Nordictrack Fusion CST and Tonal are two innovative home gym systems that make exercising fun and efficient.
Investing in these home gym digital machines can be a good idea if you want stay fit without going to the gym. The Nordictrack Fusion CST and Tonal offers resistance using magnetic and electromagnetic technology, so you can perform strength training exercises minus the bulk weight.
You can perform full-body workouts with machines that take up far less space than traditional multi-functional home gym systems. They come with touchscreen displays that you can use to follow along with on-demand workouts or live events.
These digital machines are an investment, though. Apart from the above-mentioned features, you will have to consider the equipment’s price and membership costs. So which home gym should you opt for? Let us start with our Nordictrack Fusion CST vs. Tonal review to know more.
An Overview of the Nordictrack Fusion CST
The Fusion CST is a home gym solution that provides a balance between strength and cardio training. Instead of bulky equipment, the Fusion CST includes 20 digital power resistance levels. Once you start working out, these resistance levels are automatically adjusted according to trainer cues.
The magnetic resistance makes for silent workout sessions. The flywheel is inertia-enhanced so that the user can maintain a smooth movement without any sudden jerks or imbalance.
The machine includes six precision cable ends, two squat pulleys, and two ankle straps. The cables can independently travel up to 95 inches, which provides users with a good range of motion.
Fusion CST comes with on-demand training and live events with pro trainers. You can access the workout library by purchasing a membership for iFIT. This membership lets you attend studio classes, live events, challenges, and cooking classes.
Product Specifications:
- Dimension (W x H x D): 60.5 x 73.5 x 41.5 inches
- Placement: Freestanding
- Resistance: 20 digital power settings
- Display: 10 inches Portal 10i HD touchscreen tablet
- Warranty: 10-year frame and 1-year parts and labor
- Machine Price: $1,999
Pros
- Perform full-body workouts with a mix of cardio and strength training exercises.
- Silent magnetic resistance with 20 digital power levels.
- Automatic adjustment of resistance levels as per trainer cues.
- On-demand strength training workouts are available, suitable for different fitness levels.
- It includes an iFIT Bluetooth chest strap for heart rate monitoring.
- Nordictrack offers a good warranty.
Cons
- The resistance may be limiting for advanced lifters.
- It has a larger footprint compared to other digital machines.
- The touchscreen tablet is also smaller compared to other digital home gyms.
An Overview of the Tonal
The Tonal is one of the innovative home gym systems you will come across in the market. You can perform full-body workouts with up to 200 lbs of resistance without weight plates or dumbbells.
The machine uses electromagnetic technology to deliver resistance. It has a compact body and can be wall-mounted.
The machine first performs a strength assessment to make personalized weight suggestions. Then, during workouts, the machine will automatically set the weights for optimal performance.
The resistance of up to 200 lbs can be activated by pushing a button on the exercise handle. Moreover, the weight adapts in real time for an effective workout. It also offers real-time form feedback.
Like Fusion CST, Tonal also has a large library of workouts, including on-demand and live classes. You can choose from strength, cardio, yoga, and mobility classes.
The Tonal can be an expensive investment. The Fusion CST machine is half the price of the Tonal. You will also have to pay for a year-long membership and accessories if needed.
Product Specifications:
- Dimension (W x H x D): 21.50 x 50.9 x 5.25 inches
- Placement: Wall-mounting
- Resistance: Up to 200 lbs
- Display: 24 inches touchscreen
- Warranty: 1-year parts and labor, 2-year additional coverage for parts only, 1-year accessories
- Machine Price: $3,995
Pros
- A complete home gym system that does not take up a lot of space.
- Variety of workout options like strength training, cardio, pilates, and yoga.
- It offers adaptive weight resistance in real-time.
- It offers personalized strength training recommendations based on strength assessment.
- It includes sensors that provide real-time feedback on exercise form.
- It includes a spotter mode for safe and effective workouts.
Cons
- It is pricey compared to other home gym systems.
- You need to commit to a 12-month Tonal app subscription.
- 200 lbs of resistance can be insufficient for advanced fitness users.
- Several reviews mention delivery deals.
Nordictrack Fusion CST vs. Tonal Comparison Table
| Factors | Nordictrack Fusion CST | Tonal |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 60.5 x 73.5 x 41.5 inches | 21.50 x 50.9 x 5.25 inches |
| Installation | Freestanding | Mounted on stud wall |
| Workout Library | iFIT platform | Tonal membership |
| Resistance Delivery | Silent magnetic resistance | Electromagnetic technology |
| Resistance levels | 20 digital power settings | Up to 200 lbs |
| Display | 10 inches HD touchscreen tablet | 24 inches touchscreen display |
| Partner Workouts | No | Yes |
| Spotter Mode | No | Yes |
| Accessories | Includes | Buy smart accessories at $495 |
| Price | $1,999 | $3,995 |
| Membership | Auto-renewal at $39/month1-year – $3962-year – $6993-year- $899 | Monthly Tonal membership – $59.95(12-month commitment required) |
| Warranty | 10-year frame and 1-year parts and labor | 3-years parts, 1-year labor and accessories |
Nordictrack Fusion CST vs Tonal: Which Should You Choose?
