Echelon Stride Review

Presently discontinued, the Echelon Stride was the brand’s first entry into the treadmill market, and one that leveraged the same qualities and values as the brand’s line of indoor cycles, rowing machines, and video workout mirrors. Looking at this unit, there’s a lot to consider. It does offer a clever folding design and is much more compact than most other treadmills on the market right now, an advantage for folks in smaller spaces. On the other hand, it does bring smaller rollers, a less powerful motor, no built-in touchscreen, and a smaller running track compared to competitors like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 mean this unit makes compromises as a trade for its portability and stowing capability. A better match-up frankly would be the Horizon T101 which we’ve reviewed here. But, price matters, and you’d spend more than double on the competition. For those seeking a solid machine on which to walk and jog without the bells and whistles, this might be for you.

Users can bring their own screen to the workout routine and either use the Echelon Fit app, or their own choice of streaming programs. If unfamiliar with training apps, consider this review here of the Echelon program versus iFit, which is typically associated with NordicTrack and ProForm. If you like to watch television while exercising, you won’t have to worry about a big screen getting in your way. Frankly, I see the lack of a built-in screen as a potential plus at this price level. The downside to the larger machines with high-definition screens is they typically only work with one paid app. With the Echelon Stride, you have choices.

PROS

• Low price relative to the quality
• Great for people with limited space
• Auto-fold design
• Engaging exercise programming

CONS

• Low horsepower
• Small running deck
• Short warranty

Echelon Stride Treadmill - Key Specs:

Echelon Stride Key Buying Points

The Echelon Stride is well-suited for a very specific demographic. Being smaller and easier to tuck away than the NordicTrack is a big selling feature for the urban apartment dweller. When folded, the unit is 69.3″ x 31″ x 10.25″, and unfolded it’s only 69″ x 31″ x 49″. It can also tuck under your bed so long as you have about 10 or 11 inches of clearance to slide it under. This cannot be said for its competition.

With those considerations, one does have to consider how frequently they intend to use their machines and how motivated they will be. It’s easy to fall into that ‘out of sight, out of mind’ trap, meaning that once the treadmill is hidden, it becomes easier to ignore.

Training Programs

Echelon has found fans in the market by hiring quality trainers and delivering solid training sessions that keep you going even when you’re reaching exhaustion. With an Echelon United App Membership, one membership gives users access to programming available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With thousands of training programs as well as live streaming provided by trainers, there is an unlimited diversity of routines available. Pricing plans include $39.99 per month monthly, or $33.33 per month for an annual plan, or $29.16 per month for a 2-year commitment. This app works with other Echelon equipment as well and can be taken anywhere as its downloadable on other devices.

Or, with this machine, you can skip the paid app and simply roll this folding unit in front of a television set or just listen to music.

Incline and Horsepower

Ignoring the compact-fold function for a moment, this is a steeply priced treadmill whose specs don’t live up to the competition. Its incline only goes to 12% rather than the standard 15, its motor horsepower is low (1.75HP), and its running deck is more compact than the majority of its competitors. This is a great machine for walking, but marathon runners won’t be satisfied.

Size

A smaller treadmill isn’t always a good thing, but we don’t all have sprawling workout rooms either. The Echelon Stride packs away nicely and makes living with a treadmill in a smaller apartment or home much more tolerable.

Most brands with folding treadmills do their best to make the system simple and painless, and the same can be said for Echelon. The console folds down, then the arms, and then the whole unit (which only weighs 156 pounds) can be tipped upright, taking up a very modest 10-inch depth of footprint. Lean it against a wall, tuck it into a closet, or slide it under the bed—it’s that easy.

The size of course does come with some limitations. The treadmill lacks bells and whistles such having no fan on the console, and there isn’t much storage, just two cup holders. Also, with a 55″ x 20″ running surface, users are certainly able to walk and perhaps jog, but taller people might have trouble reaching full running stride.

Additional Features

Recent Updates

• February 12, 2024: Updated to reflect status as discontinued for the 2024 season
• June 13th, 2021: Updated to reflect warranty change from two-year parts and electronics to one year of limited parts and electronics coverage. Added some FAQs to the page.
• August 7th, 2021: Updated to reflect pricing changes and new information about the fitness app, as well as new FAQs.
• May 22, 2023: Updated specs and ranking based on price.