NordicTrack TS Terrain Simulator Review

  Treadmill Articles

The NordicTrack TS Terrain Simulator has an innovative feature that is going to make some serious noise in the industry, and should result in some major profits for this company.

The problem with writing treadmill reviews is it can get very monotonous.  They are basically all the same with little variation in the features.  Even the workout programs are very similar. The real difference is in the quality of the components and the engineering.    

However, once in a while a company will come out with a concept that raises the bar, and the rest of the herd hustles to catch up.  NordicTrack is that kind of company.  They are a subsidiary of Icon Fitness, which is the largest fitness equipment company in the world, and by a large margin.  They have considerable resources to invest in R&D, which is apparent in their unique features.

So NordicTrack took their popular incline trainer and added two new features...

iFit Live - The next generation of iFit technology.  iFit live allows your treadmill to communicate to your computer through Wi-Fi.  It downloads data like distance and calories burned.  This information is tracked online where you can monitor your progress.  But wait there is more!  According to NordicTrack...

"you can customize your own fitness program, receive automatic workout downloads, manage your profile on iFit.com and work out with Jillian Michaels. You can also add competition to your workout with 5k races against your Facebook friends. Other features include a nutrition and activity tracker, motivating text messages and emails, and workout videos available for download."

This is an impressive package of interactive goodies.

Note: I just talked to NordicTrack and found out iFit Live and the Google Maps application won't go live until December. When it does go live I was told it will be included in the price.

Run Actual Routes with Google Maps - Don't ask me how, but somehow NordicTrack has managed to connect the TS Terrain Simulator to Google Maps.  In the process you can experience runs all over the world.  They will be displayed on your console, and the TS Trainer Simulator will "simulate" walking the roadway.  In other words, it will incline and yes, decline.  The TS Terrain Simulator has the ability to decline at 3%. So anywhere you can drop the little Google Guy on Google Maps you can walk or hike.

As mentioned, this new feature is not available until December, and I was surprised to find out they released the Terrain Simulator before iFit Live was Live. Consequently, I have not tried it yet. However, I have been on their Incline Trainers and they are impressive machines.

Additional Features - NordicTrack TS Terrain Simulator

Up to 40% Incline - If you've every cranked up the incline all the way on a treadmill, you usually get a heavy duty cardio burn.  Typically treadmills incline to a max of 15%.  With the Terrain Simulator you can raise the incline to a heart pounding 40%.  There are several advantages to incline training. 

First, at different levels of incline you workout different muscles groups.  When you kick up the incline you cross-train the large muscles of the lower body, including lower abs and especially the glutes. 

Another advantage of incline training is you can get the same results from walking as you would get from running on a level treadmill.  By with walking you significant reduce the impact to your joints, thereby reducing the potential for injuries from stress and strains.

Finally, with incline training your burn more calories.  NordicTrack claims five times the amount of calories, which seems high, but even twice the amount would make it appealing. In fact, if you ever watch the Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels has the contestants working out regularly on NordicTrack Incline Trainers.

Reflex Cushioning - The NordicTrack TS Terrain Simulator is equipped with their patented Reflex Deck.  I've been on this deck, and there is considerably more shock absorption in comparison to a treadmill.  Another feature that is kind to your joints. 

9 Workout Programs - If you don't want to pay for the iFit Live option the TS Terrain Simulator has 9 workout programs that focus on different goals like aerobics, weight-loss or performance.  There is also a Random Trail Generator that takes parts of the 9 workouts and rearranges them into different experiences.

Sound System with iPod/MP3 Input - They actually equipped this model with some decent speakers, so the sound is above average for a treadmill.

Warranty - NordicTrack is usually chintzy with their coverage.  Although you get lifetime on the motor, you only get 1-year parts and labor.  I recommend you increase the warranty by another year or two to protect your investment.

Our Review - NordicTrack TS Terrain Simulator

If you are a walker and you want to burn maximum amounts of calories and build lower body muscles, the TS Terrain Simulator makes sense.  It should be noted that this is not a running machine because of the incline design and the positioning of the console. 

The previous versions of the incline trainer have been very popular, and the feedback from customers is generally positive. With the new NordicTrack TX Terrain Simulator you get the iFit Live with the Google  Trail Simulator, in addition to being able to decline the belt. 

When I talked to NordicTrack they expected this new model to be a big hit and I suspect it will be.  It has several advantages over your average treadmill.  First, being a walking machine there is less impact. Second, by cranking up the incline your can increase your cardio workout and burn more calories.  Finally, with the new generation of interactive programs you have a machine that can act as a virtual personal trainer while simulating outdoor hiking.

To learn more o to www.NordicTrack.com.