Last Updated on July 23, 2020 by Site Admin
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I’ve been getting a number of questions about FreeMotion treadmills. People are asking about the quality and reliability. FreeMotion is part of the family of treadmill brands by Icon Fitness. They have numerous brands,the most recognizable are ProForm and NordicTrack. The also build budget models like Image,Weslo and Gold’s Gym. Why do they have so many brands? Typically the various brands are available to only certain merchants. For example, you can only get NordicTrack at Sears or online. Weslo is sold through WalMart.
You will find that the treadmills offered through ProForm and Nordictrack are very similar to the residential FreeMotion models. In fact, in some cases you can get the exact same treadmill. All three brands use the same components and they are assembled on the same assembly lines. A perfect example is the FreeMotion 790 Treadmill and the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill. They have the same motor, 10″ color touch screen Android browser, 15″ high definition TV, warranty 20″ x 60″, etc. Both are iFit Live capable.
I have been out to the Icon Corporate headquartersa couple of times to review the NordicTrack and ProForm models. I will say that Icon Fitness offers some of the most innovative running machines in the industry. For example…
iFit Live – iFit Live allows you treadmill to communicate with the Internet and provides an interactive and motivational experience. With iFit Live you can:
As mentioned, the NordicTrack, ProForm and FreeMotion treadmills priced over $1,200 typically come with an Android browser that lets you get the full experience of iFit Live and you can access the Internet through the display.
In addition to be iFit Live capable, you will find that the higher priced Icon Fitness treadmills are loaded with features. A perfect example if the FreeMotion 2500 GS.
Over the last 8 years Icon has gone to great lengths to improve the quality and durability of their machines, and that is reflected in their warranties. Their treadmills that sell for $1,200 or more typically come with a lifetime motor, 5 year parts and 2 year labor coverage. They build some of the most durable machines for under $1,000, but above that you get competition from brands like Sole and Smooth. However, these brands cannot come close to matching the technology found on Icon Fitness products. I would say for your typical treadmill user the FreeMotion, NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills are more than adequate for your needs.
Whether you are buying a ProForm, NordicTrack or FreeMotion, you generally cannot go wrong. They may not be the most durable machine on the market, but they are very durable. However, they are the most innovative machines when it comes to motivational technology and unique features that enhance your workout.
I really enjoy the flex of the freemotion T-11.3 that I run on at Orange Theory. It is very trampoline like and easy on my joints. I run triathalons and I am 60 years old so I do most of my training indoors on treadmills to save my joints. Do any of these hom,e models the nordic commercial or the Freemotion 2500 GS have that type of soft flex deck that is found on the freemotion T 11.3?
Hi Philip,
All treadmill decks have a flexible cushioned deck. Some are better than others….Most machines that cost over $1,000 will be decent as to the deck flexibility.
i just bought a Freemotion treadmill used at a really great price (below $500)…everything seems to work pretty well (i don’t really use the 15 inch screen on top) – i totally rely on the smaller screen and i like using the basic “track” indicator to show laps/speed etc..the fans are great…i hook up my phone thru the jack and listen to Spotify and use the built in volume buttons…everything seems to work fine and i use it 5 times per week for about 1 hour.
I’ve been walking 2 1/4 miles per day at 3mph and its been really great slowly getting back into shape!
Question: how often do i need to lubricate or service the treadmill? i don’t know the service record of this machine – it seems to be working fine but i want to take care of it if it needs maintenance etc.
thanks
Hi Phil! The most generic recommendation is to lubricate the belt every 3-6 months. Hope this helps!