While there are several different types of incline trainers on the market (like the Bowflex Treadclimber), Nordic Track makes some of the most popular units with several distinct strengths.
This article will give you the general strengths and weaknesses of Nordic Track incline trainers as a whole so you can decide if it's the right choice for you.
Strengths:
#1) Burn Up To 5X the Calories in a Single Workout
The main benefit to incline walking is that you can burn up to 5X more calories vs walking on a flat plain. Incline walking forces the larger muscles in your legs through a greater range of motion.
Because of this, you also tone and tighten up faster than you would on a regular treadmill. This also makes the incline treadmill ideal for those who don't have a lot of time to workout. You can still get your exercise in, but don't have to log hours in the gym.
#2) Get The Benefits of Running Without the Stress On Your Body
With an incline workout, can burn just as much, if not more calories than you do running. You also get similar lower body toning effects. All this without the strain and toll that running takes on your body.
#3) More Compact Than A Treadmill - Saves Space
On the whole, these machines are more compact than treadmills and take up less space. One reason is that the belts tend to be smaller (because they aren't necessarily built to be used for running). This is handy if you're short on space or need a compact machine for your home gym.
#4) Lower Impact Workouts
These machines are also lower impact than traditional treadmills. Because you don't have the pounding impact from running, they can be easier on the knees and less stressful on the joints as a whole.
#5) Advanced Console Technology
Nordic Track Incline trainers offer some new console technology you won't find on standard treadmills or even other incline trainers. For example on the Nordic Track X3, you can get 3D console graphics. There's also an iPod jack with console speakers so you can hook up your iPod and play your favorite tunes. And the X5i gives you a visual of the trail you're running on.
#6) Decline
The X5i incline trainer comes with a 3% decline and the X7i offers a 6% decline - which can help work different muscle groups. It's also very handy when you want to connect to the Internet to Google Terrain and run different trails around the world as it gives you a more realistic feel to your run.
#7) iFit Live with Wifi Connectivity
The X5i and X7i incline trainers come with Nordic Track's new iFit Live capability. This is similar to iFit but with the upgraded iFit Live you can connect to the Internet (if you have wireless Internet in your home.)
From there you can download new workouts (including workouts from 'The Biggest Loser's Jillian Michaels where she coaches you through your workout). You can also use Google Terrain to actually run through different trails all over the world which is very cool.
You can log your workouts to see your progress over time and even race against your Facebook friends.
Weaknesses:
The belts tend to be shorter on these incline trainers - with the longest belt on the X5 and X7 at 55". This should be fine for most people but if you're taller, you may find it a bit short.
Also, if you don't have wireless internet in your home, you may want to go with the more affordable X3 incline trainer which has iFit card readers but not iFit live.
Conclusion:
If you're looking for something more challenging than a standard treadmill, a Nordic Track incline trainer is ideal. It gets you faster results with more calories burned than your standard treadmill workout.
You also get the benefits of running, without the heavy stress on your joints. These trainers are also more compact than treadmills and can give you lower impact workouts.
Plus you can get some very cool features to enhance our workouts - like iFit live, Jillian Michael's coaching workouts, iPod docks, 3D console displays and even decline.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy NordicTrack incline trainers direct from the Manufacturer. They offer fast shipping and you can also save on sales tax in some States.
There's a new treadmill hybrid on the market - the Nordic Track Incline Trainer. These machines are a cross between a regular treadmill and a stair climber.
You can walk on a flat plane as you would a treadmill, but you can also choose to walk at very high inclines - up to 40%. The benefit is that you burn calories and get results very fast.
