NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill Review 2023

In-depth Review of NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill

iFit

Treadmills and other fitness equipment with attached touchscreens are typically enabled with subscription training content. Kind of like a gym membership, the subscription is usually a monthly or yearly fee that you pay to access workouts on the treadmill. iFit is NordicTrack’s subscription training platform. While you can use the NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill without a subscription to iFit, here is what you get with a subscription. iFit comes free for the first month with the purchase of the EXP 10i and we think it’s worth checking out.

iFit has a large library of over 17,000 fitness classes that are led by over 180 instructors. Classes are on-demand to take whenever you want and they’re filmed indoors and out. The indoor classes are modeled after studio fitness classes, while the outdoor classes are filmed in beautiful landscapes all around the world.

The outdoor classes are where iFit really shines.

You can take classes in places like Glendalough, Ireland, or Playa Carrillo, Costa Rica. You can even do the real course of races like the Boston Marathon. The instructor serves as your guide through the area and the workout so you’ll often get little tidbits of the location, as well as motivation and guidance for your training.

Most iFit classes are made up of series.

Each series consists of several classes that are meant to be taken over the course of a few weeks or months. This way, when you take the classes in order in the series, you can progress over time. Each series is typically led by one instructor and is filmed in one location.

When you don’t want to follow along with an instructor, you can create your own routes. This feature uses Google Maps, so you can pick any location on the map and then draw your own route. When you pick one spot on the map and then another, the feature creates your route from point A to point B. Then once you’re running the route, Google Images of the location pop up on the screen. The treadmill also automatically adjusts the grade of the deck based on the terrain, too.

In fact, in every iFit class, the NordicTrack EXP 10i will automatically adjust to match the trainer’s cues and the terrain in outdoor classes. This way you don’t have to second guess where the speed and incline should be during your workout. iFit remembers how you performed in previous workouts, adjusting to fit that intensity and encouraging you to progress over time. This is one of my favorite features of iFit. You can bypass this and adjust the 10i whenever you need to, though.

An aspect that I would like to see improved in iFit is the incorporation of music. Currently, iFit uses a Feed.fm system that generates preselected playlists of songs that fit into different genres that play like radio stations, minus the commercials. So, the music plays in the background of your iFit class. I would like to see some of the classes, like the studio classes, start incorporating music in the workouts. This way, you can listen to it as the instructor intends. Music helps add to the overall energy of the workout, and I think this would be a great addition to the indoor classes.

iFit is a valuable training platform that works your total body. There are classes on the treadmill, mat, and other equipment like exercise bikes, ellipticals, and rowers.

OnBoard Workouts

So, as I briefly mentioned, you can access free workouts on the EXP 10i without a subscription to iFit. This is available when you bypass the login screen. Here, you’ll find a couple of iFit classes and other onboard workouts with preselected speeds and inclines to follow along with.

You can also use manual mode for free and in iFit.

Console

The console on the EXP 10i is streamlined to include just the right amount of features and functionality, I think. At the center is a 10” touch screen to access iFit and the onboard workouts. This screen size is adequate for adjusting the treadmill and streaming the content.

The screen isn’t the largest, but for a lower-end model, it works just fine.

The screen isn’t very adjustable. It tilts slightly up and down so you can get a little better angle of it depending on your height. You’ll look down slightly at it. I do, and I’m only 5’1”. The console doesn’t feel excessively low though.

As far as usability, I like this layout. The numbered buttons on either side of the screen are quick-touch adjustment buttons that you can press to quickly and easily adjust the treadmill. The speed is adjusted on the right and the incline on the left. So, when I press 12 on the left, the deck inclines to 12%. And when I press 5 and then 6 on the right, the speed adjusts to 5.6 mph. There are also additional adjustment buttons below these numbered buttons to get to specific speeds and incline increments.

I like that all of the buttons are included on the same square piece that the touch screen is mounted into.

Everything is well within reach and it makes the EXP 10i easy to use.

Below the screen and adjustment buttons are the fan and speakers. The fan only blows in one direction but it’s pretty effective. It hits my neck and face, and our tallest user, Matt, who is 6’5” at his chest. There are multiple settings for the airflow and you can adjust it with the button on the console or on the screen.

The speakers just below the fan are clear and front-facing. On the screen, you can balance the sound between the music and the instructor’s voice in iFit, or mute one or the other. The speakers also go plenty loud to hear over the noise of the motor, incline, and your feet hitting the deck.

