EXP 7i & NordicTrack EXP 10i Review

OVERVIEW

Updated in late 2023, the NordicTrack EXP 7i and the EXP 10i are two durable, solid, reliable treadmills that are budget-friendly options delivering an exceptional personal interactive workout experience. We highlight the differences and similarities to help you make a maybe.yes.no decision. Short on time? Head down to the quick comparison chart of key features side by side.

As part of NordicTrack’s EXP-Series, the EXP 7i and the EXP 10i are iFit enabled treadmills perfect for walkers and joggers supporting an up-hill incline of up to 12%. They provide a great way to challenge your workout and make it fun to exercise with iFit trainers in and out of the studio or on trainer-led destination workouts.

EXP 14i — Recent model ADDITION to EXP Series [Unavailable]

The EXP 14i model below Originally released in 2022 to the EXP Series line-up and updated in 2023. (Currently out of stock.) This Folding treadmill has all the same features and characteristics as the EXP 10i except for the wider 14-inch touchscreen and ships with a better commercial-grade belt on the running deck and has the strongest motor of the EXP treadmill Series. As a substitute we suggest the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 model

Cut down or eliminate scheduling treks to the gym to get fit — workout anytime from home on your schedule with an iFit personal trainer.

iFit Pro, NordicTrack’s connected-fitness platform provides access to excellent trainer-led workout sessions, on-and-off the treadmill, 24/7 at beautiful locations across all seven continents.

Professional personal trainers are with you every step of the way, encouraging, motivating, and gently pushing you along to hit your goals. One of the coolest iFit features is AutoAdjust. This option enables trainers to automatically control your treadmills’ speed and incline in Realtime so you can focus on your raining as your workout is planned out for you. (Also referred to as Live Trainer Control) see the short video below.

iFit Enabled • Full HD touchscreen • 12% Incline • Cushioning

iFit trainer-led destination workouts take you to awesome locales on a 7-inch, 10, and 14-inch Smart HD touchscreen as trainers guide you through walking, running, and cross-training sessions. One of the cool features we love is close integration with iFit Pro where your trainer can automatically change your incline and speed in real-time for a hands-free experience allowing you to focus and get a more intense workout in.

You can view results and track your progress plus, view a ton of stats using the touchscreen, or use any smart device to access iFit as well. Connect with other apps like Strava and Apple Health to share your iFit data with them.

The EXP 7i, EXP 10i, and EXP 14i all have a 12% incline that enables you to burn more calories quicker in the same amount of time than running at a flat level surface. Uphill running changes up your workout and makes it more challenging — you will quickly see the benefits if you add some inclines every time you train. Top speed for the EXP 7i treadmill model is 10 MPH while for both the EXP 10i and EXP 14i it is 12 MPH.

All Powered by iFit Pro makes these EXP treadmills a lot more interesting, and definitely more motivating to use. Run the Swiss Alps, hike the Grand Canyon, or summit to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro with iFit and your trainer. You can pick an individual destination workout or take a complete progressive series over a couple of weeks or longer.

Running uphill on a treadmill, better known as incline training, helps you hit your goals faster by adding challenge to your workouts as you progress from just beginning to exceeding your original fitness goals. For example, when your trainer changes it up for the upcoming hill, your treadmill’s deck actually inclines, and the intensity of resistance increases depending on the class difficulty level selected.

iFit SmartAdjust

SmartAdjust, a recently released iFit option, is designed to personalize further the incline, decline, and speed of your treadmill to your level of fitness, and apply settings to other workouts you take, keeping you in sync with your trainer.

For instance, if your iFit trainer increases the intensity and you’re finding the incline difficult or too easy, you can make speed or incline adjustments better suited for you. iFit will then apply these changes across the entire workout while also remembering the percentage change for future running, walking, or hiking sessions. As you become stronger and fitter, iFit SmartAdjust will start to take this into account and increase inclines or step up the speed — you always have the option to disable SmartAdjust anytime.

