March 10, 2024 1:29 pm
15. NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review1

NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review (2022)

Consumer Reports treadmill test program includes the NordicTrack EXP 7i. Treadmill models like the EXP 7i are evaluated in our lab tests based on a variety of factors, some of which are listed below.

Ergonomics Belt size, foot-rail design, and handgrip design are all aspects of ergonomics that take into account how well the machine satisfies user needs.

Construction The running deck, the motor, and related components, and the outcomes of our durability tests are all factors that affect quality during construction.

Ease of use When evaluating ease of use, experts take into account how simple it is to use the controls, features, programs, and display.

Nordictrack Exp 7i Treadmill – Key Specs:

Star Rating:4-stars
Motor:3.0 HP
Incline:0-12%
Running Area:20″x60″
Folding:No
Top Speed:12 MPH
Weight Capacity:LBS
Dimensions:77.3″ L x 35.3″ W x 59.6″ H
Built-In Programs:iFit only

Pros & Cons Of Nordictrack Exp 7i Treadmill

Pros

  • 7″ Touchscreen provides easy access to the full iFit library
  • iFit comes free for the first month with over 16,000 workouts for walking, hiking, jogging, and off-treadmill classes as well
  • Folds up and locks into place when not in use
  • Has Flex Select cushioning to reduce the impact on your joints and spine
  • The 3.0HP motor is powerful enough for walking, hiking, or light jogging

Cons

  • The screen may be slightly small for users with limited vision and is placed high up on the console which makes it difficult for shorter users to see
  • The 3.0HP motor will not support long, extensive training

Nordictrack Exp 7i Treadmill Review: Construction

Frame

The Nordictrack EXP7i frame is relatively compact but still offers a 60″ long by 20″ wide. Good support is provided by steel uprights, cross rails, and beams. When in use, the EXP7i treadmill is remarkably quiet. The two wheels on the running platform allow you to tilt and roll it if necessary, and it folds up and locks when you’re done.

Deck

  • Cushioning/Feel
    • The Nordictrack EXP7i features FlexSelect cushioning that is designed to reduce impact compared to outdoor surfaces. The EXP7i’s cushion may not be as soft as that of similar treadmills, but when compared to running outside, I believe it offers a vast improvement over the shock impact of asphalt or concrete. In this price range, mid-range treadmills with similar cushioning are comparable to this one.
  • Length/Width
    • Running Belt 60″ long by 20″ wide provides enough space for walking and running. The 60″ of length is plenty and works well for runners of all sizes. However, the 20″ width is 2″ narrower than the Some users and commercial lines might notice the narrower spacing. It’s fine as long as you don’t wander around the deck too much.

Motor

Running, jogging, or walking can all be done with the 3.0 horsepower motor. When considering a treadmill for running, it is advised that users look for a motor with 3.0 horsepower or more. Speeds up to 12 mph can be supported with this amount of power without overheating, making it suitable for short to long distances. Since the belt’s speed can be changed smoothly, you don’t need to hold on or brace yourself when changing pace. Plenty of power is available from the motor to maintain a steady running speed while changing the incline several times.

Nordictrack Exp 7i Treadmill Review: Functionality

Performance

Smooth and quiet are two qualities of the Nordictrack EXP7i treadmill. For those looking for an inexpensive but effective training tool, this is a great option. We were able to use the EXP7i without any problems for sprints, intervals, and longer runs despite the deck not being as cushioned as some.

Incline / Decline Range

The maximum incline on the Nordictrack EXP7i is +12%. Strengthening the glutes and hamstrings with incline training helps counteract quad dominance and promote muscular balance in the lower body. Including incline variability in a training program can also help safeguard muscular balance and prevent overuse injuries. Since there are no decline options, it can sit a little lower to the ground. At a 0% grade, the EXP7i has an 8″ deck height, which makes it easy to step on and off. The EXP7i is a powerful and well-rounded piece of exercise equipment thanks to its sturdy construction and impressive incline and speed range.

15. NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review2

Subscription Options: Ifit Family Plan With Up To 5 Profiles

iFit is The top fitness data source from NordicTrack. iFit is constantly updated and offers over 16,000 different workouts.

