NordicTrack T Series 16 Treadmill Review | Step It Up

Dimensions/Storability

The T Series sets itself apart from NordicTrack’s Commercial Series with its smaller footprint, in addition to a few other features. I like to think of the T Series 16 as the more compact version of the very popular NordicTrack 1750. The T Series 16 measures 75.1” L x 34.3” W x 58.4” H, but folded, it measures just 41” long.

You can easily fold and unfold the NordicTrack T Series 16 Treadmill before and after each workout.

Compared to the NordicTrack’s Commercial Series and other home treadmills, the T Series 16 is quite easy to fold. It’s not too heavy and feels like lifting about 20 lbs. The deck has a hydraulic arm beneath it, which allows the deck to unfold and drop to the floor on its own once it’s unlocked from its folded position.

The step-up height to the deck is 8.3”, and when inclined, the deck reaches a maximum height of 14”. We recommend a ceiling height of 7.5’ for 6’ runners. That gives you a few extra inches of space to accommodate any vertical movement when walking or running.

Though the step-up height to the deck is relatively low, you still have to consider the incline feature when deciding if your ceiling height is enough for this treadmill.

At 250 lbs (as it comes shipped), the NordicTrack T Series 16 is not too heavy to move around. You just have to tilt it onto its two transport wheels and move it wherever you need it to go. You wouldn’t have the best time moving it upstairs, and you would definitely need help doing so, but rolling it a short way within a room shouldn’t be too hard.

To minimize the amount you have to roll the T Series 16 around, I recommend assembling it wherever you plan to keep it.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

NordicTrack is very clear on the product page for the NordicTrack T Series 16 that an iFIT account is non-negotiable for using this treadmill. There are no onboard programs without a free account, and I wavered back and forth on whether to state that the T Series 16 has one onboard program or none.

The truth is a little more complicated. Last time I checked (which is often), the T Series 16 has allowed you to train in manual mode and in a featured iFIT class without a paid account. You can also take a few structured workouts that automatically adjust the speed and incline from the manual training screen.

Manual mode shows you all the training metrics that you need to see.

You need to log in and be connected to Wi-Fi to train on the NordicTrack T Series 16. Because of the restricted features, limited content, and requirements for non-subscribers, I only recommend this treadmill if you want to subscribe to iFIT.

Note: Netflix and the other entertainment apps are not available for non-subscribers, even with a free account.

iFIT

For $39/month, you get an iFIT membership with access to all iFIT content and multiple profiles. Friends and family are welcome to join for a total of five users. Since iFIT tailors your workout recommendations and class difficulty to you, it’s important to have your own profile.

iFIT has almost too many classes to choose from, as they add new training series and workouts all the time.

Workouts are filmed on location all over the world. A trainer guides each class, though iFIT has recently released some classes that are just scenic. The class explores a trail or route, while the treadmill incline adjusts to match the incline grade of the real-world location as closely as it can. The speed adjusts according to the iFIT trainer’s cues and will also scale to your training abilities.

Explore some of the most picturesque locations with iFIT on the T Series 16’s screen.

There are a few different ways that you can have the speed (and incline to a lesser extent) adjust. By turning Smart Adjust off, you can train with the preset incline and speed levels. When Smart Adjust is on, the speed will adjust based on your feedback, tailoring the current and future classes accordingly. ActivePulse adjusts the treadmill settings to keep you in the target heart rate zone.

Use the menu on the right side to set up the features you would like to use during your workout.

You aren’t relegated to only iFIT’s trainer-led classes. In addition to the few scenic-only classes that have been added, there are also customizable workout options.

With Google Maps, you can create a route anywhere, and the incline will adjust to match the real-world terrain.

In the Google Maps integration, you can view the route with Street View or an overview (map or satellite). The icon or images will progress according to your speed, as if you were really running the route. It’s a fun way to rehearse race courses.

There are also preset workouts to choose from.

If you have a training plan you are following and want to replicate that workout on your treadmill, you can design an interval or target workout.

In a custom workout, you see a basic training screen with all your metrics, and the treadmill automatically adjusts to the setting you selected.

