Nordic Track exercises involve a cross country ski movement, and bicycling on a recumbent bike involves using your feet out in front of you instead of underneath you. Both pieces of equipment will give you a workout, burn calories, strengthen your heart and lungs, and help you lose weight. Personal preference will help you choose which activity you will enjoy and therefore continue to perform.
Nordic Track
Nordic Track makes other pieces of exercise equipment, but this skier is it's classic piece. If you enjoy cross country skiing, and want to practice year-round, the Nordic Track is a good option for this. Many health clubs have the ski machines available. They are easy to use since you can only do one movement. Skiers are non-impact machines, so you will not have to worry about knee or ankle pain. The Nordic Track has variable resistance, so as you improve, the machine can still provide you with a good workout.
Recumbent Bike
A recumbent bike is a stationary bicycle that you pedal with feet out in front of you. The bike provides back support and a large, comfortable seat. There are recumbent bikes in most health clubs. A recumbent bike is easy to use and can be pedaled forward or backwards. Cycling is a non-impact exercise -- unlike running on a treadmill, it will not jar your knees. You can increase the tension as you build strength.
Affordability
Expect to pay $700 to $1,000 for a traditional Nordic Track machine for home use. A recumbent bike will cost you between $300 and $500.
Exercise equipment is an investment in your health and wellness. Consider your options, but keep in mind that a higher-end product will usually sustain more hours of use, and will therefore provide more benefits in the long run.
Warranties
Nordic Track offers a lifetime guarantee on the motor and the frame, a 1-year parts guarantee and in-home service repair. This is an added benefit because you avoid shipping charges by not having to send your equipment to the manufacturer for repair.
A Schwinn recumbent bike, for example, comes with a 5-year warranty on the frame, a 1-year warranty on the mechanical and electrical components, and 90 days for parts.
Expert Insight
Weight loss and calorie burning are not the only reasons to engage in exercise. Knowing you are enhancing the quality of your life is motivation to get up and use either the Nordic Track or the recumbent bike. The American Council on Exercise notes that a 160-lb. person burns 10 calories per minute while cross country skiing. Multiply 10 by the number of minutes spent on the Nordic Track for your total calories burned. A 160-lb. person uses 7.3 calories per minute while cycling at 10 mph.
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