In this NordicTrack 1250 Treadmill review, we will cover everything you need to know, from the specs to how it compares with the competition. With NordicTrack’s updated 2023 lineup of home treadmills being some of the best available, read below to see how the 1250 holds up!
Table of contents
Quick overview
The NordicTrack 1250 is a well-made foldable treadmill that links to iFIT classes via its built-in 10-inch HD touchscreen. Thanks to its “EasyLift Assist,” the 1250 can be effortlessly folded up when not in use, making it more space efficient than most treadmills.
Featuring a 360-degree rotating touchscreen, automatic incline and speed adjustments, an exceptionally comfortable running suspension system, and an affordable price, the NordicTrack 1250 treadmill is one of the best options currently available.
NordicTrack 1250 Treadmill specs
| Weight | 282 lbs. |
| Max User Weight | 300 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 78.5″ L x 35.6″ W x 64.7″ H |
| Running Surface | 20″ W x 60″ L |
| Incline | -3% Decline to 15% Incline |
| Max Speed | 12 mph |
| Motor | 3.0 CHP Motor |
| Touchscreen | 10″ Tilt & Pivot HD Touchscreen |
| Auto Adjust | Yes |
| Speakers | 30-Watt Directional Speakers |
| Warranty | 10-Year Frame Warranty 2-Year Parts Warranty 1-Year Labor Warranty |
Using the NordicTrack 1250
Foldable design
One of my favorite features of the NordicTrack 1250 is the ease in which it can be folded up. Thanks to its well-designed EasyLift Assist feature, very little effort is needed to lift up and place the treadmill into the folded position.
As a father of a small kid, I also really appreciate the design here. First, it is designed so that a kid or animal cannot accidentally unlock it. You need to be tall enough to pull the top of the treadmill down while your foot presses on the unlock mechanism. Even when unlocked, the slow and controlled way in which the 1250 descends virtually ensures the safety of children and pets.
‘FlexSelect’ suspension deck
One reason I am a big fan of NordicTrack treadmills is because of their ‘FlexSelect’ suspension system. Running on these treadmills feels more comfortable and forgiving than any other belt treadmill I have used.
For me, the extra cushion allows me to run much longer without fatiguing my lower legs than I could otherwise. This makes it a perfect complement to more harsh pavement running and is very helpful for beginner runners who fatigue more easily. Having spent lots of time testing out other Peloton and Echelon treadmills, the difference has become even more noticeable over time.
Speed and incline
The NordicTrack 1250 treadmill has a max speed of 12 mph and a range of -3% decline to 15% incline.
Not only is the incline range better than most, but it is also very easy to adjust while running. The relatively small 10-inch HD screen is surrounded by large buttons for speed and incline, allowing all adjustments to be made with a single press or double press. For example, if you want to adjust the speed to 6.4 miles per hour, it is as easy as tapping the 6 followed by the 4.
Additional fine-tuning of your speed and incline can also be made by pressing the large + and – buttons in front of the screen.
‘Smart Adjust’ and ‘ActivePulse’
When you take a class on the NordicTrack 1250 treadmill, the incline and decline will automatically adjust relative to the terrain (unless you disable it). Then, by implementing the Smart Adjust feature, the treadmill’s speed will also be automatically adjusted throughout the class based on your current running ability.
Another adjustment option available for many workouts is the ActivePulse feature. When this is on, the speed will automatically adjust based on your heart rate to align with the current class objective. For instance, if a workout segment targets heart rate zone 2, the speed will continually adjust to keep you within that zone.
Both of these auto-adjusting features perform remarkably well. Personally, I favor Smart Adjust for most sessions, particularly during interval workouts. I also find ActivePulse to be useful, but only for longer runs that focus less on interval training.
Touchscreen and speakers
The NordicTrack 1250 comes with a 10-inch HD touchscreen. This is definitely the least attractive part about the 1250. However, considering this helps bring down the cost to under $2,000 when similar quality treadmills with bigger screens are an additional $1,000 (or more), I think it is a fair compromise.
