NordicTrack Treadmill Reviews

  About Fred Waters

"A Leader in Treadmill Innovation"

The NordicTrack Treadmill is the premium brand of Icon Fitness, which is the world's largest treadmill manufacturer. They make other popular models like ProForm, Reebok, and Epic.

I just returned from the Icon manufacturing facilities in Logan, Utah, and it is an impressive operation. This is one of the few treadmill companies that actually builds their machines in the USA. The company has approximately 5,000 employees.

Note: NordicTrack sells direct and offers Free Shipping.* Check out the latest deals at www.NordicTrack.com.

Recommendations:

• NordicTrack Commercial 1750 ($1,499)
• 2012 NordicTrack C900 ($999)
• 2012 NordicTrack Elite 9500 PRO ($1,999)
• NordicTrack T5.7 ($599)

I met with various directors, managers and VPs, and overall was impressed. They devote considerable resources into the construction, design and innovation of NordicTrack treadmills. In fact, they have a room designed to mechanically abuse their machines. Heavy weights are continually dropped on the deck and motors are run at high speeds for hundreds of hours.

One of the major focuses of NordicTrack treadmills is innovation, and this is where they excel. Their iFit technology, adjustable cushion decks, full color displays with Internet browser, and incline trainers are several reasons why NordicTrack is so popular.

iFit Technology - Run the World

The early version of iFit, which is still available on certain models, is a series of workout cards that you insert into your treadmill. Each card provides 8 weeks of training and controls the speed and incline of your treadmill and provide motivational audio coaching.

NordicTrack built on this popular feature with iFit Live - an interactive technology designed to further motivate you in achieving your fitness goals.  I had the opportunity to test it out and was thoroughly impressed.  Basically, it allows for a 2-way communication between your treadmill and the Internet (Wi-Fi is required).  There are two main elements  to iFit Live.

Customized Workout Programs — The most popular aspect of iFit Live is the ability to have personalized workout programs loaded onto your treadmill based on your fitness goals.  For example, let's say you want to lose 10 lbs. in three months.   You go to iFit.com and define your goals, and iFit Live will design a series of customized progressive exercises.  They  will control the speed and incline of your treadmill and provide audio coaching from your choice of personal trainers, including Jillian Michaels.  As you workout your  treadmill feeds vital stats back to iFit.com, so you can track your progress.   If you find the workout does not satisfy your desired level of exertion, you can increase or decrease the intensity. 

Google Maps — NordicTrack partnered with Google in providing an interactive experience that allows you to virtually run throughout the world.  In the process your treadmill will simulate the terrain by changing the incline, while you can visualize the experience through Google Maps. 

This is how it works.  You map out a route, either on streets of paths.  If Google has a street view you can actually watch as you are running down the street, otherwise you can get the satellite or terrain view.  To utilize this feature of iFit Live you need a browser display.  Meaning you have to either place your laptop or smart phone on the console.  There are tabs for your laptop.  However, NordicTrack will be releasing a couple of models in December that will have a colored display with an Android browser.  

I tried this intriguing feature and was able to run down a street in my locale and I could see  my neighbor's homes.  Meanwhile the treadmill adjusted the incline as I ran up hills. There is also a library of popular routes through cityscapes and National Parks.

One last feature, if this isn't enough.  NordicTrack runs regular races where you can compete against other iFit users. You can view your position in relation to the leader and the pack. Their last race had 2,000 participants. 

Incline Trainers

The NordicTrack Incline Trainers have been a huge success. There are currently several models. All three allow you to raise the deck up to a 40% incline. Two allow you to decline the deck so you can simulate walking up and down hills and mountains.

The advantage of an incline trainer is that you can get an intense cardio workout without the pounding and stress that comes with running, since you primarily walk. You also can target and trim more of your lower body muscles. Each model come with speakers and MP3 input. See the reviews on the NordicTrack X5i and the premium NordicTrack X7i and NordicTrack X9i.

Additional Features...

It should be noted that many of the major components like motors, belts and rollers and developed in house and are built specifically for their products. This compares to other fitness equipment manufacturers that typically buy components off the shelf.

Larger Motors

When comparing specs you will find NordicTrack has some of the largest and most powerful motors for the price. Their motors go through stringent testing for failsafe, sound immunity and brush life. In general, they provide higher output at cooler temperatures and are backed with a lifetime warranty.

Larger Running Surfaces

Like their motors, NordicTrack offers some of the longest running surfaces for the price. Furthermore, they define the length as running surface, not treadbelt. Often manufacturers use the term "Treadbelt" to define length, but do not mention that 1"-3" of that belt could be covered with shrouds.

Color Displays

NordicTrack offers several models that have full color displays - a couple are touch screens. Two of their models allow you to visualize pre-installed routes from Google Maps.

