Nordic Track is owned and manufactured by ICON Health and Fitness, one of the largest producers of treadmills in the world. They also own brands like Epic, Image, Healthrider, Proform and Reebok.
Nordic Track produces several economy to mid-priced treadmills. The main benefits of these treadmills is the deluxe workout features they offer including:
- iPod/MP3 docks with Built-in Sound Systems
- Odometer with Miles Tracker
Strengths:
#1) Excellent Updates - Nordic Track has put a lot of work into their new models and they blew us out of the water this year.
Upgrades included stronger motors, upgraded consoles, improved cushioning and larger walking areas. Overall a huge improvement over past units.
#2) Luxury workout tools - No one outdoes Nordic Track treadmills when it comes to fitness goodies.
There are models with built-in TVs, iPod docking stations, built-in speakers, Carb Counters, iFit workout cards, adjustable cushioning, Odometer Miles Trackers and more.
These fitness tools can turn a boring treadmill into your own personal fitness studio.
#3) Lifetime Motor Warranties - Most Nordic Track treadmills come with a lifetime motor warranty. Since the motor can be an expensive part of the treadmill to fix, this is an excellent insurance feature to have.
It also gives you an idea of the quality of motors that they're now putting in their treadmills.
#4) Improved Cushioning - Nordic track has greatly improved the cushioning systems on their treadmills.
They have been proven to reduce the impact from 28 - 33% as compared to road running. Also, several models offer adjustable cushioning so different users can choose the type of surface they want to run on.
And finally, there's the famous Nordic Track Reflex deck cushioning. This is one of the highest user rated cushioning systems on the market.
It actually returns energy to your stride (Reflex deck is found on the Apex 4500 and 8500 )
Weaknesses:
While the lifetime motor warranty is much better than the old 2 year motor warranties, we would have liked to see a longer parts warranty (most units offer 1 year on parts and labor, although you can buy extra warranty coverage).
Also, the economy units are not recommended for runners or heavy usage - we would look to the higher end models for a higher quality, longer lasting machine.
Conclusion:
We haven't been entirely positive about Nordic Track in the past. However with the new lifetime motor warranties, improved cushioning and stronger motors - these treadmills give you a lot more than they used to.
Plus you get some extras (iFit programs, built-in TVs, speaker systems etc.) that are hard to find on other brands.
