NordicTrack T Series: Expertly Engineered Foldable Treadmill, Perfect as Treadmills for Home Use, Walking Treadmill with Incline, Bluetooth Enabled for Superior Interactive Training Experience
The NordicTrack T Series 8.5S is a standout among treadmills in its price range, offering a balance of affordability and features that make it a strong contender for fitness enthusiasts. With a powerful motor, an impressive touchscreen display, and a range of workout options, it caters to a broad audience. In this review, we’ll delve into the pros and cons, design and build quality, power and performance, and features and functionality of the NordicTrack T Series 8.5S to help you decide if it’s the right treadmill for your fitness goals.
Pros:
Cons:
Design & Build Quality
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The NordicTrack T Series 8.5S is a well-crafted treadmill that combines a thoughtful design with robust build quality. As a fitness enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the attention to detail in its construction.
The treadmill features a spacious running surface measuring 20 inches in width and 60 inches in length. This ample space allows for comfortable strides and accommodates users of various heights. The FlexSelect cushioning system is a standout feature, offering runners the ability to adjust the level of cushioning. This is a game-changer for those who want to replicate the feel of running on different surfaces, from a soft trail to a firm road. It not only enhances comfort but also reduces joint impact, making it ideal for long-distance runs or high-intensity workouts.
The NordicTrack 8.5S comes equipped with an innovative SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist. This mechanism allows you to fold the treadmill vertically, significantly reducing its footprint when not in use. It’s a valuable feature for those with limited workout space, ensuring that your treadmill doesn’t take up unnecessary room in your home gym or living area. The folding process is smooth and user-friendly, making it easy to store the treadmill after your workout.
The treadmill’s frame is constructed from sturdy alloy steel, ensuring durability and stability during your workouts. The build quality of the T 8.5S is solid, providing a stable platform for running or walking. It can withstand the rigors of daily use and is designed to last.
With a maximum user weight capacity of 300 pounds, the NordicTrack T 8.5S can accommodate a wide range of users, making it suitable for most adults. However, it’s essential to note that heavier individuals may find the treadmill less sturdy, especially when using the maximum incline or top speed.
The treadmill’s dimensions of 78.9 inches in length, 35.5 inches in width, and 59.4 inches in height strike a balance between providing a spacious running area and being space-efficient. When folded, it occupies just 35.5 inches by 39.6 inches, making it a practical choice for those with limited room to spare.
The LED display provides essential workout metrics, allowing you to track your progress effectively. It’s intuitive to use, ensuring you can access information about your speed, distance, time, calories burned, and more during your workouts.
Power & Performance
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The power and performance of a treadmill are critical factors for any fitness enthusiast, and the NordicTrack T Series 8.5S offers a commendable combination of motor strength, speed range, and incline capability.
At the heart of this treadmill is a robust 3.5 continuous-duty horsepower (CHP) Commercial Plus motor. This motor is more than capable of handling a variety of workouts, from brisk walks to challenging runs. Its continuous-duty rating ensures consistent and reliable performance, even during extended exercise sessions. For most users, this motor should prove more than sufficient to meet their fitness needs.
The NordicTrack T 8.5S offers an impressive top speed of 12 miles per hour (MPH). This range caters to a wide spectrum of users, from beginners to advanced runners. The ability to reach higher speeds is particularly valuable for those looking to incorporate interval training or high-intensity workouts into their routine. You can easily adjust the speed using the one-touch controls, allowing for seamless transitions during your workouts.
Another notable feature is the treadmill’s incline capability, with an impressive maximum incline percentage of 12%. Incline training is an effective way to intensify your workouts, burn more calories, and engage different muscle groups. It’s particularly beneficial for simulating outdoor terrain variations, such as hills and inclines, to help you achieve a more challenging and well-rounded fitness routine.
To further enhance your training options, the NordicTrack T 8.5S comes with 50 different onboard workout programs. These programs are built into the treadmill, eliminating the need for a monthly subscription to access them. Whether you’re targeting specific fitness goals or looking for variety in your workouts, these programs offer a range of options to keep you engaged and motivated.
