The Nordic Track X5 Incline Trainer is an updated version on the older popular X5 trainer. Nordic Track has teamed up with Jillian Michaels (the personal trainer from 'The Biggest Loser') to introduce this new breed of incline trainer.
You get up to 40% incline which can help you burn 5X the calories (vs walking on a flat treadmill). You also get a 3D visual workout console, iFit card reader for interactive workouts with Jillian Michaels, iPod dock with speaker system and a Random Trail generator to change up your workouts.
Incline training is also great if you want the calorie-burning, toning effects of a running workout - without the harsh toll that running takes on the body.
Is the X5 a good fit for you? Here's a quick review to help you decide:
Quick Stats:
Price: $2999
Motor: 3.0 HP
Speed: 0 -10 MPH
Incline: 0-40%
Treadbelt: 20 x 51"
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes with Wireless Chest Strap
Workout Programs: 9 Incline Trainer Programs + iFit workouts + Random Trail Generator
Warranty: 5 Years on motor, 90 days parts and labor
iPod dock with Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0 EQ Sound System
Strengths:
1) Burn Up To 5X More Calories with up to 40% Incline - The X5 gives you up to 40% inclines. (Most treadmills offer inclines of 10-12%).
Incline walking forces your muscles through a greater range of motion and you can burn 3X more calories (walking on a 25% incline) and 5X more calories (walking on a 40% incline) as compared to walking on a flat incline.
And one of the best things about incline walking is that you can burn even more calories than jogging - without the wear and tear that running takes on your body.
2) Work Out With Jillian Michaels from 'The Biggest Loser' - The Nordictrack Incline Trainer X5 has an iFit card reader. Nordic Track has teamed up with Jillian Michaels to make specialized iFit workout cards. (iFit cards store up to 8 weeks of interactive workouts). You actually get Jillian's voice coaching you through your workouts. Very cool.
3) Watch Your Workout in 3-D - The Grafixx Hi-Altitude Display shows your incline progress in 3D. You can watch your workout from a distance, winding up a virtual mountainside, change angles to a different perspective. You can also zoom in to see a virtual person running up the trail with you.
4) Random Trail Generator To Keep You Challenged - In addition to the iFit workouts you also get 9 built-in incline trainer workouts. The Random Trail Generator takes these workouts and rearranges them. This keeps things fresh and challenging since you never know what you're going to get.
5) Listen To Your Favorite Music Through the Advanced 2.0 Console Speaker System - You can plug your iPod or MP3 player into the built-in audio jack and listen to your favorite music or audiobooks while you workout. The Intermix Acoustics 2.0 EQ Sound system is more advanced than other treadmill sound systems and gives you much better sound quality than previous models
Weaknesses:
The warranty is bit weak here - 90 days on parts and labor for a machine this price is a little disappointing. You'll definitely want to pick up some extra coverage on checkout.
Also, the X5 is very similar to the Nordic Track X3 incline trainer - but with a slightly longer warranty and stronger motor. Personally we don't think this justifies the higher price. So we'd probably go with the X3 (provided the price stays the same) as it's a better value.
Overall Conclusion: Good Machine - But Try the X3 Instead
The Nordic Track X5 is a huge improvement over past incline trainers. It gives you a 40% incline and all the goodies to boot - including free Jillian Michaels workouts, advanced sound system, 3-D console and iPod music port.
All things considered however, you can get a similar incline trainer in the Nordic Track X3 for several hundred dollars less - so we'd probably pick that one instead.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy the Nordic Track X5 and the X3 at a discount direct from the Manufacturer. You can see any discounts they're having and often save on shipping and sales tax.
