NordicTrack became the brand name for home gym equipment in the 1990s. Founded by Edward Pauls in 1975, the company became well known for its at home ski machines. The growing popularity of the company attracted the attention of larger companies and in 1986 the CML corporation acquired the company from Pauls. In the 1990s the company leveraged it’s popularity by opening several retail stores across the country. Unfortunately in the late 1990s declining sales forced the company to file for bankruptcy and close its 300 retail stores. Fortunately the 2000s saw NordicTrack reorganize and begin promoting elliptical machines, treadmills, and rowing machines. The company began advertising on television with infomercials. The company even partnered with television sensation Jillian Michaels to promote the new incline trainer called the Incline Trainer X7i. The machine simulates trails all over the world on a 7″ color HD screen.
NordicTrack recognizes that people don’t always have the time or inclination to get to the gym and so they offer customers the chance to get healthy within the comfort of their own homes. The website offers customers home gym equipment like stationary bikes, elliptical machine, incline trainers, skiers, and sliders. But the company doesn’t stop there. They also offer exercise apparel like workout pants, racerback sports bras, and microfleece jackets all for about 20% off at http://www.nordictrack.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category2_-1_10301_12401_29452_Y. The company also offer exercise accessories to help customers complete their workout experience. Customers can purchase heart rate monitors, free weights, weight balls, and jump ropes for 30% off the retail price. Customers can strengthen and tone their body with the company’s pilates kits, yoga sets, and the Jillian Michaels Ultimate Crossbar.
The company recently introduced the next phase of home exercise using the technology of the internet. The program, called iFit Live, allows the user to utilize a virtual Jillian Michaels as his/her own personal trainer. Jillian Michaels, most well known as a trainer on the NBC hit show The Biggest Loser, has a reputation for being the world’s toughest personal trainer. To use the personal trainer feature, the user simply connects the iFit Live module to his/her home computer and then plug the module into the iFit port on the NordicTrack machine. Based on the information the iFit module collects, Jillian Michaels and her team will customize a workout regimen to help the user meet his/her fitness goals. The iFit live also allows the user to download Google Maps and choose a running trail from anywhere in the world. Based on the trail the user chooses, the NordicTrack machine will simulate the same inclines and declines as the actual trail. Customers can receive one year access to iFit Live and the iFit module for the discounted price of 129.99 instead of the regular price of 199.00. Customers can join the iFit Live program online at http://ifit.nordictrack.com/index.html.
Customers who register on the NordicTrack website receive email discounts and special pricing. Customers who are registered at www.nordictrack.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CRSubscribeView?langId=-1&storeId=10301&catalogId=12401. The NordicTrack email program allows customers to register for getaways like a 3 day Maui vacation. Customers who join the email program also receive special sales notices and other discount pricing. For instance, members were recently invited to participate in a weekend sale where they could purchase the T5 21 Treadmill, which normally retails for 1099.00, for the low price of 599.00. Another great deal available to customers is the NordicTrack Freestrider 35 S. The machine, which NordicTrack touts as the best of both worlds, has the intense calorie burning power of an incline trainer and offers the low impact comfort of an elliptical trainer. The Freestrider also features a built-in music port and speakers for the ultimate hands free workout. During the 3-day sale, customers could purchase the NordicTrack Freestrider 35 S, which normally retails for 1699.99, for the discounted price of 1299.00.