Transform your home workouts with the NordicTrack T 6.5 S Smart Treadmill. Powered by a SMART-Response motor and iFIT® interactive training (1-month membership included), this foldable treadmill auto-adjusts speed and incline to match studio classes and global courses led by expert trainers. Enjoy a 20″ × 55″ FlexSelect® deck for superior cushioning and recovery.
- Interactive iFIT Training – Access 10,000+ live and on-demand workouts; auto-adjust speed & incline to your fitness level (subscription required).
- Powerful Performance – 0–10 MPH speed range lets you sprint up to a 6-minute mile pace on demand.
- Dynamic Incline – 0–10% Auto-Adjust incline for varied terrain simulations and full-body conditioning.
- FlexSelect Cushioning – Choose between firm or soft deck settings to protect joints and enhance comfort.
- 5″ LCD Display & Device Shelf – Track live stats or stream iFIT classes from your tablet for an immersive experience.
- Foldable & Compact – Easy SpaceSaver® design with one-step hydraulic folding for quick storage.
- SmartPulse Heart-Rate – Option to add a chest strap (sold separately) for real-time heart-rate training.
| Brand | NordicTrack |
| Model | T 6.5 S |
| Color | Black |
| Motor | SMART-Response |
| Belt Size | 20″ × 55″ |
| Speed Range | 0–10 MPH |
| Incline Range | 0–10% |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 73.5″ × 36″ × 54″ |
| Weight | 203 lb |
| Folded Footprint | 36″ × 36″ |
I did a lot of research before I decided on this treadmill. I saw a lot of mixed information about needing an iFit membership for this treadmill to work properly. If you're looking for a simple treadmill that tracks your calories, speed, miles and distance then this treadmill is perfect. It also auto inclines. This treadmill does not need an iFit membership for it to work as a basic treadmill. Highly recommend.
So, we bought it assuming we would be able to fold it and put it away. Unfortunately, that's not the case, and the lack of clarity is really frustrating. I'd have even spend the extra couple hundred dollars for the nicer model if it had been clearly marked! As is, we have to find the space to fit the full-sized machine now.
Great product, but REALLY frustrated by the misleading advertising. If you want a folding model, don't get tdoesn't.
Maybe I missed something, but I still believe that including a photo of a folding model and advertising it as a feature of the T Series without clearly labeling the T5 as the exception is dishonest and setting folks up for failure.
1. Delivery was fantastic, it arrived on-time and I needed to be home to receive it. The box is large and over 200lb, so the delivery drivers helped me get it into my garage out of the rain.
2. I moved most pieces into the house myself, all but the deck, which is awkward to move and very heavy. It was packaged well. I needed 2-3 people to move the deck safely.
3. The instructions were decent. Mine was put together by 2 people but I think generally you could accomplish most of the steps with 1. I recommend 2. Also recommend reading the steps carefully, as we did have to back-track a couple of times to fix errors (not a big deal).
4. This treadmill is well sized and SOLID. I feel secure running on it and the incline function is great.
All and all, 5/5 stars.
The instructions are well constructed and very easy to follow. Assembly is very easy, but it is good to have a helper for the side arms, along with the top piece as to not pinch the vital wires. My 12 year old son helped me.
I got the Ifit subscription and it’s worth every penny. I just got it today so only did a 24 min walk one so far. It brought me through the mountains of Whales with a great instructor. The screen is super clear and the speakers are awesome.
My 8 year old and 12 year both had turns and really enjoyed it while getting in a work out. My 12 year old did a great hike and burnt over 400 calories and my daughter watched her Netflix show and got her steps in.
The incline does make sound-I wouldn’t say noisy but gym environment for sure. I weigh 250 and both running, walking/incline as well were great for me.
Help is available if needed and very accessible. Sent back a tread half the price and knew right away that it wasn’t worth the price. Directions were horrible and I pinched my finger in the lever to store-total nightmare.
I highly recommend this product for anyone who wants both motivation, structure and is serious about their work outs. Awesome!
I guess the only negative thing I have to say about this is the box it comes in is SUPER HEAVY! My husband and I were able to move it inside ourselves, but it was really rough. But it was packaged really well with boards inside to protect it so I guess I understand the reason for the weight. So, I guess if you live alone, make sure you have someone there to help you bring it inside, or buy the extra assembly option.
Delivery:
1. It was delivered by Amazon drivers on time within the 3 hour window which was communicated and the truck can be tracked when it's on the road.
2. The drivers were friendly, efficient and safety conscious.
3. Because of snow and our type of rural area, they actually walked down a 600 foot driveway with a hand truck to deliver the unit, then down 8 narrow basement steps. I tipped them well.
4. PAY THE $20 FOR IN ROOM HOME DELIVERY. The treadmill is heavy and the packaging is heavy as well. Even if you have them place it in your garage as opposed to end of your driveway, it is worth the $20. It goes without saying that if they need to bring it into your house its worth the $20. Your back will thank you.
Assembly:
1. Take your time and have the box positioned near where you will assemble it. It is heavy, even in pieces.
2. Assembly (except for one step) can be done by one person. One step will require the assistance of a second person for about 10 minutes.
3. It comes with tools.
4. The assembly instructions are equal to, or better than, any assembly instructions for complex equipment I have ever seen. There is one minor error in the instructions (it identifies one 'nut' size incorrectly) which will not hamper assembly. Well done, iFit.
