both top and bottom will hold most phones, tablets or other digital devices securely. You can listen to music, watch a movie, or even read a book on your device while working out.

Noise Level

• The FS7i makes very little noise. It is smooth and quiet in operation. The only real noise is generated from the iFit program and/or music volume, but not the machine itself.

Storage / Folding

• The FS7i does not fold up. It has a rather compact footprint, but you will need extra length in front for forward kick from the bars and extra length behind for the kick-back stride. Even though the machine itself doesn’t take up a lot of space, make sure you have adequate space around it to use correctly.



• There are wheels under the frame to roll the FS7i when needed, but moving it regularly is not recommended.

iFit and Onboard workouts

Pre-programmed workouts

• There are 35 pre programmed workouts on the machine that will guide you through various intensities and resistance. There is also a featured workout of the day from iFit that is free for non-subscribers, so you can enjoy whatever class or outdoor route is promoted. 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, so it’s nice to have one free year to determine how much you will actually use it.

iFit Subscription

• iFit is included free for the first 30 days with up to five profiles. Elliptical classes are filmed in a studio with a trainer in front of you and other participants working out alongside. Trainers are excellent at cueing form since it can be easy to develop sloppy form when on an elliptical. The resistance is automated, so it will automatically adjust to whatever the trainer is doing.