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Torn between an elliptical and a stair stepper? You can have both! Read this review of the NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer to learn more about this cardio machine’s versatile performance.
Updated: August 3, 2023
The NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer has a smaller touchscreen than the FS14i, and it has put the extra space to good use by including OneTouch buttons. Jump quickly from one grade to the next in the 0 to 10% incline range, or dial up the intensity for your next interval with the 24 levels of magnetic resistance. The FS10i FreeStride Trainer includes all the fun of an elliptical and a stair stepper into one machine. Even better, it has a highly variable stride length of 0 to 32 inches.
The NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer has a gray powder-coated steel frame. It can support users up to 375 lbs, which is quite nice for an elliptical trainer. NordicTrack only provides the in-box weight of 284 lbs. Having moved the FS14i, we know well enough that this machine is heavy. It has a decent footprint of 58.” x 29.5” x 74”, but the stride length requires considerably more space.
There are two flywheels, one on either side of the machine, attached to pedal arms by the cranks. These 20 lb flywheels improve the fluidity of each stride.
The pedals are oversized. I measured the pedals of the FS14i to be 17” x 6”, and the FS10i’s pedals appear to be the very same ones. This size should accommodate all shoe sizes with room to spare. They are cushioned for reduced numbness and soreness. I typically experience foot issues on ellipticals, but I had no issue with the FS10i’s counterpart, the FS14i. The pedals are not adjustable, so the angle may not be perfect for all users.
The NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer has a stride length variability of 0” to 32”, one of the longest I have seen on an elliptical, making it ideal for longer-legged users. Yet, the freedom of motion makes the FS10i prone to misuse. It will make a banging noise if pushed beyond its limit. The FS10i is not ideal for replicating a running stride length. Users operating within the FS10i’s limits should have a smooth and quiet workout.
The NordicTrack FS10i has two front transport wheels which can be used to relocate the machine. It is quite cumbersome. Thus, I recommend finding a dedicated space to place it in your home and not moving it frequently.
Twenty-four levels of magnetic resistance provide sufficient intensity. It is not as hard of a resistance as the ProForm Pro HIIT H14, but it is challenging to sustain for longer efforts. Increasing the resistance is the best way to dial up the intensity of the FS10i, as the FreeStride Trainers do not work the best when used at high RPMs for an elliptical range of motion. I like the resistance offered by the FS14i for longer intervals and sustained efforts as opposed to HIIT training and conclude the FS10i will perform similarly.
The FS10i differs from the FS14i by only having an incline, not a decline. Its range is from 0 to 10%. If you hope to save money by choosing the FS10i, don’t worry too much about missing out on the decline. The incline and decline don’t add much to the training experience on the FreeStride. They do not add more resistance or make the workout more challenging. They do not replicate the experience of running or walking uphill. At most, the incline improves the immersion into the iFIT content by matching the real-life terrain as closely as possible. It targets different muscles more intensely than the neutral grade. Still, this difference in muscle activation is so slight I hardly notice it.
The NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer has most of the features of its pricier counterpart, the FS14i. It slims down on the screen and adds OneTouch buttons, which some might consider an improvement. It also has a bonus feature that iFIT subscribers and non-subscribers will both enjoy.
I love the OneTouch buttons from NordicTrack. They seem like such an obvious feature to include on an elliptical that I hardly think about how important they are until I don’t have them. The FS14i does not have them, but the FS10i does! These buttons frame the 10-inch touchscreen with the spare space saved by the smaller screen. The buttons allow users to jump from one incline grade or resistance level to another. They don’t hit every single resistance level, but the buttons +/- buttons on the bottom of the console allow you to be more precise if necessary.
The handles have no buttons, such as those found on the FS14i. As a shorter user, I did not like the buttons on the handles, and I did not use them beyond testing their functionality. I won’t miss them, and I don’t think you will want them either. The OneTouch buttons are great and suffice for fantastic interval training.
There are fan speed and volume buttons beneath the speakers. I am happy to have these on the console rather than relying on the screen’s controls. Changing the volume while exercising from the screen can be difficult, so these buttons make it faster and simpler.