5. Yes, it's made in China. There are quality products coming out of China and poor products coming out of China. This is quality.
6. Taking your time and reading the instructions, figure about 2 hours of assembly time. If you buy two, the second one will take you about 30 minutes. Its not hard, except for recognizing that it is heavy.
Running
1. We have run it in manual mode (ie. no iFit connection). It started up and all functions worked as designed. While we have no need to fold it up for space considerations, the hydraulic lift works well and makes lifting the base easy. It also slowly lowers the base, fun to watch. The incline, speed adjustments, storage hydralics and electronic counters (calories, speed, distance, etc. worked well).
2. It is surprisingly quiet. We have in on a thin carpet on a concrete basement floor. Your mileage may vary if in an upstairs room where the floor has 'give,' but that will happen with any treadmill. There is a one position adjustment for shock absorbing. The walking comfort level was fine. We didn't (and don't intend to) run.
If for some reason the unit fails, falls short or if we need customer service we will update this review. If you don't see an update, consider the 5 stars current and final. Well done!
Oh, pay the $20 for in room delivery. Trust me on this.
The unit is extremely well packaged and there was no damage from shipping at all, even though the the package weighs around 140 pounds. The walking platform and motor assembly is all one piece and does not fold like other treadmills. The instructions do say that two people are required for assembly. Two people would make a couple of steps easier, but are by no means required. I was able to do it all myself. I was just barely able to lift the big piece and wrestle it into the house. 3 or 4 pounds more and I don't think I would have been able to lift it.
Once I got all the pieces inside, it was time to start assembling. The instructions are well written and it was mostly clear what had to be done. Unfortunately, I hit a snag on step 4. I got the wire through the upright and the grommet installed with little problem. The next step was to remove the screw that they used to hold the wire tie in the upright and use a different screw to attach the ground wire to that hole. The ground wire screw would not thread into the hole. The proper screw is, of course, a machine screw, but the temporary screw they had in the hole was not. It was a completely different thread and it boogered up the first thread or two in the upright.
I stopped at this point so as not to make things worse by completely stripping out the hole in the upright. I figured I could just run a tap through the hole to clean up the threads and be off to the races. I went to get a tap, thinking that the screw looked like 6-32 or 8-32. It turns out it was neither, it is very close in size to a #8 screw, but it has more like 36 teeth per inch than 32. Now what, I don't believe anyone makes an 8-36 screw. Oh crap, the dumb thing is metric and I don't have any metric taps. Again, Amazon to the rescue. They had a metric tap and die set to me that same night. Turns out, the screw in question is M4 X .7. Once that was sorted out, the rest was easy.
I like that it is smaller (narrower and shorter) than my old one. I like that it doesn't go overboard with electronics (though just a smidge more would be nice). I don't really like that it moves around a lot more than my old one, but that would be due to the fact that it is smaller and lighter. I wouldn't mind so much, but since it comes with a tablet holder, I had planned to put a tablet there running Kindle software so I can read while I walk without having to hold the tablet in my hand. With the whole thing rocking around, it was a little difficult to focus on the Kindle.
The console display is quite small, which is generally a good thing as I only use the most basic features of the machine anyway. In this case, it would be nice if the display was slightly larger. All of the treadmills I have used, including my old one, have a graphic display of a generic running track and it is easy to track progress by counting laps. This one will tell you how far you have gone, but there is no quick reference graphic to depict where you are in the lap and I missed that from the very beginning.
I realize that you get what you pay for and for this price it's not reasonable to expect too much, but a little more functionality shouldn't break the bank.
Somehow I doubt this one will last 20 years, but we'll see.
I love the incline feature and that the speed can go up to 10, giving me a good range for my workouts from such a compact machine. I was not expecting something as well build and powerful at this price point and size.
I read that the belt can be loud for the machine size but i didn’t find that to be the case. I’m working out in the basement and my husband cannot hear it from upstairs. If I have music on I don’t hear anything. It sounds like a regular full size treadmill.
The buttons are a bit tricky at first due to their minimalist design, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to track what you need (speed, length of workout etc) Im still getting used to holding down the speed buttons, it seems to jump in increments of 0.5 if I am not careful, which can be a bit annoying, but I’m adjusting to it by learning the right pressure and timing. I can’t really tell if the problem is me or the machine on that one. There is also a second way to change speeds when using the Ifit workout app, and I’m finding I like to use that more anyways.
The iFit connectivity is a nice touch—with the subscription it automatically adjusts the speed and incline based on the program, which adds a lot of value to my workouts. It is so responsive and that it changes the speed and incline on my tablet in real time- no lag. I am going to look into my health insurance paying for the subscription because it was fun to have a trainer that I felt like I was engaging with. I got to work out in Croatia, Bosnia, Florence, and Utah so far!
Assembly was surprisingly easy, my husband and I brought it to the basement and put it together in less than 2 hours. His main remark was how well the treadmill was packaged (which is important because of the shipping issues we had from Amazon- see below). The machine was very snuggly placed in the box with pressed wood supports and large hefty styrofoam pieces. It was also wrapped in plastic. The instructions were straightforward and there is not a ton of things needed for assembly. The items we needed for assembly were all in a yellow cardboard “sheet” covered in plastic and numbered according to step. We found watching the videos on how to assemble the treadmill especially helpful. Nordic track has some and so do third parties on YouTube.
