NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review

Quick Summary

The NordicTrack EXP 7i comes into the market of high-tech home treadmills as part of the brand’s EXP Series, which begins with the entry-level 7i and caps off with the 14i. As the lineup’s starting point, the EXP 7i really does hit that sweet spot for most consumer’s with a starting price of $1,099 and discounts certain to come later this year. Brand for brand, the NordicTrack T Series matches up well against Horizon and it’s 7.0 AT, 7.4 AT, and 7.8 AT. With solid engineering and a respectable warranty, it stands out as a potential workout partner for active people’s homes.

Like a growing number of NordicTrack machines, the EXP 7i comes with a 30-day Family Membership to iFit, valued at $39. Customers will also be required to sign up for that package a minimum of four years. Powered by a 3.0 CHP Commercial Plus Motor, the treadmill is most comparably sized with the Horizon 7.0 AT. As solid mid-sized motor, the treadmill is geared to handle well the average user with both acceleration and deceleration. This does come into play when engaging sprints and HIIT over long periods of use by runners up to 300 lbs, both in terms of walking and running.

Having the ability to handle stress is key, and the EXP 7i is engineered with a Smart-Response Drive System. Built atop 1.9-inch precision and balanced non-flex rollers, the treadmill is equipped with FlexSelect™ Cushioning to better absorb the shock of driving feet. Once a runner gets their rhythm in stride, the EXP 7i offers a solid base for cardio workouts.

Built with a 7-inch HD Smart Touchscreen, Bluetooth audio capabilities, and two 2-inch digitally amplified speakers, the treadmill sports automatic trainer controls in keeping with the iFit program. This is the same size screen as offered by way of the Horizon 7.0 AT, and comes built into a console with OneTouch Controls. If users choose to discontinue the iFit subscription after the initial year, the treadmill can still be utilized independently, or in conjunct with a separate tablet or smartphone. EKG Grip Pulse sensors are built into the handles for heart-rate readings which can be incorporated into the iFit program or monitored separately.

In terms of the machine itself, the EXP 7i provides a 20-inch by 60-inch commercial tread belt with 0-12% incline. While no decline is offered here, the treadmill offers an industry-standard 0-12 mph speed capability. Users also have at their hands an integrated tray as well as AutoBreeze Workout Fan. Measuring 77.3 inches long by 35.3 inches wide, the treadmill is 59.6 inches high and comes in at 222 lbs in-box. Designed with SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist, the machine is relatively easy to relocate within a home.

NordicTrack offers a 10-year warranty on the frame, two years for parts, and one year for labor.

All in all, the EXP 7i offers a solid bargain when considering the included month of iFit programming, valued at $468. The introductory retail price of $1,099 less that puts it in good stead with the Horizon 7.0 AT priced at $999, with both machines offering comparable features.

Rating: 97.2/100

Specifications

Model	EXP 7i
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the treadmill's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	97.2%
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$1,399
Best Price Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the current best price. Note: MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.	$1099
Speed Treadmill Speed is measured in Miles Per Hour (mph). Average running speed is 5-9 mph.	0 - 12 mph
Incline Treadmill Incline measures the angle of the deck, and how steep it is relative to the floor (0% is flat, and 15% is like a steep hill).	0-12%
Motor The Treadmill Motor is what turns the belt as you run. We recommend at least 2 HP (Horsepower) motors, 2.5+ HP for jogging, and 3.0+ HP for running.	3.0 CHP
Deck Treadmill Deck dimensions are measured in inches: Width x Length. The wider and longer the deck, the safer it is (55-60 inches long recommended for running).	20" x 60"
Belt The Treadmill Belt is the surface you run on. The thicker the belt, the less impact on your joints. At least 2-ply (1 inch) recommended.	FlexSelect™ Cushioning
Folding? Some treadmills are designed to conserve space by folding up. This is a convenient option, but some features might be reduced.
Programs Treadmill Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	iFit only
Max. Weight Treadmill Max User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that it can safely support, which can represent durability.	300 lbs
Heart Rate Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.	EKG Grip Pulse
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	77.3” x 35.3” x 59.6”
Display Treadmill Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	7-inch HD Smart Touchscreen
Cooling Fans Treadmill Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout.
Accessory Tray Some treadmills include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Speakers Treadmills that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers (no headphones).
Quick Controls Quick Controls allow you to select speed, incline and even workout programs with the touch of a button (usually on the handles).
Warranty The warranty is a very important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs by the manufacturer.	Frame: 10 years Parts: 2 Years Labor: 1 Year

