NordicTrack T Series 10 Treadmill Review: Run to this Deal!

Dimensions/Storability

The running deck folds easily since it is lightweight and hydraulic-assisted.

Finding the space for a treadmill can be a challenge, but the NordicTrack T Series 10’s relatively compact size and folding frame make it easier. While the T Series 10 may be less robust than the NordicTrack Commercial series treadmills, its lighter deck makes it significantly easier to fold.

The folding mechanism uses a kick release to release the deck, and then a hydraulic arm allows the deck to lower softly to the ground on its own.

Measuring 75.1” L x 34.3” W x 58.4” H when unfolded, the T Series 10’s construction is quite efficient. It can also roll around when folded to make finding a storage place easier. There are two transport wheels, and all you need to do to move it is tilt it onto the wheels while holding the deck to move it.

The low step-up height means you only need a 7.5’ ceiling if you are 6’ tall.

The step-up height is 8”, and the deck height reaches about 15” when the treadmill inclines to 12%. Therefore, you need a minimum ceiling height of about 7.5’ if you are a 6’ runner. An 8’ ceiling is ideal.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

As a NordicTrack treadmill, the T Series 10 falls under iFIT’s umbrella but is still usable without a subscription. Doing so is a bit more challenging. You can only use the treadmill in manual mode if you do not connect with Wi-Fi and create a free iFIT account. Ten preset workout options are available when you do connect to Wi-Fi and create a free iFIT account.

Without an iFIT subscription, you can access a few preset programs, but you need a free account and Wi-Fi.

I don’t recommend the NordicTrack T Series 10 for walkers and runners who don’t want to subscribe to iFIT. The treadmill heavily promotes subscribing to the service, and you lose most of its features without a subscription. In answer to the question I am asked the most often: no, you cannot use Netflix and the other entertainment apps without paying for iFIT.

iFIT Classes

Outdoor classes are iFIT’s specialty and are perfect for distracting you from the treadmill monotony.

So, what is all the fuss about when it comes to iFIT? Beyond being the name of NordicTrack’s parent company, iFIT is also a subscription-based training service with thousands of classes, each guided by one of the 100+ coaches. Compared to other similar services, iFIT has no match when it comes to outdoor content.

iFIT classes are filmed all over the world on routes and trails you might not have heard of but that you will soon be adding to your bucket list if the experience on the T Series 10 isn’t enough for you. The iFIT coach often provides information about the location and trail during the class. Audio may also include training advice and anecdotes from the coach’s life.

The automatic speed and incline adjustments take iFIT to the next level. The incline adjustments replicate the real-world grades the trainer crosses on the trail shown on the screen, creating an immersive experience. There are three options for the speed adjustments: the presets, a tailored experience with SmartAdjust, or ActivePulse heart rate-based training.

Switch SmartAdjust or ActivePulse on from the treadmill menu.

When the SmartAdjust feature is enabled, the speed adapts to your fitness level. Every time you override the presets during a workout, iFIT factors in that change to adjust your current and future workouts accordingly.

ActivePulse is my preferred method of customizing the speed. This hands-free feature uses heart rate information from a compatible Bluetooth heart rate monitor to tailor the speed to your fitness level. iFIT will keep you in the appropriate heart rate zone, as recommended by the iFIT coach. I also recommend setting a maximum speed for this feature to ensure your safety.

Custom Workouts

Create an interval, target, Google Maps, or template workout in the “Create” tab.

iFIT provides more than trainer-led classes. There are also custom workout options. The first, Google Maps, is the most interesting. It allows you to generate a route anywhere in the world that Google has information. Then, you will see an overview of the route on the screen with an indicator showing your progress.

You control the treadmill’s speed in the Google Maps routes. The indicator will progress along the route synced to your speed. The incline adjusts according to the data Google has on the route, so you run uphill when there are hills on the route. This feature is the perfect way to preview new trails and paths, especially if you have an upcoming race and want an idea of the course’s difficulty.

There are also more traditional custom workout options. You can create an interval workout by setting the time, distance, speed, and incline. For a simpler workout, try one of the target options: time, distance, or calories. Of course, you can also just train in manual mode.

Apps

The NordicTrack T Series 10 has Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, PlutoTV, and iHeart Radio.

I’m not always in the mood to watch an iFIT class. Instead, I often prefer more traditional entertainment. I am very happy that iFIT has Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, and more. I understand the complaint that these apps are not available to non-subscribers, but it’s an improvement to not offering them at all, which was the case for years.

