NordicTrack Review: Is the Home-Gym Giant Truly Worth Your Sweat?
If you’re setting up a serious home gym and considering full-fledged cardio equipment, NordicTrack is one of the first brands that comes to mind. With a wide range that includes treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and rowing machines—and a steady stream of technology (touchscreens, app integration, incline/decline functions)—they’re clearly aiming higher. But do their machines really deliver on their promises? And are they worth the investment? In this in-depth review, I’ll outline the brand’s strengths and weaknesses, then take a closer look at five key pieces of equipment: the X24 treadmill, the T Series 16 treadmill, the S24 Studio Bike, the FS10i FreeStride Trainer, and the RW700 Rower. Brand Overview: NordicTrack at a Glance NordicTrack has been around for decades and has become almost synonymous with high-quality home fitness equipment. Their marketing emphasizes cutting-edge features (massive inclines, large HD touchscreens, interactive/streaming workouts) and high-quality workmanship. On the positive side, they clearly invest in powerful equipment and extensive features. On the other hand, their size, price, and reliance on subscriptions raise legitimate questions about their value and suitability for any home. What stands out? High-quality features: For example, some of their treadmills offer an incline/decline of ±6% and an incline of up to 40%. Large interactive displays and integration with streaming/coach apps (via iFit) for guided workouts. Robust designs with weight capacities and frame sizes geared towards serious training. A wide product range: from more affordable models (T-Series) to top-of-the-range machines (X-Series). Where caution is warranted? Size and footprint: Many of these machines are large, heavy, and require a lot of space. Price + Extras: Upfront costs can be high, and many features (especially guided workouts) often require an ongoing membership. Service/Maintenance: As with many premium devices, reliability and aftercare play a major role. Some user comments indicate mixed experiences. Too much power for some users: If you’re just walking, jogging lightly, or have limited space, the top features may go unused. So, NordicTrack absolutely delivers—especially if you’re looking for a high-end cardio machine for your home and have the space, budget, and motivation. But if you’re more on a budget or have limited space, there are good reasons to take a closer look at the specifications and ask yourself if you need “all that.” Pros First-class feature sets (incline/decline, large touchscreens, magnetic resistance, interactive content) Robust construction and high-quality appearance Huge product ecosystem (you can choose what suits you – treadmill, bike, cross trainer, rowing machine) Large brand presence, widely available, many accessory options Cons High costs (both purchase price and possible subscription) Large size and footprint – not ideal for small apartments Complexity – more features mean higher potential setup/maintenance/learning effort Some user reviews show mixed experiences with customer service and reliability Product Reviews Here’s how five of their core devices stack up: What I like, what I should check out, and who they’re best suited for. X24 Treadmill What it brings: A top speed of 12 miles per hour (so you could achieve a speed of about 5 minutes per mile). A dramatic incline/decline range: up to ~40% incline and down to -6% decline. Large footprint: approx. 69.9″ L × 38.1″ W × 73.3″ H. Robust construction: Weight capacity up to 400 pounds in some specifications. What I like: If you want to push yourself (sprints, uphill walking, aggressive training), this machine offers tremendous versatility. The incline/decline functions allow for a workout that mimics hills, which is rare on home treadmills. The console and immersive features (streaming workouts, etc.) provide added value beyond simply using the treadmill. What to watch? Size: You’ll need a dedicated room. The height is 73″ (over 6′), so ceiling height is important. Cost: Given the premium features, the investment is considerable (both cost and space). Many users may not utilize the full range (-6% to +40%). If you primarily walk or jog, this extreme range may be overkill. Maintenance and durability: Large machine = more parts, higher potential for service needs. Who it’s for: If you’re serious about running, value incline variation, and have plenty of space, this is a great option. If you’re just looking for a simple treadmill for leisurely walking or jogging, something simpler will probably suffice. View Product T Series 16 Treadmill What it brings: A more accessible treadmill within the NordicTrack family. According to specifications: speed up to ~12 mph, incline up to ~12%. 10-inch HD smart touchscreen (on some T-Series models). Padded deck and solid construction for home use. What I like: Better suited for many households: slightly smaller footprint, less extreme, but still quite powerful. Good value for someone who wants to exercise on the treadmill without having to use the extreme incline/decline features of the X24. Strong brand features – In addition to the treadmill basics, you also get an interactive touchscreen and app integration (iFit). What to watch? If you want extreme incline/decline training or intensive sprint training, this machine cannot be compared to the X24. Membership requirement: iFit may be required to unlock all features (as with many NordicTrack machines). Space: Still requires a considerable amount of space. Who it’s for: A great mid-range treadmill for serious walkers, joggers, and maybe even moderate runners. If you’re a less intense exerciser, this one’s probably just right for you. View Product NEW S24 Studio Bike What it brings: A pivoting 24-inch touchscreen for workouts on and off the bike. 24 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR™). Dual-sided SPD pedals (toe clips + straps) and other studio bike-style features. What I like: For indoor cycling enthusiasts, this offers an intense studio-feeling experience at home. The large screen and resistance levels make it more immersive and versatile than simple bikes. The build quality seems to be very good (reviews highlight the sturdy frame and smooth ride). What to watch? Weight capacity: Some specifications state a maximum user weight of approximately 250 lb, which may be a limitation for some. Here, too, the cost is higher than for simple exercise bikes, so the value depends on how often you
