What is NRTHRN Strong?
NRTHRN Strong (formerly Nordic Strong) is a boutique fitness studio chain and lifestyle brand rooted in Scandinavian values. Born in Copenhagen and expanded to New York City, it redefines functional fitness by bringing the benefits of cross-country skiing—one of the world’s toughest and healthiest sports—into a sleek, studio setting.
At the heart of the NRTHRN Strong concept is the proprietary NRTHRN Trainer (formerly the Nordic Trainer), a patented machine designed to deliver a full-body, low-impact, high-intensity workout.
The studios are known for their distinct "Hygge" aesthetic, combining minimalist Nordic design, mood lighting inspired by the Northern Lights, and a strong sense of community to create a training environment that builds both physical resilience and mental balance.
Key Features:
- The NRTHRN Trainer™: A unique, patented machine that mimics the movement of cross-country skiing, engaging 96% of the body's muscles while remaining completely low-impact on joints.
- Signature Classes: Offers specialized formats like Strong (intervals and strength), Sculpt (Pilates-inspired stability), and Cardio (endurance focus), all utilizing the machine and floor weights. Nordic Aesthetic & Atmosphere: Studios feature Scandinavian minimalist design, warm earth tones, and lighting systems that replicate nature, creating a calming yet focused "sanctuary" vibe.
- Hybrid Digital Integration: The workout experience is supported by the NRTHRN Strong app, which tracks performance metrics from the machines and offers on-demand classes for home users.
- Holistic Wellness Focus: Beyond just burning calories, the brand emphasizes "resilience" (Sisu) and mental clarity, often incorporating breathwork and recovery elements into the training.
Pros
- Low-Impact, High-Efficiency: Ideal for users who want the cardiovascular benefits of running or HIIT without the joint stress, thanks to the gliding motion of the trainer.
- Unique Modality: Offers a refreshing departure from standard treadmill bootcamps or spinning classes by using cross-country ski mechanics. Premium Studio
- Experience: High-end amenities, meticulously designed interiors, and a strong community feel provide a luxury fitness experience.
- Total Body Activation: The combination of the ski-trainer arms and legs with floor weights ensures a balanced workout for the core, posterior chain, and upper body.
Cons
- Niche Modality: The specific motion of the ski trainer has a learning curve and may not appeal to those who prefer traditional cardio equipment like bikes or treadmills.
- Limited Locations: Currently a boutique chain with a focused footprint (primarily Copenhagen and NYC), making it inaccessible to a mass market in-person. Premium
- Pricing: As a boutique studio, membership and class pack pricing is significantly higher than standard commercial gym memberships.
- Equipment Exclusivity: The workout relies heavily on their proprietary machine, meaning you cannot replicate the exact experience at a standard gym.
Who is Using NRTHRN Strong?
- Urban Professionals: City dwellers in NYC and Copenhagen seeking an efficient, stress-busting workout in a high-end environment.
- Low-Impact Cardio Seekers: Individuals recovering from injuries or those who want to save their knees and hips while still getting an intense sweat.
- Skiers and Endurance Athletes: Cross-country and downhill skiers using the studios for off-season conditioning and core strength.
- Design-Conscious Fitness Enthusiasts: People drawn to the minimalist, "Hygge" atmosphere that differs from the loud, industrial vibe of typical gyms.
- Uncommon Use Cases: Corporate team-building events focusing on mental resilience; Pre-ski season preparation courses.
Pricing:
NRTHRN Strong operates on a boutique studio pricing model. In New York, a single class typically ranges from $35 to $40, with various class packs (e.g., 5, 10, 20 classes) reducing the per-class rate. Monthly memberships are available for frequent visitors, typically ranging from $200 to $300+ per month for unlimited access.
The brand also sells the NRTHRN Trainer machine for home use, which is a premium equipment purchase (approx. $2,000 - $2,500 range), alongside a digital subscription.
Disclaimer: For the most accurate and current pricing details, please refer to the official NRTHRN Strong website or local studio pages.
What Makes NRTHRN Strong Unique?
NRTHRN Strong stands out by successfully productizing the "Nordic Lifestyle" into a fitness concept. It is one of the few gym chains built entirely around a single, proprietary piece of equipment (the NRTHRN Trainer) that isn't a bike or rower.
The integration of the cross-country skiing motion—often cited as the gold standard for aerobic fitness—makes it biomechanically superior to many other group fitness formats. Furthermore, the brand's emphasis on mental resilience and "Hygge" (coziness/well-being) creates a brand identity that is as much about mental health as it is about physical strength.
Compatibilities and Integrations:
NRTHRN Strong App: Allows members to book classes, track studio visits, and access on-demand workouts for home training. Bluetooth Metrics: The NRTHRN Trainer machines broadcast data (watts, strokes, distance) to the user's phone or the in-studio leaderboard.
Wearable Tech: Compatible with standard heart rate monitors (Polar, Garmin, Apple Watch) to sync workout intensity data.
How We Rated It:
- Facility Atmosphere & Design: 4.9/5
- Workout Effectiveness: 4.7/5
- Community & Culture: 4.6/5
- Value for Money: 4.2/5
- Accessibility (Locations): 3.5/5
- Overall Score: 4.4/5
Summary
NRTHRN Strong is more than just a gym; it is a cultural export of Scandinavian health principles. By anchoring its workout in the functional, full-body movements of cross-country skiing, it offers a highly effective alternative to high-impact training. For those living near its studios in Copenhagen or New York, it provides a sanctuary of strength that balances intense physical effort with mental calm. It is the perfect choice for the modern athlete who values longevity, design, and a sustainable approach to fitness.
