NordicTrack C2500 Treadmill Review

From a brand with a real pedigree for producing top quality equipment comes the NordicTrack C2500.

It has a large 2.5 HP motor which powers up the belt up to 20kph (12mph) and handles a maximum incline of 12%, so it will provide a great workout for the whole family – club runners included.

We found the C2500 to be a very solid and sturdy machine and this is reflected in the high maximum user weight of 147kg, which is over 23 stone.

The belt on the C2500 measures 152cm x 51cm, that’s approximately 60″ x 20″ which compares well with other treadmills at this price.

The duraslide technology in the deck gives a good range of support over various levels that can provide between 19% to 26% more impact reduction compared to running on the road. Because of this we would be happy to recommend the C2500 for those that are either using a treadmill to help them recover from an injury as well as people that want to take extra care of themselves whilst running . You have to remember that even though running is a very intense workout that is great for burning calories, it is still a high impact exercise.

There are plenty of built in programmes on the C2500 that will give you a challenging workout, with 8 programmes covering a variety of incline and speed intervals that are designed specifically for weight loss. Heart rate control is also available too.

To take advantage of the heart rate control you will need a compatible chest belt. The C2500 is advertised as Polar compatible, but it will actually work with any belt that transmits on the 5kHz frequency.

The treadmill will then adjust either the incline or speed to keep your heart rate in the correct zone for a safe and effective workout, whether you are aiming to get fitter or lose a few pounds. We always sing the praises of heart rate control, it takes all the hassle out of the workout so all you have to do is run.

If you are not wearing your chest belt, then you can still get a pulse reading. All you have to do is take hold of the pulse grip sensors that are built into the handrails. Your current pulse rate will be displayed on the screen so you can get a quick snapshot. We have to remind you that this method is not as accurate as using a chest belt.

If you just want to get on and run, you can choose full manual control and use either the traditional “up and down” keys to adjust the speed or incline, or use the one touch keys that allow you to adjust the speed and incline to various preset levels. We find these to be particularly useful. You don’t need to keep hold of the buttons, just touch them once and the treadmill takes you to your selected level.

IPod owners will be delighted to know that the C2500 has speakers built into the console. With the integrated USB connection you can charge up your IPod while you run too.

The console also has a slot for IFit cards. In case you don’t know, the IFit cards contain structured workouts, normally over an 8 week period and can cover such goals as weight loss, improving fitness or general wellness. During the workout you get vocal feedback through the speakers.

We really like these cards as they give you unlimited possibilities for working out and the fact that they are well structured means that you will progress towards your target in a safe manner too.

The C2500’s large console also manages to squeeze in a fan, so when things start heating up you can get a refreshing blast of air. Now you can’t use being too hot as an excuse to stop running!

To be fair, the screen on the C2500 is not the biggest we have seen, but you get all the information you need including:

  • Current speed
  • Time elapsed
  • Distance covered
  • Incline level
  • Pulse reading
  • Theoretical calories burned

So you will always know how well you are doing, or whether you have to pick up the pace to stay on target.

The NordicTrack C2500 doesn’t have to take up space in your room when it’s not in use. The deck fold up vertically and we didn’t have any problems with the action at all when we tested it out. A quick tip would be to always make sure that the incline has been set back down to zero, otherwise you risk causing some serious damage to the machine

The warranty on this treadmill is stated as 2 years and covers parts and labour, which is on par with other treadmills costing this much. We would always advise you to check with your retailer before making a purchase, as there may be conditions that apply such a the delivery method or you might have to register the treadmill with the manufacturer to receive an extended warranty.

Best Price

The C2500 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

The C2500 is a quality treadmill from a leading brand. Its well cushioned deck will look after your joints and the large number of programmes are backed up with heart rate control for the most efficient workouts. The C2500 compares well against other treadmills in the same price bracket including the Bremshey treadline Ambition and the BH Fitness Prisma M50  If you can't justify spending this much on a treadmill the Nordictrack C2000 may be a better option but bear in mind your not getting 16 iFit programmes, The 2.5HP motor or the Grafixx Hi-Resolution Display. The C2500 is a great machine and very easy to recommend!  

C2500 Specifications

  • 2.50 HP commercial grade motor
  • 0 – 20 km/H speed range (0 – 12 mph)
  • 0 – 12% Incline
  • Digital Quick InclineTM changes incline with one touch
  • Fold-up treadmill using Space SaverTM technolody
  • LCD high resolution backlit display see below with iPod USB plug and 2 speakers
  • 16 iFit programmes
  • iFit SD Card compatible for interactove workouts
  • iFit Journal Software to track your progress
  • Competition Training Center for virtual racing
  • DurasoftTM adjustable cushioning
  • Maximum user weight – 150 kg (325 lbs)
  • 51 x 152cm walking/running surface
  • Hand Grips and chest strap for heart rate monitoring
  • 200 (L) x 90 (W) x 175 (H) cm floor (open)
  • 95 (L) x 90 (W) x 198 (H) cm fold-up (closed)
  • 111 kg machine weight


 

NordicTrack C2500 - Console / Display Unit

NordicTrack C2500 - User Reviews

The Pros

  • The large running belt.
  • The adjustable cushioning system.
  • The solid feel under foot.
  • The built-in iFit programmes are great for adding variation to your workouts.
  • The iPod socket and speakers.
  • The virtual race feature is good fun and adds a little extra to your training.
  • Very good value for money.
  • Excellent warranty.

The Cons

  • Some other machines in this price range have slightly larger screens.
NordicTrack C2500 Reviewer Ratings

Power - 8.5
Appearance - 8.5
Running Area - 8.5
Comfort - 8.5
Reliability - 8
Noise - 8
Controls - 8
Warranty - 9
Best Price

The C2500 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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