Nohrd Review: Natural Gym Equipment |Biofit Gym — Wellness Designers + Gym Consultants
In our ongoing quest to find suitably natural or ‘biophilic’ gym equipment for our Biofit natural gyms, the annual ritual of visiting fitness expos such as FIBO in Germany can be a fairly depressing experience dominated by high-tech fitness gadgets and get-fit-quick miracle machines.
Nohrd products stand out as versatile and functional resistance training equipment, ideal for strength training exercises for every muscle group. The NOHRD SlimBeam cable machine masterfully integrates into the user’s interior space, showcasing a harmonious blend of design and purpose while redefining the fit-space with no compromises on performance. Each weight plate in the SlimBeam is an oval shape weight plate, individually rubberized with a black matt finish for durability and noise reduction.
Unlike conventional cable machines, the SlimBeam offers a revolutionary upgrade with its height-adjustable dual cable pulley system, providing versatility and multi-functionality. Comparatively little space is given over to functional movements, bodyweight training and natural fitness gyms; a reminder that the industry is still dominated by muscle and booty rather than movement and mobility.
Nohrd natural fitness equipment
One brand repeatedly restores our faith in the industry however; Nohrd is that rare combination of functionality, fitness equipment aesthetics, and natural materials, emphasizing the stylish look and sleek design of their products. Their cable training systems are highly effective for strength training, offering precision, targeted muscle engagement, and space-saving design. The cable training technology transforms strength training by making it more precise and powerful, engaging targeted muscle groups with focused intensity to enhance results.
WaterRower natural rowing
Many will have seen these Nohrd / WaterRower machines made of sustainably sourced food frames and boasting a water-filled tub that provides the user with a realistic level of water resistance as well as the satisfying, biophilic sounds of water flowing by their feet. The WaterRower operates with a smooth and consistent feel, ensuring a fluid rowing experience.
Sustainable wood resistance training equipment
The Nohrd range extends well beyond the rower though, with a growing collection of sustainably sourced wood and leather gym equipment designed for both home and commercial use. Dedicated fitness trainers rely on cable training systems like the NOHRD SlimBeam for effective strength training and targeting muscle groups with focused intensity.
Nohrd equipment offers a dynamic platform for diverse and comprehensive functional training exercises for every muscle group, showcasing thoughtful attention to detail and a comprehensive range of exercises in a compact design with no compromises on performance.
The NOHRD SlimBeam, in particular, features a commercial-grade weight stack with durable rubberized weight plates and a 75 kg weight stack, making it an upgrade to conventional cable machines. Compared to other weight stack systems, the SlimBeam stands out with its space-saving design, stylish look, and versatile functionality.
We chose the sturdy Nohrd walnut brown wall bars in the Biofit gym we designed for Natural Way Chiropractic in Calgary and the Karolinska Institutet medical university in Stockholm.
The ideal eco home gym weights
The Nohrd ‘swing bells’ are neat leather pouches filled with between 2kg and 8kg of metal pellets, offering a precise and balanced weight gradation. They feature an ergonomic wooden handle and two wooden rack options, either standing upright on the floor or wall-mounted.
Ideal for indoor use in a high-end home gym or indeed commercial gym, they make an attractive addition to the usual rack of dumbbells as well as a genuine alternative to iron kettle bells in the under 10kg range.
Ideal for indoor use in a high-end home gym or indeed commercial gym, they make an attractive addition to the usual rack of dumbbells as well as a genuine alternative to iron kettle bells in the under 10kg range.
In our very own Biofit gym at our dream home we would have the 2kg, 4kg, 6kg and 8kg Swing bells in walnut alongside customized competition kettle bells from 10kg through to 32kg that have been re-painted in khaki beige or forest green!
natural wood indoor cycle with slimbeam cable machine
Looking ahead, Nohrd’s latest piece of natural fitness equipment is a wooden-clad indoor bike that boosts the brand’s cardio credentials considerably, leaving just the treadmill and perhaps an elliptical to come in future, one would imagine? The SlimBeam’s butterfly enables users to train using either one or two handles, allowing exercises that focus on one or both sides of the body simultaneously. The butterfly can also be swiveled and set at any height, and the SlimBeam's cables run fluidly over the ball bearing wheels, providing a smooth and consistent feel.
On a recent trial of the new indoor bike in London, we were impressed by its sleek and graceful presence, stylish design, and found it to be a comfy ride with solid mechanics; it does not have the technical feedback offered by a WattBike display, nor the seeming invincibility of an all-metal spin studio bike. It’s niche then is likely to be home gym use, thanks to its aesthetics.
The prototype we trialled did not have a basic monitor for elapsed time and distance, a basic requirement, although we are told this will be available in due course. An iPad holder does give users the option to engage with their own media device, if they choose, however which seems like a sensible approach to the conundrum of gyms helping desk-bound office workers to stay fit while sitting on a bike looking at a screen.
If you are interested in our nature gym design services, please email us to discuss your project in more detail.