Ergatta Races is a training app integrated with iFIT that you have to download. This app allows you to compete against other iFIT members, racing along the course of your choosing. You can choose what competition you want to compete against, and I recommend the autofill option, as it pits you against other users with a similar fitness level.

Feed your competitive side with Ergatta Races.

There are also plenty of entertainment apps: Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, Audible, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music. You can use these apps while you are training with any of the other workout options, including iFIT classes. You still get the automatic speed and incline adjustments. I like using the entertainment apps to make manual or custom workouts a little more interesting.

iFIT also has an AI feature that you can opt into if you would like. It requires you to communicate with the AI Coach (Tailor) through text message. You can tell Tailor your training goals and what kind of workout you would like to do. Then, Tailor can recommend and schedule classes for you. The class will show up in your iFIT calendar and on your iFIT homepage.

The iFIT AI coach will text you regularly with training advice and reminders, but it’s not as refined as I would like—a common AI limitation.

iFIT is an excellent training platform, and you really need it for the complete experience on the NordicTrack T Series 16. You should carefully consider whether a subscription-based training platform is right for you before purchasing this treadmill.

Console

The 16” touchscreen on the NordicTrack T Series 16 gives it its name and makes it the more premium option within the T Series lineup. While I prefer a 20”+ touchscreen, this display is large enough to enjoy iFIT and navigate all the content easily.

For improved viewing, the touchscreen tilts up and down, which is helpful since its position may feel a little low for taller walkers and runners.

There are very few physical buttons. Most of the controls are on the touchscreen. The buttons below the console include start and stop, as well as controls for increasing or decreasing the speed, incline, volume, and fan strength.

The console buttons are located below the screen, just above the stability bar.

You can’t have a quality touchscreen display with video workouts and entertainment apps without a set of nice speakers. The NordicTrack T Series 16 has a speaker bar below the console, which includes two 2” speakers that are great quality and have an excellent sound range.

Since the speakers are front-facing with a good volume range, I can hear everything while I’m training.

For those of you worried about disturbing others, you can also connect Bluetooth headphones to the T Series 16 to listen quietly. It’s super easy to do whenever you want, right from the bottom right menu.

Bluetooth also allows you to pair heart rate monitors. Now, iFIT is also compatible with Apple Watches, which is a feature that I know the Treadmill Review Guru audience has been wanting to see. Alas, I do not have an Apple Watch, only a lowly Garmin, so I cannot test this for myself.

There is also a fan on the T Series 16. I like the angle and strength of this fan. It is effective at cooling me off while I’m training, so I think it will work for most of you, too. Because this is an iFIT treadmill, you know it can’t just be a simple fan. No! It’s a fan with an auto-adjust feature that makes the fan stronger when you train harder or weaker when you slow down. (You can also manually control it.)

As for storage, there are two cup holders on the T Series 16. These are large enough to hold a typical disposable water bottle or a similarly sized reusable one. There’s no tablet rack, which underscores the importance of having an iFIT subscription for this treadmill.

You could set your phone in one of the cup holders if you wanted

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Build Quality

NordicTrack is very consistent in its build quality, which I appreciate. The T Series 16 is from their more affordable line, so while there are a few concessions made compared to their more expensive machines, you still get a really nice treadmill.

Frame

The T Series 16 follows the z-shaped frame design that I’ve come to expect from NordicTrack’s folding treadmills. There’s nothing I would change about this design. The handles and footrails are substantial enough for you to use to support yourself.

Regarding the base frame beneath the deck, it’s steel, as are the uprights. It feels sturdy, and though there is some console shake while running, it does not impede your training experience. The weight capacity is 325 lbs, which beats the industry standard, even if it’s not as impressive as some of NordicTrack’s other treadmills.

The only change I would make to the frame is the addition of adjustable feet to accommodate uneven floors.

Motor

The NordicTrack T Series 16 has a 3.6 HP motor. It is suitable for walking, running, and everything in between. The maximum speed is 12 mph, and the incline range is 0 to 12%. A lot of iFIT classes incorporate downhill segments, so that is one feature you miss out on with this treadmill. Your treadmill will just be at a flat grade for the downhill portions.

