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If you've been in the market for a treadmill to add to your home gym, you've likely recognized that a quality machine is going to be an investment. In this NordicTrack Elite 1000 review, we'll take a look at this treadmill's sophisticated features and quality build and weigh in on whether or not it's worth the high price tag. (If this one's out of your price range, check out the best treadmill under $1,000). You can still find the NordicTrack Elite 1000 treadmill at retailers like Costco or even used in various marketplaces. But the Nordictrack Elite 1000 is no longer available on the NordicTrack website. But the Commercial X22I and Commercial X32i are great options with similar features and quality.
SHOP NORDICTRACKThere is certainly a lot to love about the NordicTrack Elite 1000. Compared to the best NordicTrack treadmills, it ranks among the top. This treadmill boasts a huge rotating monitor for workouts on and off the board, an elongated 60-inch running deck, and what might be the steepest incline on the market. So whether you're a power walker looking to get in shape or a marathon runner with advanced training needs, you will level up your training with the NordicTrack Elite 1000.
A Quick Look at the NordicTrack Elite 1000
SPECS
- Weight: 520 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Max speed: 12 mph
- Max incline: 40%
- Dimensions: 81" L x 38" W x 80" H
- Screen size: 32" or 22"
If you're unfamiliar with NordicTrack products, then just know this: They are the OGs of treadmills and are considered the company to beat when it comes to innovation and quality in exercise equipment. The NordicTrack Elite 1000 has all the attributes of a solid NordicTrack machine: a solid frame, smooth ride, cushy belt, exciting follow-along routes on a beautiful touchscreen, and accessibility to an extensive library of iFIT workouts.
What sets this model apart is its incredible incline and decline ability. It ranges from -5% to 40%, which is the biggest variation we've seen on a treadmill. The NordicTrack Elite 1000 goes up to 12 miles per hour, which is speedy and adequate for almost every runner. For athletes using heart rate zones to train, it's compatible with Bluetooth heart rate monitors, but it does not have heart rate monitoring built into the actual machine. Still, the incline, speed, and metric tracking capabilities make this an advanced product.
So what's the downside? The price, of course, is the main drawback. With its incredible tech and beautiful screen clarity, this gem starts at around $3,500.
What We Like
- Incredible incline range at a total of 45%
- High maximum speed at 12 mph
- Touchscreen display that rotates
- iFIT accessibility for the gold standard in treadmill routes and classes, with auto-adjusting technology
- Built-in 30-watt soundbar (i.e., loud speakers)
- Google maps integration, which makes it possible to run your own favorite routes or program in a race course
- 10-year frame warranty
- Cushioned and responsive ride
- Long, 60-inch running deck
- Stats tracking
- NordicTrack will assemble for you
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- iFIT membership at about $25/month is needed after a 30-day trial
- This is a big machine—and heavy. Despite having wheels, it needs its own designated area
- Because of its incline ability, it does not fold to store
- No heart rate monitors built-in
- Shipping and assembly costs about $300
BUY: NordicTrack Elite 1000 Treadmill
A Closer Look at NordicTrack Elite 100
Design and Display
This heavy-duty machine weighs 520 pounds and is 81 inches long by 38 inches wide and 80 inches high. Compared to other treadmills, it's large and heavy, making it a good choice for walkers and runners with dedicated home gym space who are looking for a sturdy, long-lasting piece of equipment.
In terms of the running deck, the space measures 22 by 60 inches, which is longer than most other treadmills by about five inches. If you are tall or have a long stride, this is an awesome feature. Finally, the belt is made with NordicTrack's proprietary cushion technology, which makes it one of the best cushioned treadmills to maximize shock absorption and user comfort.
Since a great selling point of this machine is the world-famous and realistic routes you can walk or run virtually, a great screen is a must. You can choose the 22-inch or 32-inch display model, depending on your personal preferences and budget. In both sizes, the HD touchscreen is clear and responsive. All reviewers say it is more in their eye line than other treadmill monitors. The great part about this particular screen is its ability to tilt and rotate, which comes in handy when you do studio iFIT classes that have a floor or strength training component.
Incline and Decline
Possibly the most impressive feature of the NordicTrack Elite 1000 is its incline range. Not only can you torture yourself and set the tread to go uphill at 40%, but you can actually go downhill at -5%. This is a game-changer for anyone looking to incorporate serious hills into their running or walking workouts or anyone who wants to train their quads, glutes, and hamstrings efficiently.
