Nordictrack X7i Interactive Incline Trainer Review – What To Know Before You Buy

Thinking about the Nordictrack X7i Interactive Incline Trainer? Nordictrack currently makes 3 different high incline treadmill trainers – the X7, X9 and X11.

(The X3 and X5 models were older, inferior versions and have been discontinued).

The X7i is the most affordable trainer coming in around $1600, which makes it pretty popular. So is it right for you? Here’s a few things you need to know before you buy to help you decide:

#1 Super High Inclines To Burn Calories Fast

The allure of the incline trainer is that you get super-high inclines – up to 40% – and can burn calories really fast. In fact, according to the manufacturer, you can burn up to 5 times the calories on one of these machines vs. a regular treadmill.

Why? Because incline walking recruits more of the larger muscles of the legs, which in turn require mega amounts of calories to function.

So you burn a lot more calories – and see faster results in less time.

#2 Decline For Better Crosstraining

The X7 comes with 40% incline – but also adds in a 3% decline. This is great for crosstraining and adding some extra challenge to your workouts.

#3 iFit LIVE For Extra Workouts

The X7i, like all the incline trainers, comes with iFit LIVE. iFit connects your treadmill to the Internet using the Wifi in your home.

From there you can download new workouts every day, sync and track your workouts over time to see how far you’ve come.

Plus you can also map out new trails to run using Google Maps and run all over the world. You’ll basically never run out of new things to try on your treadmill with iFit LIVE – it helps your treadmill to grow with you as you take on new fitness challenges.

#4 Large Backlit Console

The X7i interactive incline trainer comes with a very large (10 inches across) backlit console. The console also has a scrolling message boards that leads you through the process of different workouts, using iFit, etc.

There’s also an iPod dock with speakers to plug in your iPod or mp3 player and listen to your favorite tunes.

#5 Extra Wide, Extra Long Belt

Nordictrack added an extra long belt to the X7i model a few years ago – a full 60 inches. This makes it better for taller users or runners who need extra room to stretch out without feeling like they’re at the edge of the belt.

So those are some of the benefits of the X7i interactive incline trainer – are there any downsides?

Well, these aren’t necessarily drawbacks – just a few things you should be aware of.

#1 iFit Subscription Extra

While you don’t need iFit to use this treadmill, if you want to try it you’ll need to buy an online subscription (about $99 a year). You can always wait to purchase iFit and try it out when you’re ready.

#2 Dual Color Console

The X7 console is only dual color – not multi color like the X9 or X11 models. The other models also come with a full-color web browser – and this is not included on the X7.

So if you want to surf the net while you walk, you may want to upgrade to the X9 or X11 models.

So those are just a few things to be aware of when thinking about the Nordictrack X7i interactive incline trainer.

If you want a treadmill that can help you lose weight extra fast – and can grow with you (with the addition of iFit LIVE), this is a great option that won’t break the bank.