NordicTrack treadmill review 2023: What to know

Treadmills at home

People may consider purchasing a treadmill for home workouts for many reasons, including:

• Easy access to exercise: Some people may live far from gyms or health centers, in areas where weather or safety concerns make it difficult to exercise outdoors.
• Saving time: People can access workout programs on fitness apps. These may be helpful for those who are new to workouts and do not have time to visit the gym.
• Saving money: In the long term, purchasing a treadmill may save a person money on gym membership fees. Additionally, payment plans are often available to spread the cost of home gym equipment.

Choosing a treadmill

An individual may wish to consider the following factors when shopping for a treadmill:

• Dimensions: A person should check that the equipment has dimensions compatible with their workout area and available storage space.
• Digital connectivity: Internet connectivity often allows people to access live workout programs and connect with personal trainers.
• Speed: Runners may consider purchasing treadmills that provide speeds of up to 12 miles per hour (mph).
• Cushioning: This helps reduce the impact on the joints and lowers the risk of injuries. Adjustable cushioning also allows individuals to set their preferred comfort level.
• Incline or decline: A person can increase the angle of a treadmill to simulate running or walking uphill, helping them burn more calories. Some brands also accommodate slight declines on treadmills to replicate going downhill.

Treadmill series

NordicTrack offers three types of treadmills. The equipment also includes live speed and incline controls that allow iFit trainers to adjust an individual’s incline or speed automatically. Through iFit, the company offers interactive personal training comprising more than 16,000 workouts.

Commercial incline treadmills

These treadmills may suit people who want to engage in intense workouts, as they feature a Smart-Response motor. They also offer an incline of up to 40% — according to the company, at this incline, a person could burn over 300 calories while walking at 2 mph for 20 minutes.

These treadmills also feature:

• up to 32-in smart touchscreen
• OneTouch controls
• cushioning for comfort and knee support

Additionally, some commercial incline treadmills include:

• increased calorie burning
• minimal soreness
• longer tracks for greater running strides

However, these treadmills do not fold or feature a SpaceSaver design, so they may not suit those with limited storage space.

Commercial treadmills

These treadmills come with:

• a full-color smart HD touchscreen of up to 22 in
• OneTouch controls
• Smart-Response motor for calorie-burning workouts

These models may suit frequent runners, as they include RunnersFlex Cushioning to help reduce the pressure on the joints.

Some benefits of these treadmills may include:

• minimizing soreness
• quiet operation
• a tread belt that caters for longer strides

However, some people may have difficulty assembling commercial treadmills. NordicTrack advises that for an additional fee, an assembly technician can help set up their new equipment.

EXP treadmills

NordicTrack’s EXP treadmills come with a Smart-Response Drive System and FlexSelect Cushioning. The company states that the deck cushioning protects the individual’s joints and offers an authentic road-running experience.

Some benefits of EXP treadmills include:

• minimizing soreness
• calorie-burning workouts
• being budget friendly

NordicTrack treadmills

Each NordicTrack treadmill comes with a 30-day membership to iFit. A 1-year membership cost $396 at the time of publication.

Some other features of the company’s treadmills include:

• Wi-Fi connectivity that allows people to attend different workout programs
• integrated Google Maps to provide individuals with the chance to exercise virtually anywhere in the world
• performance tracking
• running speeds of up to 12 mph
• maximum user weight of 300 pounds (lb)

NordicTrack’s products also come with a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty. The company operates a 30-day return policy.

Below, we look at NordicTrack’s treadmills in more detail.

Best for the most immersive incline experience:
Commercial X32i

• List price: $4,499
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 76.5 x 40 x 73 inches (in)
• Screen size: 32 in
• Foldable: no
• Warranty: 10- year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty

The X32i comes with a 32-in interactive HD touchscreen and Bluetooth headphone connectivity.

The motor uses the Smart-Response drive system technology that the company claims is hardworking and built to accommodate high-intensity workouts. It also uses quiet-drive incline technology.

This model also features a maximum 40% incline and a -6% decline. Additionally, a fitness instructor can remotely control these settings as part of a person’s workout.

Pros and cons

This model may be a good option for people who prefer a wide screen and are training to run up steeper inclines.

However, this treadmill is the most expensive model the company offers.

