NordicTrack Incline Trainer X7i Review – Pros and Cons of the X7 Incline Trainer

The NordicTrack incline trainer X7i is the most affordable version of the popular incline trainer treadmills. Incline trainers are popular for one main reason – they give you up to 40% incline.

And this high incline walking practically incinerates calories. In fact, according to the manufacturer, you can burn 5 times more calories on an incline trainer than on a flat plane treadmill.

So people looking to lose weight very fast like these kinds of treadmills. The X7 is a bit more streamline and simpler than the X9i or the X11i models.

So is it right for you? Here’s a review of the pros and cons to help you decide:

Pro #1 High Incline and Decline

This is the main benefit of the X7. You can go from 0 to 40% incline – or anywhere in between to build in high calorie burning intervals into your workout.

The incline trainer X7i also has a 3% decline option to add in even more cross-training challenge to your workout.

Pro #2 Extra Long Belt

The problem with older incline trainers like the X3 for example was that the belts were made very short. That made sense at the time since the incline trainer was originally only aimed at walkers.

But a lot of people wanted to run on these machines. After all, they’re just like a treadmill – but with a really high incline.

So NordicTrack lengthened the belt on the X7i to 60 inches. This gives you a lot of room to run or stretch out.

Pro #3 Backlit Console

The console is dual color and easy to read. There’s a scrolling message board that leads you through the next steps to your workout.

There’s also an iPod dock with speakers so you can listen to your favorite tunes. And a dual speed console fan to keep you cool.

Pro #4 Tablet Holder

NordicTrack has added a new tablet holder above the console to the new model this year. You can attach your tablet and watch your favorite shows or movies as you walk.

This adds even more entertainment options into the mix that will make your workouts go by faster.

Pro #5 iFit LIVE

The NordicTrack incline trainer X7i comes iFit LIVE compatible. iFit LIVE connects to the Internet and you can easily track your workouts over time or download brand new workouts to your treadmill.

Plus, you can also run famous trails all over the world – from Paris to Hawaii – and watch real life landmarks pass you by.

Note however that since the console is only dual color on this machine, if you want to use this feature you have to connect to iFit with your tablet and watch it that way.

Pro #6 Free Wireless Heart Rate Monitor

As of this writing, the incline trainer X7i also comes with a free wireless heart rate monitor. A lot of people prefer the wireless chest strap since it tends to give you more accurate results.

So those are the pros – what about the cons?

Con #1 Dual Color Console

The X7i incline trainer only has a dual color console – whereas the X9 or X11 models have a full color console with web browser. And you can use these web browser to connect to iFit to watch scenery on the console screen with these models.

So unless you have a tablet to use with iFit on the X7i treadmill, then you will lose out on the iFit scenery with the X7 – whereas you don’t with the X9 or X11.

Con #2 Less Decline

The X9 and X11 give you a deeper decline of 6% whereas you only get 3% with the X7i model.

Con #3 Does Not Fold

Because of the limits of the design the Incline Trainer X7i does not fold up.

So those are the main pros and cons of the NordicTrack X7i incline trainer. Overall, it’s a bit simpler than the X9i or X11 models – but it’s also about $400 less. So in the end, it really depends on what’s most important to you.

No matter what you decide, make sure you go slow and listen to your body. And if you’re brand new to exercising, be sure to consult your doctor before you start an exercise program. Good luck!