There's no doubt that in the world of treadmills, NordicTrack and Bowflex are two of the most well-known and popular brands. So, it's no wonder the brands treadmills often get confused. While there's no such thing as the NordicTrack Treadclimber, rather it's the Bowflex Treadclimber, NordicTrack does make a comparable treadmill: The NordicTrack Incline Trainer.
Is the NordicTrack Incline Trainer best for you?
The NordicTrack Incline Trainer is noteworthy for its steep incline, capable of going up to 40 degrees. Most treadmills only go up to 15 degrees. The steeper the incline, the more calories you burn. But that's only the beginning of how you benefit with this amazing device.
It comes with a free 1-year membership to iFit, which gives you access to a range of trainer-led videos to motivate you through every workout. And with Reflex cushioning, each stride is easier on your joints. The Incline Trainer is designed for people serious about their health who want to take a holistic approach to losing weight and feeling better.
Consider NordicTrack Incline Trainer if...
- You need a more intense workout. Running on a flat surface is one thing. It's another to engage in a harsh incline. The NordicTrack Incline Trainer allows you to utilize a 40 percent incline or 6 percent decline. You train muscles you haven't activated before for a more well-rounded regimen.
- You want trainers cheering you on. The Incline Trainer gives you access to iFit trainers right on the 10" screen. You get high-quality video right on your machine. So you know precisely what to do next and how well you're doing.
- You like less strain on your joints. Even when you're at the maximum incline, the track cushions each step. It comes with Reflex cushioning to support you with each stride.
Avoid NordicTrack Incline Trainer if...
- You don't need all the perks. With Bluetooth and iFit compatibility, you can feel like you're working out at a fancy gym. But if all you want to do is run without an HD screen and speakers, then it all may come across as superfluous.
- You don't want an iFit membership. Your purchase comes with a 1-year membership to iFit. After that, you have to pay. If you don't want more companies having your credit card information, then you may want to do without it.
- You don't like the high price tag. The NordicTrack Incline Trainer series has some of the most expensive treadmills around. They easily cost double what other machines cost. A more affordable option might be the Proform 905 CST.
NordicTrack Incline Trainer pros & cons
Pros
Cons
Construction and design
- Motor: The NordicTrack Incline Trainer comes with an extremely powerful 3.75CHP DurX Commercial motor. This allows it to hit a max speed of 12 mph with ease.
- Running Surface: The running track measures 22" x 60". This is more than enough to make long strides on tough workouts.
- Touchscreen: The NordicTrack Incline Trainer comes with a 10" interactive HD touchscreen. This allows you to watch studio workouts from iFit featuring world-class trainers.
- Speakers: The treadmill includes dual 3" digitally-amplified speakers. They're smartphone-compatible, so you can play music from your phone through the machine itself.
- Built-in Programs: The Incline Trainer comes with 44 preset programs. Each one offers something different regardless of what your health goals are.
Key NordicTrack Incline Trainer Specs
Reasons to buy NordicTrack Incline Trainer?
- You want to lose weight. Moving the incline even a little allows you to burn more calories compared to jogging in a straight line. If your health goals involve weight loss, then the incline can help you attain those more easily.
- You like running through scenic locations. The iFit feature doesn't just give you access to trainers. You can also put up beautiful scenery so that it looks like you're running through nature.
- You need to monitor your heart rate. The NordicTrack Incline Trainer gives you 2 options for keeping tabs on your heart rate. You can use handlebar sensors or the iFit Bluetooth wireless chest strap.
Reasons to avoid NordicTrack Incline Trainer?
- You need to fold your treadmill. You may not have room to keep your treadmill out all of the time. Unfortunately, the Incline Trainer doesn't fold in. So you need to make sure you have the space for it before making the investment.
- You like adjusting cushioning. Unlike other NordicTrack treadmills, the Incline Trainer doesn't allow you to swap out the cushioning. This may be a problem if you want something soft for certain workouts and then a firmer feel for others.
What real NordicTrack Incline Trainer reviews say
We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? NordicTrack Incline Trainer receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.74 (across several hundred reviews). NordicTrack Incline Trainer scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.
What reviewers like
- "Fun walk! Loved seeing all the penguins!!! This is a great walk for beginners or for those looking for a nice recovery walk like I was today."
- "This was great but a bit hard for me still. Excited to keep working the series and getting better!"
- "Set up was easy using the set up guide. Operation of the machine perfect. Heart rate strap very useful and informative."
- "Very soft when running, soft on the knees as well. I can't run for long distances on asphalt, this has been the perfect solution for me."
- "I absolutely love these machines. With the iFit program the variation of programs is fantastic. So much better than a regular treadmill."
What reviewers dislike
- "The Nordictrack Incline Treadmills cannot go their listed top speed of 12 MPH when inclined beyond 15% or when declined. The speed is slowed down considerably "for your safety"."
- "I would caution against running."
- "When running on level or low incline at anything above 5mph, the entire console shakes heavily."
- "When the speed goes up over 6, the whole machine shakes like crazy."
- "I'm a bigger guy, 265, the motor runs really smooth and doesn't skip unless the incline is over 24%."
Our verdict
The NordicTrack Incline Trainer is a stellar piece of equipment. The incline allows you to burn up to 5 times as many calories on a regular treadmill. Plus, the iFit features are the perfect way to infuse fun into your workout regimen. But even if you don't want the membership long-term, 44 preset programs means there's always a way to liven up your routine.
While the incline sounds like it would be difficult to traverse, the Incline Trainer knows how to keep you comfortable. Reflex cushioning, Bluetooth speakers, and dual workout fans actually make you excited to hop on. It's more expensive than other machines. But when you look at all of the features you get, it's clearly meant to be an investment.
Where to buy NordicTrack Incline Trainer
Various models from the NordicTrack Incline Trainer series are available for great prices on Amazon. You can save even more money with free shipping. And for select purchases, you can break up the payment into monthly installments.