When streaming Netflix or other services, you can train with any of the training options, including iFIT classes. The treadmill will automatically adjust speed and incline like usual, but you can see your TV show or movie instead.

Hide or reveal metrics, charts, widgets, and speed/incline controls. You can even go fullscreen to concentrate on your class or app.

You can choose what you show onscreen at any given time. There is a fullscreen mode and controls to hide and display the other features, like metrics, charts, speed and incline buttons, and widgets.

Console

The 10” touchscreen tilts up and down for a better viewing experience.

The NordicTrack T Series 10 has a 10” touchscreen that tilts up and down but does not rotate. While the 10” touchscreen is not my ideal screen size, I did not have any trouble interacting with it or viewing the classes. I’m 5’4”, so I am not too far from the screen. Taller and shorter exercisers can use the tilting feature to get a better angle; however, it may be harder for very tall individuals to see.

The offscreen console buttons adjust the speed, incline, volume, and fan speed, in addition to starting and stopping the treadmill.

There are few buttons offscreen. You can increase or decrease the speed or incline by 0.1 mph and 0.5% by pressing the arrow buttons. There are also buttons for starting and stopping the treadmill. Finally, there are controls for the fan and speakers.

Notably missing are the speed and incline level buttons, which are located on the screen. I was suspicious of this design at first, but I grew accustomed to it. I rely primarily on iFIT’s hands-free adjustments and features, so I don’t have to use the buttons often.

Of course, the onscreen content needs more than visuals. There are front-facing speakers below the touchscreen. They have a good volume, so you can hear everything, even over your foot noise. You can also customize your audio mix with separate onscreen controls for the iFIT audio, app audio, and overall speaker volume.

Instead of listening aloud, you can also pair Bluetooth headphones for quiet training. It’s my preferred training method since it drowns out the treadmill and foot noise, too. Alternatively, you can turn on the closed captions. There are even multiple language options that provide AI audio translations of iFIT classes.

Control which Bluetooth devices pair with the T Series 10 treadmill. Connect heart rate monitors and headphones.

Another Bluetooth feature is the heart rate monitor connectivity. The T Series 10 connects to most Bluetooth heart rate monitors, but unfortunately, it does not connect with Apple watches. If you don’t already have a heart rate monitor, NordicTrack has a compatible one you can add to your order if you decide to go with the T Series 10. A monitor is essential for using the ActivePulse feature.

If you run hot, never fear! The T Series 10 has a fan with multiple speeds. It even includes an auto feature that sets the fan speed according to your training intensity. When you speed up, the fan does, too. I found the fan effective for cooling me off. I did notice a slight smell (think new treadmill smell, like a new car smell) when I first turned the fan on. It didn’t bother me.

Store your phone and water bottle in the dual cup holders found on each side of the treadmill console.

There’s more to this treadmill than tech, though. It also has two cup holders, which are the only storage on the T Series 10. It also has a safety key that you can clip to your clothing while on the treadmill deck.

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Build Quality

NordicTrack has three treadmill lines: the incline, commercial, and T series. The T Series is the most affordable, so I knew not to expect the top-of-the-line build from the T Series 10. However, I was impressed with many of the features, including the size of the treadmill and stable console (very minimal shaking).

Frame

The frame provides a sturdy and solid support whether you are running at a flat grade or up an incline.

The T Series 10 has a sturdy steel frame. I was pleased with its support level while running, walking, and training at an incline. The weight capacity is 325 lbs, which is better than the industry standard. I can’t find much to complain about in this area.

As for the handles, they are less substantial than some treadmill models due to the z-shaped frame design. I like the aesthetic, but the handles aren’t my favorite for support. Fortunately, there is also a crossbar with handholds at the bottom of the console, so you have an additional place to grab for support. Both are plastic.

The treadmill footrails are plastic with a textured surface.

There is plenty of room to stand on the footrails, and I felt secure when standing on them.

Motor

Running on the NordicTrack T Series 10 is enjoyable—maybe that’s why it looks like I’m hardly putting in any effort in this photo!

The motor is the biggest limitation of this treadmill. It’s not bad, but it is the biggest tradeoff from the more expensive Commercial series. It is 3.0 HP, which is sufficient for running, but I don’t recommend it for daily long runs or multiple runners. Too much use could cause the motor to burn out prematurely, so I recommend a more powerful treadmill if you fall into those categories.

