NordicTrack T12.2 Folding Treadmill Review

NordicTrack comes from the world’s largest fitness equipment manufacturer ‘Icon Health and Fitness’, as do some other well-known subsidiary companies such as ProForm. Consequently, amongst such a collectively massive array of ranges there’s bound to be certain similarities between some machines. The very observant among you will notice that this machine bears a striking resemblance to the ProForm 1350 ZLT that we reviewed a short time ago but now it’s the NordicTrack’s T12.2 time to be put through it’s paces!

The T12.2 certainly has ‘pace’ boasting an impressive top speed of just over 12 miles per hour (20 km/h). We won’t make too many references to the ProForm equivalent as that’s not the purpose of the review BUT it is worth noting that despite having the same power under the hood and the same 1 ¾” diameter rollers, we did notice the T12.2 was marginally quieter at top speed than the ProForm which solves the slight issue we raised about noise levels in that review. It’s a strange finding on such similar machines so we can only equate it to be the result of using two visibly different compositions of running belt. Whatever the reason, the T12.2 performed with minimum fuss.

The build quality of the entire machine is very good and feels reassuringly sturdy in use and it’s certainly robust enough to cater for heavier users. Nordic themselves rate it as capable of coping with up to 23 stone, backed up by an extensive warranty of a Lifetime guarantee on the frame, 10 years motor (parts only) and 2 years parts and labour warranty.

The running area is a fairly roomy 51cm (20”) x 147cm (57.8”) which is only a couple of inches shorter than most ‘full-size’ machines costing double this one, so that’s great news for taller users. However, it’s the cushioning system used underneath that poses some concerns. Basically it’s VERY bouncy!! Now there are clear pros and cons to this…If you’re workouts mainly consist of walking, jogging, endurance or slower paced, weight loss sessions then this ‘DualFlex system’ is highly recommended to keep your joints well protected. However, if you’re more of a speed-freak and want to shave milliseconds off of your personal best sprint times, then we’d rule out the T12.2 as it’s remarkably ‘springy’.

In most of our reviews of ‘Icon-built’ machines we usually manage to squeeze in a brief gripe about the slight concern we have about the start button from a safety aspect and the T12.2 forces us to once again repeat ourselves…Most treadmills give fair warning that the belt is about to start moving a few seconds before it does – the reason is obvious – yet sadly, the logic doesn’t seem so clear or important to Nordic Track. Press ‘start’ and the belt almost instantly sets off at 2 km/h so please remember to start stepping straight away and ensure that children are well supervised if the treadmill is left on!

On a more optimistic note, in no time at all the clearly laid out and intuitive console becomes fondly familiar and makes setting up programs quick and logical. In the middle are the buttons that give access to the 24 inbuilt programs. There’s a varied selection and even ‘Manual’ is rather engaging showing a ¼ mile track filling up with white segments as you progress and displaying the number of laps you’ve completed.

The other program buttons are labeled ‘Calorie,Intensity, Incline and Speed and there are 6 pre-set workouts in each one ranging from 20 minute sessions to 60 minute challenges. Variety is crucial to stop workouts becoming predictable and boring so the selection here is excellent. The only noticeable drawback we found is contained in the ‘Calorie’ workouts. Burning calories is such a popular objective that we feel it’s a shame that there is no provision to store your personal data such as gender, age, height and weight to make the calorie consumption figures more accurate.

With that said, if it’s training precision you’re after the T12.2 can get a whole lot more serious . iFit Live compatibility gives you the option of saving workouts, setting specific goals, tracking progress and even creating your own courses from anywhere on Google maps! In fact, the possibilities are rather overwhelming to the point where it’s best advised that you sit down at your computer on the iFit website and thoroughly explore this very clever (albeit slightly confusing) software! Meantime, if you want a little taster of what you can expect from the hundreds of unique programs available to download on the site there are some demo workouts like ‘Death Canyon Part 1’ and ‘Central Park 2’ built into the console.

If all that sounds a bit too complex then fear not, the standard features are a doddle to use. Adjusting the speed and incline is particularly effortless thanks to the vertical strips of quick keys on either side of the console. On the left is 12 buttons – one for each of the 12 levels of incline and on the right you have the same going up to 12 miles per hour. This really does give to total control of the intensity levels at one touch of a button – Fantastic! Especially when utilized during interval training.

NordicTrack are renowned for feature rich machines so it’s no big surprise that this model is iPod compatible, and there are even volume controls on the console. What was a surprise was how good the inbuilt speakers sounded when we plugged an MP3 into the 3.5mm jack plug! The cooling fan was a pleasant surprise too, in that unlike so many treadmill fans, this one DID do a good job in blowing some cool air, plus it also has a clever auto setting so that it turns off automatically

The patented ‘Space Saver’ design means that the T12.2 is a great choice for those who want a spacious machine to workout on but a fairly compact footprint when folded. Furthermore, it’s easy to get it into that folded position too, thanks to the ‘lift assist’ hydraulic mechanism which reduces the weight of the deck to approximately 20 kilos. Also, there are 2 transport wheels to allow for fairly manageable maneuvering.

So what’s the verdict? Well there’s clearly an abundance of positive things we’ve mentioned about the NordicTrack T12.2 and really the only ‘mixed’ report stems from the cushioning system. It’s fantastic for jogging, less ideal for running, but perfect for those wanting loads of usable and enjoyable features packed into a well built, well-thought-out treadmill.

Best Price

The NordicTrack T12.2 is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Review Summary - In Brief

Whilst very similar to the Proform 1350 from the same manufacturer, the Nordic T12.2 benefits from a different belt making it quieter at high speeds and being a Nordictrack, it has a longer motor warranty. With only a small price difference with the Proform, the T12.2 is a worthwhile upgrade.

NordicTrack T12.2 Specifications

  • 2.75hp continuous duty motor
  • 0–20 km/h (0-12.4 mph) speed range
  • 0–12% incline
  • 51cm (20”) x 147cm (57.8”) running deck
  • Dimensions in use (L x W x H): 196cm (77.1”) x 89cm (35”) x 147cm (57.9”)
  • Dimensions folded (L x W x H): 113cm (44.5”) x 89cm (35”) x 178cm (70”)
  • Console with 6” backlit display
  • 24 programmes (6 high intensity, 6 speed, 6 incline and 6 calorie-burn)
  • Heart rate measurement via hand pulse sensors or a wireless receiver (chest strap included)
  • Conveniences: foldable, transportation wheels, Intermix Acoustics™ 3.0 sound system with 2 speakers, iPod compatibility
  • 90kg (198.4lbs) product weight
  • 150kg (330.7lbs) maximum user weight
  • Guarantee: Lifetime frame, 10 years motor, 2 years parts and labour warranty

NordicTrack T12.2 Treadmill - Console / Display Unit

NordicTrack T12.2 Treadmill - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Ideal for heavier users (up to 150kg)
  • The cushioning is ultra-safe and low impact
  • Free Polar™ T34 chest belt included
  • iFit Live compatible

The Cons

  • Springy cushioning is not ideal for serious runners
  • No user profiles for more accurate calorie consumption figures
  • No Heart Rate Controlled programs
NordicTrack T12.2 Treadmill Reviewer Ratings

Power - 8
Appearance - 8
Running Area - 8.5
Comfort - 8
Reliability - 8
Noise - 8.5
Ease Of Use - 6.5
Controls - 8
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 8
Best Price

The NordicTrack T12.2 is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

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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