NordicTrack T 5.7 Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

Run the Boston Marathon or the Great Wall of China

The NordicTrack T 5.7 treadmill qualifies as a budget machine, and yet it is equipped with some impressive features. I would recommend this machine for primarily walking, although it can handle moderate jogging.

Note: The NordicTrack T 5.7 treadmill is selling for $599 with shipping. A good value for a budget treadmill. Go to www.NordicTrack.com for the latest price.*

NordicTrack has been known for offering some of the most innovative treadmills at a valued price. With the NordicTrack T 5.7 they've taken the iFit technology to a whole new level of sophistication. When you first sign-up, you will go to iFit.com and fill out your profile, set up your goals, and pick your personal trainer like Jillian Michaels.  For example, you can define how much weight you want to lose and how fast you're want to lose it.

You plug the WiFi module into your treadmill, and it will link up with your account on iFit.com. (Requires wireless connection.)  It will download a customized workout just for you. The workout you get the next day will depend on your progress from the day before.  It is totally dynamic and customizable, where you can always increase or decrease the level of exertion.

Run with Google Maps

The customized workouts are impressive, but check this out. You can plug-in a trail or road that is on Google Maps, and it will simulate the terrain.  For example, you could follow the same route as the Boston Marathon or run the Great Wall of China, and your treadmill will simulate the inclines.

This feature requires the use of a browser on, for example, a laptop or a smart phone. The T 5.7 is designed with slots to fit your laptop computer on the console.

With iFit Live, you can watch your progress four ways.

• Street View
• Terrain View
• Map View
• Satellite View

With the map view and satellite view, there is a running avatar that shows your progress.

One last killer app is the ability to compete with your friends. You can do a race on your treadmill with your friends in real time. iFit Live will track and display the competitors on a map. Whew!

There is an additional cost for iFit Live, and Wi-Fi is required.

NordicTrack T 5.7 Treadmill Features...

Other than the iFit Live, the T 5.7 has many of the features found on some of their most popular models. Being a subsidiary of the largest fitness equipment company in the world, NordicTrack does a good job of offering more for less. Overall, the T 5.7 is a high-end budget treadmill that is ideal for walkers and average weight joggers - individuals running at a moderate speed. The features include...

Heart Rate monitor with Wireless Chest Strap Monitor — This allows you to determine your rate of exertion by your heart rate. An efficient method of exercising that can optimize your results. This technique is used by professional athletes.

2.5 Continuous Duty HP Motor — Continuous duty is the rating of a motor when it runs without straining. That is in comparison to peak performance horsepower. This motor will once again handle walkers and light joggers without straining.

Dual Shox Cushioning — The shock absorption is not up to parr with their more expensive units, but it is still an significant improvement over exercising on asphalt or concrete.

20" x 55" Treadbelt — This is the length of the belt, not necessarily the walking area. It will handle average height individuals. Taller users may want to consider the NordicTrack 900 Pro with the 60" belt.

20 Workout Programs — If you decide not to opt for the iFit Live, you still have your choice of 20 pre-installed workout programs. They focus on goals like distance training or calorie burning, by controlling the speed and incline of the treadmill.

Warranty — Lifetime motor, 2 year parts, and 1 year labor coverage. The 2-year parts warranty is very generous at this price.

The other features on the T 5.7 are standard on many NordicTrack treadmills. They include built-in speakers and fans, both big hits with their customers. This is a folding treadmill, and with the hydraulics, it is rather easy to raise and lower.

A note on the user weight limit: Generally, NordicTrack is excessive in their rating, and I would put it at around 250 lbs., not 325 lbs.

Our Review - NordicTrack T 5.7 Treadmill

When priced aggressively, the NordicTrack T 5.7 is a good value even without iFit Live. What is an aggressive price? I would say $599. However, at that price range you need to realize this is not a heavy duty machine. If you are a serious runner, or if there will be multiple users you probably want to upgrade.

To learn more go to NordicTrackTreadmills.com.