NordicTrack is one of the most trusted names in fitness equipment and when it comes to design they are definitely leading the way. Not only does their treadmills look “sexy” they actually have the research and functionality to back it up. With numerous advanced features, every model has something unique to offer. All Nordic Track treadmills are ergonomically designed to provide the most stable, smoothest and safest run possible.

With advanced shock absorption, powerful (commercial grade) motors and iFIT technology, its bound to put a spring in your step. With a wide range of models it caters for general home use, to heavy commercial use and both weekend runners and professional athletes will find a model that’s suitable. With a big running surface, 1-touch controls and precision rollers it makes running fun again.

After running on treadmills for most of my adult life, the thing that impressed me most was just how natural Nordic Track treadmills feel. No more wobbly machines that squeak with belts that get stuck! The space saving design makes it perfect for home use while the powerful motors and durable design makes it perfect even for commercial use. The 2010 range includes a whole new lineup, but below is my top picks rated on performance, value for money and user feedback.

The motor is the most important component of any treadmill and this one comes with a 2.5 HP DurX Commercial grade motor. Both the frame and the motor has a lifetime guarantee with a 1 year parts and in-home service guarantee.

The actual functionality of the machine could not be easier. It has 2 large LCD displays and both the speed and incline can be adjusted with the 1-touch features (no more tedious scrolling). The A2550 Pro comes with 16 workouts that are pre-programmed – 4 for Weight loss, 4 for Distance, 4 for performance and 4 timed workouts. It has an iPod dock and is fully compatible with the new iFIT (which as to be purchased separately). The biggest downside is the size of the motor and a 2,5 HP is probably not strong enough for extensive running. Its also quite small and the shorter running surface is not suitable for taller runners with a long stride.

Main Features:
* 2.5 CHP Motor
* 20 x 55 Treadbelt
* iFit Live™ Capable
* 350-lb. Weight Capacity

Who Is It For: For the average home user. Great entry level treadmill that is packed with features and compact space saving design. Great value for money and highly recommended.
User Rating: 9/10
Price: $1,299.00

The most impressive features of the Elite 7500 is in the display and programs. It comes standard with a 7’’ TV screen that is Cable ready and allows you to watch your favorite TV shows while you run. The screens are also ergonomically positioned to ensure that you run and watch without any issues. It has an impressive set of workout routines built in and with the iFIT as standard, you can use the iFIT cards to pick and choose your workout routines. The iFIT cards acts as a “personal trainer” that talks you though the exercises and automatically adjusts the machine’s speed, incline and resistance as your train.

As if the full screen TV isn’t enough, it also comes with an Intermix Acoustics sound system with high end speakers and a subwoofer – all iPod ready to give you superior sound during your workout. With a 12 year guarantee on the frame and motor, this machine is a great investment for its price.

Main Features:
* DurX™ 3.5 CHP Commercial Motor
* Lifetime Frame and Motor, 2 Years Parts and 1 Year Labor Warranty
* 350 lb. Weight Capacity
* 7″ Flat-Screen TV with Digital Tuner

Who Is It For: This Nordic Track treadmill is great for anyone who needs a bit of motivation and entertainment while running. It’s a great high-end machine and built to last with some of the most advanced features you will find in a treadmill. Ideal for commercial use or high end residential use.
User Rating: 9/10
Price: $2,699

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It comes with 28 Personal Trainer workout programs that automatically adjusts the speed and incline and it also has the capability to accommodate programmable workouts. The hi resolution Grafixx display is a full color screen and connects with the iFIT (included as standard with this model) and Google Maps to allow you to run “anywhere in the world” and to follow your run on the screen! The display and programming of this machine allows you to store and analyze a ton of data and downloading it can help you to track your fitness goals in great detail.

This machine is very stable, durable and still compact enough for home use. The downside is that you do pay for all the extra features and unless you are going to use them it will be a waste of money. The added features are great though and if you utilize them fully it can make running a lot of fun!

Main Features:
* 3.0 CHP DurX™ Commercial Pro Motor
* iFit® Live Module included
* 0-15% 1-Touch Incline™

Who Is It For: This treadmill is for heavy use and for those who want the latest in treadmill technology. The iFIT integration is superb and the Google Maps feature is enough to get any tech junkie hooked!
User Rating: 7/10
Price: $2,499

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Its really much more than a piece of exercise equipment. Its designed as and entertainment system and the powerful sound system, full screen Cable ready TV and iFIT integration makes this the ultimate in home exercise. You will never be bored again and whether you want to watch your favorite TV show, running with a visual aid or have your own personal trainer guide you through your workout, this machine has it all.

