Finding one of the best treadmills can be difficult since you need to find the right balance between all the features you need and a price you can afford. If you’re searching for a high-tech, luxury model for a reasonable price, the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 might be your answer. This is one of our favorite NordicTrack treadmills, an app-integrated (and folding) model with a 10-inch touchscreen and impressive incline and decline options that clocks in at under $2,000.
After putting it to the test, our testers think this sturdy, tech-savvy treadmill is especially suited for beginners looking for a wide variety of training capabilities, both through its speed and incline options and its integration with the iFIT app. Read on for our full NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill review, in which our team of certified personal trainers and fitness fanatics detail their experiences on this high-quality machine. And for more on how we test our products, check out the BarBend equipment testing methodology.
This luxury treadmill offers automatic adjustments to the speed, incline, and decline settings via iFit and through NordicTrack's ActivePulse™ Technology. With a 10-inch touchscreen monitor, you can virtually travel the world as you follow along to the thousands of available iFit classes.
Main Takeaways
- This treadmill features a max speed of 12 miles per hour, a max incline of 12%, and even decline options up to -3%.
- Integrated with iFIT, one of our favorite online training programs.
- The 1.9-inch rollers are below what we’d recommend for a running treadmill.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill Highlights
| Price | $1,999 |
| Max Incline/Decline | 12% incline; -3% decline |
| Max Speed | 12mph |
| Weight Capacity | 300lbs |
| Roller Size | 1.9” |
| Product Dimensions | 64.7” H x 78.5” L X 35.6” W |
While it’s available at a lower price tag, the Commercial 1250 has the same luxurious feel that we’ve experienced on the best NordicTrack treadmills, including the Commercial 2450 and Commercial 1750. The 10-inch tilting touchscreen is integrated with the iFIT app, which offers more than 17,000 on-demand cardio, strength, and mobility classes. iFIT also offers automatic adjustments to speed and incline during select workouts, allowing you to zero in on your session.
We love that the 1250 offers plenty of training options thanks to its -3% decline, 12% incline, and top speed of 12 miles per hour. We’re also big fans of its folding capabilities, which can help you save space in tight quarters.
“This is great for a beginner,” says BarBend tester and marathon runner Carlyle Jantz, specifically citing the machine’s iFIT integration. “There are coaches, programs, and training sessions that have multiple workouts so you have plenty of variety.”
For serious runners, BarBend expert reviewer and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto recommends rollers over 2 inches, so the 1.9-inch rollers on this model leave something to be desired. Rollers are directly responsible for turning the belt, and the smaller they are, the harder they have to work at faster speeds, leading to wear and tear. As such, we recommend this treadmill primarily for casual athletes looking for a machine that can support walking, jogging, and shorter runs.
At under $1,999, the 1250 is more affordable than other smart NordicTrack treadmills, but it’s still a hefty chunk of change. We think it’s an adequate price considering the features on display here, but you can find some of the best treadmills with screens at a lower cost. Of course, not all of them have the trusted NordicTrack name stamped on their side (nor do they offer as impressive a warranty package).
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill
The Commercial 1250 treadmill is a top-notch treadmill from NordicTrack, one of the industry’s top purveyors of cardio fitness equipment. It may not be for everyone looking to spike their heart rate, though. Below are those we think would benefit from this machine and who may want to opt for a different model.
Recommended for:
- Beginners and casual runners looking for a solid treadmill to support hill and interval training
- Those looking for immersive, on-demand cardio classes led by trainers
- People in tight quarters in need of a folding treadmill
Not Recommended for:
- Advanced athletes hoping to sprint on the daily
- Traditionalists disinterested in fitness apps and online coaching
- Folks who hope to store their treadmill in a closet or under a bed when not in use
Our Experience Training With the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill
We had a few different testers put the 1250 through the ringer, including a certified personal trainer and a marathon runner. Both of them scored this treadmill on a scale of 1 (boo) to 5 (yay) in areas such as footprint, durability, adjustability, and tech capabilities. Read on for more detailed thoughts on their experiences.
iFIT
We’re big fans of iFIT, one of the best running apps we’ve tested. Our testers routinely score its workout variety and instruction a 5 out of 5.
BarBend tester and marathon runner Carlyle Jantz was especially taken by iFIT’s selection of scenic runs, which immerse you with a trainer in exotic locations from around the globe. “I enjoyed having an experience like you were actually running or climbing with the instructor on the screen,” says Jantz. “There’s lots of education and explanation in each session. You can do challenges that go through different parts of the world, so there is always something new to watch while doing.”
Jantz also shouted out iFIT’s AutoAdjust feature, which can automatically tailor the treadmill’s speed and incline to your workout. They score this machine’s dynamic programming a 5 out of 5.
Our other tester, however, notes that iFIT can take an annoyingly long time to boot back up if you unplug the treadmill and move it to a new location.
