If your gym has a Nordic Track Ski Machine, chances are it's a lonely piece of equipment. The manually activated Nordic Track Ski Machines use less technology than other types of cardiovascular equipment. Moving your arms and legs is the only way to get them to move. Nordic Track Ski Machines also require coordination. Some gym members perceive these issues as disadvantages, but the Nordic Track muscle use and coordination requirements actually add to the machine's benefits.
Aerobic Exercise
The Nordic Track Ski Machine requires constant, rhythmic, upper and lower body movement. It provides an efficient and effective aerobic exercise method, which lowers blood pressure, improves mood and prevents heart disease. A 150-pound person will burn approximately 322 calories in a 30-minute Nordic Track Ski Machine session, making it effective for weight control. A University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse study found that the Nordic Track was more efficient than the treadmill.
Low Impact Weight Bearing Exercise
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends weight-bearing exercise as a means of preventing bone-density loss. The Nordic Track Ski Machine provides weight-bearing activity. Most aerobic, weight-bearing exercises are also high-impact, placing a considerable amount of strain on the joints. Your feet stay in contact with the foot pedals on the Nordic Track, which reduces the impact.
Coordination
Nordic Track exercise requires simultaneous arm and leg movement. While some users complain about the learning curve, this multi-limb movement enhances coordination.
Sport-Specific Conditioning
Sports medicine experts such as Michael Boyle, who authored "Functional Training for Sports," suggest developing off-season training program analyzing the physiological and biomechanical needs of your sport and finding activities that mimic its movements and use similar energy systems. The Nordic Track Ski Machine simulates cross-country skiing movements, and thus serves as effective, off-season training.
References
- Business Wire: NordicTrack Introduces New Generation of Cross-Country Skiers
- Pub Med: Development of a maximal testing protocol for the NordicTrack Cross-Country Ski Simulator
- Pro-Health: Exercise Calorie Calculator
- Functional Training for Sports: Mike Boyle: Human Kinetics
- national Osteoporosis Foundation: Weight Bearing Exercise
Member Comments
ktmpoahsay November 27
I have used a Nordic Track Achiever ski machine for 5 years now. It's an original US made version, so it's solid as a rock. I rate it above ANY treadmill as it is a NO IMPACT exercise, and provides a much better "head to toe" workout. Also, because you are pulling on handles (so pulling back in a motion of your choice) and not a metal arm (which has only one plane of movement) you are giving your arms and shoulders a better workout than on an elliptical. Sure, it's not for everyone, but if you do get used to using it, you will be very impressed at how hard your cardio system has to work at NO COST to your joints. If you're a runner, use it to replace 2 or 3 runs a week, and you will have less injuries and keep your aerobic fitness and remain just as strong. I use it as cross training for cycling. Best of all, I paid $20 for it at Goodwill. Best value piece of exercise equipment ever.