NordicTrack Ultra 1 Treadmill Review | A Sophisticated Run

Dimensions/Storability

I think it’s safe to say that if you are considering the Ultra 1 Treadmill, you have a dedicated space to keep it. NordicTrack seems to be targeting commercial spaces and homes with dedicated home gyms with this treadmill. It’s a large, non-folding treadmill meant to be seen and used regularly.

The NordicTrack Ultra 1 Treadmill’s dimensions are 84.7” long, 42.3” wide, and 65” tall. It weighs 747 lbs (as it comes in the box). It’s larger and heavier than 99% treadmills we review, I’d say. Hopefully, you have a permanent spot reserved for this machine.

Don’t forget to account for the ceiling height. The step-up height to the deck is 9. With a 15% top incline to consider, I estimate that a 6’ tall runner needs an 8’ ceiling to train comfortably. In other words, you need a ceiling two feet taller than you are to accommodate the Ultra 1.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

NordicTrack treadmills are all about iFIT, but there’s a twist with the Ultra 1: you get iFIT included with the treadmill for a year.

iFIT is a training platform with coach-led video classes that explore the great outdoors, though there are a few studio classes. Typically, iFIT requires a monthly (or yearly) subscription. The Ultra 1 includes one year of iFIT. It renews at $39/month automatically, or you can pay for a full year at a time for a discounted rate.

An iFIT workout for the treadmill follows a coach as they explore popular running routes and trails. There are both walking and running workouts. Classes with a lot of incline are typically framed as hiking classes.

Here’s a look at a treadmill iFIT class on the NordicTrack X24 screen.

The NordicTrack Ultra 1’s incline and speed will automatically adjust to the levels prescribed by the class. You can override these settings, and iFIT will learn your preferences over time to make the classes more customized to your fitness level.

My favorite way to train with iFIT’s treadmill classes is through ActivePulse. When you pair a compatible Bluetooth heart rate monitor with the Ultra 1, the classes will adjust to keep you in the right heart rate zone. I like this feature because it slows the pace down for incline sections and speeds it up for flat sections, creating a dynamic workout.

My Garmin connects, and I’ve learned that Apple Watches should connect, too, though I don’t have a way to test it for myself.

In addition to treadmill classes, iFIT also offers classes for other equipment and mat classes. NordicTrack makes treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals, and rowers, which are all iFIT compatible. There are also yoga, strength, and pilates classes.

Almost everything has an AI component these days, and iFIT is no different. You can opt into the AI Coach feature for personalized class recommendations and scheduling. The AI Coach texts you on your phone, and then you will find the recommended classes queued up on your treadmill screen.

The Google Maps integration allows you to create a virtual route anywhere in the world. While this feature won’t change your speed for you, your incline adjusts to the real-world terrain as closely as possible. You can view an overview of your route, with a marker showing your location, or you can view Street View for a more immersive experience.

Other training options are located in the create tab, alongside the Google Maps integration. There are premade structured workouts, which display the manual training screen but still adjust incline and speed. You can also make your own workouts.

For those of you who are more competitive, the Ergatta Races app may be your go-to iFIT feature. This app pits you against other iFIT users as you race along the virtual course of your choosing. It’s a great way to push yourself and create a hard workout.

Additional apps are available with an iFIT subscription for entertainment. iFIT has Netflix, Prime Video, Pluto TV, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Audible.

You can watch any of these entertainment apps while taking an iFIT class, so you still get automatic speed and incline adjustments.

If you choose to cancel your iFIT subscription at the end of the year, you can still log into your iFIT account to access the manual training mode and a featured iFIT class. Your treadmill will need to remain connected to Wi-Fi.

Manual training mode is one of the only features available without an active iFIT membership (NordicTrack 2450 pictured above).

Console

The 24” touchscreen on the Ultra 1 treadmill is just the right size. Though NordicTrack has had bigger touchscreens in the past, the 24” screen is my favorite these days. The others were too large and not as high-quality as this one. The Ultra 1’s screen pivots for off-treadmill classes, which I love!

I can’t say how easy it is to reach the screen, having not tried this specific treadmill, but NordicTrack typically does a good job with the screen positioning. Since the treadmill has such large, triangulated uprights, I expect this treadmill to be very sturdy, reducing the screen shake.

One of the departures from the NordicTrack treadmills I’ve come to know very well is the Ultra 1’s audio. There are eight speakers built into this machine. Typically, NordicTrack treadmills feature a soundbar at the bottom of the console, but you are in for a premium audiophile experience on this high-end treadmill.

The fan also gets the luxury treatment. The uprights provide full-body cooling with built-in dual tower fans. A feature they retain from other NordicTrack treadmills is the ability to adjust the airflow based on your workout intensity. If you train harder, the airflow increases to cool you off. You can also manually adjust the fans on the screen.

As I mentioned earlier, this treadmill is Bluetooth. You can connect a heart rate monitor. You can also connect Bluetooth headphones to listen quietly, if you prefer.

For storage, you get a small circular compartment. There’s also a cup holder for a water bottle. A cycling water bottle or slightly larger bottle should fit. Finally, there’s a wireless charging port to hold your phone and keep it powered.

The feature I am most invested in is the incline and speed levers. I really like the look of these. I think they would be easy to use while you are training. However, I’m curious as to how precise you can be with the adjustments and if there’s any chance you hit them with your arm swing.