Go for a run or a walk on the NordicTrack T Series 16 Treadmill.

My measurements of the incline on the T Series 16 proved that the stated incline range is very accurate. The maximum incline of 12% is spot on, but the deck is slightly inclined when set to 0 (<1%). While the NordicTrack T Series 16 Treadmill is a bit louder than NordicTrack’s Commercial Series treadmill, the noise level should be appropriate for most homes. Despite its more compact design, I don’t think this heavy treadmill is ideal for upstairs apartments or condos. The motor’s speed adjustments are pretty typical for a home treadmill—neither overly fast nor slow. The T Series 16 would be great for all types of workouts, whether you are training in steady state or HIIT. However, the incline adjustments are rather slow, so it may be more difficult to do short hill intervals.

Deck

Keeping with its compact design, the NordicTrack T Series 16 Treadmill has a slightly slimmer deck. The running surface is 20” instead of 22”, like the treadmills in NordicTrack’s higher-end lineups. This design keeps the overall width of the treadmill lower, too. Yet, I still had plenty of room to train on the NordicTrack T Series 16 without feeling crowded.

The 20” x 60” running surface provides plenty of space to run and walk.

We have to talk about the adjustable cushioning. It’s a unique feature that I haven’t seen on other brands at this price point. However, like the T Series 10, I felt that the difference between the two cushioning settings was pretty minimal.

As a biomechanist, I know that my perception of the cushioning may not reflect the actual cushioning differences, but walkers and runners should not expect a drastic difference.

To adjust the cushioning, simply rotate each shock absorber to its on or off position to set your desired cushion level.

The step-up height to the deck is 8.3”, so it’s easy to get up and down from the deck. I always appreciate a low-profile treadmill that doesn’t sacrifice cushioning.

Warranty

NordicTrack highlights that the motor is covered by a 2-year warranty. This warranty is better than many brands and models, which only have a 1-year warranty, but we prefer to see 5 years or longer on a motor.

The rest of the warranty offering follows NordicTrack’s typical warranty. The frame is covered for 10 years. Parts are covered for 2 years. Finally, the tablet and labor are covered for only 1 year.

Should You Buy the NordicTrack T Series 16

For runners and walkers who want guided training and a full suite of training and entertainment features, it’s hard to beat NordicTrack. The T Series 16 is the perfect way to enjoy iFIT on a folding treadmill with a more compact footprint. It has a 16” HD touchscreen for an enjoyable viewing experience.

I do not recommend the NordicTrack T Series 16 for exercisers who do not want a monthly (or yearly) subscription, as iFIT is essential for the NordicTrack T Series 16. iFIT has outdoor workouts filmed all over the world that are appropriate for any fitness level. If you want a break, you can also watch Netflix, Prime Video, and more on the screen.

With its 3.6 HP motor and adjustable cushioning, the T Series 16 is appropriate for just about any workout you want to do. It has a top speed of 12 mph and an incline range from 0 to 12%. Check this one out if that sounds like the kind of training you want to do.

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NordicTrack T Series 16 Q&A / FAQ

Which NordicTrack T Series is the best?

The NordicTrack T Series 16 Treadmill has a more powerful motor and larger touchscreen than the NordicTrack T Series 10; however, it is more expensive. Runners and walkers restricted by a budget will be just fine with the T Series 10, but the T Series 16 is a nice upgrade for those who can afford it.

Can you run on the NordicTrack T Series 16?

Yes, you can run on the NordicTrack T Series 16 Treadmill. It has a powerful 3.6 HP motor with a top speed of 12 mph. The deck is 20” x 60”, ensuring you have plenty of space to train.

What is the lifespan of a NordicTrack treadmill?

While many different factors go into determining a treadmill’s longevity, we have seen NordicTrack treadmills last ten years and longer. However, NordicTracks may not last as long when stored in a garage or other non-climate-controlled environment. They also need regular maintenance and cleaning to last as long as possible.

Sometimes exercisers do not have the right expectations for what it takes to maintain a treadmill. Treadmill motors and frames can outlast their belts and decks. You may need to replace parts like these during your treadmill’s lifespan.

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