Buying guide for Best NordicTrack treadmills
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Whether it’s raining outside or you don’t have time to drive to the gym, a NordicTrack treadmill is the easiest way to burn calories and stay in shape right in your own home.
One of the most respected brands in the home-fitness equipment industry, NordicTrack offers a variety of treadmills that can fit nearly any fitness level and budget. From models for serious runners who want to break personal mileage records to models for those new to a fitness routine, these treadmills are equipped with all the latest technology, so you can choose from effective preprogrammed workouts or even live interactive training to meet all of your fitness goals.
Which NordicTrack treadmill best suits your needs? Fortunately, our convenient shopping guide can help. To make it even easier, we have also included our top recommendations to take all the guesswork out of shopping.
Key considerations
Style
- NordicTrack running treadmills are usually the most popular, versatile option. They have a wide belt that’s ideal for running, jogging, and walking and feature an incline option to mimic uphill running. They’re ideal for endurance runners and individuals who are new to exercising with a treadmill. NordicTrack offers both standard and commercial-grade running models.
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NordicTrack incline treadmills are similar to running treadmills, but they’re able to incline at a much steeper angle to better mimic uphill running. They’re an ideal option for trail runners or anyone looking to burn as many calories as possible during a workout.
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NordicTrack treadmill desks are similar to standard running treadmills, but they feature a desktop or workstation instead of the traditional console or display. That allows you to set up your computer, laptop, or tablet on the desk, so you can work while you walk on the treadmill. These models typically don’t offer the same speed or incline options as running treadmills, but they’re an ideal option for anyone who works from home and wants to stay active.
Expert Tip
Looking down at your feet while you run on the treadmill might be tempting, but try not to. You wouldn't stare at your feet while walking or running outside, so try to avoid this bad habit while exercising on a treadmill. If you do this, you will only develop bad form and risk injury.
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Weight capacity
When you’re choosing a NordicTrack treadmill, it’s important to consider a model’s weight capacity so you can be sure that every user in your home can workout safely. Models with higher weight capacities tend to be sturdier, so you can trust that the treadmill will hold up well to repeated use.
The maximum weight a NordicTrack treadmill can hold ranges from 300 to 350 pounds, so make sure that whichever model you choose is safe for all of the users in your family.
Features
Motor horsepower
NordicTrack treadmill motors range from 2.6 to 4.25 horsepower, so choose a model that’s powerful enough to accommodate the types of exercise you’re most likely to use it for. For users who primarily use a treadmill to walk, a treadmill with at least a 2.5-horsepower motor is your best bet. For those who plan to jog, a 3.0-horsepower motor is advised. If you want to use your treadmill for serious running, though, you should opt for a 3.5-horsepower model at least.
Maximum speed
If you plan to use your treadmill for running, it’s important to choose a model that allows you to run as fast as you want during your workouts. The maximum speeds for NordicTrack treadmills range from eight to 12 miles per hour, so opt for a model that best fits your needs.
Incline/decline options
Treadmills usually feature an incline setting, which allows you to raise the angle of the running deck to simulate uphill running or walking for increased calorie burn. An incline that reaches at least a 10% grade, which nearly all NordicTrack treadmills offer, usually provides the best workout. However, some models can go up to a 15% incline. If you really want to burn calories or simulate trail running, though, opt for a model that can go all the way up to a 40% incline.
Some NordicTrack models also offer a decline feature, which allows you to adjust the angle of the running deck downward. You can choose from models that offer a decline between 3 and 6%.
Console
A treadmill’s console contains all of the controls that are used to adjust the speed and incline or activate other features. It usually has a display screen as well, where it tracks all of your workout stats, including distance, speed, pace, and calories burned and allows you to stream workout videos.
While some NordicTrack desk treadmills only have an LCD display, nearly all other models feature a smart HD touchscreen display for the easiest operation possible. The screens vary in size from seven to 22 inches depending on the model, though.
Live interactive training
Most NordicTrack treadmills include a one-year membership to NordicTrack iFit, which is a program that allows you to access live interactive training with a personal trainer from the comfort of your home. NordicTrack’s trainers are actually able to digitally adjust your speed and incline for a customized workout that can help you reach all of your fitness goals.
