Question: I'm trying to decide what kind of exercise equipment to buy for indoor aerobic exercise. As a jogger, I need something to use when it's either too hot or too cold outside. What is your opinion of the NordicTrack cross country ski machine? Would this be better than a treadmill or exercise bike? I would appreciate your comments.
Answer: There is no question about the value of cross-country skiing as an aerobic exercise; athletes who compete in cross-country skiing have the highest cardiovascular capacity of all athletes. In fact, the highest fitness level I have ever measured was on a cross-country skier from Sweden, and the highest level I have seen in the literature was from a cross-country skier. This is probably due to the involvement of both the arms and the legs, which does increase the metabolic level of the activity somewhat. Obviously, this activity would be good for the average person in terms of fitness.
In addition, cross-country skiing uses a smooth, non-jarring, total-body motion that is good for the body in terms of long-term wear and tear.
People tend to enjoy cross-country ski machines and tend to continue using the machine once it is purchased. One study showed that after five years, seven in 10 owners continued to use their machines; and most people who use these machines recommend them to other people.
I have tried exercising on the NordicTrack several different times, but I never really got comfortable with the action.
Because of your letter and other similar inquiries, I asked the NordicTrack people to send me a machine I could try for a month to see if I could get the hang of it. During the first few sessions, I held onto the hip pad with both hands and shuffled back and forth with the legs. After a few tries, I began to feel the striding action necessary to use it correctly. I then added arm action with very little resistance until I could coordinate the two. Interestingly, the leg action was easier once I added the arm action because the arm action helped keep my body in position by the hip pad.
Actually, the movement required is really very similar to real cross-country skiing; you have to shift weight from ski to ski, and bring the back ski forward with a dragging action of your toe. Once I learned that, I started to get a great workout.
Is it better than a treadmill or exercise bike? I think this is a matter of personal preference. There is so much variation in the way we all feel about exercising, it is difficult for me to choose one type of exercise over another. Any large-muscle, rhythmic activity will improve aerobic fitness, so the type of exercise you enjoy most will be best for you.
If you decide to try a NordicTrack cross-country ski machine, you need to know that it will take a few days to get the hang of it - but you will enjoy it once you learn. I am glad that I took the time to learn, because now I appreciate this type of exercise and would feel very comfortable using it as an alternative to running.