NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio Review

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Key Features:

• Resistance up to 100 pounds is automatically adjusted during an iFit workout
• Six independent pulleys and two squat pulleys
• Tablet, magnetic holder and stand included
• Silent Magnetic Resistance system

NordicTrack is known for its cardio equipment including an array of elliptical machines and treadmills to choose from. If you’re looking for a more inclusive setup for your home gym, the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio combines strength and cardio into a single machine.

The NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio uses cables and a magnetic resistance system to mimic moving weights from 10 to 100 pounds. Like other functional trainers, it’s designed to replace your current gym membership by giving you a full-body workout while taking up a minimal amount of space in your home. So you can ditch multiple sets of dumbbells and hit your pecs, back, lats, biceps and triceps all with one piece of equipment.

How does it compare to other smart home gyms like the NordicTrack Vault, Tonal and the REP Fitness FT-5000 Functional Trainer? In this NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio review, we’ll go over the construction and design, what working out looks like, stand-out features, customer reviews, iFit compatibility and everything in between to help you decide if the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio is a good addition to your home gym equipment.

What is the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio?

The NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio is a strength and cardio machine that utilizes pulley resistance during training. There are 20 digital power settings and resistance ranges from 10 to 100 pounds. Resistance is adjusted automatically during iFit classes based on the cues from your personal trainer. An iFit membership is an additional monthly cost (more on that later), but you can use this machine in manual mode if you choose not to subscribe.

This machine consists of a 70-inch long by 15-inch wide mirror that sits on a stand. There are three sets of cables strategically placed for upper, middle and lower body movements. Interactive workouts from iFit can be streamed using the included 10-inch HD tablet and the full-length mirror functions as a tool to check your form. The tablet can be placed anywhere on the mirror using the magnetic holder or this machine also comes with an adjustable independent tablet stand.

Quick spec overview

• Footprint: 73.5 inches H x 60.5 inches W x 41.5 inches D
• Mirror size: 70 inches L x 15 inches W
• Weight: 378 pounds
• Resistance type: Magnetic
• Resistance levels: 20
• Included accessories: Six handles, two ankle straps, two squat pulleys, 10-inch HD tablet, magnetic holder, device stand
• Subscription required? No, but an iFit subscription is recommended to access all features
• Warranty: 10-year frame, one-year parts and labor, one-year tablet

Construction and design

The heavy-duty steel frame has two legs that attach to the freestanding base to keep it stabilized. There are six pulleys—two at the top, two at the shoulder or chest height and two at ankle height—for full-body workout capabilities. There are two squat pulleys attached to the legs further away from the machine that can be used for vertical movements such as presses and squats.

The full-length mirror is front and center so you can see your form and make adjustments as needed. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance system increases or decreases resistance quietly using magnets, which is quieter than friction-based systems.

On the back side, the inertia-enhanced flywheel maintains a smooth rotation as the coated cables move with each rep. The integrated cable system won’t allow cables to cross and each has 95 feet of slack which is plenty of length to accommodate a variety of heights.

Working out with the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio

The 20 resistance settings available on the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio offer many options for strength and cardio exercises. To build strength, the resistance can be adjusted so your muscles are working near their maximum capacity. The intensity can be adjusted by changing the amount of resistance and repetitions. For toning exercises, resistance can be set at a moderate level to complete more sets and repetitions. If you have a weight loss goal, doing a high number of reps at low resistance with short rest in between sets promotes fat loss. If you prefer cross-training, resistance exercises and body weight movements can combine strength and aerobic training.

All four types of workouts can be done in manual mode, but iFit offers a more interactive, guided experience if you choose to subscribe. Before starting a training session, you’ll choose your difficulty option out of the seven available. The Fusion CST Studio will make weight adjustments automatically throughout your workout. Manual adjustments can be made from the tablet or using the buttons or slider located on the machine.

During your home workout, you can utilize the included ankle straps for cable leg exercises like hamstring curls, hip abductors, cable kickbacks and more. The six removable handles can be used for lat pulldowns, shoulder presses, curls, crossover flies and other movements. The squat pulleys can be used by gripping the handles as you squat or do standing presses. These pulleys are further away from the machine to give you ample space. NordicTrack recommends that you have six feet of clearance around the machine so there is enough room to move comfortably.

Customer reviews

Unfortunately, NordicTrack does not have any product reviews on its website and it appears this model is not sold on any other sites. We did some digging on the reviews for the Fusion CST Studio iFit app since the app plays a huge role in this machine. We found that it’s a separate app from the one utilized for NordicTrack’s other cardio equipment.