As far as storage, there isn’t as much on this new design as the previous one, but we’re ok with that. There are two large cupholders that fit my 40 oz water bottle just fine. There is also a device rack under the screen to put your phone or tablet. This way, if you want to stream something besides iFit, you have the option.

I like that a device rack is included in the EXP Series Treadmills.

Construction Quality / Durability

The new design of the NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill is sleek, functional, comfortable, and compact. It’s smaller than the previous model without losing the integrity of the construction.

One aspect that’s the same as the previous model is the 300 lb weight limit. This is standard for NordicTrack Treadmills.

Frame

The frame is also pretty standard and similar to other treadmills from NordicTrack and other brands.

It is made out of steel and it sits under the deck. From there, two steel uprights connect to the frame and extend up to hold the console and handles. There isn’t a steel crossbar and storage tray under the console anymore, but I don’t think the EXP 10i needs it. The console remained in place while we ran and didn’t excessively shake. I was able to put my phone on the device rack and my large Stanley Cup in one of the cupholders with very little movement of the water bottle. The screen also stayed in place and didn’t have any wobble.

The handles are all well within reach. I think with this compact design they feel a little closer than on larger treadmills. The side handles aren’t the longest, but they’re easy to grab when you need balance. Plus they’re coated in textured plastic so they don’t feel slippery, even when you sweat.

I love the front handle. It is a continuous horizontal bar that’s slim and easy to grab. I like how it gives you plenty of areas to grip when you need it.

Motor

The motor is a 2.75 CHP motor.

With this size, we recommend the NordicTrack EXP 10i for primarily walking and jogging, and some running. This motor size isn’t best for extensive training and distance running. But if you’re planning on walking or jogging for a few miles or so a day, it should work just fine.

The motor is pretty quiet. It isn’t the quietest, but it isn’t overly loud. The incline is a little loud and slow to adjust. It can be heard over the sound of the motor moving the pace of the belt. It is only heard when it is adjusting the grade of the deck. We also noticed that it takes slightly longer to lift and lower the deck than other comparable models. Overall though, the EXP 10i is appropriate for most home spaces. For training options, the speed goes up to 10 mph and the incline goes up 12%. I think this is a good range for most people and should offer plenty of training variability.

Deck

The deck is 20” wide and 55” long. This means that most people should be able to walk and jog. If you have a long-running stride, you might not be able to run, though. Users with shorter running strides should be able to run and use the treadmill at its higher speeds. I’m able to run while our tallest reviewer is able to jog on the deck.

A nice aspect of this more compact deck is that it can fit better in more homes.

The deck also has a slim profile. It is only about 10” high when measured from the floor to the top of the side rails on either side of the belt when the deck is at a flat grade.

The cushioning in the deck is nice. It isn’t as soft as higher-end models from NordicTrack like the Commercial Series or the Incline Trainers, but it offers nice shock absorption to help lessen the impact on your joints. We love NordicTrack’s cushioning and even though the EXP 10i is from their entry-level series, it still is a good representation of the brand’s cushioning. Those who have joint issues or are looking for a softer surface to run on should find the EXP 10i to be comfortable.

Performance & Functionality

The NordicTrack EXP 10i is a stable treadmill that’s functional with its new streamlined design. Its motor is a nice size for light to moderate use. While the motor is pretty quiet when adjusting the speed and keeping the pace of the belt, it is a little slow and loud when inclining. It isn’t overly loud though, so the EXP 10i should work in most home spaces.

Although we recommend mainly walkers and joggers to the EXP 10i, some folks will be able to get up to a faster running pace. If you’re looking for a more affordable and compact alternative to higher-end treadmills, the EXP 10i is a good choice.

Between the soft cushioning, auto-adjustability, and 10” touch screen the 10i is an all-around nice treadmill with thoughtful features.

What also makes it convenient for home use is the folding deck. The deck uses a hydraulic system so when you lift the deck, you aren’t lifting the entire weight of the deck. In fact, the deck feels so light that I can lift it with one hand. Plus, when you unfold it, it slowly lowers the floor. To unfold you just have to push in the metal bar at the bottom of the deck with your foot.

The NordicTrack EXP 10i can be moved, too. When folded, the treadmill just needs to be tipped back to engage the transportation wheels. It weighs about 230 lbs, so while it might seem heavy, the EXP 10i is fairly easy to move when you need to. It is also lightweight enough to use on an upper level.

Warranty & Customer Service

When you purchase the EXP 10i, NordicTrack includes a 10-year warranty for the frame, a 2-year warranty for parts, and a 1-year warranty for labor. Setup is pretty straightforward, but we recommend 2 people to make the process a little more seamless.