  • Studio-based classes include boot camp, interval training, and combo routines that alternate strength training with running segments. Along with the other participants in the studio, the trainer works alongside you and gives instructions. iFit automatically adjusts the speed and incline for you at the direction of the trainer. (This can be overridden at any time; simply press any QuickControl speed or incline button to make the necessary adjustments.)
  • Enjoy a variety of exotic locations for hiking, walking, running, interval training, and even tours. iFit videos are filmed all over the world in some beautiful locales. Specific locations can be explored on foot, by running, by walking, or even by taking a tour. I like taking the various walking tours offered in London. I’ve also enjoyed some of the more recent hiking trails in New Zealand’s verdant mountains. Every session is led by a personal trainer, so you follow along on the treadmill as they move through the actual terrain in front of you. To match the actual grade as you move along, the treadmill automatically inclines and declines.
  • TED talks, exercises for the graph display, and Manual Mode. Bootcamp
  • Leaderboard: iFit also includes a leaderboard like those on other subscription websites. There are several filters on the leaderboard, which is displayed on the right side of the screen. You can filter it so that it only shows people who are running while doing the exercise, or you can let anyone who has taken the course before using it. You can even limit the filter to just you if you only want to challenge your previous time rather than saving your workout and competing against it later. If you don’t want to see the Leaderboard, just swipe to the right, and it will vanish from view.
  • Live Classes: iFit now also includes All day long, there are live classes. Typically, there are five or more live classes available each day. These consist of off-tread classes for strength training, yoga, or stretching as well as running and walking routes.

Noise Level

Noise reduction is a strength of the Nordictrack EXP7i. The EXP7i runs as smoothly as any treadmill we’ve used thanks to a quiet motor, plush belt, and svelte engineering. It also appears to help with noise absorption because it is lower to the ground.

Storage / Folding

TheNordictrack EXP7i is simple to fold. Take hold of the steel bar at the deck’s base, then lift. Even though the extra length makes the deck a little heavier, I can still lift it without any trouble. The deck can be folded and then locked into place to free up space on the floor. Two wheels are located at the base of the deck, and two more are located under the front legs. The machine can be rolled away from you by being pulled toward you once it is safely locked in a folded position. Grab the yellow release lever on the deck’s right side to unlock it. The hydraulic system will gently release the deck to the floor if you gently pull the lever.

Nordictrack Exp 7i Treadmill Review: Console

Console Layout

While we do like some of the console’s features, there are some that we don’t. The buttons are large and clearly marked, and the interface is tidy and streamlined. There are quick touch buttons for speed and incline on the right and left, respectively, just like on the NordicTrack Commercial line treadmills. Additionally accessible are the volume and fan controls. My only issue with this console is the 7″ screen is rather small — and it’s placed close to the top which makes it difficult for shorter users to see. The tilt of the screen will be slight, but not significant. If you are under 5’4″ this screen may be hard to see.

Touchscreen

The touchscreen is comparable to those found on other Nordictrack ellipticals. The iFit programs feature interesting content and clear screen graphics. The screen size is a restriction, though, as the touchscreen icons integrated into the screen can occasionally be difficult to see and small to touch. While it’s nice to have a touchscreen on a mid-range treadmill, the 7″ is just a bit small for good visibility.

Fans/other Accessories

  • There are fans at the base of the console that provide good airflow. You can set the fan on these to low, medium, high, or auto using the 4 power settings.
  • The EXP7i lacks a tablet holder. It doesn’t come with a tablet holder because it is made to display iFit content. However, a tablet won’t cover the screen if you place it on the ledge that lies between the touchscreen panel and the console’s lower panel.

Storage

The EXP7i has adequate storage. In addition to the two sizable pockets on either side of the console, a third storage tray extends the entire width of the deck beneath the console. For additional storage, this has three additional sizable pockets.

Conclusion

The NordicTrack EXP 7i is a high-tech machine that can be added to a home gym at a very affordable price. We’d say this model is definitely worth a look whether for interactive programming or just walking because it is sized and designed to hit the sweet spot needed by the average home treadmill. Although the screen is somewhat smaller than those of many rivals, using one’s own screen or television is still a very popular option.