This app is not available on Apple iOS, which is probably because of the operating system used on the tablet. On the Google Play Store, the app has 3.3/5 stars. Many reviewers mention that they enjoy the classes and that they get a good workout from them. One reviewer said, “The workouts are actually fantastic! After one workout, tons of sweat & lots of muscle soreness!” Critical reviews state that the tablet runs slow and the app buffers or crashes. One review said, “It's not our network, it's the app that either buffers, locks up or just freezes.” NordicTrack responded to reviews and gave instructions to update the app and provided contact information in case the issues continued. It is worth mentioning that some reviews say their connectivity issues were resolved after updates, but overall the app needs work.

NordicTrack Fusion CST Pros

The Nordictrack Fusion CST Studio is best suited for those who want to combine strength and cardio training and those who like to incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It has a compact size, but can hit multiple muscle groups during full-body workouts and isolation exercises using resistance up to 20 levels or 100 pounds. It comes equipped with a full-length mirror so you can adjust and check your form. It includes a tablet with a magnetic holder and a separate adjustable device stand. The iFit classes can be streamed for an instructor-led interactive session and resistance is adjusted automatically throughout your home workout or manually.

NordicTrack Fusion CST Cons

While this cable machine offers many benefits, it also has some limitations. First, the magnetic resistance system does not have an eccentric resistance feature. The iFit app for the Fusion CST Studio is a different app from the one used for NordicTrack’s other cardio machines, so your training session options are more limited. However, the membership costs are the same. Reviews also mention that the tablet is laggy and that at times they experience buffering during their workout. It’s also possible that after some time, your strength may exceed the allotted resistance this machine has to offer.

Stand-Out Features

The Automatic Trainer Control is one of the main stand-out features because your resistance is adjusted automatically during an iFit class. That way when you’re switching back and forth between movements, you don’t have to stop to make adjustments. There are strength-building programs and cross-training or HIIT class options available, all of which are guided by an experienced iFit expert.

During a class and in manual mode, you’ll see your resistance, heart rate, calories burned and power output tracked in watts. The heart rate tracking feature is only available if you purchase the SmartBeat heart rate monitor separately for $99.

The magnetic resistance system works to keep your home fitness experience quiet and offers resistance up to 100 pounds. There is no resistance during the eccentric phase of your movement which means you may be missing out on some muscle-building benefits. That said, eccentric resistance damages muscle fibers which can cause you to feel more stiff or sore afterward. If you’re sore, this could lead to using your cable machine less. If you plan on doing cardio-based training, the lack of eccentric resistance can help you transition faster to other movements because you’re able to recover more quickly.

iFit compatibility

An iFit membership can unlock classes led by iFit coaches that you can stream on-demand right to the included touchscreen tablet. They offer daily recommendations and strength or cross-training workouts. Throughout the class, the resistance is adjusted automatically or manual changes can be made as needed. NordicTrack includes a 30-day trial to iFit so you can see if it’s right for you. After 30 days, you can choose from one of the following plan options:

• Individual monthly: $15 per month
• Individual yearly: $180 per year
• Family monthly: $39 per month
• Family yearly: $396 per year

Assembly and warranty

The manual for the Fusion CST Studio states that assembly requires two to three people because of the size and weight of the strength system. The in-box weight is 378 pounds so you’ll also likely need help moving it to your desired location. There is no paid assembly option, but standard delivery is free. All the tools you’ll need are included except for an adjustable wrench. There are tips throughout the instructions to help make assembly as easy as possible.

This machine comes with a 10-year frame warranty, a one-year parts and labor warranty and a one-year warranty for the tablet.

NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio FAQs

Can you bench press on the Fusion CST Studio?

No. There is no bench included, however, you can purchase a bench and do cable bench presses. Other exercises you can do on the Fusion CST Studio that isolate your pec muscles are standing chest presses, cable crossovers, flies and more.

Does the Fusion CST Studio require a membership?

No. An iFit membership is not required, but is recommended to get the full benefits of the features.

What is the difference between the Fusion CST and the Fusion CST Studio?

The Fusion CST is currently on closeout for $1,599 and the Fusion CST Studio is available for $2,299. The specs between the two machines listed on NordicTrack are similar, however the Fusion CST Studio does not include the Bluetooth chest strap to track your heart rate like the Fusion CST.

Final Thoughts

Compact home gyms, like the Bowflex Xtreme, are becoming a popular alternative to a pricey membership. The NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio is an excellent piece of equipment for those who want a cable pulley system for their home gym that has a small footprint. It’s a great option if you want to integrate cardio and strength training or build strength alone. The auto-adjusting resistance is a main feature that can only be used during an iFit class. That being said, if you’re considering this machine, it’s a good idea to take into account the monthly membership costs. Without an iFit subscription, you won’t be able to take advantage of all the features this machine has to offer. If you’re an experienced athlete who likes to lift heavy, this probably isn’t the right choice for you since the maximum resistance is 100 pounds.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.