Technology has given our generation the opportunity to enjoy getting most of what we need while at home.
With same-day shipping, working at home, and even streaming services all becoming more accepted within our mainstream society, it is perfectly natural to see this effect carry over into other areas like working out—especially treadmills.
Echelon Stride and Nordictrack provide high-quality, comparable home workout equipment like treadmills.
Objectively, Nordictrack’s high-end commercial series treadmills provide more variety and features than the Echelon Stride, but it comes at a higher price point.
If you are prepared to pay plenty of money, then Nordictrack is your equipment, but the Echelon Stride provides plenty of high-end qualities at a relatively more affordable price point and maybe a better “value”.
Let’s look at specific features that each device offers to give you a more comprehensive comparison to better inform your decision.
Echelon Stride vs Nordictrack - Complete Comparison
Key Features: Echelon Stride vs Nordictrack Treadmills
Echelon Stride:
Efficient For Space
Folding to just around 10 inches tall, there are few places you would not be able to have this treadmill.
We are not saying that it’ll fit in your studio apartment, but it’s quite possible that if you really want a high-quality treadmill for your home then this is going to be a great option.
Generous Running Space
With a 4 ½ foot running deck, you’re going to get nearly the same size running belt that most commercial gyms get.
This is super convenient, as many home treadmills will feel narrow. There are also sizable side steps on each side of the treadmill to make your dismount easier.
Workout Classes
Community is super important for many people who work out, and now you can find your community and trainer guidance while at home. Echelon allows you to download their app, which offers live and on-demand running classes.
This allows you to get some extra trainer guidance and also get some variety in your workouts. Echelon nearly guarantees that each day could get you a different workout if you want it that way
Foldable Design
The Echelon Stride offers an auto-fold mode that makes storage far simpler for you. When you are done working out, then simply press the button, let your treadmill fold itself, and store it at your convenience to carry on with your day.
Quick Specs:
- Voltage - 110V
- Incline - 12 Levels / Max Incline 10%
- Min Speed/Max Speed - 0.5 MPH/12 MPH
- Motor HP - 3.0
- Running Surface Dimensions - 55" x 20" (139.7 cm x 50.8 cm)
- In Use Dimensions - 69.3" x 31" 49.2" (176 cm x 78.7 cm x 124.9 cm)
- Folded Dimensions - 69.3" x 31" 10.25" (176 cm x 78.7 cm x 26 cm)
- Unit Weight - 156 lbs (70.8 kg)
- Max User Weight - 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Enjoy a FREE 90-day trial of the Echelon Premier Membership with access to more than 3,000 live and on-demand connected fitness classes led by the world's best instructors through the Echelon Fit App. Classes range from 5 to 45 minutes and are designed for everyone from beginner to pro athletes. Explore classes like Cycling, Rowing, Running, HIIT, Kickboxing, Yoga, Pilates, and more. One membership allows up to five users, so your friends and family can enjoy the Echelon experience together.
- HIGHEST SAFETY STANDARD: Echelon Stride puts safety and convenience first. Metal safety bar underneath running deck protects objects from being pulled under. Meets international safety standards UL 1647 and EN20957. These aren’t easy standards to pass, but Echelon does!
- DESIGN: Functionality and technology meet intelligent design in the newest addition to the Echelon product family. Designed with convenience in-mind, the Echelon Stride features auto-fold technology to make heart-pumping workouts more accessible than ever before.
- FEATURES & PERFORMANCE: Running deck size 20" x 55" - Integrated handlebar heart rate sensors displays in classes and display panel - Max speed of 12 MPG and max incline of 10% - Generous side steps for convenient step-off - Bluetooth connectivity - USB charging port - Built-in steel handle for potability - safety stop lanyard - Folds to just 10 inches uses patented auto-fold feature with built-In transport wheels that provide horizontal and vertical portability and easy storage
- CONTENT: With a membership, you will choose from endurance, climbing, interval, scenic and other classes from our world class instructors. You also get our Fitpass programs which include yoga, strength, pilates, boxing and much more!
NordicTrack:
10” HD Touchscreen
On average, most NordicTrack treadmills have an actual built-in monitor, you will get even more interactive workouts. You can easily navigate the user interface and access live workouts, on-demand workouts, guided runs across the world, and check out all of your live stats.
-You May Like: Nordictrack T 7.5S Review.
Flex Cushioning System
For those looking for a treadmill with a high-impact absorption system then look no further. The Flex Cushioning system built into the treadmill allows you to customize your workout with a softer surface or a harder surface that mimics the feel of the road.
This variety is quite welcome, as it allows you to train different muscles, joints, and tendons differently depending on what you’re looking for.
Plenty of Running Space
With a 22” x 60” (1.8 ft. x 5 ft.) Tread Belt, you’re going to get a commercial level amount of space to work out on this treadmill. Plenty of room to sway both directions and enjoy a little space in the middle of the belt for all of your workouts.
Powerful Motor
With an engine horsepower of 3.75, you are getting commercial-level power that allows you to run at faster speeds and higher inclines without overworking the engine and hearing too many abrasive noises while working out.
You can put in hard work without worrying about your treadmill.
