Get Fit with NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio: A Complete Review
Alex McRae- 5 Min To Read
- 10 Aug, 2023
This NordicTrackFusion Studio review will provide all the information you need about this cable that adjusts to your heart rate and cardio mirror. This upgraded Fusion CST has a lot of great features. However, there are still many areas that need improvement. You can read (or watch) the video below to see all of it.
Fusion CST Studio video review
Here’s a quick overview of Fusion CST Studio
The Fusion CST Studio connects to an iFIT class and pairs with it. These classes require an iFIT Membership and can be taken with the 10" tablet.
The Fusion CST Studio is different from the original Fusion CST because it has a fully-length 70" x 15 inch mirror at the front. This allows you to see your form during your workout.
What is included in the Fusion CST Studio
It includes:
- HD Tablet 10"
- Adjustable Independent Tablet/Smartphone Stand
- Magnetic Tablet/Smartphone Stand (can place anywhere on the mirror).
- Two Ankle Strap Accessories
- 30-day iFIT Family Membership
Fusion CST Studio specs
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 378lbs |
| Dimensions | 73.5’’ H x 60.5’’ W x 41.5’’ D |
| Mirror Dimensions | 70’’ H. x 15"’’ W |
| Types of Resistance | Silent Magnetic Resistance |
| Automated Resistance Control | Yes |
| Resistance Range | 10lbs-100lbs |
| Cable Pulley Travel Length | 95'' |
| Warranty | 10-year frame warranty |
| 1-Year Labor&Parts Warranty | |
| 1-Year Warranty on Tablets | |
| Tablet included | Portable 10 inch HD Tablet |
| Membership required for iFIT | No |
| Note | A magnetic stand can be used anywhere on the mirror to hold the tablet |
Fusion CST Studio
The Fusion CST Studio has six cable pulleys, which allows for a variety of movements. You can adjust the lower cables forward and back using an additional “Squat Pulley”. I found these lower cables to be extremely useful for core and glute exercises.
The unique thing about this cable is the magnetically adjusted flywheel that creates resistance.
The Fusion CST Studio uses a flywheel in the back to provide silent magnetic resistance
The magnetic resistance can be easily adjusted using controls located on either the side of the studio or the tablet that comes with the package. NordicTrack claims that the levels are between 1-20 and represent a range of 10-100lbs in resistance. It seems like there is a lot more to it than I thought.
The Fusion CST Studio’s maximum resistance feels closer to 50- or 60-pounds than to 100-pounds. This resistance is sufficient to perform single-arm and single-leg exercises. However, it may not be sufficient for everyone.
Resistance level can be adjusted from 1 to 20
The eccentric portion (the lowering) of movements has very little resistance. For example, a squat will feel resistance only on the way up. Two things are important to note:
- The Fusion CST Studio will make you less sore.
- Each lift will not bring you as many benefits.
For those who are looking to gain some strength and not feel defeated, this resistance method may be a good option. It is not for everyone. I am one of them.
The workouts
Fusion CST Studio classes can be set up using the 10" tablet, unlike other iFIT-enabled devices. With a magnetic stand and an adjustable stand, you can place the tablet anywhere you like.
The included tablet comes with a separate adjustable stand.
The app has about a dozen Fusion CST programs. These programs range in strength and cardio focus, and are usually three to six weeks long. You can choose how hard you want the weights to go for each exercise, and they will automatically adjust for each one.
The auto-adjust system eliminates all guesswork and ensures that your sessions run smoothly. You can adjust your weight through the app or studio, if the workout becomes too hard or too easy.
The programs are well-coordinated and progress from week to weeks. There is a lot to love and a lot to get results.
CST Studio iFIT App
My only complaint with the app is the lack of new content. The majority of the programs are quite old and new programs and classes are very rare. Although the NordicTrack website mentions live classes, the Fusion CST does not currently have any live classes.
It is regrettable, as the monthly cost of iFIT family plans is $39 each month. This can be adjusted to an individual plan for $15 per month. Although you get access to iFIT’s main app, it seems like an unnecessary cost when the Fusion CST content is so rarely updated.
Fusion CST Studio vs The Vault
NordicTrack also has a strength-and conditioning mirror called Vault. It focuses on dumbbell or kettlebell exercises. The Vault complete is comparable in cost ($2,695 vs. $2,495). It includes a complete set dumbbells and kettlebells as well as a variety of bands.
The NordicTrack Vault
The Fusion CST Studio and the Vault are different depending on whether you prefer to lift with cables or free weights. Cables are easier for beginners and require less stability. Dumbbells, Kettlebells and Kettlebells offer a greater range of movement options.
Although the Vault isn’t updated as often as I would like it to, it receives more frequent updates than the Fusion CST. Although I enjoy the Vault workouts more than the Fusion CST Studio, my preference for free weights means that I’m not the ideal target audience for Fusion CST Studio.
Final thoughts
The Fusion CST Studio is an upgrade to the original. It features a mirror that looks great and provides movement feedback. The resistance is smooth and quiet. It also automatically adjusts for your weight during exercise. However, since the resistance is a bit limited, and eccentric loading minimal, this may not be the best option for those who are more intermediate-to-advanced.
Although the iFIT workouts are excellent, there are only around a dozen of them. It seems unreasonable to charge a monthly fee for this site when there is not much new content. I hope this will change soon. If it does, I’ll update this review.
You will enjoy iFIT if you like stability and the ease of using cables weights. The NordicTrack Vault is more affordable for most.