While small, the screen can be tilted up and down as well as be rotated 360 degrees. This does makes it a useful option for taking strength, yoga, or bootcamp classes, which take you off the treadmill.
The 30-watt speakers are also pretty decent here. Without much bass, though, it doesn’t sound amazing at higher volumes. There are also very useful sound settings here that allow the volume of the music and instructor to be adjusted separately.
‘AutoBreeze’ fan
The NordicTrack 1250 also comes with a large “AutoBreeze” fan, which is well placed underneath the touch screen. The fan has three speeds to choose from and a fourth “auto breeze speed,” which will adjust based on your running speed.
I love a good fan, so I stuck with the highest setting for the most part. It delivers a good amount of air and is an appreciated addition for when you start to heat up during a workout.
iFIT workouts
Outside of a basic running mode, the NordicTrack 1250 Treadmill requires a membership with the iFIT program it runs with. iFIT provides a huge amount of high-quality content within its membership. Memberships cost $180/year for an individual plan or $39/month for a family plan (up to five accounts).
While there are studio classes regularly added, the best part of iFIT’s platform is its instructor-led scenic content. The scenic runs, while updated less often, are easily the best of any connected fitness platform and, alongside the auto-adjusting incline, are a lot of fun.
Another thing to note is iFIT’s focus on dedicated programs. Other connected fitness platforms, like Peloton and Echelon, provide a “buffet style” of workouts with typically no overarching focus or progression.
iFIT does the exact opposite, with almost all of their scenic runs being part of a larger program with a specific goal in mind. Some programs are built to improve your 5K or 10K, or even help you build up to a marathon. Others have you trekking through a series of progressive hikes, like the excellent Emmy-nominated 18-part “Everest: A Trek to Base Camp Series.”
There is a ton of variety here, from runs to walks to hikes, and more than enough fresh content to ensure you always have something new to do. That said, if you are looking for a competitive or interactive experience with a leaderboard, you will no longer find that here. iFIT recently removed the leaderboard from their classes, and it is unsure whether the leaderboard will be coming back in the future.
NordicTrack EXP 14i vs. 1250 vs. X22i
The 1250 is part of NordicTrack’s most premium foldable treadmill series (1750 and 2450 are additional options with larger touchscreens). The quality here is quite a bit better than the NordicTrack EXP 14i series, so I would suggest this if your budget allows.
If you don’t need a foldable treadmill and have a little more money to spend, you may also want to consider the Nordictrack X22i. With an incline that can go from -5% all the way to 40% for those who really want a true hiking experience, this is definitely a treadmill to consider.
NordicTrack 1250 vs. Peloton Tread
A lot of people ask me about the difference between NordicTrack and the Peloton Tread, so here is a quick rundown of the pros/cons of each:
| NordicTrack 1250 | Peloton Tread | |
| Price | $1,999 | $3,495 |
| Foldable | Yes | No |
| Speed | 0-12 MPH | 0-12.5 MPH |
| Incline | -3% Decline to 15% Incline | 0% Decline to 12.5% Incline |
| Touch Screen | 10″ HD, rotates 360 degrees | 24″ HD, no rotation |
| Included Fan | Yes | No |
| Belt Size | 20″ W x 60″ L | 20″ W x 59″ L |
| Individual Membership | $180/year | not available |
| Family Membership | $39/month | $44/month |
| Speakers | Front Facing | Front Facing + Subwoofers |
| Auto Adjustments | Incline and Speed | Incline only |
| Studio Classes | Added regularly, OK Quality | Many added daily, Great Quality |
| Scenic Classes | Added somewhat frequently, Great Quality | Added rarely, OK Quality |
As you can sort of see from this list, in terms of value, the NordicTrack 1250 Treadmill offers significantly more for a much lower price than the Peloton Tread. That said, if you enjoy great music or really love the indoor studio experience, then the Peloton Tread may be the way to go.
Final thoughts
The NordicTrack 1250 treadmill is currently one of the best foldable treadmills available for its price. With the space-saving foldable design, comfortable running deck, and auto-adjusting features, it is well worth the $1,999 price. I highly recommend it.
Check out the NordicTrack 1250 Treadmill here
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