Quick Specs:
- Incline - -3% to 15 %
- Max Speed - 12 MPH
- Motor HP - 3.75
- Monitor - 10-inch interactive HD Screen
- Running Surface Dimensions - 22” x 60”
- Dimensions - 62.75” H x 39.25” W x 81.25” L
- Unit Weight - 310 lbs (140 kg)
- Max User Weight - 300 lbs (136 kg)
- 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included; Stream live & on-demand workouts on your equipment with Global Workouts & Studio Classes; Add up to 5 users; Elite trainers adjust your equipment ($39 value)
- Immersive 10-inch interactive HD touchscreen streams on-demand iFIT workouts directly to your equipment and provides easy stats tracking; SMART-Response motor for effective running and cardio training
- -3 to 15 % OneTouch incline control; 12 MPH SMART OneTouch speed control; Your iFIT Trainer auto-adjusts your speed and incline to meet trainer requirements and match real-world terrain
- Innovative SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist means your treadmill can fold up after your run for compact, simple storage; 22” x 60” tread belt for leg and elbow space; Runners Flex cushioning
- 300-pound user capacity; Protected with a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty; 62.75” H x 39.25” W x 81.25” L
Price Comparison: What’s The Better Value?
So it seems pretty evident that the NordicTrack commercial series offers more features and quality of life amenities, but is that worth the higher price point?
At $1,899.99, the least expensive NordicTrack Commercial series treadmill (1750), it is a super steep price to pay for the features you could get in a gym treadmill for a cheaper subscription price.
On top of that, you will have to assume the responsibility of maintaining your treadmill and make sure it is getting the repairs it needs (if that is needed).
So there are a lot of variables to consider with the price.
The Echelon Stride treadmill is coming in closer to $1,299.99, which feels relatively less expensive compared to the NordicTrack, it takes up less space in your home, and offers a considerable amount of similar features as the NordicTrack commercial series.
That being said, it has less power, less workout space, and no touchscreen monitor, which could very well be deal-breakers.
NOTE: Don’t forget that no matter which treadmill you get, you’ll want to get a mat to place underneath it to protect your floor and treadmill.
These mats are fairly affordable, last a long time, and decrease the noise and vibration of the treadmill while you are running on it.
- PROTECTIVE FLOOR MAT: Super-tough, durable mat helps protect your floors and carpets from the damaging effects of heavy exercise equipment and debris from mechanical parts
- CUSHIONS EXERCISE EQUIPMENT FROM EXCESSIVE WEAR: Prolongs the life of your equipment by helping prevent floor and carpet dust from entering belts and mechanical parts
- FITS MULTIPLE EXERCISE UNITS: The Supermats Treadmat is perfect for treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes, and cross-country trainers - Mat measures 30" x 72"
- DAMPENS VIBRATION: Helps prevent excessive wear and tear to equipment and muffles equipment noises so family and neighbors are not disturbed
- MADE IN U.S.A.: Made in U.S.A. using U.S.A. sourced raw materials. No harmful chemicals or heavy metals. Safe for children and pets
Echelon App vs iFit: Which Connected Workout Experience is for You?
Both Echelon and NordicTrack provide connected workout experiences respectively.
Echelon allows you to download the Echelon Fit App and purchase a membership to access what feels like an endless amount of live classes, on-demand classes, and trainer’s programs.
This service is included as a subscription sold separately from your treadmill. The starting rate is $29.99/month for basic access.
The app is liked by most and Echelon provides good user support, so the company works hard to deliver a high-quality product on all levels.
NordicTrack provides an iFit membership, which provides a multitude of features like access to popular fitness trainers, over 16,000 on-demand trainer-led workout videos, automatically controlled workouts, and quite a few virtual running locations provided by Google Maps.
iFit will also allow you to track your stats on a short and long-term basis. This can be particularly insightful for those who wish to track their progress over time.
Furthermore, the first month of the membership is free, but after that, you will have a couple of subscription options including a Yearly Family Plan for $396/year, a Monthly Family Plan for $39/month, and a Yearly Individual Plan for $180/year.
NordicTrack’s iFit app is a more complete and refined product overall, but it gets pretty expensive relatively quickly.
Although you gain the capabilities to workout from home with the purchase of a treadmill and a connected workout experience.
I am left asking if getting a new home treadmill, paying a subscription (similar to a gym membership), and being in charge of maintenance is all worth it?
That is only for me to ask and for you to decide, as there are plenty of reasons why it would be worth the investment.
However, at the risk of sounding old-fashioned, I will probably be sticking with the traditional gym membership, which grants me access to more equipment with far less liability for maintaining the equipment.
Echelon Stride vs NordicTrack: Which is Best for You?
You might find yourself leaning towards the Echelon Stride if you want a treadmill that is easy to set up and use in a small living space, and offers an effective yet compact design.
Because of this, the Echelon Stride is easy to store due to its lightweight and automatic fold design.
You may also like this as a value-oriented treadmill that still gives you access to connected workouts with high-value, but less overwhelming amounts of features.
On the other end, if you want access to the highest commercial quality treadmills on the market, then the NordicTrack commercial series treadmills are going to be for you.
I would check places like FB marketplace as they tend to have gently used treadmills at a discounted price.
With a multitude of features, a built-in monitor, and a powerful belt and motor you are going to have all you need for an “at-home” fitness center.
This will come at a higher price point, but as someone who is looking for the very best product combined with the industry standard connected fitness service, then this is going to be the one for you.
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Hi, Jeremy Here,
I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journey. About Me.