The EXP 7i. treadmill’s 2.6 CHP self-cooled motor is durable enough to keep you moving on everyday workouts. The EXP 10i and EXP 14i have larger 2.75 and 3.0 CHP motors respectively offering a bit more power for longer runs, and more frequent use.  All are durable motors and these EXP treadmills are sturdy solidly built, machines that run quietly. See our treadmill buying guide to learn more about features important when selecting a treadmill.

The Treadmills’ running deck have a 20” x 55” commercial tread belt, a nice size for a comfortable spacious workout with plenty of room to stride and freely move your arms without feeling constricted. All EXP Treadmills have the FlexSelect cushioning system that provides enough give to reduce the impact to your knees, hips, and joints.

WHAT TO KNOW

✓ Impact on your joints is reduced by up to 30% with the FlexSelect cushioning.

✓ Walk, jog, and run with speeds up to 12 mph at an incline range of up to 12%

✓ Top Speed on the EXP 7i is 10 MPH but for the EXP 10i and EXP 14i it’s 12 MPH

✓ The treadmill Deck is 20” x 55” - long enough for comfortable strides, you will feel unencumbered while running and have plenty of room to move your arms.

✓ All EXP treadmills come with a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts & electronics warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty.

✓ All EXP Treadmills have a user weight limit of 300 lbs.

GOOD TO KNOW

- You can easily keep an eye on your workout stats, including your mileage, speed, calorie burn, heart rate, and time with the Full HD touchscreen.

- Adjust the speed & incline of your workout in an instant with one-touch buttons.

- Dual 2-inch music speakers are built into the console or just sync your favorite wireless Bluetooth headphones to your treadmill and listen to your trainer guiding the iFit workout.

- Built into the console is a cooling fan that adjusts to the intensity of your workout automatically.

- EXP Series treadmills have a tray to hold things like a smartphone

- All EXP Treadmill models have a folding design with easy-lift that allows the treadmill deck to be folded up and moved out of the way when not in use.

- Upon delivery - treadmills in general can be heavy and you may need two people to move the box — It’s worth having it placed or assembled in the room where you will use it. These treads fold-up and easily rolls to maneuver short distances, however they are over 35 inches wide which can make it a little challenging to move through a standard doorway — so plan ahead.

EXP 7i Dimensions: 70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H Footprint

EXP 10i Dimensions: 70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H Footprint

EXP 14i Dimensions: 79.9” L x 35.08” W x 59.25” H Footprint [out of stock]

- The EXP 7i, EXP 10i and EXP 14i belt rollers are 1.9” in diameter as recommended for durability — the larger the roller the less wear and tear to the treadmill’s belt. See our treadmill buying guide to learn more about important features when selecting a treadmill.

- NordicTrack offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

• The EXP 7 and EXP 10i have a SpaceSaver Design so you can fold up the deck and minimize the space the treadmill takes up when not in use.

• Besides running, walking and, hiking iFit offers access to a huge library of cross-training workouts like yoga, strength training, boxing and, mediation classes to choose from — anytime in the comfort of your home gym.

• iFit workouts can be streamed in HD to all touchscreens, that include destination runs through exotic and stunning locations across the world like Italy, Thailand, Antarctica, Iceland, New Zealand, Hawaii plus many more U.S. locations guided by professional personal trainers.

• Your iFit trainers can adjust your treadmill speed and incline to match the pace and terrain of the workout you selected. You can override these with the easy-to-use one-touch buttons.

• iFit Pro membership will allow you to stream unlimited trainer-led studio and destination workouts to your Treadmills touchscreen or tablet and automatically sync your equipment’s incline or speed with the trainer or the terrain you encounter. iFit membership includes off-the-tread exercise routines and mixes it up with combination interval, HIIT, and cross-training which includes yoga, strength training, and kickboxing to name some.

WHICH EXP TREADMILL SHOULD I BUY?

People who will use their treadmill for walking or jogging several times a week for under 30 minutes should look to buy the EXP 7i. If you are scheduling longer runs, and workout 4-7 times a week the more powerful EXP 10i or the Commercial 1750 (would be the better options especially if there are going to be multiple users using the treadmill over longer runs.