The 10-inch touchscreen is large enough for viewing iFIT’s premium training content. I don’t like going much smaller than 10 inches. Some exercisers may appreciate an even larger screen. Our experience with 10” NordicTrack screens has been good. The picture quality is normally great. The screen tilts to help you eliminate glare, though it doesn’t account much for user height variability. It may not be ideal for viewing off-elliptical content. Fortunately, subscribers can log into their iFIT accounts from their smart TVs or smart devices for easier off-equipment viewing.
The FreeStride Trainer has one cup holder. It can store a single, regular-sized bottle or your phone. A bottle will most likely block the fan. Like the FS14i, the FS10i could benefit from more storage. I like to keep water, a snack, and my phone nearby while training.
Though I cannot report on this fan’s exact strength and functionality as I have only tested the FS10i. I have tested many, many NordicTrack cardio machines, and all of the fans have been powerful and effective. The FS14i fan was a little loud, and I expect the same from the FS10i.
There is a device ledge on the FS10i! It won’t hold your phone or tablet as securely as a designated rack might, but it is there. A large device will block the lower half of the screen, and the speakers will also be covered up. This might muffle the FS10i’s audio slightly, but I don’t think it should matter too much. I think including a device ledge puts the FS10i leaps and bounds (pun intended) ahead of the FS14i, allowing exercisers to listen or watch their favorite content rather than being restricted to the iFIT onscreen content.
Again, I don’t know the strength of these specific features, though this review will be updated if I do. Yet, my experience with NordicTrack products leads me to believe they will be sufficiently loud, even at a submaximal volume. They are front-facing, so you do not have to worry about the muffled sound of rear-mounted speakers.
The FS10i has an Aux port and Bluetooth audio capabilities. This is more variety than typically found on newer NordicTrack machines, as those rarely have Aux ports. If you are holding onto the good ole days of auxiliary cords and headphone jacks or you forget to charge your headphones (guilty!), this machine might be perfect for you.
The Bluetooth feature allows audio in or out. Play your favorite music over the speakers or listen quietly to the iFIT trainer’s coaching. Bluetooth lets users pair a compatible heart rate monitor for more training metrics and functionality.
While I haven’t had the honor of testing the FS10i (this review will be updated if I do), I have tested the FS14i, a nearly identical elliptical. For 2-in-1 machines like this, it can take a little time to get the hang of the movement. My recommendation is to go slow and allow yourself time to adjust. The FreeStriders are not ideal for sprinting and work best at a slow to moderate steady pace. For added intensity, increase the resistance with the silent magnetic resistance of twenty-four levels. Stay within the 32” stride limit for the smoothest experience. I recommend a range of up to 40 RPM while moving in an elliptical motion. A higher RPM can be used for stair stepping.
Upgrade your elliptical with a subscription to iFIT. The first 30 days are free, and exercisers can continue their subscription with a monthly or annual fee. An iFIT subscription accesses the platform’s entire content library, not just that suitable to the FS10i. Elliptical workouts include studio elliptical sessions and outdoor content performed by hiking, rollerskating, skiing, and more. One of iFIT’s professional trainers will coach and entertain you for the duration of the class, helping you reach your goals and stay motivated. The off-elliptical content includes other cardio machines, strength training, yoga, and more.
iFIT content is filmed around the world, but if there is a destination in mind that you just can’t find in one of the over 16,000 classes, you can create a route with the Google Maps integration and virtually train with Google Street View. The incline on the train will match the real-world terrain as closely as possible for an even more immersive experience.
Without content, the FS10i is still usable. There are some onboard training programs, though a WiFi connection is required for the best selection. Users can also train in the manual activity screen, taking control of the resistance and incline for themselves.
The FS10i is more affordable than the FS14i. It also has a device ledge and OneTouch buttons, which makes it my preferred cardio machine of the two. It adds versatility to an already versatile design. The FS10i includes the functionality of an elliptical and a stair stepper in one machine. The stride range is variable, with a maximum length of 32 inches, which will please tall users who don’t feel as comfortable on most 20” stride ellipticals.
