NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Trainer Review
4.90
Last Updated: May 30, 2021
NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Trainer Review
The third and latest model in NordicTrack’s incline trainer series, the Commercial X32i is nothing short of impressive. It’s a good choice for fitness enthusiasts who love high-tech equipment or require a high level of power and performance from their treadmills.
Incline Trainers and the Benefits of Using Them
The incline option on treadmills and incline trainers is made to mimic ramps or slopes for a ‘climbing while walking’ experience. It adds more variety and challenge to your workouts and has many benefits.
Where NordicTrack’s regular treadmills offer a maximum incline of 15%, these incline trainers are a whole other story. These can go from -6% (decline) all the way up to a massive 40% (maximum incline). While incline trainers from many other manufacturers only have some pre-set incline levels, they rarely go above 30%. NordicTrack’s incline trainers have a clear advantage here.
Multiply Your Calorie Burn
According to livestrong.com, there’s up to 5 times more calorie burn while walking on a 40% incline versus walking on a flat treadmill at 2mph. Walking at 2 mph on a 40-degree incline for just 20 minutes will burn about 400 calories for an average 165-pound person. Even a 20-degree incline can give you a 236-calorie burn over 20 minutes, helping you be most productive with your time.
Get Rid of Fat
Experts say that our bodies burn carbohydrates first when walking on flat treadmills. In contrast, high inclines tend to burn fat first. For instance, about 70% more fat is burnt at a 17-degree incline as compared to zero incline.
Build Lean Lower Body Muscle
It has been proven by research that walking with incline activates the muscle groups in your lower body, which can in turn lead you to further build lean muscle. Incline trainers are more geared toward strength training since the anti-gravity climbing creates load on your muscles. A 15% incline or higher is recommended for proper strength training. As you build more muscle, your stamina also increases, helping you work out longer with higher endurance.
Protect Those Knee Joints
A study by Haggerty M et al shows that internal knee-abduction moment decreases with higher incline levels. In simpler words, you’ll be less likely to suffer from painful Runner’s Knee which is a common problem on flat treadmills. However, extreme incline can also cause damage if you’re not used to it, so we recommend you to take it slow!
Heart-Healthy Workout
If you’re not really fond of running but would like to do some cardio, incline training could be just the thing for you. Research has proven incline walking to be good for your heart since it increases heart rate even at speeds as low as 1.5 to 2 mph.
Expert Tip: Certified personal trainer Lora Garrick suggests walking at 1.5 mph on inclines as high as 30%, while trying not to grip the handlebars. This will maintain good posture. Extreme inclines may worry you, but going slower without gripping the bar or console will help you make the most of your machine.
NordicTrack X32i Features
Here’s a breakdown of all notable features of the Commercial X32i:
- A State-of-the-art 32-inch Display
This incline trainer’s most prominent feature that makes it stand out among other models in the series is its dramatic screen size. It’s a big jump from the 22-inch screen of the X22i, and it seems even larger next to the 10-inch screen of the X9i. The HD touchscreen is iFit-integrated so that you can enjoy the app to its highest potential. Get information about calories per hour, incline level, time, distance, speed, and heart rate, all through the console’s feedback display.
- 4.25 CHP Quiet Motor
Like screen size, NordicTrack has kept upgrading their incline trainers’ motor power with each successive model. Relative to the 3.6 CHP motor in the X9i, the 4.25 CHP motor is a significant improvement. As with most of their treadmills, the self-cooling motor is designed to run quietly while minimizing vibrations.
- A Sizeable Running Surface with Optional Cushioning
An upgrade from the X22i is the 55 x 165 cm tread belt, it is slightly wider and longer. This new-and-improved size can accommodate even the tallest of athletes for high-performance workouts. The optional Reflex™ cushioning allows you to switch to a more padded, shock-absorbing running surface that is light on the joints.
- Wide Speed and Incline Range
The speed and incline levels are pretty much the same for all NordicTrack incline trainers, and appreciably so. A max speed of 22 km/h and a max decline/incline of -6% to 40% adds plenty of options to challenge yourself.
- iFit Family Membership Free for a Year
Like other models in the X series, the X32i also comes with free iFit access for up to four user profiles during the first year of use. In case you weren’t already familiar with the app, iFit Coach has plenty of engaging options to make your workout fun and more productive.
It allows you to train live under world-class fitness coaches who can control your machine’s speed and incline in real-time. Another cool feature is virtual running, which integrates with Google maps to detect your chosen paths’ ups and downs and adjust your treadmill’s incline accordingly for a realistic exploring experience. Also available is an entire library of 16000+ workout videos, fitness challenges, and stat tracking for activity, nutrition, and sleep.
- Heart Rate Strap Included
As you would expect from a machine as high-tech as the X32i, the heart rate monitoring feature is up-to-date. It comes with a chest trap that accurately detects your heartbeat and displays it for you to stay in an optimized heart rate zone.
- Sled Grips and Push Bar
Like the previous model, this one also has a manual mode as well as sled grips and a push bar. These can help you add some serious calorie-torching, muscle-building strength training to your routine.
- Other Features
The X32i checks the boxes for all major features you would want from a commercial-grade incline trainer, like excellent motor power, high incline limit, and multiple training options. Along with these, we also appreciate the additional perks such as dual 3-inch speakers, dual fans, and a good warranty package.
Pros
- Large 32-inch web-enabled display
- 4.25 CHP powerful motor
- Free year-long iFit membership with up to four user profiles
- Max 22 km/h speed for professional runners
- Wide decline/incline range (-6/40%)
- The Spacious running deck is suitable for taller individuals
- Optional cushioning feature for low-impact workouts
- Chest strap included for heart rate monitoring
- Sled grips and push bar for additional strength training
- 3-inch dual Bluetooth speakers
- Dual workout fans
- Good warranty package
Cons
- Needs considerable space due to its large footprint and no foldable option
- Difficult to relocate at 155 kg once installed
- The most expensive NordicTrack incline trainer
- Limited console options, mainly iFit access. Don’t expect free internet browsing or app support
- iFit will require a paid subscription after a year
- Bluetooth can play audio from your phone on the speakers, but can’t sync the treadmill with your headphones if you need to listen to your iFit videos privately
Warranty Summary
The NordicTrack Commercial X32i comes with:
- 10-year Frame Warranty
- 2-Year Parts Warranty
- 1-Year Labor Warranty
Bottom Line
The main benefits of the X32i are the ultra-strong motor and the largest display screen of any NordicTrack treadmill to date. It also has a broader running belt, so if you’re looking for a serious piece of cardio equipment for commercial or home use, this could be it. Just make sure you have the required space and budget!
| Specifications | NordicTrack X32i |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9 |
| Motor | 4.25 CHP |
| Speed | 12 mph |
| Decline & Incline | -6% Decline / +40% Incline |
| Running surface | 22 x 65 inch |
| Folding | |
| Display | 32” Smart HD Touchscreen |
| Training programs | 50 Preset Workout Apps |
| Bluetooth | |
| Web Connectivity | |
| Heart rate monitor | |
| Dimensions | 76.5” L x 40” W x 73” H |
| Product weight | 399.04 lbs |
| Max user weight | 300 lbs |
| Warranty | Motor: lifetime Parts: 6 years Labour: 3 years Electronics: 6 years Frame: lifetime |