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Substantial running surface (20-inch x 60-inch)
SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
3.0 CHP motor
Rapid speed and incline adjustment
300 lb weight capacity
1-month Family Membership in iFit included with purchase
Bluetooth for heart rate monitoring and audio
EKG Grip Pulse
Smart-Response Drive System

Cons:

Lack of on-board programming (10 workouts built-in)
Four-year iFit membership required now
No decline option offered on machine

Introduction

As noted, the NordicTrack EXP 7i represents the mid-level treadmill of that lineup’s T Series and is new to the market for 2021. Priced into the $1,000-$1,500 range, it compares favorably to other machines in that category As with all things home fitness this year, the EXP 7i is trending toward interactive training and comes built with iFit in mind. Whereas treadmills from competing brands offer either their own workout app, or perhaps connectivity for a different system, NordicTrack includes one month of the iFit Family Membership into the purchase. That said, if users prefer other systems or none at all, the machine can certainly work independently. One of the advantages offered by exercising at home is that a television, tablet, or smartphone can always be incorporated easily enough. As with most new machines, the EXP 7i does require a Wifi or Internet connection and it is Bluetooth-enabled.

Workout Programs

The NordicTrack family of exercise machines has begun offering their products iFit-enabled with many coming with an included 1-month membership upon purchase. The iFit exercise community not only includes both live and on-demand workouts, but professional trainers in remote locations who can control the machine’s resistance and incline during the workout. Automatic trainer control allows the user to relax and simply hit the track without having to worry about slacking off or losing steam. The interactive workouts come by way of the treadmill’s 7-inch HD Smart Touchscreen and 2-inch speakers.

The Family Membership plans comes with four user profiles and fitness fans can track their performance metrics and tailor their goals accordingly. The iFit package also comes with Google Maps workouts which allow runners, walkers, and joggers alike to travel about the globe virtually. The Google Maps component affords visual, and audio, guided strolls along beaches, mountain paths, and cities around Earth. Daily recommended workouts are automatically generated for the user based on past workouts, and a virtual library of other health and wellness information is also provided.

Features

The running deck of the NordicTrack EXP 7i measures 20 inches x 60 inches, which above the industry standard of 20 x 55, making it good for high-speed sprinting. With a sturdy tread belt, the treadmill comes with FlexSelect Cushioning and a Smart-Response Drive System to help control for shock and vibration. The EXP 7i features a maximum speed of 12 mph and an incline range up to 12%.

Bluetooth connectivity allows for a number of additional options, from other fitness trackers to smartphones, and play music through the speaker system. EKG Pulse Grip sensors are embedded in the handlebars so cardio checks will be no problem. The treadmill also features an integrated accessory tray and cooling fan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are NordicTrack treadmills reliable?

Yes, overall the NordicTrack brand is considered to be very high-quality and reliable.

Are NordicTrack treadmills made in the USA?

Yes, the NordicTrack treadmills are manufactured in Minnesota among other locations.

How much does the NordicTrack EXP 7i weigh?

The unit is 222 pounds in-box.

Can you buy the NordicTrack EXP 7i without iFit?

Yes, the machine can be purchased without iFit.

Is it difficult to assemble the NordicTrack EXP 7i?

No, the unit relatively easy to assemble but it always helps to have a friend assist.

Warranty & Guarantee

The NordicTrack EXP 7i treadmill warranty includes:

– Frame: 10 years

– Parts & Electronics: 2 years

– Labor: 1 year

Conclusion

A high-tech unit at a most reasonable price, the NordicTrack EXP 7i would make a great addition to a home gym. Sized and designed to hit the sweet spot needed by the average home treadmill, we’d say this model is certainly worth a look whether for interactive programming or simply walking. True, the screen is a bit smaller than many competitors, but frankly the ability to use one’s own screen or television is a very popular avenue.

Rating: 97.2/100