With the above overview and comparison, we hope you understand what each home gym system has to offer, its benefits, and its drawbacks. But which home gym system should you choose?
There is no one right answer here. It all comes down to your unique requirement. Let us explore a few consideration factors to help you decide.
Footprint
How much space can you afford for a home gym system? Both Fusion CST and Tonal have compact designs.
The Fusion CST, with its dimensions 60.5 W x 73.5 H x 41.5 D inches, occupies less floor space than a home gym system like Bowflex Revolution.
As it comes with a freestanding base, you can set up the machine in different areas of the house where you have space and a power outlet.
Compared to Tonal, though, Fusion CST will take up more space. Tonal has a sleek design. It can be installed on a wall. When not in use, it can sit pretty on the wall without causing any hindrance.
However, do consider the wall surface material, as surfaces like concrete or paneling require additional approval. So if space is your absolute priority, Tonal has the upper hand here.
Workout Options
Fusion CST and Tonal are good for beginner to intermediate-level fitness users.
To access the Fusion CSTs workout library, you will have to buy an iFIT membership. Here you can browse through several on-demand workouts and live events.
It has a Google Maps feature that lets you explore different terrains while working out from your home. It also includes challenge groups and leaderboards which can make exercising fun and motivating.
To access Tonal’s workout library, you must purchase a membership with a minimum 1-year commitment. Here you can find several workout categories like strength, high intensity, cardio, mobility, recovery, sports performance, meditation, barre, pre + post-natal, and more. Tonal also offers partner workouts.
Tonal offers a lot more workout options, but the Fusion CST is not lacking in any sense. You can have several hundred workouts at your fingertips with both machines. It ultimately comes down to how consistently you stick to your routine to meet your fitness goals.
We would give both digital machines a similar rating when it comes to workout options.
Value-Added Features
The Nordictrack Fusion CST offers 2 in 1 workout – strength and cardio. Some of the value-adding features of the home gym system include silent magnetic resistance, automatic adjustment of resistance levels as per trainer cues, and complete status tracking.
If heart rate monitoring is essential, the Fusion CST includes an iFIT Bluetooth chest strap. This will help you get the most out of your workout sessions.
On the other hand, Tonal has a proprietary digital weight system. It offers up to 200 lbs of resistance which it adjusts according to your strength assessment results.
Tonal offers spotter mode. If it senses you are struggling with completing a rep, it will automatically reduce the weight so you can complete the set safely. It also offers real-time form guidance by monitoring your range of motion, positioning, and pace.
Price
Price is a major differentiating factor between these two. The Nordictrack Fusion CST is priced at $1,999. At the time of writing the article, Nordictrack is offering a discount wherein you can get the home gym for $1,299.
Nordictrack offers three payment options. You can pay the full price or choose from 12 or 39 equal months with equal payments.
The Tonal, on the other hand, is priced at $3,995. You can make easy monthly payments over 24, 36, or 48 months. Without considering any discounts and membership, the Tonal costs double of a Fusion CST.
Membership
Apart from purchasing the home gym system, whether Fusion CST or Tonal, you will also have to pay for a membership plan for a fully immersive experience.
The purchase of Nordictrack Fusion CST includes a 30-day free iFIT trial. The offer is available for new members only. Post the trial period, the membership will auto-renew at $39/month. If you want to save on costs, you can opt for 1 to 3-year membership plans ranging from $396 to $899.
Tonal does not offer any free trial. You will have to purchase a Tonal membership with a minimum 12-month commitment. The monthly membership price is $59.95. The amount will be charged to your credit card at the time of activation.
Tonal also charges $495 for smart accessories. These accessories are optional, but you will need them to follow along with most workout videos.
Again, if we compare, a 1-year membership for Tonal costs almost the same as a 2-year membership of iFIT.
Summary
Nordictrack Fusion CST and Tonal are good home gym systems that let you work on your full body with various workout programs. They offer similar resistance delivery. Trainer cues adjust the weight in Fusion CST, whereas Tonal uses its proprietary technology for adaptive weight adjustments.
Both home gym systems are suitable for beginner and intermediate fitness level users. However, the resistance offered will not be enough for advanced weightlifters.
The choice between the two comes down to factors like available space, workout options, and budget.
We hope our Nordictrack Fusion CST vs. Tonal provides you with clarity on which home gym system will be better suited to your needs.