The Elite series of treadmills are specially designed for Runners or those who want a higher grade of fitness 'goodies' while working out.
You get a strong 3.25 HP motor, extra long 60" belt, adjustable cushioning, iPod port with advanced speaker system, 22 built in workouts and iFit card compatibility. Then there's the icing on the cake - a 7" TV and digital tuner
Is it right for your workout needs? Here's what you need to know before buying:
Quick Stats:
Price: $1499 (Sale)
Motor: 3.25 HP Commercial Pro Motor
Speed: 0 -12 MPH
Incline: 0-12%
Treadbelt: 20 x 60"
Folding: Yes
350 lb Weight Capacity Deck
Lifetime Motor Warranty, 1 Year parts and Labor
Strengths:
7" Flat Screen TV with Multi-Colored Displays - You can watch TV and view your workout display at the same time (or just choose to watch TV). When the TV is not on, the screen displays all of your workout information, with a multi-colored workout intensity profile.
Compatible Music Port for iPod® - You can plug your iPod or MP3 player into the built-in audio jack and listen to your favorite music or audiobooks while you workout. This is a fun feature to have that can make your workout a lot more enjoyable.
Intermix Acoustics™ 3.0 Equalized Sound System - This is a more advanced built-in speaker system than previous models and features a pair of 3" high excursion drivers for better sound quality
iFit Workout Card Compatible - The Elite XT is designed to fit the new iFit workout cards. Each card has 8 weeks of workouts designed by a certified personal trainer and plugs directly into the treadmill's console.
It then automatically adjusts your speed and incline to suit your workout goals. The voice of the personal trainer talks to you through the speakers, guiding you through your workout.
Plus Nordic Track has teamed up with Jillian Michaels (from the TV show 'The Biggest Loser') to make specialized iFit workout cards. You actually get Jillian talking you through your workout. Very cool.
22 Built-In Workouts - You get a lot of workout options with this treadmill. The 20 personal trainer workouts automatically adjust the incline and speed of your treadmill, depending on your goal - aerobic, weight loss or performance.
You also get 2 heart rate workouts that help you stay in your target heart rate zone by increasing or lowering the speed when you need to raise or lower your heart rate. You can also create and customize up to 4 workouts for future use.
DuraStride™ Adjustable Cushioning - A good cushioning system is essential to your treadmill - especially if you plan on using it frequently. This system reduces impact on your joints by up to 33%, as compared to road running.
And it's also adjustable - so you can choose a firmer feel, a softer feel or something in between. This is a great feature if there's more than one person using the treadmill as everyone has different preferences.
Weaknesses:
There's not a lot of weaknesses here. We would have like to see a longer parts warranty on the treadmill - parts and labor are only covered for 1 year. However you can get extended warranty coverage upon checkout.
Overall Conclusion: Recommended
The Nordic Track Elite XT treadmill is an impressive new addition to the Nordic Track lineup with all the solid basics of a great treadmill plus a little more advanced technology thrown in.
The TV is a great option and the speaker system is a step up from older models. Runners will love the long 60" belt, stable feel and strong motor.
Plus there's so much to do with this treadmill (watch TV, listen to your iPod, create your own workout programs, plug in an iFit card and listen to the personal trainer guiding you through the workout) - you may actually forget you're working out.
Overall, a great runner's treadmill, especially if you want a built in TV.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy the NordicTrack Elite XT direct from the Nordic Track manufacturer. They're also throwing in Free Shipping which can also save you a few hundred dollars.
