More and more today’s treadmill buyer is focused not only on performance, but comfort as well. In fact comfort is the reason why many people choose to purchase a treadmill versus running outside. In turn treadmill manufacturers have started paying closer attention to cushioning systems. That’s why the NordicTrack Reflex SR Treadmill caught our eye. It uses a different idea in cushioning–one we think hits the nail on the head.

The Reflex SR doesn’t use shock absorbers or specialized belt construction–rather the deck itself is designed to actually flex and reduce impact on each step you take. The specialized deck is made of a composite material that absorbs impact and actually returns energy to your stride so you can workout longer without feeling like you’ve just run the Boston Marathon. We brought a used Reflex SR into the shop to test out the ReflexDeck cushioning and even though it had a few miles on it, the ReflexDeck felt great. Our 180 lb. tester ran for over 30 minutes and–for once–couldn’t have agreed more with the manufacturer’s claims about how vastly superior this cushioning system is. Apparently he wasn’t alone either. According to NordicTrack.com the Reflex SR was “awarded highest user-rated cushioning in the market and reduces impact by up to 42%.”

Other features that stood out on this model include:

• 2.25 Continuous-Duty Horsepower Motor
• 0-12% Incling
• 0-12 MPH Speed Range
• Built-In Heart Rate Monitor
• Built-In Sound System with Plugin for your Mp3 Player
• 350 lb User Weight Capacity

With a full lifetime warranty on both the deck and frame, plus a year of bumper to bumper parts and labor coverage on everything else it’s really hard to go wrong with the NordicTrack Reflex SR treadmill. The cushioning system is by far one of the best we’ve tested and the $1,199.00 price tag makes it affordable enough for most budgets. Overall, we’d rate this machine a great buy!

Click Here to learn more about the NordicTrack Reflex SR Treadmill.

Jillian from the Biggest Loser tells all why she promotes the Nordic Track Incline Trainer X3:

Incline training is more efficient than other aerobic exercises. At just 25% incline, and 2 mph, you’ll burn 3 times the calories compared to walking on a level surface. When you increase the incline to 40% you’re burning 5 times the calories, just by walking. That’s why I use it with the contestents on TV. Incline training works, and it’s fast. And because all you have to do is walk, incline training is virtually zero impact. This means you’ll be able to work out longer and see the results faster.

The Nordic Track Inline Trainer X3 is fairly priced at $1,599.

DEAL ALERT: The Nordic Trainer X3 MSRP price is normally $2,499 but you can buy it exclusively through NordicTrack for $1,599!

When we first saw the Nordic Track Incline X3 Trainer we were excited to finally see if it was all it’s cracked up to be. Let us tell you first hand, if you want to burn some serious calories without having to run 10 miles this is the machine that can do it for you. Walking at 40% incline actually burns 5 X’s the amount of calories. The Nordic Track X3 Trainer is completely revolutionary and is changing the way treadmills can be used to burn calories.

When we pushed the X3 Incline Trainer all the way to 40% incline, the test runner was literally on the tips of his toes as he walked through his workout. It closely resembles someone taking a hike up a canyon trail and you could see in his body language that he was already starting to feel the burn!

We’ve talked about treadmills that offer the instant speed and incline controls. With a simple press of button you can go from jogging at 3.0 MPH to a full on sprint at 7.0 MPH. Well, the Incline Trainer X3 has added a new instant feature that I think you’ll love. When we saw the new instant calorie controls we were blown away. Again, with a press of a button you can choose a 200 calorie workout to 700 calorie workout. If you look closely you can see the controls in the screenshot below.

We’ve talked about treadmills that offer the instant speed and incline controls. With a simple press of button you can go from jogging at 3.0 MPH to a full on sprint at 7.0 MPH. Well, the Incline Trainer X3 has added a new instant feature that I think you’ll love. When we saw the new instant calorie controls we were blown away. Again, with a press of a button you can choose a 200 calorie workout to 700 calorie workout. If you look closely you can see the controls in the screenshot below.

TTR Recommendation

We like the innovation of the Nordic Track Incline Trainer X3 and feel like it will change the way you see results with your treadmill workouts. Having the ability to burn more 5 X’s the amount calories just by walking is like a dream come true. We all know your time is valuable and having a product that get you through your workout in just 20 minutes with the same results as a 60 minute workout is priceless. The NordicTrack Incline Trainer X3 is priced at $1,599 and we feel like for what you’re getting in a treadmill this is a bargain. Nordic Track has a reputable brand that you can depend on and with a lifetime warranty you can feel confident that the Incline Trainer X3 is built to last. This is solid buy for anyone looking for a quality treadmill.

Click here for more information on the NordicTrack Incline Trainer X3.

I’ll admit it. I’m one of those poeple that loves gadgets. I’m a sucker for flashing lights and rows of buttons. That’s one of the reasons I like the NordicTrack Elite zi Treadmill. This particular machine hangs its hat on a technology package that’s on par with anything you’ll find in a club.

The Nordic Track Elite zi is this year’s version of the best selling NordicTrack Elite 7000. From what we can tell, the only difference between this model and last years is they’ve bumped up the motor to a full 3.0 Continuous duty HP and redesigned the look.

The NordicTrack Elite zi features an ample-sized 20″ x 60″ belt that sits on a cushioned deck featuring DuraStride™ adjustable cushioning. NordicTrak claims this technology decreases impact by 33% over running on pavement. When you’re done running the deck folds up thanks to the Legendary Icon SpaceSaver feature and an AirLight™ shock that makes folding and unfolding easier. (Do you notice how many little (™) symbols we have to use on this treadmill? Get ready for a bunch more.)

The console is more reminiscent of a spaceship than a piece of fitness equipment. You’ll enjoy standard features like 22 built-in workout programs, one-touch incline and speed controls and a visual workout display. Plus you’ll get a built-in iPod dock that plays through the Intermix Acoustics™ 3.0 Sound System, iFit® workout card technology that controls the speed and incline of your workout, 4 Create & Save™ workouts that let you customize your own workout programs and even Solaris™ Illumination Control that lights up the portions of your console that are currently in use.

TTR Recommendation

The NordicTrack Elite zi is a very capable addition to the 2009 line of treadmills from NordicTrack. We loved the endless electronic perks and overall solid feel to the machine. One thing that could be improved is the less-than-stellar warranty—lifetime on the motor and frame, but just a year on parts and labor. But even that can be remedied for a few more bucks. NordicTrack offers extended warranty plans that start at around $250. Overall we give the NordicTrack Elite zi a solid rating and would reccomend it for any beginning to intermediate user.

Click here for more information on the NordicTrack Elite zi Treadmill.