NordicTrack Commercial 1500
Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

When priced at around $1,300, the Commercial 1500 treadmill is one of NordicTrack's better buys. The length of the deck, the size of the motor, the ability to decline and the compatibility with iFit Live makes this a choice machine for running and jogging.

Compare the specs with other brands and you will find you need to spend $1,500 or more to find a comparable model.

Note: The NordicTrack Commercial 1500 typically sells for $1,299 with shipping. A good value. Go to www.NordicTrack.com for the latest deal.*

NordicTrack Commercial 1500 Treadmill Features...

iFit Live — iFit Live allows for 2-way communication between your treadmill and the Internet. This is how it works: You create a profile and define your fitness goals at iFit.com. Through your Wi-Fi connection, iFit will download personalized workouts designed by fitness trainers like Jillian Michaels.

With your iFit.com account you also get a nutrition and activity tracker, motivating text messages and emails, and workout videos available for download.

In addition, through Google Maps, you can simulate exercising on trails throughout the world. With the use of a laptop or Smart Phone that you can place on the console, you can define a route on Google Maps, and your treadmill will simulate the terrain by adjusting the incline or decline. In addition, you can get a street, map, satellite, or earth view as you run the route. There is also a library of existing routes through famous cityscapes or national parks. I tried it when I was at their headquarters and was very impressed.

Finally, you can compete in sponsored races. There are a series of scheduled races through predetermined routes. As you race you can view your progress in relation to the leader, the pack and the last person. Their recent race had 2,000 competitors. There are also a series of training routines for 5K, 10K, and marathon races.

Note: There is an additional cost for this feature, and you need a wireless internet connection.

20" x 60" Treadbelt — Most treadmills come with a 54" long belt. The extra 6" on the Commercial 1500 belt can really make a difference. It is ideal for tall individuals and people who like to sprint or interval train.

3% Decline — The NordicTrack Commercial 1500 is designed to simulate running up and down hills, which in turn allows you to stimulate different muscles groups. It inclines up to 15% and declines to 3%. This feature further enhances your experience running up and down hills with Google Maps. There is not another treadmill close to this price that allows you to decline.

3.25 Continuous Duty HP Motor — They call this motor commercial grade. That means it is also sold for use in commercial machine settings, but not necessarily in commercial grade treadmills. However, this motor is strong enough to effortlessly handle joggers/runners and multiple users.

3" Rollers — This is getting into the size of a commercial grade roller. The larger the rollers, the more surface area for the treadbelt. In addition to reducing slippage, larger rollers reduce wear on the belt, motor, and bearings by reducing the number of rotations.

QuadFlex Shock Absorption Deck — You'll find the QuadFlex Deck on their lower priced NordicTrack C 900, but they enhanced it with increased shock absorption on the Commercial 1500.  The QuadFlex Deck is designed to absorb the shock of your impact while providing an energy return when you lift off. They claim the energy return design allows you to work out longer. I can't confirm that since I only ran for a few minutes, but I did find the shock absorption is very forgiving.

Intermix Acoustic Sound System — This is the best sound system built into a treadmill. It comes with high-end speakers, and if that is not enough, a subwoofer. You'll be rockin as you're running. You can plug in your iPod, and other popular audio inputs.

24 Workout Programs — With the Commercial 1500, you get a generous selection of exercise programs. I personally use a different program every time I exercise on my machine. This breaks up the monotony of jogging in place. There are 6 high intensity, 6 speed, 6 incline or 6 calorie-burn workouts.

8" Fan — Most fans built into treadmill consoles are worthless. The air this one can move is impressive. There are three speeds. However, the speed automatically increases with the speed of the treadmill.

Warranty — NordicTrack offers a lifetime motor, 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty.

Our Review - The NordicTrack Commercial 1500 Treadmill

Every year NordicTrack packs more and more features into their treadmills. With the NordicTrack Commercial 1500, you get a large motor, sound system, 24 installed programs, extra long deck, the ability to decline, a lengthy warranty, and the interactive iFit Live. Now, compare that to comparably priced models. In general, NordicTrack and its sister company, ProForm, gives you more for less. This is because they are part of the largest conglomerate of fitness brands.

Now calling this treadmill the "Commercial" 1500 may be an overexageration of its' capability. It is not commercial grade, but it is a durable running machine with options that are geared to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Consider purchasing the 1500 when it is priced around $1,300 with shipping.

You can learn more at www.NordicTrack.com!