NordicTrack are a well-established supplier of top-quality fitness equipment to both the commercial and the home gym markets. They offer a stable of treadmills to meet all training needs and budgets. The NordicTrack T6.5 S treadmill is their most budget priced model. But does that mean that it won’t provide what you need in a serious, long term exercise machine? Let’s find out this buy this nordictrack t 6.5 s treadmill review.
NordicTrack T 6.5 S Overview (#ad)
Pros:
- Flex Select cushioning
- 20 workout programs
- Foldable
- Budget priced
Cons:
- Minimal running deck
- Limited incline capability
The NordicTrack T6.5 S is priced around $1300. That puts it in the budget range of the home treadmill market. This is not a treadmill that was built for serious athletes, as seen by its limited running surface dimensions, max speed of 10 miles per hour and limited max incline at 10%. However, it is a good option for beginning or intermediate level users who are looking for a treadmill that won’t break the budget while also providing some higher end features.
NordicTrack are a well-established commercial and home gym equipment manufacturer. They also produce a rowing machine and exercise bike and spin bike selection. The T6.5 S is part of the T Series treadmills and also includes the, 7.5S, 8.5S, 9.5S and 6.5 Si treadmill models.
NordicTrack T 6.5 S Specifications
The Nordictrack t 6.5 s treadmill review revealed that it has a 20” x 55” running deck. The overall dimensions of the treadmill are 67.5” x 36” x 73”. This makes for a pretty compact machine. In addition, the machine is foldable, making this a good option for people with limited storage space. The max user weight capacity on this treadmill is 300 lbs.
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S comes with 20 training programs built into the console. The power of the machine is provided by way of a 2.6 HP motor.
NordicTrack T6.5 S Features
Flex Select Cushioning
NordicTrack are well known for the impact reducing technology when it comes to the running beds of their treadmills. The T6.5 S features the same NordicTrack Flex Select cushioning system that is used in their higher priced models. The unique aspect of this system is that you have the option of turning FlexSelect cushioning on and off. When it is off, your training experience will more closely replicate what it would be like to run outside, the surface being quite rigid. However, when you turn the Flex Select option on, you get a greater level of cushioning and support. This makes it an ideal option for the elderly and others who may be experiencing joint problems.
Training Programs
The T6.5 S has 20 workout programs built into the monitor. These include global training, bootcamp, interval training and HIIT programs. You will find a program designed to provide a workout for your fitness goals. When you buy this treadmill, given its iFIt compatibility, you also get a free one month subscription trial iFit membership giving you access to iFit programs. This provides you with access to thousands of expert trainers led workouts that automatically adjust your speed and incline, so all you have to do is focus on the workout.
Even if you do not continue with iFit after the trial period, the 20 inbuilt programs will still provide you with plenty of training options and is about double the number of programs you get on comparably priced competing treadmills.
Foldable
This NordicTrack folding treadmill can be easily folded for quick and convenient storage when your workout is over. The Easy Lift Assist allows you to fold the machine up in one easy step. This makes for a very compact treadmill. There is no heavy lifting involved in setting the machine up or storing it away after use.
Monitor
The T6.5 S provides you with a large, well set out display. It features one touch controls and easy navigation. A backlit display makes it easy to see the digits under all lighting conditions. You get a running readout of all your important training data. The workout programs are easily coded for ease of use.
The T6.5S display shows your calorie burn along with your speeds and inclines, distance, time and monitor your heart rate. Heart rate monitoring is by way of sensors in the handlebars.
Motor
This NordicTrack treadmill is powered by a 2.6 continuous horsepower motor. That is not enough grunt to allow for fast running but is sufficient to provide a pretty smooth walking or light running moderate cardio workout up to a maximum of 10 miles per hour. One aspect we especially appreciated is that the motor is self-heating. This protects you against the engine of your treadmill overheating.
