best treadmill fail

Trying to follow a workout and constantly fiddling with the controls is enough to make anyone frustrated. The NordicTrack T Series 5 starts off promising with its sleek 5″ LCD display, but I quickly noticed that the interface isn’t as intuitive as I hoped.

The device shelf is handy, but if you’ve got a thick phone case, fitting your device can be a tight squeeze.

One of the biggest perks is the powered by iFIT feature. I loved how the treadmill automatically adjusted to the trainer’s pace and terrain—no manual tweaking needed.

It felt like having a personal coach right there with me, especially with the Google Maps workouts that made running feel more immersive. Still, I had to keep my phone nearby because syncing with apps like Garmin and Apple Health wasn’t seamless.

The cushioning was surprisingly comfortable, making long sessions easier on my joints. The 0-10% incline and speeds up to 10 MPH gave enough variety for walking, jogging, or sprinting.

But the real game-changer was the ActivePulse heart rate feature, which kept me in the right zone without constant monitoring.

That said, I did notice some issues. The SmartAdjust feature, while clever, sometimes overreacted, making abrupt changes that disrupted my rhythm.

Plus, the subscription for iFIT is a must-have for most features, which adds to the overall cost. Still, for the price, it offers a lot, even if it’s not perfect.

Imagine you’re trying to squeeze in a quick workout after a long day, and you pull out the NordicTrack T Series 9 from your closet. It’s surprisingly heavy for a foldable model, and as you unfold it, you notice the frame feels sturdy but a bit bulky for tight spaces.

The 10″ tilting touchscreen is pretty sharp, but I found the angle a bit awkward to get just right. Still, it’s nice to have a clear view whether you’re running or doing off-treadmill classes like yoga.

Streaming your favorite shows with the iFIT app is a game-changer, especially when you’re tired of staring at a boring wall.

The SmartAdjust feature is pretty slick. During a workout, I noticed the treadmill automatically increased the incline when I was climbing hills in a workout, which kept things challenging without me having to fuss with buttons.

The automatic speed and incline adjustments really do make you feel like you’ve got a personal trainer guiding you.

However, the built-in cushioning, SelectFlex, is hit or miss. It’s nice that you can switch from soft to firm, but I found the soft setting still felt a little too hard for my joints.

Plus, the fold-up mechanism isn’t as smooth as I’d like—pressing the foot bar felt a bit stiff at times.

Overall, it’s packed with features, but the weight and size make it less ideal for small spaces. If you’re after a smart, interactive treadmill and don’t mind the price, it’s a solid choice.

Just be prepared for some minor inconveniences in setup and storage.

The moment I unboxed the THERUN Foldable Treadmill, I was impressed by how sleek and compact it looked. The foldable design with built-in wheels made it easy to move around, even for someone like me with limited space.

Its sturdy build and the textured, non-slip running surface immediately gave me confidence that this wasn’t just another cheap treadmill.

During my first run, I appreciated the quiet 3.0 HP motor. It didn’t drown out my music or disturb my neighbors, which was a huge plus.

The 18″ LED display is clear, and I loved toggling through the 15 preset programs to keep my workouts varied. It was straightforward to track my stats—time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate—all at a glance.

The incline feature was surprisingly smooth and easy to adjust, especially when I wanted to simulate uphill running. The 0-6% range added a nice challenge without feeling like a chore.

Plus, the shock absorption system provided a cushioned feel that made longer sessions much more comfortable on my knees and joints.

What really stood out was how simple it was to fold up and store away after my workout. The automatic lowering feature is convenient, and the compact folded size fits perfectly in my apartment corner.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for home use—powerful, versatile, and space-efficient—though it’s not without a few quirks.

After extended use, I noticed a few limitations. The maximum speed of 9 MPH might be too slow for serious runners, and the build quality, while decent, feels a bit lightweight for heavier users.

Cranking up the incline to 8% instantly turns your living room into a mini hiking trail—it’s a game changer. I found myself sweating more and feeling like I was actually tackling outdoor terrain, which made the workout feel more real and less monotonous.

The 41.7″ x 15″ belt is surprisingly spacious, giving you plenty of room to stretch out and find your rhythm. It’s smooth, even at higher speeds, without that jittery feeling some compact treadmills have.

The transition between speeds feels seamless, thanks to those handy shortcut buttons, so you can go from a gentle warm-up to a full sprint without breaking stride.

The 15.2″ LED display is bright and easy to read, showing all your key stats at a glance. I appreciated the pre-installed programs that kept my workouts varied and engaging, especially on days I needed a little motivation.

Folding it up is straightforward, and the compact design meant I could park it out of the way when not in use.

Connecting to the YPOOFIT app was a bonus, adding some guided workouts and challenge options. It kept me motivated and gave a sense of community, even during solo sessions.

But, I did notice that the assembly was a bit fiddly, with some parts needing patience, and the incline adjustment is manual, which can interrupt your flow.

Overall, this treadmill offers solid features for its price, especially with the incline and spacious belt. It’s perfect for home use, whether you’re walking, jogging, or sprinting.

Just be prepared for a little setup time and manual incline adjustments, but those are minor hiccups in an otherwise good package.