The Nordic Track Classic Pro May Be Dangerous To Your Health!
Written: Jun 22 '00 (Updated Feb 17 '03)
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Pros: Works both upper and lower body (can be a pro)
Cons: Dangerous, requires a lot of balance, feet slip out
The Bottom Line: If you use this be very careful.
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| jo.com's Full Review: NordicTrack Classic Pro |
In spite of a recent nasty comment, I am still a personal trainer, I still work out in a gym daily and I still wouldn't go near this machine. But anyone who disagrees, please write your own review rather than putting me down for my opinion. That is what this site is for. Our opinions of products. jo
1.I knew there was a reason my chiropractor told me not to use this machine unless it had a hip pad (that’s the pad that your belly leans on) and then proceed with caution.
2.I knew there was a reason the two in my gym were rarely used.
3.I knew there was a reason that I never taught any clients how to use it (One gym I worked in had one.)
The old Nordic Tracks did not have the hip pad; many of us had those skiers in our house including me. In spite of the fact there was no pad, in my opinion it was safer than this monster!
When you are about to step on there are instructions. One says Get on “Track.” It should say Get off "Track"! It tells you to step into the shoe glides. I’ve been on many pieces of equipment that have places to put your feet. This is undoubtedly the worse. It is non-functional. My feet didn’t stay in these glides for more than 30 seconds.
Ok, let me tell you about the features: There are the following buttons: on/off; calorie; speed; distance and time; not too bad. The problem is none of them is practical because I couldn’t use the darn machine!
There are two knobs that adjust the leg tension and arm tension. It also has a Velcro strap which is absolutely necessary. In fact a belt buckle would be even better.
They tell you to move both feet smoothly, that this should feel natural as if you are walking. They do warn that you stand straight up and not lean over the pad. The reason for this is because if you lean over the pad (and even if you don’t) your feel will go flying under you. Sounds like something we all want to have happen, right?
It took me about 5 minutes just to get my feet under control so I could then grasp the handles which are on pulleys. The idea is that one arm comes back while the opposite leg goes back; as if you are walking. Great….it took all my coordination to just stay on never mind trying to coordinate my arms and legs.
They tell you to swing your arms in long, smooth strokes. That’s funny. How could I do that when all my effort was on staying upright? It is a good thing there are no cupholders, places for tape players or a place to put a magazine because even the most coordinated of us (well, many of us) couldn’t take a drink of water while reading and stay upright.
The instructions also tell you that rhythm comes with confidence and usage. Who cares! I would rather not build up to ever using this machine again. I burned more calories staying on than I did actually using the thing. In fact in 20 minutes I burned 10 calories! On any other machine, I would burn 10 calories in 2 minutes.
Maybe I’m not being fair. Maybe once I got used to it the Nordic Track would be less dangerous. But I’ll tell you this: I would never like this machine or recommend it. In spite of the hip pad to stabilize you and perhaps be a safety check for your back, the risk of injury is too great.
The Nordic Track does work both the upper and lower body. In one way, that is great. On the other hand, if you are like I am and do weight training first, working both body parts isn't the best idea.
If you are not doing resistance training then working both parts is a good thing; however, there are other pieces of equipment (the rowing machine to name one) that are safer.
For example, I used this machine yesterday after my chest workout. When you work your chest, you also work your triceps. My arms were exhausted. I didn't want to work my upper body any more and from a training point of view, I should not. So this is a double edged sword.
So, in summary, in my opinion, I can't recommend this as a safe method do do cardiovascular work. If you want to practice a balancing act, go for it..otherwise...stay away!
Other reviews you may be interested in:
Thane Ab-DOer
ConceptII Rower
Precor Stationary Bike
StairMaster
Precor Elliptical Machine
Precor Stretch Trainer
Cybex Treadmill
NordicTrack Classic Pro
Recommended:
No
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