Best for a wider tread belt:
Elite

• List price: from $3,999
• Dimensions: 81 x 38 x 80 in
• Screen size: 22 in or 32 in
• Foldable: no
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty

This treadmill is available in two models: the Elite 22-in, and the Elite 32-in. One model has a 22-in rotating HD display, whereas the other has a 32-in screen.

Both models have amplified speakers and adjustable inclination ranging from 40% to -5%.

For extra comfort, the treadmill has a lower step-up height than other models, with a slightly wider 22-in tread belt.

Pros and cons

People can choose between purchasing a model with a 22-in or 32-in pivoting screen. This may benefit those who want to use the screen for other purposes, such as streaming other workouts using their iFit subscription.

However, this model is larger and heavier than some of the other treadmills NordicTrack sells. As this treadmill does not fold for easy storage, it may not be suitable for people who need to move and store the model when it is not in use.

Best for an incline experience and large console:
Commercial X22i

• List price: $3,499
• Dimensions: 70 x 39 x 72.5 in
• Screen size: 22 in
• Foldable: no
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty

This treadmill has a 22-in HD smart touchscreen console with Bluetooth headphone connectivity.

It features a built-in push bar and sled grips for increased calorie burn and muscle toning and a cushioned deck for extra landing support. The motor utilizes the Smart-Response drive system.

The treadmill incorporates quiet-drive incline technology plus a maximum incline of 40% and a maximum decline of -6%, both of which a fitness trainer can control remotely.

Pros and cons

This model may help burn extra calories and tone up muscles due to its push bar and sled grips. This treadmill may also be beneficial for people who prefer to run up steeper inclines.

However, this model is one of the more expensive treadmills available on the company’s website. Unlike other products with similar features, this treadmill does not feature a space-saving design, which may make it unsuitable for smaller spaces.

Best for a 22-in touchscreen:
Commercial 2450

• List price: $2,999
• Dimensions: 81 x 39 x 59 in
• Screen size: 22 in
• Foldable: yes
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty

This treadmill comes with a 22-in tilt and pivot touchscreen, a SpaceSaver design, and dual AutoBreeze workout fans.

The Commerical 2450 can accommodate a 15% incline and -3% decline, with low impact cushioning for added joint support.

This treadmill has a speed of 0–12 miles per hour (MPH).

Pros and cons

This product features auto-adjusting speed and incline, which may appeal to those who prefer not to press buttons or turn dials while running. Additionally, this treadmill is reportedly quiet, which may benefit those who require quieter exercise equipment, such as people who work out in rooms with thinner walls.

However, while this product has features such as auto-adjusting and ActivePulse technology, people will need to pay for an iFit membership or purchase a heart rate monitor in order to use these features.

Best for a 14-in touchscreen:
Commercial 1750

• List price: $2,499
• Dimensions: 80 x 38 x 64 in
• Screen size: 14 in
• Foldable: yes
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty

At the time of publication, NordicTrack has marked this model as a ‘closeout’. It may not be available to purchase online for very long.

This treadmill features a 14-in HD smart touchscreen and a SpaceSaver design to keep the equipment as compact as possible.

The treadmill’s motor uses NordicTrack’s Smart-Response drive system, while the deck uses RunnersFlex cushioning. This equipment is capable of achieving a 15% incline and a -3% decline.

The motor has an 0–12 MPH speed.

Pros and cons

The 14-in screen tilts and pivots which may be beneficial for those who use an iFit membership for workouts other than running. Similar to the Commercial 2450, this treadmill also has a space-saving design, which may benefit those who have smaller workout spaces.

However, people must purchase an iFit membership or buy a heart tracker to use some of the treadmill’s features, such as auto-incline adjustments and heart rate tracking.

Best for a quiet motor:
EXP 14i

• List price: $1,899
• Dimensions: 79.9 x 35.08 x 59.25 in
• Screen size: 14 in
• Foldable: yes
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty

At the time of publication, NordicTrack has marked this model as a ‘closeout’. It may not be available to purchase online for very long.

This treadmill has a 14-in HD smart touchscreen and has NordicTrack’s SpaceSaver Design with EasyLift technology. The AutoBreeze workout fan can help keep people cool during their workout.

Like other NordicTrack models, this treadmill has cushioning to protect a person’s joints. It has an adjustable incline that ranges from 12% to -3%.

Pros and cons

This treadmill has a quiet motor that may appeal to people who are working out from home, as the noise is less likely to disturb neighbors or other people in the house.