My only major complaint is about Amazon and not Nordic track. I wasn’t thrilled with Amazon's delivery service which was called CEVA logistics. I got an automated call from an area code 855 to confirm a date and time for delivery (12/16). I organized with my husband for him to be home to receive the delivery. However, it arrived early (12/9) and wasn’t delivered properly; the delivery driver called me from his cell (which was uncomfortable) and acted like it was my fault that I wasn’t home to receive it even though I told him I coordinated with the logistics company for a different date . I asked him to put it under the porch so it was covered. He left it half off the porch exposed to rain in the middle of my sidewalk on the pallet (which now I need to dispose of). Thankfully the machine wasn’t damaged when we opened it, but I contacted Amazon right away and they recognized this incident as a problem and made it right for us. While I don’t know how we could have avoided this we took pictures and contacted Amazon, and I suggest if you have issues you do the same.
Overall, I’m happy with the treadmill, but the delivery could definitely be improved.
I bought this on Black Friday 2024 and got this for a fantastic price w/ an Amazon Promo for $335. I was originally in the market for some kind of cardio equipment and was originally actually looking at Peloton equipment. I was debating if it was worth the money and I saw the Peloton treadmill was $2700. After doing some research, it’s really just over-hyped marketing on the technology front for what basically is a glorified giant ipad with fast processing and high money reoccurring subscriptions. Ultimately, I could not justify to myself putting a 3-4 month payment comparable to that of a entry-level BMW/Mercedes Car Model on a treadmill lol – even with the Black Friday promos et al.
At the end of the day I realized I’m buying this equipment to ultimately work as a sweat machine and get some intense cardio in for myself as I’ve put some weight on since marriage and am approaching my mid 30’s and was sick of the $25 monthly planet fitness subscription I barely utilized for most the past year because the gym was on the other side of town and the excess time wasted going in and out of the gym for cardio workouts (changing clothes, shower, having to look semi-presentable in a public gym where I bump into people I know in real social life) was just eating my limited hours in a day with work & family life. I cancelled that subscription and bought this instead. It arrived a week after Black Friday. The amazon guys delivered it in my garage and I took it from there to get it to my basement. The total shipment package is about 140 lbs so having a 2nd person to help you will make life much easier. I immediately checked the parts to make sure everything came in top tier condition from A to Z and luckily, it was packaged extremely well with no horror stories to report on my end.
As it gets pretty frigid and cold in New England in the winter months, I wanted a machine that I can keep in the house for quick HIIT workouts in morning before I take a shower and get my start for my workday in the office.
So to the treadmill itself:
-Excellent Build Quality for the $ from a Reliable Brand (Nordictrack is owned by iFit Inc. which also owns ProForm – these equipment brands were mainstays of the 90’s and 2000’s in any Dick’s sporting good stores that sold treadmills). This is my first NordicTrack treadmill but my parent’s ProForm treadmill(s) are still going strong – 20 years later (and I ultimately attribute that robust build quality/longevity to the parent company of both brands– iFit Inc.).
- Relatively easy to install compared to other treadmills (I’ve assembled a much, much more complicated ProForm treadmill with all the bells and whistles in my parent’s house) and this was so easy as compared to that model. You just need to be patient – watch a couple of youtube videos – and make sure you understand each step. Also I did 95% of the installation by myself, I just needed my wife basically for the last part which is when you actually mount the console on top of the treadmill and keep it plugged in (you will want a 2nd person with you for this part especially because this is how electric power comes to the treadmill belt & console). Everything else can be done by 1 person.
-2.6 HP Treadmill Rating “Engine” – this is plenty for most people. It’s not 3.0 but I found I was able to do a full run/sprint on this for a good 5 minutes with no problems and I’m a fairly big guy (over 215 lbs). It’s a nice sweet spot between 2.0 HP Treadmills (weak/only good for walking) and 3.0 HP Treadmills (where a lot of commercial treadmills start).
-The Console is Super Basic, Absolutely No Frills/Gimmicks – the iFit subscription is the one thing you can get with this (it comes w/ 1 month free with this purchase), but you do not need it for the treadmill to function. It is very easy to understand and very easy to use. This would actually be a really good model for seniors in your family who hate the confusing hyper technology of today’s treadmills. This is a treadmill I’d feel safe with my grandmother using.
-iPad/Phone Stand – You can easily make it as fancy or as simple as you want. I will def be using it with my iPad so I don’t feel “wanting” for anything more. All I need is access to YouTube and some headphones and I’m good to go.
- Treadmill is def compact and very easy to wheel around to a different part of the room (you just need to lift the rear and basically wheel it around like a farm wheel barrow)
-Keep in mind, this does not fold up. Repeat. This.does.not.fold. If you’re someone pressed for extreme space living and want to always maximize every square foot in your residence, this might not pass that test. Although its footprint as normal laid out flat is fairly compact when benchmarking to other treadmills.
Bottomline: This machine will get you to sweat without having to sell your kidneys on the black market to do so. You can walk, jog, and yes use it for sprinting and it will work just fine. Most consumers will love this model.
Here’s who this model this is NOT for:
If you are a serious runner, like you’re one of those people that ran highschool cross country and track and you have an average speed of like 11 mph when you do a sprint and/or power run for like 10 minutes+ straight– you should probably look at higher grade models in NordicTrack’s lineup with at least a 3.0 HP+ rating.
