Treadmill-reviews.co.uk

Hi I’m Alex and welcome to treadmill-reviews.co.uk, the unbiased treadmill reviews site. Here you will find independent reviews of the top treadmill brands & models, from Reebok Fitness, Vision Fitness, Life Fitness, NordicTrack, Horizon Fitness and many many more.

I used to work as a service engineer for a major sports company so know a lot about the mechanics of treadmills and other equipment. I’m also an avid runner and have a real passion for fitness. Due to the success of this site I also created a cross trainer reviews website.

Nordic Track C100 Folding Treadmill

Nordic Track C100 treadmillPrice: £599
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Overall rating: 5
Ease of use: 5
Console features: 4
Value for money: 4.5
Comfort: 5
Build quality: 5

The Nordic Track C100 Treadmill was a pleasure to test. Having tested several Nordic Track treadmills in the past, including the T9.2 and T7.2, I was expecting great things from the C100 and I wasn’t disappointed.

Sleek and spacious build

The first notable point about the C100 is its overall look. As soon as you see it, you just know that it’s going to deliver in terms of comfort and performance. In comparison to other models at its price point, it stands out with its large, engaging console, sleek looks and solid build. I was impressed to see that it had a 51cm/20” wide treadbelt. This is the size you get on commercial models in the gym, so it is definitely nice and spacious.The length – 55”/140cm – doesn’t go amiss either. I’m tall (just over 6ft) and I was able to run naturally and confidently. Other treadmills at this price point will often have smaller treadbelts which can make it awkward, particularly for taller runners and sprinters.

Powerful motor

Also common at this price point would be less powerful motors. The C100 boasts a 2.75 CHP (continuous horse power) motor. Being a stronger motor, it means this treadmill offers a max speed of 20km/h and 10% incline. For me, that’s exactly what I’m after. In terms of speed, that’s right up there at the top for a home, non-commercial model and most people wouldn’t need any faster for home use.

Comfort features

Another key selling point about this treadmill is its FlexSelect™ adjustable cushioning. Basically, this allows you to change the feel of the treadbelt. You can either have a firm platform or a more cushioned surface which cuts down the impact on your joints. Personally, I think this functionality is inspired. It caters to everyone’s preferences and it couldn’t be easier to switch either – you simply twist a dial when the deck is lifted up. (Also easy to achieve with the assist lift and drop). And you can tell the difference – it’s not a gimmick. Add the spacious treadbelt size, and it’s the perfect combination.

Engaging and simple console

Nordic Track C100 treadmill console

The console on the C100 is very present. It’s wide and easy to navigate. Unlike other models in this price range that have far smaller consoles that can be tricky and fiddly to use while you’re running, this one is nice and big and has handy one touch incline and speed controls to make things easier. There is also an easy button to locate the programmes so it’s all made very simple. There are 16 programmes in total, which is a decent amount by any home model standards.

The only thing this machine does lack is the iFit Live compatibility you get with many of the other Nordic Track treadmills, such as the T9.2, T17.2 and T23.0. However, if you want that interactive training functionality, you will be looking at a higher price point. Although the C100 lacks the interactive training, it certainly makes up for it with its built in programmes, great looks and attractive price.

Space saving design

Nordic Track C100 treadmill folded

The C100 treadmill folds conveniently

The fact the treadmill can be folded away is definitely a key selling point. For many of us, having a treadmill constantly set up just isn’t practical, so the fact you can store the C100 tidily away is brilliant. It features an assisted drop so it’s very safe to open and close. And it means you can store it tidily without taking up loads of floor space.

Warranty

Nordic’s warranty of lifetime on frame, 10 years on motor and two years parts and labour is very good. One thing to remember though is that you have to register the warranty within 28 days of buying with Nordic Track or the 2 years parts and labour reverts to one year. Don’t be caught out! All details are included in the box with the treadmill. Just don’t forget to look.

Summary

Overall, this is a very high quality home treadmill, which is typical for Nordic Track. It’s a very solid machine, providing a stable platform for users up to 125kg (that’s approximately 19 and a half stone). It’s currently available at an amazing price at Fitness Superstore – just £599. Considering it’s just missing the iFit Live compatibility, I totally recommend it.

Buy Nordic Track C100 Treadmill at FItness Superstore. They have some great 360 degree view images too, so you can get a really good look.

 

 

Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill

Life Fitness F3 treadmillPrice: from £1999
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Overall rating: 4
Ease of use: 5
Console features: 5
Value for money: 4
Comfort: 5
Build quality: 5

If you’re looking for a treadmill to use at home that has more in common with the commercial models, the Life Fitness F3 is a cracking choice. Starting at £1999 (with the Go console – the Life Fitness F3 Treadmill with Track Plus console bumps up the price to £2595) it’s a higher ticket price for a home treadmill but, as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for” and in this instance it’s quality.

The F3 offers excellent build throughout the machine as well as versatile training. Not only does it look the part (it’s really sleek and stylish) but I was particularly content with the running area. I felt very comfortable on the solid treadbelt, and I could really feel the difference from the Flexdeck Shock Absorption, which promises up to 30% reduction on impact. It definitely felt more comfortable than other home models.

As mentioned, you can choose between either the Go or Track Plus console. Both are easy to use and have USB connection, which is great. The Go console is more than adequate with 13 built in training programmes which offer great variety and handy controls like the warm up/cool down. However, if you’re looking for innovation, the Track Plus will certainly deliver as, on top of the 14 programmes, it comes with access to the Life Fitness Virtual Trainer website which lets you download countless more programmes. I also loved the fact I could link my iPad and access RunSocial (formally Paofit). It’s compatible with Android™ and Apple® fitness apps. Great!

As already said, the console is easy to use and a pretty cool feature is the “walk, jog, run” preset buttons. A brilliant quick use option.

One thing I can’t fail to point out is the fact that the F3 is fairly large for a home treadmill. But you can forgive that because the result is a far superior treadmill in terms of stability. It’s therefore brilliant that the treadmill folds. For me, it’s not critical I have a treadmill that folds, but if space is an issue, it’s great as it folds away so smoothly and is easy to manoeuvre. So it might be a bit big and bulky but it can still be conveniently stored away when not in use.

The warranty for the F3 treadmill is lifetime on frame and lifesprings, 10 years on motor and 3 years parts and labour.

Summary

The F3 folding treadmill from Life Fitness is as close to perfection as you will get within this price bracket. The deck is firm yet supportive, the console looks sleek and minimalist yet loaded with features, the price is on the high side but you’re paying for top quality equipment and the ease of use is second to none. Overall a great running experience can be had on the F3, especially if you link your iPad/tablet to it and take advantage of the apps that are available. The best one in my opinion is Runsocial by Paofit.

Buy at Fitness Superstore:

Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill with Go console
Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill with Track Plus console