Mechanically, the FS41 sports 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance, 32″ adjustable stride, and a 20-pound flywheel. The unique 10% incline and -10% decline function also makes it stand out in my eyes, as having an elliptical with decline is pretty rare. You may thing this an expensive machine, but keep in mind it is multi-functional. It acts as a stepper and elliptical in one. In my experience, ellipticals provide some of the most intensive workouts around, and the FS14i is a top-quality example of that.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The FS14i Elliptical

At EllipticalReviews.com, we bring you comprehensive reviews of exercise equipment so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the ellipticals we review. We install them, ride them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every elliptical we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles riding. We listen and record the sound of the machine, try out all aspects of the console and try the machine’s features.

Every elliptical we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think.

Our reviewers are fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert when it comes to ellipticals, has been on this elliptical, and you can trust his opinion on all of the machines he reviews.

In Brief

The NordicTrack FS14i comes in at $2,499 with a complimentary 30-day family membership to iFit, normally priced at $39 per month. I’ll tell you right off the bat as I do with other NordicTrack products, if you’re not going to use the iFit program, then this might not be a good machine for you. The 14″ HD touchscreen is fabulous, but it only works with that program. So no, you can’t watch Netflix on it. In terms of size, it measures 58.5″ x 29.5″ x 74″ and weighs 287 pounds when in the box. This fit really well in my garage, but if you’re planning to place it inside your home, be sure to take some measurements before you choose the room. With a 375-pound user maximum I know the machine will stand up under pressure, and it also has oversized levelers to help keep it steady while you run.

NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS14i Elliptical (2024) - Notable Specs:

In-Depth Review of the NordicTrack FS14i

Why We Like It

The NordicTrack FS14i is a top-of-the-line elliptical with all the bells and whistles you could want, from automatic fan to Bluetooth audio speakers, and automatic trainer control by way of iFit-enabling. With 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance, atop a really cool 10% incline and -10% decline function, there’s really no way to dodge a great workout. I’m 5’10” myself, but the great thing about a 32″ adjustable stride is users of nearly any height can use it with ease. The price may seem a bit higher the rivals, but it’s actually down from years past, and I wouldn’t be suprised to see this unit in a lot of homes and apartments this year.

It Has A Big Ol’ 14″ High-Definition Touchscreen

As I’ve written before, when it comes to screens, you either want them or you don’t. The upsides to a large touchscreen are obvious. When using this screen I get the full immersion experience of the program. Designed to work with iFit, I can hike through the Swiss Alps or ski through the mountains of Colorado. The live trainers are easy to interact with and I’ve found the connectivity to be high-quality. Equipped with 2″ Bluetooth audio speakers, I like the surround-sound experience of songs and videos. Really, the only downside to this screen and those like it is it only works with the manufacturer’s app, in this case iFit. The machine still works without the app, but you’ll lose almost all the value of the screen. The elliptical will work in a manual mode and in my opinion, that’s just a waste of a great screen.

iFit-Enabled

The iFit program is one of my favorites. Like other programs, it has workout series to match any taste, from cardio to boxing and barbells, It also has a nutrition component as well as heart rate training. What’s unique is the live training sessions with interactive coaches, as well as automatic trainer control. What this means is the workout program will automatically adjust the resistance to match the trail, and if you’re using ActivePulse Technology along with it, your cardio levels. I find this amazing. When my heart rate hits a certain level, the program will notify me and adjust accordingly, even while it’s handling the mountain trails. You’ll also get Google Earth Workouts anywhere on the globe. The on-demand workouts now number in the tens of thousands, and you’ll simply never get bored here. The program will intelligently store all of your metrics and incorporate those into future workouts. The program costs $15 per month for an individual plan or $39 per month for a family plan. You can check out the video above to see if it’s for you. Like most apps, you can download it onto any device, including a smart television.

32″ Adjustable Stride as well as Incline/Decline

The adjustable stride feature on an elliptical means you can vary the measure of steps taken while exercising. With 32 inches here, you’ll find a wide range of options with which to use. This typically better accommodates taller users and lets you get the full swing of the machine. Another great element of the FS14i is that it features both 10% incline and -10% decline. There’s really no quicker way to increase the intensity of a workout than by adjusting the incline and decline. Irrespective of speed, this certainly make the quads burn faster.

NordicTrack FS14i Dimensions

The dimensions of the NordicTrack FS14i measure 58.5″ x 29.5″ x 74″. Given the 32″ adjustable stride, I would recommend placing the machine in a room with a minimum of 8′ ceilings.

NordicTrack FS14i Machine Weight

The NordicTrack FS14i weighs 287 pounds in the box and can support up to 375 pounds in user weight.

What We Like:

• Great Range of Incline/Decline

  The fact that this elliptical has both really impresses me. The variation of workouts available increases significantly with the use of incline and decline. I’ve found this particularly useful when doing heart rate training.

• Bluetooth Audio

  Equipped with 2″ Bluetooth speakers, I have no trouble hearing the trainers and program music here. The system creates a truly immersive, surround-sound system.

• Heart Rate Monitoring

  The NordicTrack FS14i’s Bluetooth features enable the use of ActivePulse Technology, which is one of the best heart rate monitoring systems on the market.

• 26 Levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance

  Frankly, I get a great workout even at the 10th or 11th levels. Given the incline and decline function, the smooth resistance of magnets allow for nearly unlimited resistance here.

What We Don’t Like:

• Lower Warranty for the Price

  Like most NordicTrack equipment, the FS14i comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame, 2 years for parts, and 1 year for labor. Given the price of $2,499, I’d like to see that closer to a lifetime guarantee on the frame.

• iFit-Dependent

  No matter how much I like iFit, the fact is, without the app, the screen loses value.

This Elliptical Could Be For You If You Want:

• Interactive training by way of a 14″ HD touchscreen
• 26 levels of silent magnetic resistance
• 32″ adjustable stride
• Both incline and decline options

Our Verdict:

We rank the NordicTrack FS14i quite highly even though it’s a high-priced unit. The fact that it offers both incline and decline make it a winner in my book, for the right person. If you’re looking a low-priced budget model, no this isn’t it. Customers looking for a real Cadillac of an elliptical should check this one out. In my mind, if you’re going to buy the FS14i then be prepared to pay for the monthly iFit package. But between the 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance, 32-inch adjustable stride, and the 14″ touchscreen, there’s really no reason athletes of any level can’t rock out the workout of their choice.