My Usage: only manual mode - no programs and no iFit, so can't speak to those. I'm also not a runner. I walk in the 2.2 - 3.2 mph range with level 2 to full incline for 20-45 min once a day. I am the only user.
My last Nordic TM lasted 20+ years and that's the only reason I overpaid for this one ($799 and with tax closer to $900). IMO this TM should be $679 - the 2023 Black Friday price - all the time. But know I can get parts for it over the years and keep it going, but still; being overpriced is one reason for knocking off a star.
In tandem with that it has to be assembled (price should reflect this but doesn't). So many TMs today come pre-assembled. I don't mind assembling something, but would mind it much less at $679. That said the assembly was fairly easy as long as you have your own socket/ratchet, etc tools and don't use the suggested ones. Also helps to have watched a few YT vids on how to assemble it. I did it alone without help.
Final reason for taking off a star is the funky dot matrix display. I know many TM's have this, but it's ugly and dated... like all the way back to 1200 baud modem and floppy disk days. When will TMs have nice LED screens like cell phones? On the pro side, it's at least quite large and has all the data you need.
The Settings are funky to get through too, but once set, really won't need to bother with them.
Otherwise I like how there are buttons for everything you need (MPH and incline) so you don't have to press the - or + buttons overmuch.
The box arrived absolutely pristine and looked brand spankin' new like Scotty had transported it directly from the packer to my garage. Not a scratch or blemish on it. The interior was also well packed. I read many reviews of people who received cracked or broken plastic trim parts. Not so in my case. The beautiful condition it arrived in took some of the sting out of the price.
Once together I bypassed iFit then tested it without getting on it. The belt was too far left and made a rubbing noise on the trim. I adjusted it to center until it was quiet; then loosened it slightly on both sides because after centering it, it was a little tighter than the 2-3 inches the manual calls for. So some minor adjusting.
(When I first turned it on it went to the highest incline position on its own, then immediately went back down and stopped. I knew it was calibrating itself so just let it do that.)
The noise factor is similar to my last Nordic. I wouldn't call it a quiet machine or put it in a bedroom if people will be trying to sleep while you use it, but it's not annoying either. I listen to music over a stereo system (not the TM's speakers) and so I don't notice it. Like my last Nordic, the motor does change pitch a little with every step, as if the weight makes it work a little harder (I'm of average weight at 160).
The console is much larger than expected. It makes the TM look pretty darn big. Not an issue for me since it's in the garage. I did order a "fully-opened" cover for it from Amazon (vs a cover that only fits when the TM is folded up).
There have been some reviews saying it would not run on a 15A circuit. From what I gather, newer circuits (i.e. found in newer houses) are made differently than the very old ones. I live in a house built in the 1950s and the TM is on a 15A circuit along with a bunch of other stuff and it works fine, but maybe part of that is that I am not pushing it at high speeds, IDK.
But it runs smooth, the buttons are responsive, and it does what it's supposed to. As long as it keeps doing that I'll be happy enough. If I run into problems, will update this review.
One thing that bothers me is it says in the manual not to use silicone on the belt, that it's pre-lubed. That's fine for now, but if belts aren't regularly lubed they will wear the deck too, (and put drag on the motor). then you'll need a new deck AND belt... and might burn out the motor in the process. Maybe Nordic doesn't mind because then they can sell more parts that way, but there should have been a schedule included for how often to lube it, and what lube to use. Instead I will have to take time to research that myself.
Bottom line: Would I recommend it? At $679 absolutely. At $799 you can find cheaper ones that do the same thing, but whether or not those will last as long, or if parts will be available down the road, who knows... I wanted to stick with Nordic - not because they're as great as they used to be - but because they seemed like a safer bet than newer brands that also had many complaints, but YMMV.
First of all, after extensive research on best treadmills in the internet, many YouTube reviews and assembly videos, taking a close look at the Amazon reviews and looking at the lowest price in CamelCamelCamel, I thought this was the best model for my needs.
This treadmill is actually for snowy and raining days, my wife and I prefer running and walking outside but we live in central New York State with a wicked winter. Based on that I selected a model at a more reasonable price tag, plus I waited for the Black Friday deals which worked perfectly. The treadmill will be used by myself and my wife only, we are in our mid-sixties. I run a 5K every morning and after I walk with my wife 4 miles daily. We are in great physical shape but we are not top athletes.
Ordering: Be wise and get “Room of Choice Delivery” for $20. It is a very heavy box and my treadmill was going to the third floor. Best spent $20.
Assembly: I watched a few YouTube videos, they were very helpful. The assembly movie in Amazon is not for this model. There is also a very useful App recommended by NordicTrack, BILT, it is free and very convenient, get it. The instructions that came with the treadmill were good too. I had the help of my wife, took my time, and after one hour it was all assembled. It went flawless. Nothing came broken and no damage during the installation. I have to say that everything inside the shipping box was well protected during the shipping.
Start-Up:
First of all, I do not care for using iFIT, I don’t need a coach to energize me, we are always all pump-up about exercising. I use my tablet/Ipad with YouTube, I look for scenic hike like in the Alp’s or the Rockies and that works perfectly for me. My wife watches her own videos or make calls. I don’t think it is necessary to pay for the app. The reviews make it clear that iFIT customer service is very poor and will not help bypassing the app. Maybe if the only charge $5 a month, then maybe you can try it. It is a personal decision.
