NordicTrack T 7.5 S – Pros & Cons (2024)

The NordicTrack T 7.5 S is the mid-level model among the T Series, primarily available on Amazon.com. A solid, smaller unit without the Cadillac features of pricier models, it’s a perfect little treadmill for entry-level home use. The good news is this kind of treadmill is exactly what most home fitness fans are asking for, nothing fancy, just good performance. Priced on Amazon between $1,000 and $1,200, it comes ready to work with iFit.

This model reminds me a lot of the NordicTrack EXP 7i and Horizon T101, and if you’re shopping between those models, give this a solid read. As a competitive bodybuilder, this is the kind of unit most of my friends would like to use three or four times a week for cutting. A little small for a long-distance marathon runner, these types of treadmills are for the average user that wants hiking, jogging, and hard walking.

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 T 7.5 S is popular among online shoppers.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The NordicTrack T 7.5 S

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 T 7.5 S.

Our reviewers are treadmill and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive 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.

Editors Brian and Jessica visit the iFit showroom and corporate headquarters in Logan, Utah for training with their lineup. Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

In Brief

The 2024 NordicTrack T 7.5 S is a solid, mid-priced treadmill at the $1,000 to $1,200 level, depending on sales features. Along with the T 6.5 S and T 8.5 S, it’s available on Amazon.com. This model comes with the 7″ high-definition touchscreen and works well for those not wanting a big, flashy monitor that swivels and pivots. That smaller screen is a big factor in the lower price. Built with a 2.75 CHP motor and 20″ x 55″ deck, you’ll see most specs here are nearly identical to the NordicTrack T 8.5 S except for the screen and motor. As with all iFit products, including ProForm and Freemotion, the NordicTrack treadmills are built to work with that program and feature Bluetooth-enabling, automatic trainer control, and both live and on-demand programming for any type of workout you can image. Purchase comes with a free 30-day trial to the program, after which it’s $15 per month for an individual or $39 per month for the family.

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NordicTrack T 7.5 S – Pros & Cons (2024) - Key Specs:

In-Depth Review of the NordicTrack T 7.5 S

Why We Like It

The NordicTrack T 7.5 S is a smaller unit without the bells and whistles, priced under $1,200 range. The refreshed model coming for 2024 features a few changes but nothing particularly striking. Measuring 78.9″ x 35.5″ x 59.4″ it sports up to 300 pounds in user weight and comes with 30 days of the iFit app included. The unit is built with a 7″ interactive display and a 2.75 CHP, SMART-Response motor. This model comes with a 20″ x 55″ tread belt, which means taller runners may struggle to stretch out their legs when running, but it’s ideal for jogging and walking programs.

A Workable 7″ Console

Let’s face it, not everyone wants a big flashy screen like those on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 or ProForm 2000. If you’re just into the screen for the metrics of the workout, then in my experience, a 7″ monitor is plenty big given you’re only a few feet from it while using it. This screen is just a little longer than a normal smartphone. That said, you’ll be able to use it with iFit no problem. The treadmill also comes with an AutoBreeze fan and two 2″ speakers compatible for Bluetooth headphones. The included 30-day iFit plan gives you a taste of the program. A couple downsides to point out up front, since these are top questions about any NordicTrack or ProForm machine. Yes, you can use the treadmill without continuing the $39 per month iFit package, but, but, but, the screen is then only good for the manual workouts. Without iFit, you’ll lose the automatic trainer control and access to live and on-demand workouts. And no, unfortunately this screen is not compatible with Hulu, just that iFit program.

Heart Rate Training Options

The T 7.5 S comes Bluetooth-enabled and is built to work with the iFit app and syncs with ActivePulse by way of a SmartBeat armband. I happen to be a big fan of the SmartBeat armband and ActivePulse program which I’ve used now on several NordicTrack models. What’s unique 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 hike through Scotland and the program has me walking up a mountain with an incline of 5% at 5 mph, 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.

The NordicTrack treadmills sync with iFit’s SmartBeat armband monitor for heartrate monitoring.

Good Incline Features

The 2024 NordicTrack T 7.5 S has a 12% incline and speed up to 12 mph, which is plenty for most users, particularly those seeking a budget-minded model. I’ve never failed to work up a sweat with an incline max of 12% or 12mph. The other ends of the extreme would be the NordicTrack X22i and X32i, which both sport 40% inclines. The big downside to those models is they’re twice the price and significantly larger machines. Whether using one of iFit’s travel workouts or the iFit’s Google Maps, these incline/decline settings really do mimic the hills and hollers of tracks in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, or even Antarctica.

