Mar 25

Mar 25 Nordictrack Fusion CST vs. Bowflex HVT+

Should I buy the NordicTrack Fusion CST or Bowflex HVT

There are 5 areas where the Fusion CST kicks it over the Bowflex HVT+ Design, Workouts, Flexibility, Motivation, Pricing.

DESIGN

To be fair, putting aesthetics aside, you can still get a good workout on the Bowflex HVT+ but we give the design edge to Nordictrack’s Fusion CST. The Fusion CST design is a thing of beauty. Sleek, hi-tech, compact, cool looking. It's designed, kinda like a piece of artwork with a small footprint that will easily fit in most apartments and most importantly performs just as good as it looks.

Using silent magnetic resistance, the Fusion CST allows you to work out without disturbing others. It has an easy to read Watts display so you can see the power generated on every pull along with your heart rate. The Bowflex HVT+ offers a similar cardio and strength workout but has a larger footprint, is taller, and a little clunky. We have to say it – it is just ugly too look at. The side bars combined with the platform are restricting plus the elevated platform is not so well designed, users complain they have to use duct tape or other adhesives to keep the platform surface from sliding around. It also uses a fan resistance approach which we found to be louder when in use. Bottom line it's design seems too restrict the range of movements you can perform when compared to the Fusion CST.

As a Final Design note – we really enjoyed having the option to place the included 10 inch tablet either on the Fusion base or use the included adjustable freestanding stand so you do not have to keep looking backward during a session.

THE BOWFLEX HVT+

THE NORDICTRACK FUSION CST

WORKOUTS:

Nordictrack wins big here too. The iFit Coach technology streams Fusion on-demand studio classes that keep you moving and motivated while providing proper form and timing. The iFit training team's style keep workouts quick, challenging and varied, while the unique personality of the individual trainers shines through in each class. Your personal trainer can automatically control your resistance while coaching you through body-changing workouts, yet they makes it Super Fun! The workouts from Bowflex are presented in a more systematic, methodical and straight-forward fashion via short examples on their app or the included guidebook. For more class-style Bowflex HVT videos you can go YouTube. The Bowflex unit does come pre-loaded with 3 routines and tells you when to begin, rest and counts downs the last 5 seconds. You get a workout, but with way less motivation, fun factor and variety. NordicTrack wins this category primarily because iFit Coach engages you to get more out of your investment in time and money. Meet some of the trainers – See the Video Below.

THE FUSION CST INCLUDES 1 YEAR OF iFIT COACH WITH FUSION LIVE STUDIO CLASSES TO FOLLOW YOU GET THE FEEL OF A STUDIO CLASS WITH THE POWER OF GROUP ENERGY

FLEXIBILITY

Because the Fusion CST does not have any side bars or platform, the range of moves is much more expansive and visibly less restrictive. Trainers really use this freedom to add in some great jumping, lunges and floor exercises to amp up the cardio. This really adds power to the workout and engages more muscle groups. The added space allows for a wider range of movement than the Bowflex HVT+ so the workouts include side to side and floor options. The Fusion also comes with lower cables for exercises with the included ankle straps. The workout options are limitless. The Bowflex HVT+ is limited with its side bars and elevated platform – you still can get a good Cardio and Strength workout, but you don’t have as many choices as the Fusion CST offers. We found iFit trainers are especially creative with the moves they include in their workouts to take advantage of everything you can do with the Fusion CST. This flexibility will keep you from getting bored. This category is another win for the NordicTrack Fusion.

WITHOUT SIDE BARS OR PLATFORM THE FUSION CST OFFERS AN AMAZING NUMBER OF MOVES FOR WORKOUTS THAT DELIVER RESULTS AND NEVER GET BORING

AWKWARD BALANCING ON THE PLATFORM WHILE TRYING TO FOCUS ON YOUR WORKOUT. THE BOWFLEX HVT+ RESTRICTS MOVEMENT WITH SIDE BARS AND ELEVATED PLATFORM

THE FUSION HAS ANKLE STRAPS INCLUDED FOR MORE CORE EXERCISES, MORE OPTIONS

MOTIVATION:

