NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Trainer Review

We’ve tested small treadmills, we’ve tested big treadmills. We’ve tested the goods, and not so good of the running machine world. But we can say hand on heart we’ve not tested many quite like the Commercial X32i incline trainer from NordicTrack. Here’s what we found when we took a close up look at this behemoth from one of the biggest brands in home fitness…

As always we had to start with the assembly. This time though it couldn’t be easier. And that’s because nothing is easier than letting someone else do all the work while you sit back washing down some chocolate digestives with a nice cup of tea and reading the paper. The X32i comes with delivery and installation included in the price (unless you happen to live on an island or some other more remote location, and even then NordicTrack will still be able to get it to you, albeit for a small fee) which makes installation a complete non-issue.

With the hard work of reading the paper and washing down all those biscuits with cups of tea out of the way it was time to work off some calories and find out what the X32i is all about. But before that the first thing to mention is the presence of this machine. It has it in abundance. With a footprint of 194.3cm 101.6cm (76.5” x 40) and standing 185.4cm (73”) tall the X32i would look at home in any commercial gym. Stood on it’s own platform that raises the 55cm x 165cm (21.6” x 65”) deck clean off the floor to enable it to reach steeper maximum incline/decline levels and along with the extra-large multi-grip handles, it has the effect of making this model look and feel like a proper gym machine, and like a proper gym machine the X32i does not fold. It doesn’t fold and it weighs 138kg (304.2lbs) so not only does it look like a piece of commercial equipment, it also has the physical attributes of one. As such it’s worth keeping in mind that the X32i will need its own dedicated space. This is not a machine that you’re going to be moving around once it’s installed.

It’s not just the bulky nature of the X32i that puts it into the hardcore category, however. There’s a very powerful 4.25 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus motor installed which has enough oomph in it to make light work of driving the running belt up to its maximum 22kph (13.7). When the incline is set to its monstrous maximum 40% setting with testers weighing over 116kg on it, it still performs brilliantly giving us a lot of confidence in this model. Given the maximum user weight of 136kg (300lbs) it’s tempting to think that it should make it look that easy, but in our experience, most machines will start to let you know they’re working hard as you start to push them to the limit. Not so with X32i which just seems to absorb anything you throw at it and just smile back at you. For safety reasons, as the incline goes beyond +15% the max speed becomes gradually more limited until on inclines beyond +25% and -5% it’s limited to 9.7kph (6mph). While the hardcore out there may be a little disappointed that you can’t sprint at full speed on a +40%/-6% incline, take it from us that this is a good thing. Safety is paramount when using this type of equipment and the speeds that it does allow are more than suitable for the sort of incline you’re running on. In any case, have you tried running at nearly 14 miles per hour up a 40% gradient lately? The challenge on offer here is more than enough for all but the superhuman amongst us and we think NordicTrack has been wise to take this approach.

Stepping up on the X32i the first time is an mini-event and once you’re standing on the deck you instantly feel superior to everything around you. It’s a proper platform that offers acres of space making it feel safe, even for a complete novice. The first thing you’re greeted with as you step up is the truly enormous 32” full-colour touch-screen pivoting display. It’s a thing of beauty and does an amazing job, providing a first-class user interface. It’s hard to overstate the impact that having a huge 32″ screen has on the experience you get from this machine. The display beams out large, easy-to-see characters, navigating menus is a doddle, making manual adjustments in the middle of your workout is suddenly super-easy with no squinting or moving closer to the screen to see better, and the interactive HD video workouts are great on a screen this size and take interactive training to another level. It’s an absolute joy to use and is one of the outstanding features of this incline trainer.

The first job before you can get started is to connect the X32i to a WiFi network and download the latest software updates. Thankfully, thanks to a few years of system refinement on the part of NordicTrack this is easy enough to do and once completed this incline trainer is ready for action. ..

As an iFit subscriber, you get the ability to map out your own custom running routes on Google Maps, access to a huge library of thousands of high-definition workout videos led by professional personal trainers, the chance to race against other iFit members and personalised advice for nutrition, exercise routines and sleep schedules.  There’s also a daily updated map based workout that takes you on a different run each day just to keep things interesting. The huge, clear, touchscreen display is responsive and intuitive to use and navigating around, for the most part, can be done without referring to the user manual. The only thing to bear in mind is that all accessible programmes on the X32i and iFit® Coach, with the exception of the manually controlled workout, require a Wi-Fi-based internet connection to work.

