While there are several different types of incline trainers on the market (like the Bowflex Treadclimber), Nordic Track makes some of the most popular models with several distinct strengths.
This article will give you the general strengths and weaknesses of Nordic Track incline trainers 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.
Plus, these incline trainers can also be used as a regular treadmill on the days you don't want to do incline walking.
#2) Get The Benefits of Running Without the Stress On Your Body
We all know that running is one of the best workouts for fast results. But it can be very hard on the body. With an incline trainer workout, you 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) iFit Live with Wifi Connectivity
All incline trainers come with Nordic Track's new iFit Live capability. iFit LIVE uses the wireless internet in your home to connect your incline trainer to the Internet.
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 and Googlemaps to actually plot out and run different trails all over the world (you'll actually see landmarks on the screens as you run - very cool).
You can also track your workouts and nutrition online to see your progress over time and even race against your Facebook friends.
#4) Incline AND Decline
On the X7 and X9 models you not only get high inclines but you also get 6% decline as well. It can help work different muscle groups for a better crosstraining workout.
It's also handy when you use iFit LIVE to run different trails around the world as it gives you a more realistic feel to your run. (The treadmill declines when the trail declines and inclines when the actual trail inclines).
#5) 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.
#6) Web Browser
The X9 has something totally new - a built-in console web browser. So you can surf the net, read emails and watch Youtube videos as you workout.
Weaknesses:
If you're new to incline walking, you may want to take it slowly and build up over time - or build in high incline intervals into your walking routine.
Also, if you don't have wireless internet in your home, you may not get full use out of the web browser on the X9 or the iFit LIVE.
Conclusion: Highly Recommended
If you're looking for something more challenging than a standard treadmill (or a more affordable alternative to the Bowflex Treadclimber), 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, web browser, Jillian Michael's coaching workouts, iPod docks and even decline.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy NordicTrack incline trainers direct from the Manufacturer. They're currently offering Free Shipping and you can also save on sales tax in most States.
