Building strength at home just got easier with the NordicTrack Fusion CST. This revolutionary resistance machine is designed for high-intensity strength-training workouts that build muscle and burn calories while giving users an interactive experience with iFIT programming.
The NordicTrack Fusion CST is ideal for all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced looking for a relatively compact machine that will work in several home settings. While the Fusion CST is not considered a budget home gym, it is a worthwhile purchase if you plan on using it frequently.
In this NordicTrack Fusion CST review, The ACTIVE Reviews Team will go through the specs, features, pros, and cons, and frequently asked questions to help you decide if the Fusion CST is the right exercise equipment for your fitness needs.
By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read full affiliate disclosure here.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
A Quick Look at the NordicTrack Fusion CST
SPECS
- Dimensions: 73.5" H x 60.5" W x 41.5" D
- Weight: 378 lbs.
- Resistance levels: 20 digital power resistance levels
- Features: AutoAdjust technology, on-demand interactive training, silent magnetic resistance, 10" tablet, 30-day iFIT trial, 10-year frame warranty, iFIT Bluetooth chest strap for heart rate monitoring
NordicTrack has been a leading brand in exercise equipment for decades. What started with cardio machines like rowers, bikes, ellipticals, and treadmills has since evolved to include strength equipment like the Fusion CST.
The NordicTrack Fusion CST is an intersection between cardio and strength. NordicTrack calls it a "complete home gym solution." This resistance machine comes equipped with 20 digital power resistance levels, an inertia-enhanced flywheel, AutoAdjust technology, six precision cable ends, two squat pulleys, two ankle straps, removable handles, an adjustable tablet and smartphone stand, and a 10-inch interactive tablet.
As for specific exercises, the Fusion CST is capable of providing users with a full-body strength workout targeting all major muscle groups. Plus, the interactive tablet allows you to stream thousands of expert-led workouts and classes with an iFIT membership.
What We Like
- 10" Portal 10i tablet included
- 20 digital power settings
- Silent magnetic resistance
- 10-year frame warranty
- 30-day iFIT trial
- Includes 6 handles and 2 ankle straps
- Adjustable freestanding tablet stand
What We Don't Like
- Resistance may not be enough for heavy-strength training
- High price point
- Heavy machine that is not easy to move
- Requires iFIT membership for a fully immersive experience
A Closer Look at NordicTrack Fusion CST
Dimensions
Several home gym machines require a large area for storage and even more space while in use. And while the NordicTrack Fusion CST is not considered small, it is one of the more reasonably sized machines on the market. When fully assembled, the Fusion CST measures 73.5 inches tall by 60.5 inches wide by 41.5 inches deep. In general, NordicTrack suggests users have about six feet of space surrounding the machine.
Weight
The NordicTrack Fusion CST is not a light machine. Weighing close to 400 pounds, this exercise equipment is not something you'll want to move very often. That's why the moderate-sized footprint is a definite positive of this home gym trainer.
Resistance Levels
NordicTrack Fusion CST uses Silent Magnetic Resistance instead of weight stacks. The CST has resistance settings ranging from 1 to 20 and uses an inertia-enhanced flywheel for a smooth workout. When streaming an iFIT class, the Fusion CST will automatically adjust resistance levels based on trainer cues, allowing you to focus on working out.
NordicTrack Fusion CST Construction
The NordicTrack Fusion CST is constructed with a heavy-duty solid frame that is close to 400 pounds when fully assembled. The heavy freestanding base ensures stability no matter how hard you pull, and the sturdy, high-tech frame makes it suitable to do high-intensity strength-training workouts. Because of the size and weight of the Fusion CST, assembly requires two to three people.
The Fusion CST engineering includes an inertia-enhanced flywheel, similar to what you might see on a NordicTrack exercise bike. This technology allows for smooth movements when pulling on the cables. The Fusion CST has six total pulleys divided between upper, mid, and lower levels to increase the variety of workouts. However, unlike cable machines you see at the gym, these pulleys are not adjustable. It also has 95" independent cable travel, which is plenty of length to accommodate a variety of user heights.
NordicTrack Fusion CST Highlights
- Interactive tablet: One feature that sets the Fusion CST apart from its competitors is the 10-inch interactive tablet. This multi-functional screen allows you to stream iFIT workouts and track fitness data.
- Adjustable independent tablet and smartphone stand: You'll also get an adjustable, freestanding tablet stand that is moveable so you can put the tablet anywhere you want.
- Warranty: The Fusion CST comes with a generous 10-year frame warranty and a one-year parts and labor warranty.
- iFIT: iFIT is an interactive fitness training platform. With an iFIT subscription, you'll have access to thousands of classes and workouts led by expert instructors. The workout library includes sessions for beginners, strength training, HIIT training, Bootcamp, cross-training, and more. Plus, you can stream classes on your time, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule. An individual iFIT subscription costs $15 per month or $180 per year, while a family plan costs $39 per month or $396 per year.
- AutoAdjust: When using the iFIT interactive workouts, the Fusion CST can go into AutoAdjust mode, which means the machine automatically adjusts resistance levels based on instructor cues. This is a feature unique to iFIT-enabled machines.
- Silent Magnetic Resistance: The NordicTrack Fusion CST features magnetic resistance which allows for a quiet, seamless experience while working out.
- Accessories: The Fusion CST comes with six precision cable ends, integrated ergonomic removable handles, two ankle straps, two squat pulleys, and an iFIT Bluetooth chest strap for monitoring your heart rate.
Our Verdict
Overall, the NordicTrack Fusion CST is a superior product that targets a wide variety of strength-building exercises for the entire body. This mid-priced resistance machine is a good investment if you're looking for a functional home gym with interactive programming. That said, the programming requires a monthly iFIT membership after the 30-day trial. But we recommend the membership since it unlocks the classes and workouts and allows for an interactive experience.
FAQs About the NordicTrack Fusion CST
Is a NordicTrack Fusion CST worth it?
Whether or not the NordicTrack Fusion CST is worth it comes down to your budget, goals, and space. If you're looking for a quiet home gym that offers resistance exercises for the entire body, then the CST Fusion is a solid investment. But if you want a machine that mimics traditional equipment like dumbbells, barbells, or strength equipment, this may not be the right home gym for you.
What is the difference between Fusion CST and Fusion CST Studio?
The Fusion CST and Fusion CST Studio are very similar products, with one significant difference. The Fusion CST Studio comes with a full-length 70-inch by 15-inch mirror on the front so you can monitor your form while performing resistance training exercises. Because of the added mirror, the cost is also higher. The Fusion CST Studio starts at $2,499.
Can you bench press on the Fusion CST?
The Fusion CST is a standing cable machine. Because of the design, you can't do a traditional supine or face-up reclined body position bench press. That said, you can perform standing chest exercises that target the same muscles.