So, I turned it on and press the iFIT button for 15 seconds to defeat the iFIT app. It energized and ready for use.
Ready for a test, I raised the incline and it worked, I brought the speed slowly and everything sounded good and worked.
Use:
So, it snowed in New York and we fully tested the treadmill. I started walking and changed the inclined and accelerated manually. I had my tablet on top of the panel, I could still change speed and incline. As long as the running speed is less than 6 mph the table was stable, once you go up it will rattle a little bit. I had the tablet connected to the speakers; they are no Bose speakers but sounded a lot better than the tablet speaker. The screen gives you enough information and I can see the information without my glasses. I use an Apple watch which is more accurate so I don’t go by the panel on calories or pulse. I tested the various preprogram workouts and they work fine. The motor is not loud even if it is an under $700 treadmill. I ran up to 7 mph and everything was good. I don’t need to go up to 10 mph so I have enough room for running. Ran for one hour and was happy with the machine, had a great workout.
It was the first time for my wife to use the treadmill, I explained everything, it was easy, she did her walk changing manually the speed and the incline. She loved the treadmill; I think she will be the may user. Everything works great and it looks good.
Stowing: Easy to lift to the stow position and easy to move around. Mine is stationary at a window so I can look out.
I will update the review later, it does look very solid, let’s see how long it last.
I highly recommend this treadmill for home use, specially if you don’t need a fancy big screen and it is mostly for the days you can’t run/walk outside. Great for just a couple of people with a few hours of usage a day.
UPDATE a year later:
Still doing great, I am very happy with the purchase. My wife is the one who uses it more frequently but one bad weather days keeps me exercising. I love the simplicity, I can move up and down manually to get he best workout. It has been very reliable up to now. No need for IFit, I still use my table to pick runs and walks that keep me focus on my runs. I still believe it deserves 5 stars.
The treadmill itself? Good stuff. You get what you pay for and a bit more. All things being equal this is as good as it gets in this price range for a home treadmill. It's not intended for heavy duty, high impact use, though sturdy. It's more for walking and jogging. Sprinting in spurts. Just look at some videos of it in use and you'll get the idea. It looks nice enough and not like a big, cheap plastic eyesore. It operates smoothly and is reasonably quiet. The control console is well designed and laid out. It has twenty preset routines and manual adjustments which include increasing speed and incline by increments instead of whole numbers. So the treadmill will run at say 3.7mph and incline at 4.5 percent, etc. Cushioning is adequate and it feels solid beneath you. No shaking or otherwise. Very stable.
And that's it, really. It's a treadmill and it works. What sets it apart from others in this price range is its size. It is indeed bigger / roomier where it counts. The tread board and belt. I found just two other treadmills in the $650 to $1000 range that offered a belt with a 20in width. And one of those while promoting it as "heavy duty" lacked an incline feature and has a 19.3in wide belt. It makes a difference! Especially when most of these lower end home treadmills come with 16-17.5in wide belts. No matter how BIG they make the treadmill look in their ads with doctored photos. If your feet aren't too big this NordicTrack should be nice. Just take out a measuring tape and measure 20in against 16 or 17 and the difference is clear. The belt is also 50in long. Which is beyond standard in this price range. What I found are many $650+ treadmills are really $400 and $500 treadmills that are being oversold on their features. And show ad pics that make the machine look big and the user small. Open the box and set it up and you'll find you paid $700 for a $450 product. But this NordicTrack will be the "more" you pay for. The only other one close is the Horizon T101. Take a close look at both imo, weigh pros and cons and pull the trigger on one or the other.
I can't touch on the speakers as they are not being used. iFit integration was easily bypassed and not being used. Really no big deal to bypass it so I don't know why people complain. The unit itself is a good deal. The materials used for the machine are of quality you'd expect in this segment, and the look is basic but a bit sleek and sporty. Seems a great buy so far and a good, basic home treadmill. Don't expect more unless you pay more. And even then. If this lasts a year or two and is trouble free I'd happily buy another to replace it. If it lasts longer, even better. Sure as hell beats the time, effort, expense, inconvenience and patience it takes for me to go to the gym. And even gym goers like some activity at home. It can be convenient and Its nice to have options.
I have a 10" screen. I recommend this as a minimum as touch controls would be difficult when moving with a smaller screen. This is actually the only thing I wish were different but I can live with the screen size without any problems. Speed and incline can be controlled via the touch screen or the touch pad controls on either side of the screen. If I want more control over incremental increase/decrease, there is a way to control that as well. These controls work very well.
The belt platform includes shock absorbers. The unit sits on a concrete floor. I have no trouble with the stability or smoothness of the "ride", for lack of a better term. If you are more sensitive, get a thicker pad to place the unit on. . . but I do not feel the need for it. The unit folds up if you need space. Be aware that it does not fold up perfectly perpendicular to the floor but it does help free up space. I have no need of moving the unit but it was not difficult to get it into place once assembled.
Safety-wise, unplug your unit when you are not using it! This also helps with iFit (see below) and software updates.
My brother put this together but you can hire someone to do it. There was no cursing involved in assembly process. My impression and his feedback were that it went well. Also, I purchased the shipping option that included delivery to a specific room which helped immensely. I recommend it.
