A cross-country ski-inspired workout is gliding into Flatiron — no snow, goggles or lift ticket required.
NRTHRN Strong, the Scandinavian fitness brand that had Sag Harbor locals trading sunscreen for ski poles at a sold-out pop-up this summer, officially opens its first permanent US studio on Wednesday.
“The reception we received in the Hamptons this summer was incredible,” Nicoline Roth, the company’s founder and CEO, told The Post. “People were immediately drawn to the flow, power and results of the NRTHRN Strong modality.”
At the heart of the concept is a patented machine, created by a medical doctor and former cross-country skier, that delivers cardio, strength and mobility benefits.
“These three components are the core of longevity fitness,” said Roth, who was raised in Denmark and opened NRTHRN Strong’s first location in Copenhagen in 2022.
The machine looks like a walking pad but features two skis that glide back and forth on rails, with elastic resistance bands attached to poles.
Users stand on the base and move their arms in a coordinated push-pull motion. It’s designed to replicate the natural, rhythmic movement of the double poling technique, which combines powerful leg drives, arm pushes and a strong, engaged core.
“It’s known to be one of the most effective total body workouts that you can do, strengthening the heart and lungs, boosting oxygen intake and building endurance,” Roth explained.
The result is an endurance-driven workout that elevates the heart rate and leads to a high-calorie burn without punishing the joints.
The machine can produce more than 50 unique routines, all scalable for different fitness levels by adjusting resistance, pace and movement pattern.
“It’s able to be adapted to a lot of different people and needs,” Roth said. “Out in the Hamptons, our demographic ranged from people in their 20s up to their early 70s.”
While the machine concept took shape on the ski trail, Roth said its benefits extend far beyond the slopes.
Swimmers can use it to replicate their pulling stroke for off-season training, she explained. Cyclists and runners, meanwhile, benefit from improved leg strength and core stability.
The machine has even been used by physiotherapists in rehab settings and as an exercise tool for people in wheelchairs.
“For skiers, it’s the best type of off-season skiing you can do,” Roth said, though she noted that experience on snow isn’t needed.
Inside the Flatiron studio, the mood leans more fjord than fitness chain.
The space channels Roth’s Copenhagen roots with clean lines, earthy tones and an atmosphere meant to evoke the Nordic outdoors. Custom lighting mimics the Northern Lights, while a subtle pine aroma brings the forest to the city.
“The concept is inspired by the ethos of the Nordic lifestyle, so we wanted to bring in some of the elements that make the Nordics unique,” Roth said.
“Being out in nature with friends and family is such a big part of what we do in the Nordics, and it’s something I find extremely inspiring,” she added. “We’ve tried to put that in the studio so you can get that feeling.”
NRTHRN Strong offers three classes in studio:
- Signature Strong: Combines high-intensity intervals on the ski machine with floor work focused on the core, glutes and arms
- Sculpt: Slows things down with a Pilates-inspired format aimed at sculpting and balance, layered with mindful breathwork
- Cardio: A sweat-drenched interval session designed to boost oxygen and test stamina with rapid-fire sprints and power moves
“With our patented machines, we’ve brought the powerful, full-body movement of cross-country skiing indoors,” Roth said.
“It’s a dynamic, year-round workout that builds strength, endurance and mobility, allowing our community to train like athletes in the warmth and energy of the Flatiron studio,” she said.
Founding memberships are available for $336 per month, though the price will eventually glide up to $480. For the commitment-averse, a $19 drop-in intro class is available.
“You will come in and say to yourself, ‘I have used muscles I didn’t even know that I had,’ ” Roth said. “I hear on a weekly basis from our first-timers that this is so different from anything they’ve ever tried before, but in a very positive way.”
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