Easily Folded Up and Stored Away

I love folding treadmills and have written extensively about them here. Don’t think folding means flimsy. Quite the opposite. With the patented EasyLift Assist button, you can simply lift up the rear of the unit and watch it slide up into place. It’s also incredibly simple to unfold thanks to the hydraulics, and you can read my step-by-step here with pictures. The whole process times out at about 8 seconds up, and 12 seconds down, per my own stopwatch, on nearly every NordicTrack treadmill I’ve seen. Folding treadmills roll easily about a floor on two front-mounted wheels. But they’re also easier to keep clean, repair, and lubricate the belts. If you do want to roll the unit to the side of the room when not in use, you’ll find the process easier than moving a bookshelf.

What We Like:

·         7″ Touchscreen

If you’re not wanting a large, swiveling monitor, then a 7″ touchscreen is probably ideal for you. About the same size as a smartphone, you can flip between workout programs, check calories and miles, and use iFit so you can take advantage of on-the-go fitness guidance. You’ll also be able to jog along real roads by checking out Google Street Views or using HD video feature that offers exercise paths around the world.

·         iFit Treadmill Workouts

This treadmill’s 12% decline/incline feature syncs with the elevations and dips of the landscape you choose to explore through iFit’s Google Maps feature, ensuring that it really does feel like you’re running outside on that terrain. This feature is ideal for those who struggle to stay motivated to keep exercising as it allows you to explore new locations. The incline is fast and quiet, going up and down at a rate of about 1 second each degree.

·        iFit Data Tracking

iFit keeps tabs on fitness stats with every session. Whenever a workout is completed, the data is logged into the treadmill and then paired with any other device on iFit. This makes getting exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations easier.

·       Bluetooth Audio

Bluetooth audio capabilities allow you to listen to your favorite workout playlists through Premium Audio Speakers wirelessly, as well as sync with any number of other devices. The ability to connect instructor-led training to your Bluetooth headphones is a nice plus. I’ve never had a problem syncing with my unit and I even have satellite Internet. It usually takes about 5 seconds to connect.

·         Cushioning Preferences

Prepping for a road on a cushy deck makes things too easy. This treadmill offers the ability to turn the cushioning on or off according to your preferences so you can save your joints and use the cushioning only when you need it. Keep in mind that by having it off, you’re adding 30% more impact to your joints, so you shouldn’t train this way in the long term.

·         Cooling Options

If you want to stay cool while you run or walk, the T 7.5 S’s dual AutoBreeze workout fans will do the trick. While this may seem like a treadmill luxury rather than a necessity, it’s definitely nice to have while you work out.

·         Weight Capacity

This is a pretty heavy-duty treadmill and can support users of up to 300 pounds.

What We Don’t Like:

·         iFit-Dependent

Yes, the machine will work without the $15 to $39 per month iFit program, but you’ll lose all the features which make the treadmill a great buy. The treadmill effectively goes into a manual-only mode as there are no built-in programs.

·         Hard to Assemble

If there is any option for professional in-home assembly, I would recommend taking it. I outline the steps of treadmill right here but go ahead and figure on needing at least three friends and an hour. There’s really no way for you to do this alone. I’ve assembled Echelon, NordicTrack, and ProForm units myself and come to the conclusion you’re just better off having it done by the moving team.

This Treadmill Could Be For You If You Want:

• A budget-priced treadmill without the bells and whistles
• 12% Incline
• A treadmill for walking and jogging workouts
• Interactive programming and Bluetooth heartrate monitoring

Our Verdict:

The NordicTrack T 7.5 S is a go-to for those online shoppers who prefer Amazon.com and aren’t interested in big fancy screens. Even if you’re not into iFit, this is a mobile little unit that can folded and rolled over to the television screen for entertainment during runs. Priced between $1,000 and $1,200, it’s a budget-friendly priced unit from a top name in fitness. Other comparable units I’d recommend would be the NordicTrack EXP 7i and Horizon T101.

Recent Updates

• July 13, 2021: Added some FAQs to the page.
• October 31, 2023: Updated specs and facts