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Build Quality

I feel almost a little overwhelmed writing this section of the review. Even though I’ve written about the build quality for tons of treadmills, the NordicTrack Ultra 1 is really unique. The closest I’ve come to a treadmill like this before is the Freemotion T22.9. Even that treadmill is a shadow of what this one offers. The NordicTrack Ultra 1 is gorgeous, and I only hope that the quality in person is every bit as good as I expect. Or better.

Frame

A motif that I expect from high-end fitness equipment is wood! I love to see it. There’s nothing to distract me from the plastic and industrial wood like a nice piece of wood, finely integrated into a treadmill build. Comparing the Ultra 1 to the Ultra 3 (which is half the price), I can say the wood makes a huge aesthetic difference.

On the performance side of things, I really like the triangulated uprights design. It creates a sturdy and isolated base for the touchscreen, which I hope minimizes console shaking. I don’t mind a shaky screen much, but it’s something the TRG audience often points out over on YouTube.

The footrails are large and spacious, ensuring you have plenty of room to stand to either side of the treadmill. They are also textured to prevent slipping.

This well-built treadmill has a 400-lb weight capacity. Since it’s a more premium design than NordicTrack’s other treadmills, it weighs significantly more and is commercial-grade, I wish the weight capacity were a little higher. Yet, 400 lbs is still a good rating.

Motor

Nothing convinces me that a motor’s horsepower is almost meaningless as much as seeing that the Ultra 1 has a 3.0 CHP DC motor. Sure, it’s brushless, but so are the motors of very, very cheap treadmills. The NordicTrack X24 has a 4.25 CHP DC motor (also with a lifetime warranty).

The Ultra 1’s motor has a lifetime warranty and is a commercial-grade product, so I expect it to hold up to serious daily training.

If the Ultra 1 can’t support heavy use, I would be very surprised. I expect this treadmill to be an excellent option for marathoners. At this price point, it’s designed for someone serious about their running routine.

Unfortunately, I do not have the Ultra 1 in the TRG studio for testing, so I can’t speak to the motor’s performance or noise output. I have high hopes, though.

The speed range is better than that of any other NordicTrack and most other residential treadmills on the market. With a maximum speed of 15 mph, you can hit a 4-minute mile if you want to.

As for the incline range, it’s -3% to 15%. I wanted this incline range to wow me a little more. After all, the NordicTrack X24 and X16 treadmills are a fraction of the Ultra 1’s cost, and they go from -6% to 40%! Making an incline treadmill with the Ultra 1’s build would probably raise the price to even more astronomical levels, so I’ll be content with this better-than-average range.

Deck

I’m excited to see the Ultra 1’s deck. It uses Reflex cushioning, which I love on the Freemotion treadmills. It’s the softest treadmill cushioning I’ve ever encountered, which feels very bouncy and responsive. If I want to practice running fast with a low impact, this is the cushioning I want. It’s like Hoka running shoes in treadmill form.

The deck is 22” wide by 60” long. This provides plenty of room to run at a top speed of 15 mph.

My only confusion stems from the plastic bar running across the top of the deck. There’s a good span of exposed belt in front of it, and the motor is clearly located beneath the deck.

I don’t understand why NordicTrack didn’t go with a waterfall deck design. Maybe it’s for stability, but I have a fear of stepping over that bar and tripping. It’s probably an unfounded fear, but I’m a little confused by the choice from an aesthetic standpoint, too.

The step-up height to the deck is 9”. This deck height isn’t too tall, and it’s necessary to leave room for the gloriously soft cushioning.

Warranty

The NordicTrack Ultra 1 Treadmill has a lifetime warranty on its motor and frame. I would like to see a more substantial warranty on the deck, parts, and labor. NordicTrack does not disclose the details for the rest of the Ultra 1’s warranty. If it’s like other NordicTrack equipment, then it is two years for parts and one for the tablet and labor.

Should You Buy the NordicTrack Ultra 1

For those of you looking for a show-stopper of a treadmill, the NordicTrack Ultra 1 checks a lot of boxes. From its elegant wooden uprights to its modern geometry, this treadmill wows. It’s also loaded with premium tech features. Those exclusive to the Ultra 1 include a full-body fan and eight premium speakers.

You won’t be let down by its performance either. The maximum speed is 15 miles per hour, and the deck has one of the best cushioning systems I’ve ever tried. It’s super soft and responsive. The Ultra 1 was built for serious runners who want to dedicate a large space to a high-end, high-performance treadmill.

Just make sure that you love iFIT, as you only get it for free with the Ultra 1 for one year. With iFIT, there’s heart rate training, entertainment apps, and more.

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NordicTrack Ultra 1 Q&A / FAQ

How much is the NordicTrack Ultra 1?

The NordicTrack Ultra 1 is priced at $15,000 at the time of writing this review.

What is the lifespan of a NordicTrack treadmill?

The NordicTrack Ultra 1 has a lifetime warranty on its frame and motor. It is also a commercial-grade treadmill, ensuring it lasts a long time. We expect a treadmill like this to last more than 10 years, though some maintenance will be necessary during that time.

Can you use the NordicTrack Ultra 1 without a subscription?

The NordicTrack Ultra 1 comes with a one-year iFIT membership. Afterwards, you must pay the $39/month membership fee to retain access to the Ultra 1’s full suite of features. The NordicTrack Ultra 1 can be used in a limited capacity without iFIT.

Can you watch Netflix on the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Treadmill without an iFIT membership?

You can watch Netflix on the NordicTrack Ultra 1 with an iFIT membership. The entertainment apps are not available without an iFIT membership. A 1-year membership is included with your purchase of the NordicTrack Ultra 1.

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