While most home treadmills fall within a similar range for noise output, I noticed that the T Series 10 was on the louder side. It didn’t bother me until the treadmill made large incline adjustments. Then, it wasn’t even so much the volume as it was the grittiness of the noise. Admittedly, I noticed it far more when I wasn’t on the treadmill or playing audio.

The T Series 10 may not be the best option for a home that needs to minimize treadmill noise. However, I think it’s suitable for most.

Speed and incline adjustments are slow on the T Series 10. However, I don’t consider this a con because they feel smoother and safer. While responsive motors are great for HIIT workouts, they can feel a little jarring.

The incline mechanism is very smooth, so I don’t feel caught off guard by the adjustments.

It takes about 24 seconds for the treadmill to go from 1 mph to 12 mph. For reference, the fastest treadmill (the NordicTrack 2450) took 14 seconds. As for the incline, it took 47 seconds to go from 0% to 12% incline, which is comparable to Sole and ProForm treadmills.

My big takeaway from the NordicTrack T Series 10’s motor performance is that it is sufficient for most, save competitive runners and those who want something as quiet as possible.

Deck

I have plenty of room to run fast on the NordicTrack T Series 10, and most other runners should, too.

A standard running treadmill’s deck measures 60” long and between 20 to 22” wide. With more affordable treadmills, we usually see a deck length between 50” and 55”, but that’s not true of the T Series 10. It has a standard 20” x 60” running deck, which greatly surprised me. I am happy to report that this treadmill is spacious enough even for long strides.

The adjustable cushioning feature requires you to manually adjust each of the six shock absorbers on the deck.

Another unique feature is the adjustable cushioning. The deck has three shocks on each side that can be rotated individually to switch the deck from firm to soft cushioning. I must admit, however, that I did not notice the difference. Overall, I found the treadmill moderately soft, and I would probably not go through the effort to adjust the cushioning regularly.

Note: I run with a running dynamics pod attached to each shoe. These pods give me data about my running stride that could reflect differences in treadmill cushioning. The data I collected from running on the T Series 10 did not show a difference between one cushioning condition and the other, but I will continue to collect more data to be sure.

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Warranty

The NordicTrack T Series 10 has the brand’s standard warranty: a 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty. The tablet is also covered for one year. However, be sure to consult the back of your treadmill manual for additional warranty information.

Generally, we recommend not putting your treadmill in a garage and adhering to all maintenance recommendations to keep your coverage active for as long as possible.

Should You Buy the NordicTrack T Series 10 Treadmill

I came away from my time testing the NordicTrack T Series 10 treadmill impressed. It has the necessary components and features for running and a pleasant console for training with iFIT. The soft cushioning is a must for anyone who wants an affordable treadmill that will dampen the impact of running.

The few cons I found—the incline motor noise and the limited features without iFIT—won’t matter to many people. However, I do recommend subscribing to iFIT to address the latter con. I like the T Series 10 far more when I use all of the features.

ActivePulse and SmartAdjust adjustments have been two of my favorite features from iFIT for a long time. With the T Series 10, you can have them at a reasonable price. Plus, Netflix and other entertainment apps give you tons of variety if you aren’t always up for a treadmill class with iFIT.

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NordicTrack T Series 10 Treadmill Q&A / FAQ

Is it easy to use the T Series 10 Treadmill without iFIT?

You can use the NordicTrack T Series 10 without iFIT. Don’t connect the treadmill to Wi-Fi, and then you can train in manual mode only. However, it will not save any of your past workouts. There are limited features, and you may have to bypass the iFIT screen every time.

You can also create a free iFIT account to access onboard workouts and manual mode. Features will still be limited.

What happened to the NordicTrack T Series?

The NordicTrack T Series is back with the new T Series 10. The series was revamped to replace the EXP series, which replaced the old T Series. In past years, the T Series was only available through Amazon or other third-party retailers.

How long do NordicTrack treadmills last?

We expect most treadmills to last up to ten years with the correct maintenance, but it depends on how the treadmill is used, stored, and maintained. For the best results, store the treadmill in a climate-controlled room. Keep up with the treadmill’s maintenance schedule and clean around it regularly.

What does 10 mean on a treadmill?

“10” on a treadmill usually stands for 10 miles per hour or 10% incline. In the case of the NordicTrack T Series 10, the “10” in the name stands for the 10” touchscreen.

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