The cushioning system allows you a wide range of adjustments and whether you want to have optimal absorption to minimize impact on your joints or whether you want to mimic real road conditions its all there. The SpaceSaver design makes it perfect for compact home use and it can fold up into a compact vertical unit. It also has a AirLight Assist to help allow for easy folding of the machine (no muscles needed). Its probably a bit too expensive and the 7500 model still has many of the same features for a smaller price tag.

Main Features:
* 4.0 CHP Commercial Grade Motor
* 7″ Flat Screen TV with Digital Tuner
* Lifetime Motor & Frame, 2 Yr Parts, 1 Yr Labor Warranty

Who Is It For: This Nordic Track treadmill has it all and if you can afford to splash out, then this is the one for you. It has several advanced features which makes is perfect for high end home use and moderate commercial use.
User Rating: 6/10
Price:$2,999.00

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The X3 Incline Trainer comes with an interactive display that allows you to visualize your climb and has a series of one-touch controls to easily adjust your workout intensity both for speed and incline. It also comes with the iFIT as standard and with the Workout Cards you can have your “personal trainer” with you every step of the way.

Most incline trainers become unstable at high inclines and top speeds, but the X3’s unique design and powerful motor makes it stable even with a 300 lbs person at full speed. However, this is an incline trainer and not a treadmill. Top speed is 10 mph and its exclusively designed for incline training.

Main Features:
* 0% to 40% Power Incline®
* Burns up to 5x the calories
* 2.0 HP Motor
* Includes workouts by Jillian Michaels

Who Is It For: This is exclusively an incline trainer (not a treadmill) and is a fantastic machine for weight loss and general home fitness. If you hate running and weight loss is your main goal, then this machine is for you.
User Rating: 8/10
Price: $1,999.00

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1. The Motor
The most important (and most expensive) component of treadmills are the motor. If its too weak it will burn out, but the stronger it is the more expensive the machine becomes. For home use you should buy something that has at least a 2.5-3 Horsepower (HP) motor. Also, make sure that it’s the HP for continuous duty and NOT the HP for peak duty. Cheap machines like to display only the peak duty HP of the motor which is not an accurate indication of the motor capacity.

2. The Frame
The actual frame of the machine can be either steel or aluminum. Steel is heavier (more stable machine) and cheaper but it tends to corrode easier. Aluminum is lighter but more expensive. Make sure your machine has a good specification for anti corrosion and better yet, make sure that there’s a warranty on the frame.

3. The Belt
The belt provides the surface on which you run and the 2 main considerations are the width and the length. I would recommend a width or at least 17’’  and a length of at least 54’’. Make sure that its long enough to accommodate your stride.

4. Cushioning
One of the things that make modern treadmills great exercise equipment is the fact that its much safer than running outside. The best machines have cushioning built in and what this does is to absorb the shock while you run. It greatly reduces the impact on your legs, knees and joints. Cheap machines don’t have this.

5. Monitors
Every treadmill these days have a monitor that is capable of displaying various stats while you work out. Some machines even have TV screens built in so that you can watch your favorite TV show while you work out, BUT lets focus on the exercise foe now. More advanced machines are capable of connecting to heart rate monitors and can record your workout data. It even allows you to download it to your computer to do some clever stuff – so depending on your level of training the monitor can help you work out much more effectively.

6. Warranty
Anytime you spend a significant amount of money on a machine that’s going to withstand a lot of wear and tear you need to make sure that there’s a warranty. It differs greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer and although the better machines are much more robust, they still break down.

7. Where To Buy
You can buy a new treadmill online or in a shop. In a shop you can see it, feel it and try it out, but buying online can save you as much as 20%. Buying online gives you more choice and most online retailers will give you free shipping which means they will even deliver it to your front door on top of the saving. If you are unsure about a machine, go and look at it in the shop and then go back and shop around online to make sure you get the best deal.

As a rule of thumb you get what you pay for. Cheap treadmills tends to be wobbly, unstable and break all the time. More expensive treadmills are durable, smooth to run on and makes exercise fun and painless. Its important that you buy something with a recognizable name and I would not recommend you buy anything under $900. Its just not worth it and the component of these cheap machines simply don’t last. Quality treadmills are in the $1000 range and if you cant afford it, then its probably better to look at payment plans than to buy something cheap.