However, the screen on this treadmill does not tilt or pivot unlike some other models, which may not be useful for people who are intending to use the treadmill and an iFit subscription as part of their home gym workout.

Best for a -3% decline up to 12% incline:
EXP 10i

• List price: $1,799
• Dimensions: 79.9 x 35.08 x 59.25 in
• Screen size: 10 in
• Foldable: yes
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty

At the time of publication, NordicTrack has marked this model as a ‘closeout’. It may not be available to purchase online for very long.

This treadmill has a 10-in HD smart touchscreen and features NordicTrack’s SpaceSaver design. The AutoBreeze workout fans help a person to maintain a comfortable workout.

The EXP 10i has FlexSelect cushioning that can provide a more comfortable workout experience. This model can also accommodate for a 12% incline and a -3% decline.

This treadmill has a speed of 0–12 MPH.

Pros and cons

This treadmill offers many of the same features as more expensive NordicTrack treadmills for a lower price point.

However, the treadmill has a smaller screen size, which may not appeal to those who prefer wider screens.

Best for the most cost-effective option:
EXP 7i

• List price: $1,199
• Dimensions: 70.8 x 34.9 x 59.7 in
• Screen size: 7 in
• Foldable: yes
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty

This model features a 7-in HD smart touchscreen with a live trainer-controlled incline of up to 12%.

For comfort, NordicTrack includes FlexSelect cushioning with this model.

Pros and cons

This model is the least expensive treadmill NordicTrack offers. This may make it a good option for people who are on a tighter budget.

However, the screen is only 7 inches, which may be too small for some people to comfortably watch while working out.

NordicTrack treadmill comparison

The following table compares the NordicTrack treadmills in this article.

Safety considerations

As with all home gym equipment, a person should follow safe usage guidance according to manufacturer instructions.

According to Harvard Medical School (HMS), individuals should walk slowly for 10–15 minutes as part of a warm-up session on the treadmill before working out. They should also perform a short walk afterward, as this helps reduce the chance of injury and improve post-workout recovery. HMS also suggests purchasing a treadmill with an emergency stop button.

The placement of a treadmill within the home can be important when it comes to safety. A 2016 study states that people should place their treadmills away from a wall — this can help prevent severe head trauma or fracture if they fall when using the equipment.

Alternative treadmill options

Other brands that manufacture treadmills include:

• Horizon Fitness offers two treadmill series and other home gym equipment for beginners and experienced athletes.
• Peloton sells two treadmills and an app that allows people to access various workout programs that include yoga, meditation, and stretching.
• Lifespan offers foldable treadmills, which may be convenient for individuals with limited storage space.

Frequently asked questions about NordicTrack treadmills

Here we answer some common questions about this brand’s products.

Is NordicTrack a good treadmill brand?

NordicTrack has a 1.6 out of 5 stars customer rating on Trustpilot, from over 1,000 reviews. Of these, around 39% give the company five stars, and 48% give the company one star.

The reviews on Trustpilot appear to be mixed regarding treadmill quality. Some people state that their treadmill still runs over a decade after purchasing it, whereas others say the treadmill never worked.

Is a NordicTrack worth it?

NordicTrack treadmills may be worth purchasing if a person believes the features are what they require. People may wish to utilize the iFit membership to access on-demand classes.

However, some online reviewers on Trustpilot state that the company’s customer service is lacking, with people unable to contact the company to request repairs, refunds, and returns.

Which is the best treadmill for home use?

The best treadmill for home use depends on how a person wishes to use it and on how much space they have.

For example, people who are training for running in places that have a lot of inclines may prefer treadmills that have more incline levels. People who are training their speed may prefer products that are capable of higher speeds.

Those who live in smaller spaces may prefer a treadmill that folds for easy storage.

How long does a NordicTrack treadmill last?

NordicTrack offers warranties of around 10 years on most of its products. People can expect the treadmills to last around that length of time so long as they maintain the product.

Maintenance includes dusting, cleaning, lubricating, and conducting any routine updates as the owner’s manual describes.

Summary

NordicTrack is a home gym company offering various treadmills for individuals who want to work out indoors. The company has a range of machines that provide several benefits, including fitness classes and remote trainer access.

To prevent injury, a person should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek advice from a qualified fitness trainer if they are new to using treadmills.

Individuals may also wish to consider other brands that offer home gym equipment before making a final decision to purchase a treadmill.