NordicTrack X22i Incline Trainer Review

NordicTrack has an upstanding reputation for high-quality exercise equipment. If you’ve been to fitness centres or gyms, chances are a lot of the machines are manufactured by NordicTrack.

Having said that, their commercial incline trainers have already impressed the masses. New York magazine, Trail Runner, PCMag and Men’s Health all agree the NordicTrack x22i incline trainer provides a stimulating workout combined with the advantage of iFit programs.

Check out our detailed review below of the NordicTrack x22i Incline Trainer.

What is an incline trainer?

An incline trainer is a type of treadmill with a large range of incline levels. Some incline trainers even have the ability to decline as well.

There are upsides and downsides of choosing an incline trainer over your conventional treadmill. First, incline trainers have a steeper price tag than treadmills. Since they’re mainly for commercial use, they’re quite a lot bigger. They’re similar to the size of treadmills you find at a gym. Because of this, they usually don’t have a folding option. So, you’ll need to make some space in your home.

But, incline trainers are priced higher than treadmills because they’re made with durable materials and offer fantastic features. Their versatility in incline and decline levels and other specs can continuously challenge your fitness level but can also be used by beginners.

Research has supported the health benefits of running on an incline rather than a flat surface. The maximum oxygen consumption level refers to the amount of oxygen used by an individual during intense exercise. The higher the level, the more energy the individual can produce. This value is used to measure someone’s endurance and cardiovascular fitness.

Lactate levels is the maximum amount of lactate build-up in the blood while exercising without fatigue. This value is also used to determine an individual’s endurance level.

Results from one study showed that runners had increased their heart rate, max oxygen consumption and blood lactate levels by running on increasing slopes. This will in turn increase how many calories you burn.

The same study demonstrated that running uphill increases muscle activation in your lower body because of the difference in stride length, step frequency and angles. Overall, incline training strengthens your lower body muscles.

NordicTrack x22i Review

The new and improved NordicTrack x22i incline trainer has phenomenal specifications and features.

Let’s go over the technology.

The 22″ smart HD touchscreen is an upgrade from the previous year’s model. You can now enjoy better graphics when you’re tuning into your live workouts, on-demand sessions or simply checking out the leaderboard and progress stats. Plus, you don’t have to worry about things overheating because now there’s an added processor cooling system.

There’s a faster dual 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi connectivity, which reduces the amount of network interference while you’re streaming. You can also take advantage of bluetooth headphone connectivity, so that you can get in the zone without disturbing others. An Android 9 operating system is used to support much of this technology.

The digital incline and decline adjustments use a quieter technology than we’ve seen on other models. The x22i has a commercial grade motor with 4.0CHP capacity. This is a strong motor so you won’t be wearing it out.

The incline level range is from 0-40%, while the decline level is 0-6%. The speed range is 0-12mph. When you use the iFit programs, the trainers can virtually adjust those specific settings for each workout. Of course, you can override the system if you’d like to go at your own pace.

One of the best features of the x22i is the integrated sled and push grips. If you set the speed to 1mph in manual mode, you can engage in a full body workout using the grips while the tread belt moves with you.

The running surface itself has been upgraded to a cushioned deck, which decreases the impact on your joints. Like the earlier model, there are 2 x 3″ digitally-amplified speakers, dual workout fans, water bottle holders and Google Maps workout technology. This technology allows you to choose a broad or narrow point on the world map to start your destination workout.

To repeat, this is a big machine, so you’ll need the extra room in your place. The footprint measures 70″L x 39″W x 72.5″H. But the belt surface is a comfortable size, meaning it’s more than enough for taller individuals or people with longer strides.

The warranty covers the frame for 10 years, parts for 2 years and labor for 1 year.

The price for the incline trainer is usually advertised for around $2,999.00 USD, plus $199 for threshold delivery.

iFit

The price of the x22i includes 1 full year of the iFit family membership. The membership allows you to add up to 5 family members. The iFit plan gives you access to live workouts and interactive training, global workouts with trainers and on-demand studio sessions. The library contains over 16,000 workouts of all kinds like yoga, HIIT, strength training and much more.

Now that iFit has a mobile app, these workouts can be accomplished off the treadmill and streamed from any smart TV or device. The value of the 1 year membership is $468 USD and after 1 year, the membership will automatically renew for $33 USD/month for the family plan or $15 USD/month for an individual plan.

Should I buy the NordicTrack x22i?

If you’re looking to step up your treadmill game and want something with all the bells and whistles, you should get the NordicTrack x22i incline trainer. The fact that it encompasses more than just a treadmill workout makes its value match its price point.

While there can always be improvements, NordicTrack has obviously listened to their consumers and enhanced their incline trainer to suit everyone’s needs.