If you prefer a slightly larger screen the Commercial 1750 can make a big difference. 14-inch touchscreen vs. 10 inches on the EXP 10i. All EXP models have a cushioned running surface with FlexSelect and do a good job dynamically synchronizing incline, decline and speed with live events or on-demand iFit workouts streamed to your treadmill’s display.

Who Should buy a NordicTrack EXP treadmill?

Those who will enjoy trainer-led destination walks and runs powered by iFit will really enjoy and get a lot out of your investment.

People who could benefit from an incline elevation range of up to 12% for weight loss or improving fitness and enjoy the variation in their workout experience running uphill on a treadmill. If you're looking to burn calories quicker just walking at an incline every day, even if it’s for a short time can be much more effective.

Finally, Individuals who are tight on space and want a space-saving foldable treadmill. There are small wheels at the front for when the treadmill needs to be moved. Nice options if your home gym is tight on space or you live in an apartment.

PRICE OPTIONS

Good Value for the Money

• EXP 7i Treadmill $1,199 (7-inch touchscreen tilts) Or

• EXP 10i $ 1,599 (10-inch touchscreen)

• EXP 14i $1,899 (14-inch touchscreen) [currently out of stock]

• iFit membership for multiple accounts provides access to live and on-demand iFit trainer-led classes streamed directly to treadmill display.

• First 30 days of iFit Pro are included

• There is a shipping charge of $199 for threshold delivery (to your door)

• You can have the treadmill set up in the room of your choice for $249. Nice option to ease assembly and delivery. You can also consider using Thumbtack.com (search for Treadmill Assembly Services in your zip code) or Amazon Services (recommended) or even inquire at your local sports equipment store as an option.

• Extended warranty OPTIONS available in cart.

Cost of iFit Pro

The 1st month of iFit membership subscription is included. Going forward, after you can extend the iFit membership at a monthly cost of $39 which is about a dollar a day, or you can pay the annual membership of $396 all at once ($33 per month saving $72. iFit Pro allows a family plan of 4 additional users for a total of 5. iFit provides you an extensive choice of classes and trainer-led destination workouts, so it's really good value no matter which NordicTrack, Proform or FreeMotion equipment you purchase.

Down the road, if you decide to expand your home gym to include other Proform or NordicTrack iFit enabled gear, you only have to buy iFit Pro membership subscription once. iFit classes and workouts will be available across all your exercise equipment without incurring additional subscription fees. With the inclusion of 4 additional users — this all makes iFit good value.

AT THE END ── Final thoughts

Good Value for at Home Fitness Treadmill

OUR TAKE ─ The NordicTrack EXP 7i is a budget-friendly treadmill with a 12% incline and a 7-inch HD display. It is a durable, hard-working treadmill with a roomy 22 x 55-inch running deck. Supporting inclines up to 12% and speed settings up to 10 mph, this treadmill has the power and options to support most fitness goals at a competitive price for the value offered. We have no doubts about the performance of this tread. The EXP 7i treadmill is a good entry level option for anyone on a budget looking for a reliable treadmill that provides an immersive interactive training experience powered by iFit. That said, you can use This treadmill without iFit and follow your own workouts or use other app like Apple Fitness.

Go with the NordicTrack EXP 10i or the Commercial 1750 recently updated for increased durability, power, and their wider 14-inch touchscreen display. A wider touchscreen is always great, but that’s a matter of preference and budget. They both offer an excellent and stronger motor option over the EXP 7i and the additional top speed of 12 MPH vs. 10 on the EXP 7i. The EXP 10i and the Commercial models are well-suited options for longer runs, or interval workouts, and increased durability if you are going to have multiple users working out on them.

All treadmills in EXP Series are iFit enabled giving access to a massive library for on and off-the-treadmill workouts. Training includes live 5k races, interval training series, for specific race lengths (5K, half marathon, marathon) Fantastic Trainer-led destination runs, walks, and hikes, as well as yoga, boxing, strength training, mediation to name a few categories. If you would like to experience this type of personal interactive training, the bigger the touchscreen the better, but as we said earlier that’s a matter of preference and budget.

All EXP Series Treadmills scored evenly on our report card breakdown below.