You can use the treadmill without iFIT, of course, but we think the training variety and AutoAdjust capabilities make it an integral part of the 1250’s appeal. The downside is that an iFIT subscription costs an additional $39 per month. You can, however, save a little coin with annual subscriptions.
[Related: iFIT Review]
Tech Capabilities
The Commercial 1250 has a small 10-inch display integrated with iFIT. “I had no issues with the display, which I found super responsive and easy to navigate,” says one of our testers, a certified personal trainer. “And in just a few minutes I was linked up to Wi-Fi and its Bluetooth connection.” They also shouted out the 2-inch speakers, which offered “loud and clear” sound.
The display can also be tilted for easier viewing during runs or while doing one of iFIT’s strength or mobility workouts off the treadmill.
“The console is easy to use,” says Jantz. “Due to its small size, though, the font is very small.” NordicTrack offers larger touchscreens up to 24 inches on the Commercial 2450 and X24 treadmills, but they’ll cost you $2,999 and $3,999, respectively. For the cost of the 2450, you could also check out the Peloton Treadmill — the Peloton app is the only online training program we’d currently recommend over iFIT.
Tech capabilities score a 4 out of 5.
Versatility and Adjustability
The Commercial 1250 can support interval and hill training with a 12% incline, a 3% decline, and a max speed of 12 miles per hour.
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, appreciates how easy it is to make these adjustments during a session. “I found making adjustments during a run to be a breeze,” they say. “There’s buttons that will instantly bring you up to a specific speed, but it was also easy to make micro-adjustments, like from 5.1 to 5.5.”
Jantz likes that there are controls on both the console and the handrails. “The rail controls are in a good position when at higher inclines or speeds, but the screen buttons can be difficult to reach at fast paces and higher incline,” they note.
One other fun detail: During testing, we found the belt took 3.51 seconds to come to a full stop after pulling the safety key. When compared to other treadmills we’ve tested, this is among the fastest.
Noise
It may not be one of the best quiet treadmills, but Jantz was nevertheless impressed by how quiet the 1250 is, scoring it a 4 out of 5 in the category. “I found it very quiet,” they say. “You can hear the motor run when going up in an incline, but it is not much louder than the machine itself. I didn’t hear that much of a foot-pounding sound during high speeds, either.”
We also measured the sound of the 1250 at its highest speed using a decibel reader. The room noise measured 38.7 decibels before use, and during use that rose to 75.2 decibels from 1 foot away and 62.8 decibels from 10 feet away. When set against comparable treadmills, this is about average.
Jantz does note, however, that, while the 1250’s fan is one of the most powerful they’ve seen on a treadmill, it may add a few more decibels to that count. “It’s worth it, I think, since it’s in a position that provides good airflow, even at an incline,” they say.
Stability and Cushioning
You’ll find several NordicTrack models among the best cushioned treadmills, and the 1250 is no exception. While there isn’t a numerical value for how much stress is being reduced on your joints, the cushioning can soften the blow compared to running on pavement.
Our testers also found it to be an extremely stable machine, scoring durability a 4 out of 5. “There is no shaking or wobbling no matter what the speed or incline,” says Jantz. Our other tester agrees, noting that they felt no shaking even at 10 miles per hour.
The deck measures 60 inches long and 20 inches wide, which is exactly what our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer, recommends. “People who intend to run or sprint on their treadmill should look for a running deck of at least 60 inches in length,” she says.
Though you can find some treadmills with a 22-inch deck width, Jantz had no issues with this 20-inch one. “I felt the tread width was appropriate and easy to settle into,” they say. “There’s plenty of room on the sides for foot placement. If you need to bail, your running location is very natural on the tread itself so you don’t kick the front cover or feel like you’re going to fall off the back. Overall, this machine felt very comfortable to use.”
Portability
The 1250 is one of the best folding treadmills we’ve tested. “You can trigger the automatic folding mechanism with your foot,” says Jantz. “The hydraulics allow it to move slowly so you don’t even have to hold onto it as it comes down.”
They continue, “Once folded, the base extends a little bit past where the rails and frame would be, putting the supports for the back of the treadmill right at face or head height for anyone in the 5-foot range. The angle has the belt extending into what you would consider non-treadmill space. This is not slim enough to fit in a closet.”
Jantz wishes the 1250 had a better set of wheels, as the ones on the machine are extremely small. “It’s easy to fold and unfold the base, but actually moving the machine takes some strength,” they say, scoring this machine’s portability a 2 out of 5. “There are some small wheels, but you have to pull the machine down pretty far to access that, which may be difficult for some.”
During testing, we measured the 1250’s felt weight when moving this treadmill around and found it to be 48 pounds.