The console relays live training information including incline level, vertical gain, vertical loss, elapsed time, calories burned, calories per hour, distance, speed, pace, and heart rate and there’s a 400m (1/4 mile) virtual track. All the data can be displayed in several different ways depending on your selection so tracking your progress and performance during a workout is a simple matter. Despite the fact that it offers a vast array of ways to train, the X32i never gets away from its core function as an incline trainer. With a -6% to +40% incline range, a huge running area, and the excellent ReFlex™ cushioning system that delivers a superb run and gym-style handles that you will be using if you start to test yourself against this machine does a first-class job. Whether you want to use it as an out and out treadmill or plan to push yourself on serious hill climbs and descents this is a training machine that most definitely delivers.

Other features include  Bluetooth® Smart wireless receiver (chest belt included), heart rate measurement via Dual EKG pulse grips (though we’d recommend the use of the chest belt wherever possible), 3.5mm music port for iPod®/mp3 playback and two 3″ speakers which do a good job of delivering a clear sound. There’s also a pair of AutoBreeze™ adjustable workout fans and an accessory tray that’s large enough to accommodate anything you’re likely to going to need to use it for. Being a NordicTrack machine the X32i is covered by a lifetime frame, 10-year motor, 2-year parts, and labour (if registered within 28 days of purchase)

There’s really nothing not to like about this machine. It simply ticks all the boxes as both an incline trainer and a treadmill. It’s not just gadgets either. This is a high-quality piece of equipment that does what it does in a way that makes you smile. It’s pretty much guaranteed to keep you motivated and entertained and judging by the build quality it should last a long, long time.

Best Price

Currently available for £3999.00 from John Lewis

Review Summary - In Brief

The NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Trainer is a gym-quality incline trainer and treadmill that's superb at its job.  It's built as well as anything you'll find in a lot of gyms and offers an array of training options. Your fitness goals can be anything from losing weight to improving cardio fitness to rehabilitation, to marathon or extreme marathon training, and the X32i will deliver for you. Our experience of the X32i was top-drawer from start to finish. If you don't need that super-step incline though, then we'd recommend taking a look at the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 which features a 22 inch screen and a 3% decline function as well as a 12% incline, and will save you a good deal of cash into the bargain!

NordicTrack Commercial X32i Specifications

  • 4.25 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus motor
  • 0 – 22kph (0 – 13.7mph) speed range with 1-Touch™ speed keys
  • -6% – 40% incline range with 1-Touch™ incline/ decline keys
  • 55cm (21.6”) x 165cm (65”) running belt
  • 2.5” precision machined and balanced non-flex rollers
  • 31.5” Smart HD touchscreen display with added Processor Cooling
  • Feedback: Speed, time, distance, calories, incline, pulse
  • ReFlex™ cushioning technology
  • Included workouts: Manual mode, daily updated map workout. Selection of streamed video-based workouts.
  • 30-day Free iFit trial included (Verified payment details required for iFit sign up. Auto-renews at the end of the trial period unless cancelled)
  • iFit workouts: Thousands of on-demand video workouts streamed via iFit (subscription required).
  • Programmes and iFit® Coach require a Wi-Fi based Internet connection
  • Heart rate measurement via Bluetooth Smart wireless receiver (chest strap optional), ActivePulse™ technology (armband sold separately)
  • Audio: iPod®/mp3 player compatible Bluetooth® audio and two 3-inch digitally amplified speakers, Bluetooth® headphones connectivity
  • Conveniences: Dual AutoBreeze™ adjustable workout fans, AutoAdjust™ technology, transportation wheels, accessory tray,
  • Product weight: 170kg (375lbs)
  • Max. User Weight: 136kg (300lbs)
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 196cm (77”) x 102cm (40”) x 185cm (73”)
  • Mains power supply
  • Warranty: Lifetime frame, 10-year motor, 2-year parts, and labour (if registered within 28 days of purchase)

NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Trainer - Console / Display Unit

NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Trainer - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Huge, comfortable running area
  • Powerful, quiet motor
  • Huge range of incline settings from -6% - +40%
  • 2.5" front and rear rollers
  • Excellent cushioning
  • 32" touch-screen display is a joy to use
  • Professional installation included in the price

The Cons

  • Only if you have the space for it
NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Trainer Reviewer Ratings

Power - 9
Appearance - 9
Running Area - 9
Comfort - 9
Reliability - 9
Noise - 9
Ease Of Use - 9
Controls - 9
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 8.5
Best Price

Currently available for £3999.00 from John Lewis

Also see our Treadmill Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

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