Incline trainers are a type of treadmill that are great alternatives to stair steppers and ellipticals. The key feature is the steep incline- with the treadmill deck being able to tilt up to a maximum of 40 percent. These machines are ideal for intense walking, burning calories rapidly as well as toning specific muscles and supporting cardio training all at once. An added bonus is that compared to standard treadmills, incline trainers don’t have a high impact on joints.
A lot of customers consider an incline trainer as a different version of the treadmill, except with extra incline power. This is where they are mistaken. Even though they may appear to be similar, treadmills and incline trainers differ by both features and benefits.
First, the main difference between the two workout machines is the steep grade. A regular treadmill provides an incline between 10-15 percent, depending on the brand. Whereas an incline trainer offers a maximum incline grade between 20-40 percent. Some brands, like the NordicTrack models, offer incline settings ranging between 0 and 40 percent! Next, normal treadmills are best for jogging or running. But a workout session on an incline trainer is more like hiking than walking or running. Third, it is pretty obvious that you will have a more intense workout and burn more calories on an incline trainer, approximately five times more than a workout on a treadmill. Furthermore, even if you walk at the same pace on an incline trainer as you would on a treadmill, you will still be burning more calories. So regardless of your age or weight, just by upgrading the incline, you will have a better workout at the same pace. The wonderful thing about incline trainers is that they serve as an all in one solution for a treadmill, a stair stepper and an elliptical trainer. Some models even have declines.
X7i Incline Trainer
One of the two most popular Nordictrack incline trainers are the X7i
Compared to the X9I, the X7I is less expensive and therefore more affordable.
This incline trainer offers a maximum incline of 40 percent- burning thrice the number of calories as aX7i Incline Trainerregular treadmill.
A great thing is that a decline is also provided between 0-6 percent.
A spacious deck measuring 22 x 60 inch gives ample space for stretching out.
In the box you will get a free iPod dock, a wireless heart rate monitor and iFit LIVE.
The screen of the X7 is only dual color.
The motor power is 2.75 HP
Has a user weight capacity of 325 lbs.
X9I INCLINE TRAINER
The second most popular incline trainer by Nordictrack is the X9I. Customers often ask whether the X9I is worth the slightly expensive price tag. However, it is less expensive than the X11.
Just like the X7I, the X9I has a maximum incline of 40 percent.
Another similarity between the two is the decline which can be set between 0-6 percent.
The walking belt on this product also measures 22 x 60 inches.
Very generously, Nordictrack also gifts a free iPod dock, iFit LIVE and a wireless heart rate monitor with this machine.
The X9I has a built-in web browser. You can browse the web, watch videos, read the latest news or check your emails while working out.
The interface on this treadmill is full color, making the interface and display much more enjoyable.
The motor is a strong 3.0 HP, meaning that it can give a longer duration of intense workouts as compared to the X7
The X9 can handle 25 pounds more user weight than the X7- 350 Lbs. This isn’t much of a difference though.
A feature altogether missing in the former is that the X9 has a dedicated space for holding a tablet. This lets you have the added benefit of watching stuff other than that which can be displayed on the screen of the treadmill.
Comes with 44 pre programmed workouts
The warranty of the X9 offers 2 years of labor.
X11I INCLINE TRAINER
The X11 is an upgraded version of the X9 and costs slightly more.
The X11 has the same incline features as the X9 at 40 percent maximum steep incline and a 6% minimum decline.
The walking track is also the same measurements as the former two models.
Another thing that hasn’t been really changed in the upgraded model is the display screen. It is still a full color web browser with built-in iFit LIVE. The screen size is also the same at 10 inches.
Another similarity with the X9 is the 44 preset workout programs, free wirleess heart rate monitor and the iPod dock.
The X11 has a stronger motor than the predecessor- 4.25 HP. The casing is bigger and comes with dual cooling fans for less heat generation and has less vibration. This results in even stronger durability to intense workouts than the X9. So if you are someone who will really wear and tear your workout machine, the X11 will last longer and hold up better.
While both models are very well designed, the X11 looks sleeker and has a better finish to it. However, this difference is hardly noticeable by most people but is definitely something to be appreciated.
The warranty of the X11 offers 3 years of labor as compared to the 2 years of the X9
Conclusion
The primary differences between the X7 and the X9 is the motor power and the color displays with web integration. The X9 is built to handle strain better but that doesn’t mean that the X7 is far behind. The motor is decent and most users will be satisfied with their purchase. If the color screen is important to you, it can be a deal breaker.
The two primary differences between the X9 and the X11 incline trainers are the motor size and its power output. The X11 is a powerful machine that will offer longer and better workouts than the X9. The X9 is more powerful than the X7 so it stands more or less in the middle ground- offering the best of both ends.