What to Consider Before Buying the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
Similar to any other home gym essential, there are some important factors to consider with the Commercial 1250. While it’s cheaper than some other high-tech treadmills, you still need to stay within your budget, make sure it fits in your available space, and then coincide your workout style with the size of the motor and rollers.
- Dimensions and Foldability: While the hydraulic lift system allows you to effortlessly fold the deck with one hand, this still isn’t the most compact treadmill in the world, measuring roughly 65 inches tall, 78.5 inches long, and 35.6 inches wide. It’s also not the easiest to move around due to its small wheels, and that’s worth considering if you plan on routinely repositioning this machine.
- Motor and Roller Size: A treadmill’s motor and roller size can directly impact its overall performance. While the 3.0 CHP motor is strong enough to run for an extended period of time, the 1.9-inch rollers are a bit undersized for those training for marathons. So, based on our experience, the 1250 is best suited for some casual running, jogging, and walking.
- Price: The base price tag of the Commercial 1250 is $1,999, but the final price tag is determined by your iFIT membership and whether you want to add any additional warranties or white-glove assembly. You’ll want to factor all of that in and set it against your budget before buying this treadmill.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill Vs. The Competition
It’s always a good idea to compare and contrast home gym equipment, whether it’s the best barbells or a set of adjustable dumbbells. Below, see how the 1250 measures up to some of our other favorite treadmills.
| NordicTrack Commercial 1250 | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | Horizon 7.0 AT | Horizon T101 | |
| Price | $1,999 | $2,499 | $2,100 | $999 |
| Max Incline | 12% | 12% | 15% | 10% |
| Max Speed | 12mph | 12mph | 12mph | 10mph |
| Foldable? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Roller Size | 1.9 inches | 1.9 inches | 2.36 inches | 1.8 inches |
As you can see, these treadmills are pretty similar regarding the specs, but the prices vary across the board. If you’re looking to save as much as possible, then the Horizon T101 Treadmill is hands down your best bet with its $999 price tag. However, you don’t have as steep of an incline or as fast of a top speed, and the 2.5 HP motor is the weakest of the bunch.
Now, if you have extra cash to spend and want the best value on this chart, you should take a hard look at the Horizon 7.0 AT. It’s cheaper than the Commercial 1250 and 1750, plus it has a 15% incline, the same top speed as those aforementioned treads, and the 2.36-inch rollers are perfect for runners.
The two main reasons someone would want to buy the Commercial 1750 are the 3.5 CHP motor and the 14-inch touchscreen monitor. But we included it on this list to point out that not everyone necessarily needs a stronger motor or a larger touchscreen monitor. The Commercial 1250 features the same-sized rollers, speed, and incline settings. So, if you want to stick to the NordicTrack brand and aren’t training for a marathon, that’s likely your best bet.
Places to Buy the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill
You can purchase the Commercial 1250 directly from the NordicTrack website or via third-party retailers like Amazon and DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
NordicTrack offers an extensive line of cardio equipment, from treadmills to best ellipticals, rowers, and exercise bikes. Your purchase comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you aren’t satisfied with your product, you’re eligible for a full refund. To contact their support team, you can call them at 1-888-308-9616.
Warranties
Your purchase comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame of the 1250, a two-year warranty on parts, and one year for labor. You also have the option to purchase the extended warranty plan for $180 to receive an extra three years on parts and labor. Or, you can purchase the three-year maintenance plan to get an extra two years on parts and labor and have someone conduct a 15-point inspection on the tread once a year for three years.
Final Thoughts on the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill
We walked, jogged, and ran on this top-notch NordicTrack treadmill and came away with a few thoughts. One, this is an all-purpose treadmill with a speed and incline range that should satisfy athletes of all stripes, but it’s probably best suited for beginners, as its 1.9-inch rollers aren’t designed to stand up to frequent sprints and intense intervals.
Secondly, this treadmill works hand in hand with the iFIT training platform, and if you’re not interested in trainer-led fitness classes, you could save a few bucks with a non-smart model. If you benefit from on-demand classes, though, you’ll find a lot to like about this treadmill. The classes encompass not just cardio, but also strength and mobility, allowing this treadmill to function like one of the best smart home gyms. Also, iFIT allows for automatic adjustments to speed and incline, which is a nifty feature that can take some of the stress out of your workouts. Just remember that it costs an additional $39 a month.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill FAQs
How much does the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill cost?
This treadmill has a starting price tag of $1,999, but you could spend upwards of $3,000 with the optional add-ons. This is an excellent price point for a treadmill of this caliber, and we think it’s worth the money.
Are there any programmed workouts on the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill?
No, NordicTrack does not offer programmed workouts with their cardio equipment. However, first-time NordicTrack buyers will receive a free 30-day trial to iFIT with their purchase, and you can always use the manual workout mode.
Does the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill fold?
Yes. The hydraulic lift system makes it effortless to fold the 1250.
