So you say you like incline training? Equipped with a gianormous 32″ HD touchscreen and -6% decline to 40% incline, exercising on the NordicTrack Commercial X32i is like climbing mountains in a movie theatre. I happen to be a fan of the NordicTrack brand because of its iFit workout app and automatic trainer control, but all that aside, few treadmills on the market can ratchet up a 40%. The times I’ve used the X32i have never been without a broken sweat and burnt quads. Granted, it’s not for everyone. It’s a big machine that requires a lot of space. That’s why we travelled out to NordicTrack’s corporate showroom not just for a trial run of the equipment, but to see it broken down and moved about. After all that, there’s little we didn’t get to do with it from rollers to motors.

Read below to see the complete machine walkthrough and be sure to check out the links to important articles concerning decks, motors, rollers, and belts, if you have any questions about the mechanics. Rest assured, there’s a reason the NordicTrack Commercial X32i is a fan favorite for serious incline training. This treadmill happens to be among those featured in NordicTrack’s Black Friday 2023 specials with price-match guarantee, and you can check that out here.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The NordicTrack Commercial X32i

At TreadmillReviews.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of treadmills so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the treadmills we review. We install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every treadmill we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles on the deck. We listen and record the sound of the motor, we test and measure the incline/decline, try out all aspects of the console and try the treadmill’s features, such as iFit.

Every treadmill we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think. This particular treadmill has been around for many years, and we’ve done previous reviews of the NordicTrack Commercial X32i.

Our reviewers are treadmill and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a professional bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at treadmills, has been on this treadmill, and you can trust his opinion on all of the treadmills he reviews.

In Brief

The 2023 NordicTrack Commercial X32i is a solid, high-end treadmill with the ultimate in HD touchscreens at 32″ as well as incline potential at 40%. An “L” represents a 90% incline, with 45% at the midpoint, if that helps clarify. It’s the epitome of its kind in that respect. Of course, that requires a big 4.25 CHP motor and 462-pound frame. No, it doesn’t fold either, meaning where you put it is where it stays. The other downside I’d observe is that if you opt out of the $39 per month iFit program, the screen’s value falls flat and you lose automatic trainer control. The good news is you’ll get a 30-day free trial of the program with purchase, and the machine comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, the X32i, priced in the $4,500 range, is for serious treadmill fans only. But even if that doesn’t describe you, it never hurts to read on and dream about the bombdiggity of all treadmills.

NordicTrack Commercial X32i Treadmill (2024) - Key Specs:

Star Rating:	4.95-stars
Motor:	4.25 HP
Incline:	-6-40%
Running Area:	22” x 65”
Folding:	No
Top Speed:	12 MPH
Weight Capacity:	300 LBS
Dimensions:	76.5" L x 40" W x 73" H
Built-In Programs:	iFit-enabled

In-Depth Review of the NordicTrack Commercial X32i

Why We Like It

The NordicTrack Commercial X32i is as good as it gets when it comes to incline trainers. I’m not talking about the standard 12 to 15% incline of conventional commercial treadmills here. This thing goes up to an incline of 40%, which makes it a seriously aggressive training unit. Like all NordicTrack units of late, it’s integrated with iFit, the brand’s streaming training service. Your purchase includes a 30-day Family Membership. This treadmill comes equipped with a 32″ touchscreen, which is among the largest for a home treadmill. Considering the interactive style of the iFit workout package, this is the height of immersive exercise technology. Granted, this machine’s price for 2023 tops out at $4,499, making it one of the pricier units around.

It Comes With An Amazing 32″ Console

When I stand on a treadmill and look at the screen, I’m only about 24 inches away from it. When that close to a 32″ screen it feels like a movie screen. The downside is the screen is not compatible with Netflix or other programming, so it’s iFit or bust. Without iFit, the machine still works in a manual mode. But, when used with iFit, you get live trainer-led workouts and treks around the world. One of my favorite training styles is hiking and incline walking and that’s where the X32i really shines. You can hike the mountains of Scotland at inclines of 40% and declines of -6% all while enjoying an interactive programming of National Geographic quality. The Bluetooth speakers are terrific and give you a surround-sound feel given the size of the console.

 

Take a Look at What the NordicTrack X32i Can Do

Video provided by NordicTrack.

Top of the Line Incline and Decline

You’ll be hard pressed to find a bigger incline/decline range than 40% to -6%. I like the variation of incline and decline when using a treadmill as it activates my quads and hamstrings like nothing else. I remember running stadium steps during high school football and you can replicate that here. It’s a given that if you’re looking at the X32i, you’re into serious training. Just a comparison, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has a 12% incline and -3% decline. When combined with the iFit program’s automatic trainer control, you can let the workout do the work of adjusting the incline and speed and do your best to keep up.

Powerful Motor

As you would expect, the NordicTrack X32i requires a large 4.25 CHP motor to power the incline and decline function at up to 12mph. The motor is relatively quiet, but relative is what it is. Your roommates won’t be able to hear this in the next room, but it’s noiser than smaller models. Given the size of this motor, you’ll want to make sure you place the treadmill in a location that can support the overall weight of the machine, which is 462 pounds.

