A ski machine is a vertical exercise machine with a fan attached to two handles via cables. You use it by pulling downwards on the handles, working against the resistance provided by the fan. It mimics the physical actions used when nordic skiing. It is a key element of many hybrid style workouts and competitions.

The Ski Trainer provides a full body workout, with a focus on triceps, lats, hip flexors and abs. Secondary muscles worked include glutes, rear deltoids and calves.

Yes. Due to the amount of muscles activated during use, a ski machine offers an excellent cardiovascular workout.

Having a ski trainer at home offers convenience as you don’t need to do any set up and you can get started immediately without having to attach weights or find any additional equipment. It also only requires a small footprint whilst offering a full body workout.

Yes, using a ski machine provides a full body workout, with particular focus on triceps, lats and hip flexors. It provides not only a cardio workout, but the resistance involved also means it doubles as strength training too.

Both are great for low impact, full body workouts. Differences are that ski machines tend to favour upper body, whilst rowing machines are more focused on lower body muscle. Another key difference is the space taken up; ski machines have a smaller footprint as the cables run vertically rather than horizontally as they are in a rower.

This depends on personal preference. A Ski machine provides low impact full body conditioning, whilst a treadmill can put more pressure on joints, but is better for pure cardio.

Things to look for would include the number of resistance levels (for progression), the Bluetooth compatibility and the availability of spare parts, for better longevity.

Fan ski machines will provide greater resistance the harder you pull, whilst magnetic resistance is consistent regardless of effort. This can make air resistance feel more like ‘real world’ activities and more responsive to the user.

Yes, a ski machine can be used effectively within the footprint of the floor stand (59cm x 126.5cm). If wall mounted, it would need around 10cm of clearance each side and around 1m of space in front of it. If you are installing the machine in a garage gym, be aware of the height needed, which is at least 220cm.

No, you can purchase a floor stand which makes the ski trainer freestanding. Without the stand, it will need to be bolted securely to the wall.

Yes, ski machines are suitable for beginners. Remember to start slowly until you get the hang of the movement and have achieved good form.

In order to have a freestanding ski machine, you need available floor space of 59cm x 126.5cm. If wall mounting, you will an area of wall a similar width and at least a metre in front of the machine in order to stand in whilst you use it.

The fan in a ski machine will make a noise when in use, and this noise will increase as you increase effort or resistance setting. They tend to be quieter than an air bike but slightly noisier than a rowing machine.