We Tried Cross-country Skiing-inspired Workouts From Denmark At Nrthrn Strong’s First U.s. Studio

Built around a patented ski-inspired machine, Nrthrn Strong’s classes deliver a full-body workout that blends strength, cardio and mobility in one fluid motion – here’s what it’s like trying a class

Immediately upon walking into Nrthrn Strong’s studio, you realize the class is different than every other boutique class in New York City (and we’ve tried a lot).

Instead of treadmills, bikes or reformers, the studio centers around a sleek machine designed to replicate the double-poling motion used in cross-country skiing. Each stroke combines an upper-body pull with core engagement and lower-body drive, creating a full-body movement that builds strength and cardiovascular endurance simultaneously.

The concept was founded by Nicoline Roth, who launched the brand in Copenhagen in 2022 before bringing it to the United States. Raised in Denmark with Norwegian roots, Roth’s goal was to translate cross-country skiing, widely regarded as one of the most effective full-body sports, into an accessible indoor training experience.

Nrthrn Strong made its way to the U.S. following early momentum in Europe, eventually landing in New York after a successful Hamptons pop-up and opening a flagship studio in Flatiron. Classes are $42 for a drop-in session, but first-timers can get a two-week unlimited pass for $79 or a three-class intro for $9.

After hearing about the concept during its New York City pop-up last summer, I decided to try the class myself. As someone who spends most of my time running, I was curious whether the Nordic-inspired workout would deliver meaningful training or simply feel like a novelty class. Keep reading for ATN’s honest review of Nrthrn Strong below.

Nrthrn Strong Studio Review: The Workout

At the center of the experience is the ski-inspired machine, originally developed for elite cross-country skiers. The motion replicates the double-poling technique used on snow, requiring athletes to pull through the arms and upper back while stabilizing through the core and driving power from the hips and legs.

Unlike many cardio machines that focus on one muscle group (usually the legs), the movement recruits nearly the entire body. The lats, triceps and shoulders power the pull while the core stabilizes, and the glutes and legs help generate momentum. Going in, I expected the class to feel like I was cross-country skiing, and merely burn out my arms. Instead, I found myself doing squats with the poles towards the back of the machine and “raking” with the pole on the side of the machine, among other movements, working so many more muscles than just my triceps and lats.

Resistance can be adjusted throughout class, allowing instructors to program intervals that emphasize endurance, strength or power. Some sequences focus on longer steady efforts, while others incorporate shorter bursts designed to challenge both muscular endurance and cardiovascular capacity. Within minutes, my heart rate was elevated, and my upper back and core were working harder than expected.

The class takes place in a dark room with dynamic instructors and energetic music, passing the time quickly. I loved that you could see your pace and distance on the ski-inspired machine and measure your progression from class to class.

Nrthrn Strong NYC Studio Review: Class Types

Nrthrn Strong offers multiple class formats built around the same ski-inspired machine but programmed with different training goals. Sculpt blends strength and stability with Pilates-inspired movements, ending with breath work. Cardio is more sweat-focused, and a great way to get your heart rate up with an arms-focused workout. I have yet to find another cardio class based largely around arm movements with the same level of intensity. Strength incorporated dumbbells and more mat work than the other types of classes, perfect for leveling up your lifting game.

Some classes are focused on specific muscle groups, like upper- or lower-body, or core and glutes, while others are more endurance-focused, with longer intervals to build aerobic capacity. Other classes are based around music genres, like Hip Hop or even specific artists, like Taylor Swift. Whatever the theme or focus, the class remains grounded in using the ski-inspired machine in creative ways to break a sweat, build strength, or facilitate mobility-focused movements.

Nrthrn Strong NYC Review: Studio Design

Nrthrn Strong leans heavily into its Scandinavian roots. The studio design reflects Nordic minimalism, with clean lines, natural materials and subtle lighting meant to evoke the outdoors. The class environment is energizing and thoughtful, with enough space between machines to prevent overcrowding while encouraging camaraderie. There are no flashing, club-like lights, but instead a calmer environment that still motivates a tough workout.

It’s worth noting that there are only two showers at Nrthrn Strong, so there may be a wait post-class for those planning to freshen up before work. Changing spaces are also limited (apart from the communal, co-ed locker room space), so the class might be best to take before heading straight home.

Nrthrn Strong’s location is hard to beat, though: it’s right in the middle of the growing wellness ecosystem of Chelsea, just blocks from Remedy Place and Othership.

Nrthrn Strong Studio Review: Final Thoughts

Nrthrn Strong stands out because it combines several elements that are often separated in boutique fitness: cardio, strength and mobility. The ski-inspired motion takes a few minutes to learn, but once it clicks, the workout is refreshing, but far from a fad. With ski ergs gaining popularity during competitions like Hyrox, Nrthrn Strong is a great way to train for an upcoming fitness event.

For athletes looking to add a full-body conditioning session that feels different from the usual treadmill or cycling class, Nrthrn Strong offers a compelling alternative, and a glimpse into Nordic training culture translated into a boutique fitness studio.

Intrigued? Book your class online here.

The post We Tried Cross-Country Skiing-Inspired Workouts from Denmark at Nrthrn Strong’s First U.S. Studio appeared first on Athletech News.