My biggest gripe about this unit's design is the placement of the heart rate sensor grips. I'm not sure who they were designed for but they are badly placed. I wear a separate heart rate strap blue-toothed to the machine display. This placement is not a problem for me but it is a design flaw.
The machine came with one year membership to iFit. This is one of those things that you don't realize you needed but once you have it you can't imagine life without it. iFit is a pure delight. I have enjoyed every series completed and the trainers are positive and encouraging. During a live session early on in my iFit membership, I was struggling to keep up and had to readjust the settings. The trainer must have noticed and she gave me an encouraging shout out. It doesn't get more personal and motivating than that. I appreciated the "don't give up" words and finished the work out. Since starting out, my cardio status has improved immensely. My pulse rate has become more stable around 140-150 for moderate intensity workouts. That is a miracle for me as it used to shoot upwards of 170 and I would be short of breath in less than 5 minutes. Now, I can do inclines up to 8% without pulse spikes and can still carry on a conversation. Going to 9-10% still gets my breathing heavy, but I can do it. Also, I am competing in virtual 5K races and my time has gone from over 1 hour down to 48 minutes since January. While that may not be impressive to some, for me it is none too shabby.
Would I purchase this again? My short answer is "yes" - with a caveat. Because my cardiovascular system and fitness level are improving, I will likely purchase a more advanced machine the next time I am in the market for one because I will probably benefit for more challenging inclines and other functionality.
Bottomline is that if you are a newbie to home fitness or if you are not physically fit but want to be, this unit will work for you. If you are an advanced amateur/enthusiast, you may want to consider the features that will be most important to you and look at another NordicTrack machine. Whatever you decide, NordicTrack with iFit should be one of your decision-making points. I am very pleased with my purchase!
One of the things I really like about this treadmill is the iFit compatibility. There are so many different types of workouts you can select with a full range of beginner to experienced in all categories. You can choose walking, hiking, running, cross-training, walk-run, etc. and there are several series for beginners and advanced users as well. Weight loss, running series, incline series, and more. They have a great assortment of trainers and the treadmill syncs to the workout you choose and adjusts the speed and incline automatically throughout the workout. You do have the ability to easily override the auto adjustments in case you need to slow it down or want to speed it up more, but it is really nice being able to just focus on form and enjoy the workout without having to change speed and incline throughout.
I assembled the treadmill myself and it was very easy to do. Only the last part required a second person to assist and in total, it took me about 2 hours from start to finish. The instruction manual is concise and easy to follow. I was missing two small screws that secure the cup holders in place, but one call and they were quickly shipped out to me and arrived 3 days later. These missing screws did not prevent me from using my treadmill in the meantime.
I don't fold my treadmill regularly as I don't need the floor space, but I did include a picture of the folded position so you can see how it looks. If you have a lack of floor space but still want a treadmill, this may be the answer. The motor is not very loud in my opinion. It is a treadmill and there is going to be some noise. When the incline is increasing or going down, the noise is more distinct, but it really does not sound louder than one should expect to hear from a motor raising and lowering a heavy treadmill with someone on it.
The incline has a range of 0-10 and that is perfectly good for where I am at. I suppose endurance runners and very advanced users may want more of an incline, but it is ideal to me. The speed range is from 1-10 miles and I have only taken it up to 6.5mph so far. Maybe one day I will hit 10mph and wish I could go faster, but I think I am pretty good with the speed range for a long time.
I purchased the 3-year maintenance warranty on Amazon and recommend it if only to have it professionally serviced once per year. I do not want to have to deal with extra out of pocket costs if something breaks down and for $89, you can hardly go wrong. You will see when you register your treadmill on the Nordic Track site that they will offer you the same coverage, but it is a lot more expensive. Buy it through Amazon.
Finally, some people don't like the iFit membership cost. It is $15 per month or $39 per month for a family plan. I received 2 free months with my purchase and renewed it as soon as my free trial was up because it's such a great feature. If you do not want an iFit membership, you can still use the treadmill in manual mode as well as the 20 preset programs the treadmill comes with. I think it would still be a great treadmill without iFit, but I encourage you to at least use the free iFit trial period before deciding you don't want it.
The other models of this treadmill include bigger screens and higher inclines. I may upgrade myself in 3 years, but if you want a great first treadmill, I highly recommend this one.
• My details: mid-40s, 5'1", small to medium build.
• Running history: I've been consistently running 3 miles 4-6 times a week for over 20 years
• Speed: At the moment, 8:30 to 8:45 minute miles (I'd like to get back to 8:00 to 8:15 minute miles, though)
• Style: Almost entirely treadmill running, which has allowed me to avoid major injuries and strains.
When the gyms closed due to the pandemic I was forced to take my running outside, which left my feet, ankles, and knees aching. I knew I needed a treadmill. I am a treadmill fanatic, having run on many over the years. I am very picky about what I like and don't like and knew what I wanted: a durable treadmill with good shock absorption which would stand up to almost daily use. I ended up choosing the NordicTrac T Series with the 5-inch screen. I have had this treadmill for over two weeks now and have run on it almost every night since I got it. It meets and exceeds my needs in almost every way.
Pros:
• Running is very comfortable, the shock absorption is very good--I noticed a difference right away in how my legs and feet felt compared to running outside. It has been comfortable every night I have run on it, no aches or strains.