Both the Bowflex HVT+ and the Nordictrack Fusion CST provide Cardio and Strength combined workouts. This is a great combination to get results in a shorter period of time. The integration of iFit technology with the Fusion actually adjusts the resistance automatically to match the class so it is keeps you challenged. You also get the power of the group motivation with the studio class workouts. These workouts were specifically designed for the Fusion CST – it is like you are at the gym motivated by everyone around in the class but you are enjoying the convenience of a live class at home. The range of Fusion CST moves provide a higher level of motivation to stick with it – it's fun! and you will see results. A recent study conducted by NordicTrack showed Fusion CST users could lose on average 15 lbs in 12 weeks, when combined with a healthy diet. More importantly, participants loved the Fusion CST workouts – Checkout the the short video below

THE iFIT TRAINERS DELIVER MOTIVATING, CHALLENGING WORKOUTS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE UNLIMITED MOVES POSSIBLE ON THE FUSION CST

THE 10 INCH TABLET CAN BE MOUNTED ON THE BASE UNIT OR DETACHED AND PLACE ON A FREESTANDING ADJUSTABLE STAND. YOU CAN USE IT TO ALSO HOLD A SMART PHONE

USE THE POWER OF THE GROUP TO COMPETE YOUR WORKOUT AND GET RESULTS WITH THE NORDICTRACK FUSION CST + iFIT COACH TRAINERS

YOU CAN FOLLOW THE GUIDE BOOK - NO STUDIO CLASSES

THE BOWFLEX HVT+ DOES COME WITH A FREE APP SO YOU CAN VIEW HOW TO COMPLETE MOVES & RECOMMENDED SEQUENCES, & YOUR PROGRESS. YOU CAN ADD UP TO 4 USERS

PRICING:

The Bowflex HVT+ is $2,299 with an 8” Samsung Tablet, the Fusion CST from Nordictrack is $1,999 with a 10” detachable touch tablet and a one year membership to iFit Coach. We would recommend the Fusion CST for people looking to add a Cardio + Strength workouts to their fitness schedule – the iFit trainers and studio classes make it more challenging yet keep it fun and interesting which helps you come back for more. For those individuals who have never worked out before, or do not feel that they don’t know how to workout, iFit Coach provides a ton of useful workout options and lets you set your own goals.

Which one should you buy – the Fusion CST or the Bowflex HVT+

If you are deciding between the Bowflex HVT+ or the Nordictrack Fusion CST it is a hard decision as the two seem to offer the same type of workout. However, the Fusion CST has a superior design and offers over 100 different moves. The Studio Classes led by professional iFit trainers specifically designed workouts to challenge, motivate and get the most results out of your investment. These advantages makes the decision a little clearer for those that like a coach to guide them through a workout. If you can generate your own motivation and like to design your own workouts the Bowflex HVT+ will meet your needs.

FEATURE COMPARISONS CHART

	Fusion CST	Bowflex HVT
WORKOUTS	Streamed Studio Classes	generic demonstrations
TRAINING TYPE	Cardio & Strength	Hybrid Velocity
EXERCISE MOVES	100+	50
DIMENSIONS	41.5" L x 59.4" W x 74" H	65.6" L x 46" W x 83" H
VISUAL WORKOUT AID	integrated app automatically adjusts resistance, Studio classes	app to view 3 workouts & exercises. Full training guide-book
RESISTANCE LEVELS	20	16
TABLET	10 inch	8 inch
HEART RATE MONITOR	yes	yes
ANKLE STRAPS	yes	no
MAGNETIC RESISTANCE	silent	yes
MECHANICS	enhanced inertia flywheel	progressive fan
WARRANTY	Lifetime Frame, 1-year Parts & Labor	2 years parts & 90 days labor
PULLEYS	4 (low, mid, and high levels + squats)	3 (mid, high + squats)
DISPLAY	Watts & Heart Rate LED Display score, resistance	time, calories, power
PRICE	$1,999 includes one year iFit Coach	$2,299
SHIPPING	Free	Free

SO IN THE END ── Final thoughts

At the end, you have to use your own judgment on which one is right for you. If you want to add more cardio to your strength moves, you like group classes, and like the idea of a coach to guide you through a workout, the Fusion CST is probably a better choice. If you don’t want to move around as much, and focus on strength, the Bowflex HVT+ will work for you. With the Fusion CST you do get an adjustable freestanding stand to hold the tablet away from the base or optionally you can place it on the base unit. Additionally you get an extra pair lower cables with detachable ankle straps.