Are you trying to look your best this summer? If you’re not much of an outdoor runner, a treadmill could help you stay in shape or drop those extra pounds before summer hits.
Treadmills are excellent fitness machines that allow users to exercise in the comfort of their own homes. There are tons of treadmills out there, though, so choosing the right one can be a bit of a challenge.
NordicTrack is an established competitor with a wide range of models, while Peloton is relatively new and offers innovation choices unlike other treadmills. Peloton is changing the way people exercise on treadmills, but NordicTrack is a tried-and-true manufacturer, and with more options available, you’re more likely to find better value.
Editor’s note: Peloton recalled its Tread and Tread+ treadmill models in May 2021.
Peloton was launched in 2013 and has since transformed the way people exercise at home. The Peloton treadmill is designed to be interactive and offers more variety in terms of programs and features than other models.
There is a strong focus on live streaming interactive workout programs and classes. Peloton also prides itself on its all-access membership, which grants subscribers access to a vast library of live and on-demand workout classes.
Peloton has eliminated the paradox of choice with regards to its treadmills. They only have two models currently available, and with the surplus of treadmills out there, it makes choosing one easier.
Peloton is renowned for its library of live on-demand workout classes that can be accessed 24/7. Users are also able to communicate with their workout instructors through the treadmill’s built-in soundbar. The motivation and support from coaches and other users is one of Peloton’s most appealing features.
There is also an interactive app that can be used to stream more than just running classes. They include yoga, strength, meditation and stretching classes, among others.
Peloton treadmills are expensive.
The Tread was introduced as a “cheaper” alternative to what’s now the Tread+, but it’s still expensive, with its base package being sold at a retail price of $2,495, while the Tread+ is even more egregious at $4,295.
Furthermore, if you opt for the all-access membership, you’ll be staring down the barrel of a $40 monthly bill.
Previously, there was only one model offered, but they’ve recently added another to their lineup. What was previously their sole treadmill product, known as the Tread, has now been dubbed the Tread+.
The Tread is now a more “affordable” version of their original treadmill and features a 59-inch continuous running belt and a 23.8 touchscreen display. The Tread+ features a 67-inch running belt and a much larger screen at 32-inches.
NordicTrack is one of the most well-known manufacturers of exercise equipment. They’ve been around for a long time and are a trusted brand. They offer a wide variety of treadmills so that customers can find a machine that suits their needs.
NordicTrack may compare unfavorably to Peloton’s treadmills when it comes to interactive workouts. Still, they’ve stepped up their game in recent years and now incorporate a virtual workout library into most of their machines.
Unlike Peloton, NordicTrack offers a wide range of treadmills, each with its unique workout focus and features.
There are three classes of treadmills: commercial incline, commercial treadmills and T-series.
The best NordicTrack treadmills incorporate iFit, an interactive workout tool that offers both indoor and outdoor workouts. Using iFit, you can take a virtual run around Central Park from the comfort of your home.
iFit does a well-enough job of providing interactive workout classes, but it isn’t as good as what Peloton offers because the overall production quality isn’t up to par.
NordicTrack’s commercial treadmills are some of the best models available on the market.
The Commercial 2950 has high-end features such as a large, 22-inch smart HD display, high-quality Bluetooth speakers, built-in fans, quiet operation and various incline and decline settings.
The Commercial 1750 isn’t as glamorous as the Commercial 2950, but it’s much more affordable and has many fantastic features. The Commercial 1750 boasts a 10-inch HD touchscreen and hands-free workout capabilities with the Automatic Trainer Control, which allows your virtual trainer to adjust your incline, decline and speed levels.
However, NordicTrack offers more affordable options like the T 6.5 Si. The T-Series treadmills don’t come equipped with many incline or decline settings, but you’ll still get a touchscreen, 10% incline function, and iFit compatibility. However, the most notable feature is their compact, foldable design, making them easy to move around and ideal for smaller spaces.
If you’re serious about your exercise and want the best of the best, NordicTrack offers the Commercial X22i and the X32i from their Commercial Incline line of treadmills. They’re premium machines that can compete with Peloton’s products in terms of specs and features.
The main difference between each model is that the X32i has a larger interface display, running belt size, and motor.
If the virtual workout experience is highly important for you, a Peloton treadmill will not fail you. Peloton’s primary focus for its treadmills is to provide the best possible interactive exercise experience.
However, for the value, your best bet would be to go with one of NordicTrack’s commercial treadmills. You should get by just fine with one of them as they include excellent features and use iFit for online workout programs and classes.
Kevin Luna is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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