NordicTrack T5 zi Treadmill Review

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The most attractive feature of the NordicTrack T5 zi is the price — when selling for $699 with shipping. This is about as cheap of a treadmill as I would recommend. Any less and you start getting into throw away models. In order words, if it breaks, throw it away.

NordicTrack, along with its' sister company ProForm, build some of the best budget treadmills. You get decent size motors, a reasonable warranty and a nice array of features with their budget models.

Note: As of 6/25/10 the NordicTrack T5 zi was no longer available. Go to NordicTrack Treadmill Reviews for the latest models.

The NordicTrack T5 zi Treadmill Features:

IFIT technology- iFit technology is like having your own personal trainer. For an additional cost you purchase workout cards that focus on different categories of fitness goals like weight loss, performance, wellness and body shaping. Certified personal trainers design the workout routines. Each card consists of 24 workouts and cover an eight week period. The programs control the speed, incline and duration of your exercise. During the workout, you get audio coaching from a trainer who will provide recommendations on how to optimize your performance and results.

16 Installed workout Programs — The NordicTrack T5 zi has a nice selection of exercise routines — 8 calorie burn and 8 timed workouts.

Console and Display — You get a five window display that gives you multiple feedback simultaneously. You can also adjust speed and incline by selecting the 1-10 buttons, rather than having to scroll up and down.

Built-in Sound System — This is not the premium system that you find in their higher end model. Still, the sound is adequate and you can plug in your iPod.

DuraSoft Advanced Cushioning — This innovative deck allows you to adjust the level of shock absorption. Depending on your preference, you can have more or less shock absorption. At the softest level you can reduce impact by as much as 33% over walking outdoors.

2.8 Continuous Duty Motor — Like the treadmill as a whole, this motor is adequate for walking. It probably can handle light jogging, but once again, I would not recommend this treadmill for anything but walking.

The warranty includes 25-year motor coverage. The parts and labor is only for one year. Considering this is a budget treadmill built with budget components, I would recommend you increase the warranty by another year or two.

Our Review - NordicTrack T5 zi Treadmill

Over the years NordicTrack has built a decent $700 treadmill model. In fact, they probably build the best treadmill at this price range. However, this is a light weight machine. I consider it best suited for walker who are not extremely overweight.

If you can afford it, spend a little more for the Smooth 565 or the Sole F63. They are more durable machines with better warranties. But if you budget is $700, and that is the current price of the NordicTrack T5 zi, you won't find a better value.

Go to www.NordicTrack.com for more details.