Nordic Track is owned and manufactured by ICON Health and Fitness, one of the largest producers of treadmills in the world. They also own brands like Epic, Image, Healthrider, Proform and Reebok.
Nordic Track produces several economy to mid-priced treadmills. The main benefits of these treadmills are the deluxe workout features they offer including:
- iPod/MP3 ports with built-in Sound Systems
- WiFi Internet Connectivity
- iFit card readers with Jillian Michaels Workouts
- Wireless Heart Rate Monitors
Strengths:
#1) Excellent Updates - Nordic Track has put a lot of work into their new models and they blew us out of the water this year.
Upgrades included stronger motors, upgraded consoles, improved cushioning, longer warranties and larger walking areas. Overall a huge improvement over past units.
#2) Luxury workout tools - No one outdoes Nordic Track treadmills when it comes to fitness goodies.
There are models with built-in TVs, iPod docking stations, built-in speakers, Carb Counters, iFit workout cards where a personal trainer like Jillian Michaels from 'The Biggest Loser' coaches you through your workout, adjustable cushioning, Odometer Miles Trackers and more.
These fitness tools can turn a boring treadmill into your own personal fitness studio.
#3) Lifetime Motor Warranties - Most Nordic Track treadmills come with a lifetime motor warranty. Since the motor can be an expensive part of the treadmill to fix, this is an excellent insurance feature to have.
It also gives you an idea of the quality of motors that they're now putting in their treadmills.
#4) Improved Cushioning - Nordic track has greatly improved the cushioning systems on their treadmills.
They have been proven to reduce the impact from 28 - 33% as compared to road running.
Also, several models offer adjustable cushioning so different users can choose the type of surface they want to run on.
And finally, there's the famous Nordic Track Reflex deck cushioning. This is one of the highest user-rated cushioning systems on the market and has been shown to reduce impact by almost 42% as compared to road running.
It actually returns energy to your stride so you can work out longer with less fatigue. (Note: Reflex deck is only found on the Reflex SR and Reflex TR )
#5) Upgraded Website - The new Nordic Track website is easy to navigate, includes everything you'd need to know about each treadmill, lets you compare different model specs at a glance, read user reviews and see detailed pictures of each treadmill.
Weaknesses:
While the lifetime motor warranty is much better than the old 2 year motor warranties, we would have liked to see a longer parts warranty (most units offer 1 year on parts and labor, although you can buy extra warranty coverage at checkout).
Also, the economy units are not recommended for runners or heavy usage. We would look to the higher end models for a higher quality, longer lasting machine.
Conclusion:
We haven't been entirely positive about Nordic Track in the past. However with the new upgrades, lifetime motor warranties, improved cushioning and stronger motors - these treadmills give you a lot more than they used to. And if anyone has the resources to build a better treadmill for less, it's ICON/Nordic Track.
Plus you get some extras (iFit card readers, built-in TVs, speaker systems, carb counters, etc.) that are hard to find on other brands.
Keep in mind that if you plan on running or working out quite frequently on your treadmill, you'll want a higher end model with a strong motor, high user weight capacity and solid cushioning system.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can save on NordicTrack treadmills by buying direct from the Manufacturer. They have some great discounts on their treadmills - even on commercial models.
Plus Nordic Track has given our visitors an exclusive discount code. For a short time you can get FREE SHIPPING - even on the Incline Trainers ( a $150 Value). Use promotion code freeshippingatnt when you checkout.
