The
NordicTrack Treadmill is the premium brand of Icon Fitness. Icon
is the world's largest treadmill manufacturer. They make other
popular models like ProForm, Reebok, and Epic.
I was
recently at 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 online and offers Free Shipping. Focus on the sale items, they are the best value. Check out the latest prices at www.NordicTrack.com .
Current Bargain Buys
NordicTrack Elite 7500 - $1,599 (With TV)
NordicTrack T9 ci - $999
NordicTrack Apex 4500 - $999
Special Offer: Get 5% Off when you enter "NT5off" at Checkout . This incentive runs until Monday.
I met
with various directors, managers and VPs, and overall was impressed.
There are considerable resources put 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, 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,
Reflex and adjustable cushion decks, and treadmills with built-in
flat screen TVs are several reasons why NordicTrack is so popular.
Built-in Flat Screen TV
NordicTrack
offers three models with built-in flat screen TVs. Each designed
to accommodate difference levels of exercising. Let's face it, walking
or running on a treadmill can get boring. As hard as you try, you're
always in the same place. With these TV equipped models you can
watch your favorite cable show or DVD, meanwhile the screen will
provide feedback on your progress, including time, distance and
calories burned. See the NordicTrack Elite 7500 Review and the NordicTrack ViewPoint 3200 Review.
iFIT Technology
A
perfect example of their innovation is their iFIT technology and
workout cards. Each card offers an 8-week program that covers 24
different workouts. There are four categories of workouts, along
with three levels of intensity; beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Once you finish one workout, you move on to the next. Certified
personal trainers design the workouts.
The iFIT card controls the speed, incline and duration
of your treadmill workout. It includes audio coaching and motivation,
in addition to helpful tips. For example, your personal trainer
will provide suggestions on proper breathing and posture. I find
iFit to be an ingenious concept that helps achieve your fitness
goals. (Note: Not all models are equipped with iFit.)
Adjustable Cushion and Reflex Deck
Another
creative concept is the Adjustable Cushion Deck, found on
models like the Viewpoint 3000. The idea behind an adjustable deck
is that users will prefer different levels of impact absorption.
For example, depending on your weight or whether you're a walker
or runner, you may desire more or less shock absorption.
In addition, they have several models with the Reflex
Deck. It is built out of poplar wood, which is the same wood
used for snowboards. It absorbs impact like no other treadmill.
See review
on NordicTrack Apex 4500.
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
Elite 7500. Includes a digital TV, powerful 3.5 HP motor, 20" x 60" treadbelt, built-in fans, adjustable cushioned deck and premium sound system and 35 workout programs for
$1,599 with shipping. Not bad.
Warranty
The one area where NordicTrack falls short is on
their warranties. Their parts and labor warranty is normally one
year, although they have lifetime coverage on their motors. Considering
the overall value, in most cases you are still ahead of the game
if you get an extended warranty.
Also, I need to mention past problems with their
customer service. Due to the shear volume of equipment NordicTrack
sells, there have been problems getting through to their customer
service. I met with Dan Jones, Director of customer service, and
mentioned that issue. He agreed there has been a problem that is
being addressed. They recently added more staff to answer phones,
and are committing $2 million to improve the situation. Let's assume
that will have an impact, and their service will greatly improve.
One other concern 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 and considering buying
a budget treadmill.
Often the decks are too thin to accommodate the
weight, and the motors are not powerful enough. Also, if you are
planning on running or jogging, 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.
NordicTrack
Treadmill Reviews
Our Review
NordicTrack treadmills offer some of the best value
in their price range. Their features and innovative technology are
second to none. I would recommend caution when buying their machines
in the sub $1,000 range. That holds true with any treadmill manufacturer.
To reach price points of let's say $700, you have to make concessions.
On the other hand, in the $1,000 - $3,000 price range you can get
some excellent deals.
Consumer Magazine Review
A prominent consumer magazine gave the NordicTrack S3000 one of their highest
ratings. They rated it a "Very Good" for quality, and
an "Excellent" for exercise range. They also rated the
C2250 a "Best Buy" for a bugdet, walking treadmill. It
is replace with the A2550.
Epinions.com
On this popular customer review site there were
a number of reviews on. They averaged 4-5 stars out of five.
Runner's World
RW also gave a very favorable review to the S 3000.
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 Review
ConsumerGuide rated the C2200 a "Best Buy",
which is replaced the by the A2350.
Below are our list of NordicTrack Reviews. Prices listed below are as of 6/30/09 and include shipping...
NordicTrack A2350 - $799
NordicTrack A2155 - $699
NordicTrack A2550 - $999
NordicTrack T9 ci - $999 - Bargain Buy
NordicTrack Apex 4500 - $999 - Bargain Buy
NordicTrack Commercial 1500 - $1,299
NordicTrack X3 Incline Trainer - $1,599
NordicTrack Elite 7500 w/TV - $1,599 - Bargain Buy
NordicTrack Viewpoint 3200 with TV - $1,699
NordicTrack Viewpoint 3600 with TV - $1,999
Also see NordicTrack
Elliptical Trainer Reviews
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