Heart Rate Training

The X32i does not have built-in handlebar sensors like other units, but it is Bluetooth-enabled and the iFit package is designed to sync with ActivePulse and the SmartBeat armband. When I train at an incline, my heart rate jumps quickly, and with the X32i, there’s no question yours will too. The ActivePulse program in conjunct with iFit is easily the best system I’ve ever used and matches up with my FitBits, Apple 7 watch, and Oura Ring in several trials. What I like about ActivePulse technology is the ability of the program to not just monitor your heart rate, but to adjust, and even override, the automatic trainer control’s resistance. So if I’m on an iFit run and the program has me moving up to an incline of 25% and speed of 5mph, but my heartrate is going too high, the little ActivePulse icon on the screen will alert me and communicate the new plan, which can be adjusted again if my heartrate goes down. Frankly, I’m amazed that two completely separate programs can interact that dynamically and still be right as rain about my pulse. ActivePulse technology comes with the machine and the iFit package, but the SmartBeat armband is sold separately by NordicTrack, or often give for free as a promotion.

What We Like:

• Amazing Incline/Decline Function

  This treadmill will go from -6% decline all the way up to an impressive 40% incline, far above many treadmills out there. The higher the incline, the less stress you’ll experience on your joints and the more calories you will burn. It’s a win-win for the user. Incline walking is one of the best ways to get into great shape if you aren’t a runner at heart.

• High-Power Motor

  This treadmill comes with a 4.25 continuous horsepower motor, which is precisely what you should expect to see in a treadmill at this price range. This means the motor will stand up over time no matter what you dish out and can support multiple users per day without dying out.

• Updated Tech

  With the latest update, there’s a lot to talk about here. The machine has improved graphics processing, dual-band WiFi, and (finally) the ability to pair Bluetooth headphones.

• Comfortable Experience

  User comfort tops NordicTrack’s priority list with this treadmill model. Not only do you get a large standard-sized deck at 22 by 65 inches, but you also get their special Reflex^TM cushioning system designed to provide cushioning support that saves your joints without sacrificing the real-life feel this model gives you.

• Giant Touchscreen

  At 32″ you won’t find a screen more dynamic than this. It’s like watching a movie on the big screen during your immersive workout. Bluetooth-enabled, you can use the speakers for surround sound or headphones. When using the Google Maps feature it does indeed feel like you’re traveling the world.

• Bigger Track

  Not only do you get a large standard-sized deck at 22 by 65 inches, but you also get their special Reflex^TM cushioning system designed to provide cushioning support that saves your joints without sacrificing the real-life feel this model gives you. This track is 5″ longer than the industry standard, and if you’re taller than average that helps. I also like the fact that it’s built on 2.5″ rollers, which makes sense given the size of the machine.

• Sufficient Weight Max

  The NordicTrack X32i has a maximum user weight of 300 pounds, which should be sufficient for most users.

What We Don’t Like:

• No Media Shelf

  Because the screen is so large, it doesn’t leave room for an additional media shelf.

• Average Warranty 

  The NordicTrack warranty is a little light given the $4,499 price. The 10-year guarantee on the frame is average, but the 2 years on parts and 1 year for labor is less than what I’d expect for the size and price.

• Sheer Size 

  Measuring 76.5″ x 40″ x 73″ and weighing 462 pounds, this treadmill doesn’t fold and roll away. Make sure you’re flooring is sufficient for this and be prepared for it to remain in place a while.

• Expensive 

  At $4,499, the X32i is top of the line in all categories.

 

This Treadmill Could Be For You If You Want:

• Unlimited workout programs
• Top-notch incline and decline range
• A much larger running surface than competing units offer
• A quiet treadmill motor that can accommodate long-distance running, interval training, and speeds up to 12 mph
• Large, easy-to-read HD touchscreen

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Our Verdict:

All in all, the NordicTrack Commercial X32i is an excellent option for those hoping to see great results from their workout program and need a little extra guidance to get them going. With its large screen, interactive workouts, and overall ease in use, it’s a top-tier product.

With such a strong motor coupled with four user profiles, it’s also a terrific option for families to consider as it should hold up to continuous use very well. As long as you aren’t a larger individual, you should have no problem using this treadmill to crush your fitness goals.

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What’s Changed For This Year
Each year, manufacturers upgrade select models. Larger screens, stronger motors, and better tech are common changes. Occasionally you will see two treadmills with the same name on the manufacturer’s site, which is confusing enough for us treadmill experts, let alone a new consumer. Below is a quick breakdown of what’s new on the latest version of the X32i.

New for 2023

• Price: The machine price has increased.

New for 2022

• AUTOADJUST™: Live control access allows iFit trainers to remotely adjust the incline/decline features throughout workout.
• Google Maps: Plan out specific routes anywhere around the globe, a great tool for event training.

New for 2021 (November 2020 release)