Did you know that the treadmill originated as a means of hard labor? While some people may still dread the sight of one, thanks to modern technology training on a treadmill has become the best fill-in for going on a walk or a run when you’re faced with unfavorable outdoor conditions or commitments that keep you at home. Some people even prefer using a treadmill to training outdoors.
After walking and running on 34 treadmills over the past seven years, we’ve concluded that the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a dependable, versatile machine that has a soft, bouncy deck but still feels sturdily built. It has a large color touchscreen and changes speeds and inclines quickly. An optional subscription for on-board workout content provides an extra dose of motivation.
Our pick
This updated version of a long-standing favorite has a softer deck, creates a quieter ride, and is equipped with streaming capabilities and intuitive controls.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 accelerates smoothly and within seconds to its top speed of 12 mph. Raising elevation is also a snap, as inclines up to 12% (and declines to -3%) adjust quickly. The large color touchscreen has a vibrant interface, and the treadmill deck is one of the cushiest we tested, but it still feels sturdy underfoot, with a belt that offers ample room for even the tallest of runners. It folds easily and has the best combo of fan power and placement of any treadmill we tested. NordicTrack’s warranty is solid, covering the frame for 10 years, the parts for two years, and labor for a year.
Top speed: 12 mph
Max incline: 12%
Decline: to -3%
Runner-up
Sporting lots of storage space, this treadmill has more controls for speed and incline than our pick, but they are less responsive. It also takes up a lot of space.
The BowFlex Treadmill 10 is a gentle giant. It may look intimidating, but it is as comfortable to run or walk on as it is sturdy. Its belt provides basically the same amount of space as that of our top pick. The touchscreen is smaller than the NordicTrack Commercial 1750’s (a larger screen is available on the more expensive BowFlex Treadmill 22), but like our top pick, the Treadmill 10 offers a variety of immersive workout experiences that you can access with an optional subscription. Some of this model’s buttons and controls weren’t always responsive in our tests, and the overall girth of the treadmill made some testers wonder if it would be a practical fit at home, even when folded up.
Top speed: 12 mph
Max incline: 15%
Decline: to -5%
Also great
This pared-down model is similar in look and feel to our top pick but has a smaller footprint, motor, and touchscreen. The belt is shorter, and the machine doesn’t decline.
If you would rather have a smaller treadmill and are happy to forgo some advanced features, in many ways the NordicTrack EXP 7i performs on a par with the company’s Commercial 1750. The belt on the EXP 7i is 5 inches narrower than that of the Commercial 1750 but still sturdy. This model’s 7-inch touchscreen does not pivot and is 7 inches smaller than our top pick’s touch display. In addition, this machine reaches a max speed of only 10 mph, while the Commercial 1750 goes up to 12 mph. And it has no decline option.
Top speed: 10 mph
Max incline: 12%
Decline: none