The treadmill’s FlexSelect cushioning system allows you to customize the level of cushioning on the running surface. This feature is advantageous as it lets you choose between a softer, more cushioned surface or a firmer one that replicates outdoor running conditions. This adaptability not only enhances comfort but also enables you to fine-tune your training experience to match your preferences and workout objectives.
The NordicTrack T 8.5S offers real-time interactive control through its touchscreen display. This feature allows you to join trainer-led experiences where instructors can digitally adjust your speed and incline during your workouts. It keeps you engaged and focused on your fitness goals while providing a calorie-torching, high-energy workout experience.
Beyond traditional treadmill workouts, this treadmill enables you to participate in high-powered cross-training sessions designed to target and tone your entire body. Whether you want to diversify your routine or engage in full-body sculpting, these options provide versatility in your fitness regimen.
Features & Functionality
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The NordicTrack T Series 8.5S treadmill offers a rich array of features and functionalities designed to enhance your workout experience, track your progress, and keep you motivated on your fitness journey. Here’s an in-depth look at what this treadmill has to offer:
The treadmill boasts a spacious 10-inch high-definition touchscreen display. This sizable screen provides an immersive and interactive element to your workouts. It’s not only used for monitoring your stats but also for accessing the treadmill’s extensive entertainment and training options. You can stream on-demand workout classes, watch your favorite shows, or browse the web while you exercise.
One of the standout features of the NordicTrack T 8.5S is its compatibility with the iFit platform. With an iFit membership (sold separately), you gain access to a vast library of trainer-led workouts, including running, walking, hiking, and cross-training sessions. The treadmill can automatically adjust speed and incline to match the terrain of virtual outdoor routes, offering an immersive training experience. It also lets you virtually run in stunning global locations via Google Maps.
The treadmill features built-in EKG grip pulse sensors in the handlebars, allowing you to monitor your heart rate during workouts. This data can help you stay within your target heart rate zone for effective cardio training. Additionally, the treadmill is compatible with Bluetooth heart rate monitors, which provide even more accurate heart rate tracking.
To keep you cool and comfortable during your workouts, the NordicTrack T 8.5S comes equipped with an AutoBreeze workout fan. This fan can automatically adjust its speed based on your workout intensity or can be manually controlled to suit your preferences.
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You can connect your Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as smartphones or tablets, to the treadmill’s speakers for a dynamic audio experience. This feature allows you to listen to your favorite music or podcasts without the need for additional external speakers or headphones.
When not in use, the treadmill can be conveniently folded up using the EasyLift Assist feature, which saves floor space in your home gym or living area. The hydraulic system makes it easy to raise and lower the deck with minimal effort.
Adjusting your workout settings is a breeze with the one-touch speed and incline controls. These responsive buttons on the console and handlebars allow you to make quick adjustments without interrupting your stride.
The treadmill features dual 2-inch digitally amplified speakers, providing clear and immersive sound. It also includes a device holder that can accommodate tablets or smartphones, making it easy to follow along with workouts or stay entertained while exercising.
The treadmill supports multiple user profiles, allowing different members of your household to save their workout preferences and track their progress separately. This is especially useful for families or shared spaces.
The treadmill includes a safety key that can be attached to your clothing. In case of an emergency, pulling the key out of its slot will stop the treadmill immediately, ensuring your safety during workouts.
NordicTrack typically offers a warranty that covers the frame for ten years, the motor for two years, parts for two years, and labor for one year. However, warranty terms can vary, so it’s essential to check the specifics for your purchase.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the NordicTrack T 8.5 S?
In summary, the NordicTrack T Series 8.5S is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a well-rounded treadmill with a robust feature set. It offers a powerful motor, a wide range of onboard workout programs, and an immersive touchscreen display. The FlexSelect cushioning system and foldable design enhance its appeal.
While it may not be suitable for heavier individuals or those who require a more extensive deck, it caters well to the needs of the majority of users. If you’re looking for a treadmill that can handle multiple workouts per day and provides ample variety in programming, the T 8.5 S is a compelling option. The inclusion of the iFit app further extends its capabilities, offering nutrition and lifestyle support. Ultimately, the NordicTrack T 8.5 S provides a satisfying blend of performance, features, and value, making it a solid investment for your fitness journey.