Some lower-end models don’t include a NordicTrack iFit membership but are compatible with the program, so you can pay to use it if you’d like.
Expert Tip
Don’t just perform easy, mindless running, which is very common on treadmills. Use the various programs the treadmill offers, such as hill running, intervals, and even popular simulated running routes like trails and racecourses.
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Exercise programs
If you aren’t interested in live interactive training programs, NordicTrack treadmills are equipped with onboard workout programs that automatically adjust the speed or incline to vary your intensity. Some models offer 20 exercise programs, while others provide up to 50.
Heart rate monitor
When you’re working out, a heart rate monitor helps make sure that you’re getting the most out of your routine by hitting your target heart rate zone. Some higher-end NordicTrack treadmills include a heart rate chest strap that’s Bluetooth-enabled. Chest straps usually provide the most accurate heart rate monitoring, so you’re able to transmit accurate heart rate data to the treadmill’s display via the Bluetooth connection.
Other lower-end NordicTrack treadmills offer a contact heart rate monitor in the console’s grips, which isn’t as accurate as a chest strap but still gives you a good idea of how hard you’re working. The treadmill’s display automatically shows your heart rate if you use the contact grips to do a reading.
Speakers
Some NordicTrack treadmills have Bluetooth-enabled speakers that allow you to stream music from your smartphone or tablet through the speakers in the console, so you always have the perfect playlist ready for your workout. Other models have an auxiliary music port so you can connect your smartphone or tablet to the console via a cable when you want to play music through the speakers.
USB charging
Some NordicTrack treadmills have a USB charging port, which allows you to use a USB cable to plug in your smartphone, tablet, or another device to the console for charging.
Expert TIp
To get a more accurate outdoor running or walking experience, set the incline at 1%. A 0% incline doesn’t provide enough resistance to simulate the effort required when walking or running outside.
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NordicTrack treadmill prices
NordicTrack running treadmills
These are usually the most affordable, ranging from $600 to $2,700. Basic models that feature a less powerful motor typically cost between $600 and $1,800. Commercial models that offer a motor with more horsepower are more expensive, though — they usually range from $1,800 to $2,700.
NordicTrack desk treadmills
Though similar in price to running treadmills, they typically feature fewer special features. Most models cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
NordicTrack incline treadmills
Typically the most expensive models, their impressive incline ability can make them a worthwhile investment for trail runners or anyone looking to burn serious calories. They typically cost between $1,999 to $4,299 but offer a wide range of special features.
Tips
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Before running on your NordicTrack treadmill, warm up by walking at a comfortable pace for three to five minutes to prevent injuries.
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Avoid holding the handrails when you’re running or walking on your NordicTrack treadmill. Use them to get on and off the treadmill, but when you’re walking or running, keep your arms at a 90º angle and allow them to move with you.
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When you’re new to running on an incline, be careful not to set it too high. Start at 1 to 2% and alternate flat running with your incline running.
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Make sure to have a water bottle within reach when you’re working out on your NordicTrack treadmill. It’s important to stay hydrated during any type of exercise.
FAQ
Q. Do NordicTrack treadmills come fully assembled?
A. Assembly is required for all NordicTrack treadmills. However, some retailers offer an expert assembly option for an additional fee, so you can have a professional assemble the treadmill in your home.
Q. What maintenance does a NordicTrack treadmill require?
A. After each of your workouts, unplug the treadmill and use a soft cloth that’s dampened with water to wipe down the machine to remove any sweat or other dirt. From time to time, you should also examine the treadmill’s hardware, including screws and bolts, to see if they require tightening.
Q. What types of warranty protection does NordicTrack offer for its treadmills?
A. All NordicTrack treadmills have a lifetime warranty on their frame and motor. Most offer a two- to six-year warranty for parts and electronic components and a one- to three-year labor warranty. Check the product specifications carefully for any model that you’re considering to see exactly what type of warranty coverage you can expect.
