NordicTrack T5 zi Treadmill Review

I meantioned earlier that after our treadmill of ten years died (RIP), we purchased a NordickTrack. We have been using the NordicTrack T5 zi Treadmill (HERE) for the past month or so. It was purchased right in time for the cool Wisconsin weather we're expecting soon.

My price range was $400-$800, thought I really wanted to stay under $650. I had done some shopping around at Dick's Sporting Goods. They had steered me away from the Livestrong brands. I was looking around at some treadmills (the NordicTrack was not for sale there) at my price range. I then headed down to Sears to see what they had. They had a smaller selection, but a good selection, nonetheless. I came across a couple models of NordicTracks and some ProForms. We had a ProForm before. Though they aren't rated as high, ours' DID last us ten years (even though we'd only run on it for the past five years). I wanted to "upgrade" a bit and decided on the NordickTrack T5 zi model. It was originally $899.99 and was on sale for $599.99 (thought I have a feeling they are ALWAYS on sale).


About the NordicTrack T5zi

The NordicTrack T5 zi offers a wide variety of workout options and comfort for the ultimate fitness experience. Equipped with iFit® Workout Card Technology, this treadmill gives you personalized, interactive fitness in the palm of your hand. Each card is designed by a Certified Personal Trainer and delivers 8 weeks of goal-oriented workouts right to your console. The T5 zi also features 8 Calorie-Burn Workouts and 8 Timed Workouts. Simply select your calorie goal or time preference and you're ready to go! The T5 zi also comes with a DurX™ 2.8 HP Motor, a Compatible Music Port for iPod® and 1-Touch™ Speed and Incline Controls.


•iFit® Workout Card Technology
•FlexResponse™ Cushioning
•DurX™ 2.8 HP Motor
•Compatible Music Port for iPod®
•Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0
•8 Calorie-Burn Workouts
•8 Timed Workouts
•0-10 MPH 1-Touch™ Speed
•0-10% 1-Touch™ Incline
•Multi-Window LED Display
•RaceTrack™
•Club-Design CardioGrip™ Heart Rate Monitor
•20 x 55 Inch Running Surface
•325 lb. Weight Capacity
•Warranty

I have fallen in LOVE with my new treadmill!!! It does everything I need. I didn't think i would use the one-touch speed options ... but I do. I like being able to push 6PM and then increase my speed from there. In fact, it has made me start out at 7 MPH most times, instead of 6.5-6.6 MPH. And it has therefore helped me with my speedwork. I rarely mess with incline, but like that this model allows you to push 0-10% incline buttons, instead of messing with an up arrow (which is also an option). I have not, and will probably not, used the iFit Workout Card (and don't really know what it's all about). I like the little race track image. I ocassionally use it to see me "run laps" around it. I also REALLY like that you can plug your MP3Player into the treadmill and dont' need to use headphones. The speakers are a really great asset to the treadmill. The running surface is great. I haven't tripped or slipped. The belt is comfortable (though not as comfy as industrial gym-type treadmills, but very comfortable with my footing). The cup holders are great and my water bottles don't move around and spill like they did with our old treadmill. I should also mention that hubby didn't have too hard of a time to get this out of the box and put together. It took him an evening of assembly ... and we were ready to run!

The only downfalls I can see is that there isn't a fan directly on the treadmill. I use a box fan that I have propped up to give me some air. And, can happily now open windows! Though the running surface is sufficient in width, I wish it were a little wider, like the gym-type models.