Connectivity
This is a smart and completely wireless tread with dual 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz WiFi connectivity. The initial set-up will get you online, then you'll just need to bring your own Bluetooth earbuds and heart rate monitor to easily connect to the machine. (Of course, with the built-in 30-watt soundbar ready to blast your playlist, it would be a shame if you have to use any type of headphones.)
The iFIT App
NordicTrack offers a 30-day trial membership to the iFIT app. If you choose to renew this service, it will be $24.95 per month. If you don't want workout classes, then you don't necessarily need the subscription, but it is a pretty cool feature. It offers more than 16,000 classes and routes that take you from Hawaii to the Blue Ridge Mountains to Mt. Kilimanjaro. When you use one of these live or on-demand classes or courses, the treadmill has the ability to auto-adjust speed and incline based on the trail or the fitness instructor's directions. Meaning, once you set your preferred speeds and incline levels, the treadmill will speed up or down and the incline will go up and down in real time depending on the workout you're doing.
Power
The NordicTrack Elite 1000 runs on electricity and will plug into any standard 110-volt outlet. This powers a 3.6 CHP Motor and two mighty but quiet DC 3.6 CHP incline and decline motors.
Warranties
The NordicTrack Elite 1000 comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame. You can choose to extend this warranty for three years for just under $600.
Features
The NordicTrack Elite 1000 is an impressive luxury treadmill with numerous features that are easy and fun to use. It's a sturdy machine with zero bounce made to hold the industry standard of 300 pounds. The incredible stability is especially impressive because even at the highest level there is nearly no shake.
It's a well-constructed durable tread with a 10-year frame warranty. It has an extra long deck at 60 inches long and a spacious 22 inches wide. The touchscreen has the ability to tilt and swivel to your liking. The machine itself is quiet, even at its steepest incline and highest speed.
Who Should Buy the NordicTrack Elite 1000 Treadmill?
The NordicTrack Elite 1000 treadmill is perfect for the power walker looking to reach new heights and the runner with serious goals or a training plan. Any fitness enthusiast with room in their budget and home for this pricey machine will find it to be a staple in their exercise routine. Runners who need impact absorption will truly love this treadmill. Finally, if you are searching for guidance and motivation, the iFIT subscription and auto-adjusting ability of the Elite 1000 will absolutely contribute to your fitness gains.
Who Shouldn't Buy the NordicTrack Elite 1000 Treadmill?
The NordicTrack Elite 1000 is expensive and large. If you're short on money and space, then you might want to consider a cheaper and smaller machine. Not only does the treadmill have a large footprint, but it doesn't have the ability to fold for storage. Walkers and runners who don't need a lot of bells and whistles or who want to use their own screen can skip this option and find a more basic and reasonably priced treadmill.
Our Verdict
The NordicTrack Elite 1000 is a wonderful treadmill with very few downsides. It is the next best thing to running outside thanks to its incline range and elongated deck. The screen makes the running routes feel like you are really there, making the time and miles fly by. If you can afford this treadmill, it will be a great addition to your home gym.
BUY: NordicTrack Elite 1000 Treadmill
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
FAQs About the NordicTrack Elite 1000
Can you use the NordicTrack Elite 1000 without iFIT?
You can definitely use the NordicTrack Elite 1000 without iFIT. iFIT offers great benefits when it comes to classes, motivation, cool courses, and various fitness routines on and off the treadmill, but if you just want to run or walk in manual mode without guidance, you do not need to spend the extra $24.99 per month. However, the auto-adjusting tech will not function without using a class accessible through the iFIT membership.
Does the NordicTrack Elite 1000 have Bluetooth?
The NordicTrack Elite 1000 is completely wireless and uses Bluetooth to connect to your heart rate monitor and headphones.
Can you watch regular TV on NordicTrack treadmills?
You cannot watch regular cable TV on a NordicTrack. You can, however, watch some streaming services like Netflix on your NordicTrack screen—it just takes some effort. You will have to enable privilege mode to set this feature up, and while some say it's an epic pain in the butt, it's totally possible and there are step-by-step instructions online and YouTube videos to guide you.
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