The classic, emblematic NordicTrack machine is a skier, one of the first commonplace pieces of home exercise equipment to hit the market. Although the NordicTrack company expanded its line to include a variety of treadmills, steppers and elliptical trainers, mention the word "NordicTrack" on its own and anyone who's seen one of these machines will immediately think of the classic skier.
Step 1
Hold on to the handlebars of the NordicTrack for stability as you place one foot and then the other on the treaded ski footpads. Stand up straight. Don't lean forward on the hip pad yet, as this may cause the skis to slip out from under you.
Step 2
Adjust the hip pad up or down, if necessary, so that it sits an inch below your navel. Loosen the tension screw holding the hip pad in place, adjust it, then re-tighten the screw.
Step 3
Push one foot back and then the other to begin a skiing motion. Hold onto the handlebars at first for balance, if necessary, but make it a goal to perform the ski motion without holding onto them. Your weight will shift naturally from a flat-footed position to the ball of each foot as that foot reaches the furthest-back point in its stride.
Step 4
Adjust the leg resistance up or down to make the workout a challenge. If you feel yourself slipping off the back of the machine, raise the resistance. Just stop skiing and raise or lower the tension ring on the vertical support of the NordicTrack skier.
Step 5
Perform arm motions when you feel comfortable enough to balance without holding onto the handlebars. Grasp one handle on the arm cord in each hand and swing your arms in a natural motion as you stride on the skier. When your right foot is forward, your right arm should be back, and vice versa.
Step 6
Maintain yourself in an upright position throughout the entire workout. Only your hips should be in contact with the hip pad. You don't need to lean forward over the pad. Breathe regularly as you work out, and cool down with 5 to 10 minutes of gentle activity--either skiing or another activity, such as walking--once you're done.
Tips and Warnings
- Warm up with 5 to 10 minutes of gentle activity before beginning to use your NordicTrack skier in earnest. This gentle activity could be gentle skiing on the NordicTrack, or it could be another activity entirely, such as bicycling or walking.
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