NordicTrack C1250 Treadmill Review

   About Fred Waters

A Running Machine that Entertains

The NordicTrack C1250 treadmill is new for 2011.  When I was out at the corporate headquarters the staff was excited about the release of this model , because with its specs and features it was going to blow away comparably priced treadmills.  Every year this company not only builds better quality machines, but they also include some of the most innovative features in the industry. 

The NordicTrack C1250 is a perfect example.  When you factor all the features below and match that with an aggressive price, no other treadmill can compare. 

Note: The NordicTrack C1250 is no longer available. Go to the NordicTrack Treadmill Reviews for the latest models.*

10" Full Color Touch Screen  with Google Android Browser — Running in place is boring, and having distractions tends to increase your time burning calories and getting in shape.  With the 10" touch screen on the C1250 you have several benefits. First, it gives you full color and easy touch access for various programs that are included with the treadmill. Second, you can connect online with Wi-Fi and listen to music through Pandora.com, view your email, read the news, and much more. Finally, you can access the full features of Google Maps on iFit Live without the need of a laptop or smart phone.

iFit Live with Google Maps — iFit Live lets you run the world virtually.  Through Google Maps you can plot a route and run practically anywhere.  As you run the route your treadmill will mimic the incline with the terrain.  In addition, you have access to either a map, satellite, street or earth view through Google Maps.  I tried iFit Live recently and was able to run through my neighborhood while viewing familiar sites.  In addition, there is a library of popular cityscape routes and trails through National Parks. 

iFit Live also gives you the ability to get a personalize workout  based on your fitness goals.  You create an account on iFit.com and define your goals, like losing weight or training for a race.  iFit Live will download progressive workouts designed to achieve those goals.  They are designed by professional fitness trainer like Jillian Michaels and include audio coaching.  Your stats are fed back to iFit.com, where you can track your progress, and it is shown that individuals that track their progress are more likely to reach their target.

One last feature worth noting are the organized races sponsored by NordicTrack.  There are regularly scheduled races through predetermined routes. As you race you can view your progress in relation to the leader, the pack and the last person. One of their recent races had 2,000 competitors. There are also a series of training routines for 5K, 10K, and marathon races.

3.5 HP Continuous Duty Motor — This is a larger motor than you will normally find at this price range.  What it means is you get a motor that will handle high speeds, steep inclines and heavy users without straining.  It also runs fairly quite.

20" x 60" Running Surface — I didn't have a tape measure when I tested the NordicTrack C1250, but I was told the 60" is the actual running surface, not the treadbelt length.  Most manufacturers refer to the treadbelt length, what they don't say is that up to 4" of the belt can be hidden under the shroud.

QuadFlex Shock Absorption Deck — The QuadFlex Deck is their new and improved  design.  As it was explained to me, the QuadFlex deck absorbs the shock of your impact while providing an energy return when you lift off. NordicTrack claims this patented design allows you to exercise longer.  I wasn't on it long enough to verify that claim, but I will say it provided excellent shock absorption.

26 Workout Programs — You get a good variety of exercise routines.  They include  7 high intensity, 7 incline, 6 speed or 6 calorie-burn workouts.  A variety of challenges can make your exercising more interesting.

Built-in Fan — NordicTrack has an interesting concept, you can set it at auto and it will actually speed up when you speed up.  The fan does a reasonable job of cooling off your core, which then allows you to workout longer.

Speakers with MP3 Input — They actually use decent speakers and drivers.  The result is sound with  impressive clarity, which is not the norm for treadmill sound systems.

Warranty — NordicTrack has recently increased the coverage on their treadmills, and they are comparable to some of the best warranties available.  Your get lifetime on the motor, 5-years parts and 2-years labor warranty.

Our Review - NordicTrack C1250 Treadmill

I recently returned from the NordicTrack headquarters, where I got firsthand look at their new models and was able to speak at length with the staff.   I was particularly impressed with the 10 full color touch screen display with Internet browser functionality.  It is available on both the NordicTrack C1250 and the NordicTrack Elite 9500 PRO.   One of the biggest obstacles to exercising in place is overcoming the shear boredom.  This display not only gives you access to the Internet, but also allows you the full visual benefits of iFit Live.  This is a far cry from your basic display that reads out a few stats. 

In addition to the entertainment factor, the C1250 is built to handle runners with a lengthy running surface, oversized motor  and upgraded shock absorption deck.   All covered with an impressive warranty.

So is the NordicTrack C1250 a good value?  It depends! NordicTrack changes prices on their treadmills twice a week, and sometimes the price can increase or decrease as much as 50%.  You want to watch the sales and determine which model is the best value.  At $1,400 the C1250 is a good value.  At $1,300 it is an excellent value.

For more details go to www.NordicTrack.com.