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The
NordicTrack Treadmill is the premium brand of Icon Fitness, whic h 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:
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
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