Should I buy a NordicTrack Fusion CST or Bowflex?

There are 5 areas where the Fusion CST and Fusion CST Studio kicks it over the Bowflex HVT. Design, Workouts, Flexibility, Motivation, and Value. 

Jump to the COMPARISON CHART below if you're short on time, plus read Why the Fusion CST is a Game Changer for more details. Also learn about Staying Fit with the Fusion CST – So you can keep on doing activities you love.

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 design is a thing of beauty. Sleek, hi-tech, compact, contemporary looking. "It's designed, kinda like a piece of artwork" with a small footprint that will easily fit in most spaces and most importantly packs a fitness punch performing just as good as it looks.

Using silent magnetic resistance, the Fusion CST allows you to work out super quietly, the action is also very smooth. It has an easy-to-read WATTS display that lights up 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 not as well designed. The side bars combined with the platform are restricting plus the elevated platform is not so well thought-out, users complain they have to sometimes use duct tape or other adhesives to keep the platform surface from sliding around. It also uses a fan/air resistance approach which we found to be much louder when in use and definitely not as smooth.

Bowflex should consider making the platform area longer. At only 5'10 when I did lunge type movements there was a tendency to step on to the edge which was distracting. Bottom line, the design seems to restrict the ease, range and flow of movements you can perform when compared with use on the Fusion CST.

A Final Design Note:

– We like the option that you can place the included 10-inch tablet on either the Fusion's base or use the adjustable freestanding holder that comes included – so you can avoid having to keep looking backward during parts of a session that require you to be turned away from the Fusion base.

WORKOUTS

Nordictrack wins big here too. The iFit technology streams Fusion on-demand workouts that keep you moving and motivated while at the same time provide good instruction, with the proper form, flow and timing. The iFit training team's style keep workouts quick moving, challenging and varied, while the unique personality of individual trainers shines through in each session. Your trainer can adjust your resistance while coaching you through body-changing workouts, yet they keep it Super Fun!
Of course, you can use the Fusion by yourself without iFit and make your own up your own flows, movements with your preferred Resistance adjustments. (intensity)

Workouts from Bowflex are presented in a more systematic, methodical, straight-forward fashion via short demos 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 instructs 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 engages you and your body to get more out of your investment in time and money.  To Meet some of the iFit trainers – Click the short video below.

FLEXIBILITY

Because the Fusion CST and Fusion CST Studio do not have any side bars or platform, the range of moves is a lot 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 adds more 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 seem 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 moves they include in their workouts to take advantage of everything you can do with the Fusion CST. This flexibility will keep your body interested and you from getting bored. This category is another win for the NordicTrack Fusion.

THE FUSION CST IMAGE ABOVE SHOWS THE USE OF INCLUDED ANKLE STRAPS FOR CROSS-FIT/CORE EXERCISE 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 tight integration of the iFit technology platform with the Fusion allows trainers to live control (AutoAdjust) essentially adjust resistance dynamically to match the workout and trainer cues, so keeping you challenged. You also get the power of the group motivation with the studio workouts. 

Fusion iFit workouts were specifically designed for Fusion CST owners – it is like you are at the gym motivated by everyone in a session, but you are enjoying the convenience of a workout at home. The range of Fusion CST moves provide a higher level of motivation to stick with it – it's fun! and you do 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 complied user comments in the short video below.

PRICE OPTIONS

The Bowflex HVT at $799 does not include a tablet, where the Fusion CST from Nordictrack was $1,999, but now is priced at $999 on close-out, with a 10-inch detachable HD touchscreen tablet and includes a one-month membership to iFit trainer-led studio classes. (a $39 Value)

We recommend the Fusion CST for people looking to add Cardio + Strength workouts to their fitness schedule – iFit trainers and the Fusion INTERACTIVE classes make it more challenging yet keep it fun and interesting, which encourages you come back for more.

CLOSE-OUT UPDATE:

We usually recommend getting the latest model and technology, but with this equipment, it does not apply. The Fusion line-up is so good to use, and the close-out price on the original Fusion CST offers fantastic value, we strongly recommend it. The Fusion CST will be superseded by the Fusion CST Studio currently, priced at $2,499 vs. the current close-out $999 for the Fusion CST. The original model is an excellent piece of exercise equipment to use with iFit or standalone.

Streamed classes are particularly useful for those individuals who never worked out before or do not feel confident they know how to work out. iFit provides access to a ton of useful class selections and lets you set your own goals.

For those advanced fitness individuals, there are plenty of workouts that will challenge even the best. You can always use your Fusion without iFit and make your own adjustments along the way – it's totally up to you.

Which to buy? – the Fusion CST

If you are deciding between the Nordictrack Fusion CST and other similar exercise equipment it maybe a hard decision as they may seem to offer the same type of workouts. However, the Fusion CST and the Fusion CST Studio have a superior design and offers over 100 different moves. The Workout sessions led by elite iFit trainers are specifically designed workouts for the Fusion to challenge, push, and motivate you to get the most results out of your investment. For those who like a coach to guide them through a workout or like to work out in a group The Fusion CST powered by iFit is for you.

If you are able to generate your own motivation and prefer to design your own workouts the Fusion CST will meet and exceed your needs as well. To learn more how the Fusion CST can benefit you Read Stay Fit with the Fusion CST – So you can keep on doing activities you love.

SO IN THE END ── Final thoughts

At the end, you have to use your own judgment as to which one is best for you. If you want to add more cardio to your strength moves, you like group classes, and the idea of a coach to guide you through a workout, the Fusion CST is a better choice. If you don’t want to move around as much, and focus on strength, the Bowflex HVT will work.  With the Fusion CST you do get also get a freestanding adjustable 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. And you do get a 10-inch smart tablet plus a great WATTS Display - which all said, makes us lean more towards the Fusion CST.