New for 2011, the NordicTrack Elite 9500 PRO treadmill has a 10" full color touch screen display with the Google Android browser. This allows you to connect to the Internet through Wi-Fi where you can read your emails, check in with friends on Facebook, listen to music on Pandora.com, catch up with the news, and more. You can also visualize the Google Maps feature on iFit Live without a laptop.

Sound Systems with MP3 Input & Cooling Fans

Although speakers are becoming a standard feature on many treadmills, NordicTrack offers the best sound systems. I plugged in my iPod when I was at their facilities and was impressed with the quality and the clarity of the sound. In addition, most treadmills include cooling fans that actually work. Many treadmills have fans that are almost worthless. They have a couple of models where the intensity of fan adjusts to your level of exertion.

Volume Sales = Value

Because of the shear volume of sales, NordicTrack and their parent company, Icon Fitness, can offer some excellent value. You need to pick and choose because they change up their sales and discounts weekly. One of their current deals is the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. It includes color touch screen display, iFit Live, a powerful 3.5 HP motor, 20" x 60" treadbelt, built-in fans, a premium sound system, 30 workout programs, the ability to decline the deck 3%, and 5-yr parts and 2-yrs labor warranty all for $1,499 with shipping. Not bad!

Warranty

Until recently the warranties on NordicTrack treadmills were sub-par. Even their higher price units came with a one year parts warranty. Recently they have increased the coverage on most of their models and are more inline with the competition. These extended warranties also suggest that the quality of their machines have improved. Note: All treadmills come with a lifetime warranty on the motor.

Customer Service

in the past there were problems with NordicTrack customer service. Due to the shear volume of NordicTrack sales it could be difficult to get through to their service department. I met with Dan Jones, Director of customer service and we discussed the issue. He agreed there had been a problem that was being addressed. They recently added more staff to answer phones, and are committing $2 million to improve the situation. In the last 2 years their service has significantly improved.

User Weight Limits

One of my concerns is their suggested weight limits. In my opinion, just about every manufacturer overrates the weight capacity of their machines, and that is also true with NordicTrack. Use common sense. If you are over 300 lbs., a sub $1,000 treadmill is probably not going to cut it.

Often the decks are too thin to accommodate the weight, and the motors are not powerful enough. Also, if you are planning on running (Speeds of 7 mph or more), consider spending in excess of $1,200. You want a motor that does not strain at higher speeds, and you want a deck that can withstand the harder impact and provide adequate shock absorption.

NordicTrack Treadmill Reviews

Our Review

Like the American auto industry, NordicTrack has redefined itself in the last several years. In the process it has become a dominating force in the treadmill industry. That is due to the fact the company offers quality machines with some very innovative features at a valued price.

In general, the competition does not have the financial resources to compete at this level. There are companies that build treadmills comparable in quality, but none can match the specs and features found on most NordicTrack models.

Note: I monitor their prices daily, so watch for my recommended "Value Buys." These are models that are below their typical selling price. Sometimes there are killer deals. NordicTrack changes prices twice a week.

Consumer Magazine Review

In their most recent reviews a prominent consumer magazine gave the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 a "Best Buy" award. They rated it "Excellent" for exercise range and "Very Good" for construction. The NordicTrack Elite 9500 PRO also received an "Excellent" for exercise range and a "Very Good" for construction.

Epinions.com

On this popular customer review site there were a number of reviews on on various models. They averaged 4-5 stars out of five.

Runner's World

RW also gave a very favorable review to the S 3000 (Now the NordicTrack Commercial 1750). They said, "This machine is as sturdy as they come, receiving a perfect score from testers for the stability ranking." They also liked the 20" x 60" treadbelt, which made it a comfortable running treadmill.

ConsumerGuide NordicTrack Treadmill Review

ConsumerGuide rated the C2200 a "Best Buy", which is replaced the by the NordicTrack C 900.

Below are our list of NordicTrack Treadmill Reviews. The prices are as of 1/25/12, and include free shipping (excl. Incline Trainers)...

NordicTrack T5.7 Treadmill - $599

2012 NordicTrack T7.0 Treadmill - $799

2012 NordicTrack C 900 Treadmill - $999 - Value Buy

Nordictrack Commercial 1500 Treadmill - $1,299

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill - $1,499 - Best Buy

2012 NordicTrack Commercial 2150 Treadmill - $1,799 - w/Internet Browser

2012 NordicTrack Elite 9500 PRO Treadmill - $1,999 - w/Internet Browser

NordicTrack X5i Incline Trainer - $1,099

NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer - $1,799

NordicTrack X9i Incline Trainer - $1,999

Also see NordicTrack Elliptical Trainer Reviews