Incline
This Nordic Track treadmill comes with auto incline. The maximum level of incline is 10%. This, in some way, compensates for the lower maximum speed of this machine, as it allows you to ramp up the intensity at lower speed levels. An auto incline is quite impressive with a machine at this price point. However, we would have liked to have seen a greater level of incline.
Warranty
NordicTrack offer a 10-year frame warranty, not a lifetime frame warranty, along with 2 years on the parts and motor and 12 months on labor. Those warranty lengths compare quite favorably with similarly priced competitors.
What We Really Like
The NordicTrack T6.5 S represents very good value for money, providing you with some good features at a comparatively low price. You get a lot of inbuilt training programs, a smooth-running experience, it is iPod compatible, a very impressive low impact running belt system and safety key. We love the option provided of turning the Soft Flex cushioning system on and off. The 30-day free subscription to iFit is also a good add-on with this machine.
What We Don’t Like
Our biggest problem with the NordicTrack T6.5S is the limited running deck space. At 20” x 55” it does not provide enough side to side room for larger people to be able to get their natural movement, whether they are walking or running.
The limited motor size and maximum speed limits the use of this treadmill to walkers and light runners. We also are not fans of the limited incline range of 10% though, to be fair, having an incline is a bonus when you are talking about a treadmill at this price point. It also does not come with a cooling fan.
Treadmill Alternatives
Treadmills are an effective form of cardio exercise but there are others are as effective if not more so. Near the top of that list is the rowing machine, which providing a great calorie while also working your muscles. An elliptical is another goos option. If your budget is limited,w e suggest simply investing in a jump rope, with skipping being among the most effective cardio exercises that exist.
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Treadmill Buyers Guide
A treadmill is a major home gym investment. Here is what to look for when shopping for home treadmills:
Frame
The frame of your fixed or folding treadmill needs to be sturdy and stable. It should come with a decent frame warrant. Obviously, a lifetime frame warranty is the ideal, but failing that you should expect at least 10 years coverage. The strength of the frame will determine the weight capacity of the treadmill.
A folding treadmill will not be as strong as a fixed one.
Cushioning
The running surface of your home treadmill should provide advanced cushioning, such as flexselect cushioning, to minimize the impact on your joints. A cushioned running surface can reduce ankle strain by more than 50 percent.
Motor
Your home treadmill needs to have a CHP motor that is powerful to meet your running needs. This will power the tread belt to the speed that you need. Look for a home treadmill that provides continuous horsepower.
Extras
The little extras on your home treadmill can make all the difference. Look for a fan that comes with a cooling fan, that is ipod compatible, comes with a backlit display, and provides heart rate monitoring. The display unit on the home treadmill should feature onetouch controls, dual cardiogrips, an incline trainer and a decent sound system.
Chest Strap
Most treadmills comes with heart rate sensors built into the handles. These are ok but chest strap system is far more accurate. Look for a home treadmill that comes with a chest strap.
Size
Size is often an issue when it comes to buying treadmill for your home. Look for a home treadmill with a spacesaver design. If it is a foldable treadmill, it should feature an easylift assist system to make it a breeze to fold up the machine.
Programs
Your home treadmill should come with a range of pre programmed workouts. These may include ifit programs which are subscription based.
Alternatives to the Nordic Track T 6.5S
Here are the top rated alternatives to the Nordic Track T 6.5 S Nordictrack treadmill:
- Pro-form ProTreadmill
- Bowflex Treadmills
- Life Fitness Treadmills
Summary
The NordicTrack T6.5S provides value for money at the retail price, making it a very good purchase for anyone looking for a budget treadmill that does its job well while also adding some extra, unexpected, features.
After having this Nordictrack t 6.5 s treadmill review, we will suggest that it is a good option also for those with limited space as it can easily be folded away for storage, making it a of the best treadmills for home use. We thoroughly recommend it for beginner and light intermediate users and an excellent choice to use from the comfort of your home. We always recommend using a treadmill mat.
Also read “Fat Burning Treadmill Interval Workouts.“
