NordicTrack EXP 14i Review

The battle for home treadmills continues to intensify, and technology is definitely a key variable. For treadmills priced under $2,000 this is becoming more and more the case. With the NordicTrack EXP 14i coming in as the premium unit in the EXP Series, it makes sense that it’s chock full of great techy features, and understandable that it’s best rival is the new NordicTrack 2022 Commercial 1750, which is the entry-level unit of the commercial series. What’s interesting is the price wars emerge as this treadmill is actually tagged by NordicTrack at $1,799 but specials were knocking that  down to $1,599 within a month of introduction. We expect those kind of price swings to continue and the best advice is to keep checking specials as there’s no question this is a great home treadmill for that kind of cash. With both incline and decline as well as top speeds up to 12mph, there’s little doubt intermediate runners and even dedicated joggers can get earn their burn with this model.

 

Workout Programs

Workout programming comes to life with the NordicTrack EXP 14i’s dynamic 14-inch HD touchscreen display and remote trainer controls. Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

This is a category where NordicTrack and its sibling brand ProForm come under question. The big IF here is all about iFit, the company’s proprietary workout app. A terrific interactive program with both live and on-demand training programming, the iFit library is among the most extensive in the category with 17,000 routines and growing. Instructor led runs of all shapes and sizes are on offer, including workouts where you follow a trainer along streets and trails from around the globe. These trainer can actually control your machine’s resistance from remote locations, and the program works not just with any of the NordicTrack and ProForm devices, but can be taken on the road as an app.

But what if you don’t want to pay the $39 monthly fee? Or, what if you just don’t want to use iFit but would rather use a different program? Like its brand-mates, the NordicTrack EXP 14i can be used in manual mode without iFit, but there are no built-in programs and the screen doesn’t work with other programs. Granted, one can always park the treadmill in front of a smart television or simply use the Bluetooth headphones, but that does seem to defeat the point of all the other cool features.

I’d strongly recommend checking into iFit with our review here when considering these models. If the app seems like something you’d enjoy, then by all means go forward. But if you’re just looking for a simple treadmill than these upscale models might be a bit much..

As the premier treadmill in its series, the NordicTrack EXP 14i hits all the right boxes for the price point in terms of features and functions. With a  running deck 22 inches wide by 60 long, it’s a good size for more runners even of taller heights.The console has both a built-in fan as well as a pair of speakers that deliver a reasonable sound output for its streaming programming. Another key plus is its adjustable FlexSelect deck cushioning system. While those used to running on the street will appreciate being able to firm up the deck for an experience akin to running on pavement, those who are more focused on rehab (or who generally have issues with joint pain/stiffness) will enjoy being able to soften the deck a little bit.

In terms of its resistance levels, this model features a maximum incline on this treadmill to 12% rather than the more standard 15%, however in trade it’s one of few units capable of a small decline setting of -3%, and again, we’re looking at a series of treadmills here that are built with budgets in mind. As a general rule, steeper incline means more calorie burn, but for most people, a 12% incline with maximum speed of 12mph is more than enough.

The big benefit here in terms of features in all of the new ways to track heart rate. With EKG Grip Pulse sensors in the handlebars, Bluetooth heart rate capabilities, and the new ActivePulse Cruise Control offered in this model, those seeking this kind of training have definitely found their unit.

Training Tips for the NordicTrack EXP 14i

As an athlete who competes in both NPC bodybuilding contests and powerlifting meets, I’ve long had to wrestle with bodyweight and body fat percentages. Prepping for a powerlifting meet requires a completely different approach than cutting for a bodybuilding show where I need to be under 5% body fat. I can see lots of benefits to the EXP 14i in this regard as it’s a small enough treadmill so as not to take up too much space, but when looking at all the ways I can track heart rate while training, it’s definitely a solid value.

One trick I’ve learned in cutting weight over the years is to add weighted resistance while performing cardio to intensive the caloric burn. While wearing a 45-pound weight vest, the body will burn calories as if its weight is actually that many pounds heavier. With a 300-pound user weight maximum, this treadmill would afford that opportunity to anyone under 250 pounds. Whether with Bluetooth heart rate monitors or the built-in EKG sensors, one can monitor their cardio effectively while spiking their output and really hone in on the fat loss strategies. This is particularly good or those concerned about running speed, or those who feel 12% might not be as good as 15%. With a weight vest added to the mix, there’s really no question that you can earn whatever burn you want with this machine even at slower paces or lower inclines.