• It sits flat--I absolutely hate running on a treadmill that is slightly inclined when it is supposed to be at a 0 grade. If you've ever experienced this you know what I'm talking about.
• The size is comfortable, plenty of room on the belt--but I am short so take that into consideration.
• The screen allows me to track my distance in either laps (.25 miles per lap) or with a standard distance tracker. I'm a total nerd about tracking my pace and this shows distance to the thousandths spot rather than the more usual tenths and hundredths (i.e. it shows you have run 1.457 miles rather than 1.45 or 1.4). It's dumb, but I love this feature.
• The speed and incline buttons are intuitive and user-friendly in their positioning on the console.
• It's very easy to fold up and pull down.
• You can crank it up for a hard run or interval training. I have it up to 8 mph on occasion and there is no wobble or shake.
• The range of incline is good and the movement up and down is smooth. If inclines are your thing you should have plenty to work with here.
• The price was right--for a treadmill of this caliber it was a great deal. Higher-end commercial-grade treadmills can be upwards of two grand or more, and this was less than half that.
Cons:
• During assembly there were a couple of times where the screws almost or just didn't quite fit where they were supposed to. We "fixed" it by brute force and a drill, but it was frustrating at the time.
• I do wish this version had a fan, but you can always purchase one to attach to the treadmill if you need one.
• The heart-rate monitor is useless, but whatever.
Unknowns:
• I haven't tried the speakers. I watch my tablet or listen to music/podcasts on my phone and use headphones. The shelf for your tablet is really nice though, for what that's worth. UPDATE: I tried them, they're pretty terrible. Definitely don't rely on them. They are too quiet and the sound quality is pretty bad.
To summarize, this is a worthwhile investment if you want a solid treadmill for your running routine (or if you're looking to make running part of your daily life). I'm extremely happy with it and will be using it for my daily run from here on out.
UPDATE:
I've been using the treadmill about 5 times a week or so since I bought it a couple of months ago, so I thought I would update on how it's holding up (if that is useful). Overall, still sturdy and comfortable. Still very kind to my knees and ankles, which is important to me. No issues with shaking or squeaking.
Two issues I do notice:
1. the belt has a tendency to slide to one side or the other while running, so I have to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get chewed up by sliding too far. Adjusting the belt does help but it still does slide. For whatever reason, once the machine seems to be warmed up and I am running faster, the sliding is much less of a problem. (Also, as a side note, the last home treadmill we had was far more prone to sliding than this one--it may just be something endemic to home treadmills).
2. On occasion when I switch the treadmill on it goes all the way through an incline cycle. By this I mean the platform raises itself as far as it can and then lowers itself again. Then it's fine and I start my run.
I would not deduct from my original rating for these issues. It's still a great treadmill and I'm so happy not to have to go to the gym right now!
I have owned this treadmill for 5 months 1 day as of the current date/writing of this review (May 9, 2020).
This is the first treadmill I have ever owned (I actually bought it as a gift to my girlfriend) and it has been awesome! She loves it too, of course.
Assembly: 4/5 - The assembly was interesting, to say the least, but with the help of my girlfriend, it took us between an hour or two to finish. I'm pretty sure it was much closer to two hours. I do not think it is possible to assemble by yourself but kudos to you if you manage to get it assembled on your own. Then again, try it by yourself and you'll be so worked up from not having an extra 30 pairs of hands to help that you'll be ready to run 30 miles when it's all said and done. I personally would not recommend it, though. You, in some instances, need someone to hold the upper half of the frame while the other is screwing stuff in to anchor it all together. I mentioned the assembly was interesting earlier in the sense of how everything eventually came together so perfectly. There's always one or two small hiccups with getting a screw hole to align...maybe it is just me but that seems to always be expected when I put anything together. I do recall having a slight issue where some wires on the right-hand side needed to be tucked away. I think we were able to rig it so they stayed put so no real big issues there - they are actually run through/inside the right bar that stands vertically touching the floor. The only bar connecting the bottom of the treadmill to the top...it's maybe at a slight 20-degree angle. Anyways, those particular wires are used to connect either the speakers, monitor, or both. Either way, you have to have them. I rate the instructions and everything assembly related a 4/5 deducting one star because you need a second person. As far as how well written the instructions goes and the lack of wtf's that DIDN'T happen, much (which is good by the way), I rate that a 5/5.
Quality: 5/5 - I personally think the quality of the treadmill, build materials, the built-in 10 inch screen, speakers, and any other random odds and ends to be pretty good quality. There is a lot of plastic but it all feels solid and sturdy and should last for many, many years to come.
