Nordic Track

Quality, mid-priced fitness equipment

The company that first made its mark more than 20 years ago with ski machines now offers an impressive range of ellipticals, treadmills, incline trainers, stationary bikes, stair steppers, strength training products and more. And they do it all while maintaining their reputation as a trusted brand that makes quality products. 

Comfortable ride

Nordic Track treadmills that incorporate DuraSoft impact absorption can reduce joint impact by between 26 and 33 percent. The technology makes it possible for users to feel like they’re pounding the pavement or running on a dirt track. Some models allow the user to adjust the level of impact absorption.

Another feature on many Nordic Track machines is a built-in fan that blows cooling air and can be set on a variety of levels.

SpaceSaver

Nordic Track treadmills and ellipticals with SpaceSaver technology can be folded to free up room in a home gym or rolled away for easy storage.

iFit

Aside from a speaker and MP3 player dock integrated into many of the machines, they are also set up to work with iFit, a virtual personal training program. iFit cards can be purchased for about $30. Each card contains an 8-week program designed by a personal trainer that helps the user meet certain goals. The card controls incline and resistance, as well as playing the trainer’s instructions through the speakers for motivation.

Decent warranties

Many Nordic Track machines come with lifetime motor and frame warranties, but only about one year on parts and labor. If you get the option to extend the warranty for a year or two, you might want to take it.

Product spotlights:

• AudioStrider 990 - For an elliptical that costs under $1000 (it now sells for about $800 online), the Nordic Track AudioStrider stands out for its inclusion of a power incline system that goes from 10 to30 degrees with five different settings. This kind of feature often only comes with elliptical trainers that cost twice as much. Other positives are an 18 inch stride length, the choice or using moving or stationary arms, a handlebar heart rate monitor and 20 program options. Reviewers have sung the praises of this elliptical - Consumer Reports dubbed it a “Best Buy” - for moderate users.

• C2155 Treadmill - Prevention magazine also likes Nordic Track, but they chose a treadmill to receive their best buy designation. It makes sense - this 2chp (continuous horsepower) model, that sells for about the same as the AudioStrider, can reach consistent speeds of 10 mph, has up to a 12 percent incline, 15 programs and a handlebar heart rate monitor. The 20” belt width and 55” length are enough for most users to run comfortably.

Incline trainers

One interesting product that’s pretty much unique to Nordic Track is a line of treadmill-like machines that offer more than two and three times the incline of usual equipment. These incline trainers can be great for hikers or those who want a butt-kicking workout.

The bottom line

Nordic Track brings to the table a solid reputation for quality fitness equipment. That combined with mid-level prices for what are generally considered to be higher quality products is reason enough to give this brand a chance.