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NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Review: Feature-Rich and Runner-Friendly
I run on many treadmills. It’s a big part of my job. But the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is my favorite. It’s a solid machine that largely delivers on NordicTrack’s promise—it combines comfort, convenience, and great features. That’s why it’s currently our first choice for most people. It’s neither the newest nor the fanciest. It simply offers a great running experience and is a feature-rich option for runners or anyone looking to improve their cardio workout. How We Tested I ran about 150 miles on this treadmill. It’s now part of my daily routine. Not only does my synagogue have one, but also our office in Easton, Pennsylvania, in a room full of treadmills (just what you’d expect from Runner’s World headquarters). I always choose it when I’m not busy testing other treadmills. I hop on, choose an iFit workout that suits my mood, put on an audiobook, and log miles. And it’s not just me; our entire team regularly fights over this machine, even though there are plenty of other options. Our team is made up of many runners, from recreational joggers to marathon enthusiasts to speedwork queens, who have pushed the Commercial 1750 to its limits. Test Impressions The deck is good for our aging knees, but not too good One of the standout features of the Commercial 1750 is its “Goldilocks-like” cushioning, in the words of our Runner-in-Chief, Jeff Dengate. The 152 x 56 cm deck offers just the right amount of compliance, ensuring responsiveness without becoming too unstable or draining. Even tall runners with exceptionally long strides found ample room on the treadmill to stretch out and feel secure. The cushioning underfoot makes longer runs more comfortable and protects your joints—a huge benefit for regular users—or for people like me whose years of running are starting to wear down their cruciate ligaments. Console, handlebars, and easy folding are highlights The Commercial 1750 boasts a sleek design, making this machine not only more practical for the home but also more comfortable. The Z-shaped console and handlebar style, paired with a generous 16-inch screen, create an open and uncluttered feel. Dengate and I love that we’re neither tempted to walk on the toe plate nor zip over the edge. The handlebars and panels are positioned so that you’re not tempted to do so while running. The screen is mounted high enough to avoid neck strain while watching true crime and 911 reruns, but it’s a bit too small for a truly immersive movie experience. The integrated cup holders are suitable for regular water bottles, but may struggle with larger containers like Owala or Nalgene bottles. I also found that a large Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee didn’t fit properly: I don’t know if the cup was too light or too slippery, but my coffee bounced far too much for my liking. The 1750’s unusually slim arms provide stability without being constricting. The grained plastic structure provides good grip, even with sweaty hands. I do wish the fan had a bit more power and the speakers had a bit more power, but honestly, that’s pretty minor for such a well-made machine. After testing so many folding treadmills, I can safely say that this is one of the easiest to fold and unfold. The EasyLift Assist system is a real highlight. It allows for one-touch setup of the treadmill: With a gentle lift and a gentle push, the running deck effortlessly raises and locks into place. The system is especially helpful for people with limited space, limited mobility, or who need to move their treadmill frequently. Who’s afraid of being crushed under the weight of their 300-pound-plus exercise machine? Not me. Speed and Settings: Where Are 10 and 11? The quick buttons on the touchscreen allow for easy adjustment of speed and incline and can overlay video content for seamless control. However, the lack of dedicated buttons for 10 and 11 mph is a strange oversight, as you have to scroll or use the +/- buttons. While interval workouts can be pre-programmed, they are limited to time, speed, and incline percentages, which may require manual adjustments for certain workouts. In terms of customization options, the treadmill is rather average, accelerating in 8 seconds according to Dengate. From 10 to 19 km/h. This is fine for most runners’ training, but for competitive sprinters who need rapid speed gains for their training, it might leave something to be desired. (I don’t know what it’s like to be that fast, but if so? I’m proud of you.) iFit integration and programs ensure continued running fun I highly recommend getting NordicTrack’s iFit subscription to fully utilize the Commercial 1750’s potential. The program includes an extensive library of trainer-guided workouts, automatic adjustments based on terrain and training, and helpful insights into your run. It significantly improves the overall experience and makes training more engaging. I love the environment of iFit workouts and the varying difficulty levels. If I get stuck, I can just pick something new and (try to) do it right away. Plus, it’s like having a personal running buddy and guide by your side. You also get professional coaching and real-time feedback, which can really help you improve your workout or just your morning. The console is large and clearly laid out, allowing you to easily reach (almost) everything you need and quickly switch between settings. It’s powerful, but not the quietest. The 4.25 HP motor provides ample power, but the treadmill can be a bit noisy, especially at higher speeds and steeper inclines. No treadmill is whisper-quiet, and it really depends on the runner and their running style. Overall, however, the 1750 performs better than most. For walking and casual use, the noise isn’t annoyingly loud. Our Verdict: Our Best Runner The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a solid investment for most runners. It’s sturdily built, offers excellent cushioning, and a variety of features, especially with an iFit subscription. The treadmill makes your runs more exciting and provides a more engaging workout—a worthwhile addition