Nordic Trac
- Thread starter Mary Ann
- Start date
Aquajock
Cathlete
The Nordic Track ski machine is just that - a piece of aerobic equipment that mimics the cross-country ski motion of the lower body while providing pulley-motion (cables with handles on a flywheel) for the upper body, to recruit more muscles that add to cardio output.
I did Nordic Track fairly consistently for about a year back in the early '90's (my early days of getting into exercising consistently), and although I did get a fairly good cardio workout, in retrospect I don't think it was that that great, especially if that is the only cardio machine you're using. The number of muscles recruited is fairly limited, the range of motion is limited, and thus the motion is so repetitive that 10 minutes feels like an hour on the brain AND the body. If it's free, I'd say take it, and do it when you want a brain-dead workout, but don't rely on it too much.
A-Jock
I did Nordic Track fairly consistently for about a year back in the early '90's (my early days of getting into exercising consistently), and although I did get a fairly good cardio workout, in retrospect I don't think it was that that great, especially if that is the only cardio machine you're using. The number of muscles recruited is fairly limited, the range of motion is limited, and thus the motion is so repetitive that 10 minutes feels like an hour on the brain AND the body. If it's free, I'd say take it, and do it when you want a brain-dead workout, but don't rely on it too much.
A-Jock
Mckmain
Cathlete
I agree with A-Jocks description fo the Nordic track....right on the nose. But...As a runner the Nordic track has helped me thru a few injuries when High impact was a problem. No other form of cardio has ever gotten my heart rate up as high as running except the Nordic. Mine has an adjustable incline that increases the difficulty a bit. I think it is a great over all body cardio workout myself. I also don't just the Nordic as my only cardio. One of my favortie workouts is 8 minutes of Nordic alternated with 8 minutes of one of Cathe's step workouts for a nice 40 minute cardio workout.
When I started reading more about HIIT (High Interval Intensity Training) I did a HIIT workout on my Nordic and in just 22 minutes....I felt completely worked out!.....
...Carole
When I started reading more about HIIT (High Interval Intensity Training) I did a HIIT workout on my Nordic and in just 22 minutes....I felt completely worked out!.....
...Carole
macska
Cathlete
I use my Nordictrack for more than 10 years now. You get what you put in. I can use it with high intensity and get my HR up to 175 or use it slower and just cruse on it. You must use both upper and lower body to use it so it is a pretty good overall workout. You can also adjust the resistence and the incline so you can make it a pretty darn hard exercise for yourself.
I was just using it yesterday for 35 min and with some fast music blasting in my ears I was in the "lactic treshold" zone all the way w/ 163-168 HR. Now that's not so bad. Mari
I was just using it yesterday for 35 min and with some fast music blasting in my ears I was in the "lactic treshold" zone all the way w/ 163-168 HR. Now that's not so bad. Mari
I used a nordic trac a lot when I was pregnant. I was able to position the belly pad in a comfortable spot and there was no impact. I used it right till the end. The comments about it being repetitive are so true though. One thing I would do is set up a cardio circuit with my nordic trac, step, and the exercise bike I had then. I would rotate through songs on PowerMax or Dynamix CD's and it worked great. Rotating through the equipment really made the time fly and I could get a great workout.
susanz
Cathlete
I still own my Nordic. My hubby bought it for me ohhh so very long ago. I still use it about 2 times a week for 40 min. to an hour. If I over do it though my hip flexors really get sore. I told my husband that it really has held up well all these years with all the use it's had. I think I've only had to replace the batteries on the timer! I have kept it clean and oiled too.
This machine really helped me get back into shape after having babies since it's pretty low impact. Susan
This machine really helped me get back into shape after having babies since it's pretty low impact. Susan
Mary Ann -
Hopefully your cousin will show you how to use it. It can be tricky at first. The guy who sold it to us told us to start with legs only until you get the cadence. Just do a motion like you are wiping your feet on a mat. Then when you get to the point where you aren't flying off anymore (it does happen!), add the arms.
You can also buy very light weighted handgrips.
Good luck! I'm a little klutzy and it was hard for me to get used to it, but once I did, I loved it.
Melissa
Hopefully your cousin will show you how to use it. It can be tricky at first. The guy who sold it to us told us to start with legs only until you get the cadence. Just do a motion like you are wiping your feet on a mat. Then when you get to the point where you aren't flying off anymore (it does happen!), add the arms.
You can also buy very light weighted handgrips.
Good luck! I'm a little klutzy and it was hard for me to get used to it, but once I did, I loved it.
Melissa