Noise: 5/5 - I think the noise is about as quiet as you can make a treadmill. Then again, if you're running in place on something suspended off the ground then there are bound to be thuds with each step...I speak from firsthand experience. The speakers get quite loud so that's good noise if you are playing music or watching some of the iFit videos which will be discussed further down but not TOO far in-depth since I want to keep my review specifically on the treadmill itself. Yes, I realize iFit is more...fit...to be in the feature section below yet here it is. :)
Features: 4.5/5 - If you want some good bells and whistles without dropping three grand on a Ferrari-like treadmill this is absolutely more than enough. Especially if you're like me and have never owned a treadmill before. It is a 10-speed treadmill with 10 levels of incline that increment from being flat (0.0) all the way to (45-degree angle upwards maybe?)10.0 at 0.1 increments. The iFit membership I think is stunning! Running in another country or hillside with a trainer all while enjoying the scenery (don't wimp out on monitor size or this is less enjoyable) while getting a good workout makes using this treadmill so much more enjoyable/pleasant. I'm not sure what the little orange/yellow cushion things are called but they are there as support for your joints. When you land, from jogging or running, they squish down to reduce the impact on your knees and other joints. I thought they looked silly but now that I know how well they work and what they are for I don't think they are so funny anymore. The other features you can more easily see from viewing the posted pictures. Cupholders, how big the speakers are, buttons, other little knickknacks. I have not had to use the folding feature of the treadmill to "tuck" it away in a corner but I did enjoy playing with the feature when putting it together. I have only used it honestly like 2-3 times and from what I could tell it works well. I do like that there is a "no slam" feature where if when you are letting it down and it slips it won't come crashing down. It will catch itself and slowly lower itself down automagically safe and sound...so that's neat. I docked half a point because the heartbeat sensor(s) you put your hands on don't really work all that well. I don't expect them to be 100% perfect or accurate by any means but I found that I have to, more of than not, situate my hands jusssst the right way for it to start giving me a readout. No biggie for me personally, since I have a Fitbit watch, but for anyone out there who is curious...it doesn't work very well for me personally. You might not have any issues with yours but I do with mine. Again, no deal-breaker for me by any means.
iFit Membership: 5/5 - This I am going to briefly touch on and recommend everyone visit the NordicTrack website under the iFit section. I would post a link but I don't know if Amazon filters those out or not so I'll leave it up to you to learn your way around google. There is a TON of information there if you are interested for more information. Our purchase included the 1-year free iFIt membership. I am pretty certain that alone is a $300 value. What I like about it the most is that my girlfriend and I have created our own accounts and can share the membership. This way I can track my workouts and she can track hers on our own unique accounts. Logging in and out is pretty seamless (couple touches and you're logged in). I believe once you login once it doesn't log you out automatically so it's a matter of swapping accounts based on who is about to workout. You can keep track of things such as what days we worked out on, what workout we did, for how long, calories burned, and a LOT more. The membership is honestly a really great idea though. Just make sure you have your treadmill somewhat close to your modem or router (for Internet). Like most things nowadays...the videos need to be streamed while you are viewing them. Aka, you need to be online and connected to the Internet. So be aware of your placement when deciding where to put your treadmill.
I hope this review has helped anyone on the fence as to what they want for their next treadmill.
Happy treading!
Purchase: As some reviewers have stated the treadmill is a bear to assemble by yourself (which is what I did). However, if you have a competent friend/family member willing to give you an hour of their time I would bypass the professional assembly. However, DEFINITELY pay the extra $20 for in-house/desired room delivery (even if you live in a one-story house). The box the treadmill comes in weighs about 200 lbs. You do not want to try maneuvering it around your house/apartment without help.
Delivery: As stated above, I use the desired room delivery. The Amazon delivery service was on-time, professional and capable (although I did have to help the guys get the box around a tricky corner in my building's staircase). They called once when they were on their way to my location, and again as they were pulling. I've always been gun-shy about purchasing large items on Amazon, but if this is the level of service one can expect from their delivery service I may do so more often.
Assembly: Again, assembly can be done with one person (it's in no way easy, and you should be able to lift at least 50 lbs by yourself), but I don't recommend it. However, having gone through the steps there wasn't anything that I thought would warrant paying an extra $70 for a professional to come do. Just make sure you have a Phillips-head screwdriver, and either a socket wrench (with plenty of socket heads) or an adjustable wrench. All other tools needed come with the treadmill. As others have stated some of the bolts are in hard to reach spots. Take your time, follow the instructions and assembly shouldn't take more than an hour. Pro Tip: there's no need to purchase a mat for the bottom of the treadmill (to protect your floor) if you're strapped for cash. When you take the top off the box, simply cut off the side pieces, put the belt/motor component on the top and use it as your floor protection. The cardboard doesn't slide/slip at all when you're on the treadmill.
Usage: Unlike some others I actually bought this machine FOR the iFit functionality. I have an iFit account and absolutely love the service. From what I read you can cancel the membership (almost immediately) after the machine has been activated. Personally I love just being able to focus on my run/walks and let the machine self-adjust speed and incline on its own. Full disclosure though...you really don't need an iFit membership to take advantage of this function. While you can manually adjust settings like any gym treadmill, this machine comes with (I think) 20 preset workouts that also self-adjust. I haven't used any of them yet, but from scrolling through the menus they look pretty varied in terms of challenge level. The machine is quieter than any gym treadmill I've ever used. I workout watching TV and routinely run at 6 mph without having to adjust the TV's volume. Transitions between incline and speed levels is smooth and natural. I also love that you can adjust the cushyness/firmness of the belt.
Storage: The treadmill doesn't take up that much space. It's a little shorter than a child's twin bed (probably about the same width). While it can be folded you really don't save that much space with the belt/bed up (since it rests at a angle that's only slight shorter than the length when fully deployed). I generally leave it down and ready to use.
Overall I'm extremely happy with this purchase. I haven't any issues or complaints 3 weeks in, but appreciate the length of the warranties that come standard with the treadmill (I did however buy the 3-year maintenance plan ). I would definitely recommend this machine without reservation!