For the past few months, I’ve been using the NordicTrack 2950 treadmill as my first connected treadmill experience that I actually enjoy using.
After using a Peloton Bike for most of 2020, I was excited to be able to experience a connected treadmill but also experience what iFit brings to the table.
Nordictrack Repair
Getting the treadmill was difficult, but that was due to how I received the review unit. I drove three hours away to pick it up from someone who was originally going to review it but, for various reasons, couldn’t. The treadmill was damaged in the process, but that led to me getting to experience the repair process through NordicTrack. When I called to set up the repair, I received a callback from someone in my region letting me know that the local repair person would be contacting me to set up a time to come work on it. Once he arrived, I was quite impressed with how easily he was able to repair it. The part arrived a few days earlier, and he was able to get it back working in under an hour. He observed social distancing and wore a mask the entire time he was here, and when he left, the treadmill was up and running.
A service experience is not typical in most reviews, but I was able to experience it. For something that requires an investment like a connected fitness treadmill, you want to know that you’ll be able to get quality service in the future.
Setup experience
Booting up the NordicTrack 2950 for the first time is no different than any other Wi-Fi connected device in your house. You’ll go through the process of connecting it to your network, creating an account, and then setting up your profile.
The treadmill is powered by iFit. It might sound crazy to separate the software from the hardware branding wise, but iFit is available for multiple hardware types. It’s even available in many hotels, so you can take your profile with you when you travel. Once I realized that iFit was something I could use on multiple device types, it made a lot more sense. iFit is available on Nordictrack, Pro-Form, and FreeMotion.
iFit Class variety
The class variety on iFit is one of the things that makes it a great running experience. It has a great mix of studio classes and on-location classes. Coming from Peloton, I expected myself to prefer the studio classes, but I’ve actually used the on-location classes more often.
Peloton’s on-location classes are petty simple, and they contain a single first-person view. iFit’s on-location classes are an experience. You’re running along (using what I assume is a drone) side an instructor in countless different locations. The instructors put a lot of effort into making you feel right beside them. They call out specific items from the area that are unique. The overall productional quality is outstanding, and these classes are the reason to use the treadmill.
The studio classes are extremely well produced as well. The one area that I didn’t feel like it provided as good an experience as compared to Peloton is with music. With Peloton, a lot of the class experience is built around the instructor’s playlist. With iFit, there are some basic radio stations, but nothing to the level that Peloton brings.
On the other hand, there are sometimes with Peloton when I really want to listen to a podcast or audiobook instead of music, and it’s not very easy to do that and still hear the instructor. With the NordicTrack 2950, you can connect your smartphone using Bluetooth and then output your own music, audiobook, or podcast over the built-in speakers. The software even contains controls to adjust the mix between your content and the instructor’s voice.
The auto-follow functionality is what makes the overall experience, though. By letting the instructor control your speed and elevation, you end up with a great mix of hills and speed work. There are plenty of times where I would have normally avoided speeding up to match the instructor, but with the patented auto-follow functionality, I wasn’t able to slack off. I cannot stress enough how great this feature is during your workouts.
NordicTrack 2950 hardware
The first thing you’ll notice about the NordicTrack 2950 is how heavy it is. This treadmill isn’t something you’re going to want to move often. It contains wheels for moving around a room, but moving it up and down a set of stairs is going to require a few of your strongest friends. With that being said, it’s commercial-grade quality. Once it’s in place, you’ll love how heavy duty it is.
The touch screen is 22″, so it’s easy to see and read everything on the screen. The treadmill includes a built-in fan, and it quickly became one of my favorite parts of the hardware. On my Peloton bike, I am using a battery-powered fan, and I have to charge it once a week. Having it included in the unit is a very nice benefit.
The treadmill contains a 22-inch by 60-inch workout surface with a reflex suspension system that lets you choose between a road-like surface or a cushioned deck.
Finally, the treadmill does fold up to take up less room. You can fold up your treadmill deck after each workout using EasyLift Assist and maximize storage space with the SpaceSaver design. The compression system lets it lift without much effort whatsoever.
Wrap up on NordicTrack 2950 treadmill
The Commercial 2950 Treadmill has a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty. It’s not a bargain treadmill in the slightest. Depending on the sale price, it can easily cost $3,000, but it’s the best treadmill I’ve ever used. It’s the only one I’ve not referred to as a “dreadmill.” During the past few months, I’ve actually looked forward to running on it, thanks to the incredible hardware and overall experience with iFit.
A one-year membership to iFit is included, and after that, there are three options: a Yearly Family Plan for $396/yr, a Monthly Family Plan for $39/mo, and a Yearly Individual Plan for $180/yr.
Nordictrack is a trusted brand, and if you’re looking for a treadmill you’ll actually love, I highly recommend it for your 2021 exercise goals.
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