The Cheater's Guide to Buying Nordictrack Treadmills

It's a fact. Treadmills burn more calories than any other piece of fitness equipment.* In test after test, treadmills consistently burn more calories than steppers, rowers and exercise bikes. There simply isn't a more effective cardiovascular workout. Besides high marks in the calorie-burning column, the healthy benefits of walking and running are well documented as well.

When buying a treadmill, here are some things to keep in mind:

Price: The price of a treadmill is determined by the motor size, deck and frame size and the quality of workout features in the console. NordicTrack has the most innovative features to keep you entertained and focused on your goals. A solid walking treadmill with basic features and adequate power can be purchased for $599 to $799.00. To get enough power for serious running plan to spend $799 and up. If you want to ad features like TV's, extra long decks and Commercial Strength motors you'll spend $999.00 plus.

Motor: The continuous-duty rating is the motor's true continuous horsepower, not just the "peak" horsepower. Actually a 2.0 continuous-duty HP motor is more powerful than a 2.0 HP motor not rated as continuous duty. For a reliable motor, look for a treadmill with at least 2.0 continuous-duty CHP. Walkers up to 300 lbs. can get by with a 2.0 CHP motor while runners will want to have a 2.5 CHP or stronger.

Belt and Deck: All NordicTrack Belts are at least 20" wide and 55" long and can accommodate all but the tallest runners. Many NordicTrack Treadmills have belts that are 60" long to accommodate the longest strides. The width of the belt should be at least 18", although wider belts allow for more comfortable strides. Likewise, longer decks allow for a more comfortable stride. NordicTrack's Two-ply belts are stronger and less likely to curl at the sides.

Speed: Most treadmills run from 0 to 10 mph. Treadmills designed for more serious jogging or running go up to 12 mph. Some treadmills offer one-touch speed buttons to adjust speed quickly and easily and prevent runners from having to stand on the side rails while they press and hold the speed up button.

Cushioning: Treadmills usually absorb some of the force from the impact of your feet. Some use cushioning under the belt, others have cushioning in the belt itself. NordicTrack features the following cushioning types.

* DuraSoft Advanced™ Adjustable Cushioning reduces impact by up to 33%, as compared to road running, with this full-length, adjustable cushioning system. Now, with virtually limitless settings, it's easier than ever to select the perfect cushioning for you. Whether you want a firmer, street-running feel, a softer, beach-like feel or anywhere in between.
* DuraSoft III™ reduces impact on your joints from 26% to 33%, as compared to road running. This 5-position, adjustable cushioning that delivers the perfect balance of comfort and joint protection based on your preferences.
* DuraSoft™ Adjustable Cushioning reduces impact on your joints from 19% to 33%, as compared to road running, DuraSoft has 5-positions that deliver the perfect balance of comfort and joint protection based on your preferences.
* Reflex™ Cushioning is the first treadmill deck to react twice with each stride. This arc-shaped deck first responds to the user's stride by flattening to absorb the impact by nearly 40% compared to running on the road. Then the Reflex springs back to its original arc shape, propelling the user into the next stride. You'll see the difference in the unique arc-shaped deck and you'll feel the difference when you work out.

Incline: The average incline ranges from 0% to about 10%. The most high-tech treadmills can raise the incline with the push of a button. Some higher end treadmills can reach up to a 12% incline, allowing you to burn more calories. Walking at a high incline burns more fat calories than jogging at a flat incline. NordicTrack Treadmills feature QuickIncline; that allows you to select the incline you want with one touch of a button instead of slowly scrolling to the right incline with an up or down arrow.

Control Panels: Electronic feedback displays of speed, time, and distance are generally standard on most treadmills. Some also display calories burned, heart rate, incline or workout history. Most treadmills offer preset and/or custom programs you can design yourself. Control panels range from a simple display to fully programmable consoles with customizable workouts, Games and other high-tech features. Some of the high-tech features include built-in TVs, MP3 ports with speakers and built-in personal trainers that serve to entertain and motivate you through your workout.

Heart Rate Monitors: Many treadmills include some type of electronic heart-rate monitor. Chest-strap monitors tend to be the most accurate. Hand-grip sensors are very convenient heart rate monitors that enable you to stay in your target heart rate without having to stop and manually take a pulse. Many of our high-end Treadmills have heart rate programs that will monitor you heart rate and adjust the speed and incline of your treadmill to keep you in a target heart rate zone.

Frame: Low carbon, welded steel with a protective coating to avoid rust is the way to go. Avoid weaker materials and bolted frames. All NordicTrack treadmills feature this heavy duty frame system and have a lifetime warranty.

Hand Rails: Some treadmills are designed with a handlebar in front, some with side rails. The location is a matter of preference.

Warranty: Look for at least 90 days on the motor, parts and service warranties. All NordicTrack Treadmills have at least 1 year Parts and Labor on all parts and 12 Years coverage on the Motor. The frames are warranted for the life of the product.

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