We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
Editor’s Note: The NordicTrack C900 is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 as the best alternative, or view our guide to the best treadmills for more options.
The NordicTrack C900 treadmill was released in 2011 as part of a line of commercial-grade treadmills. NordicTrack endeavored to offer a commercial gym experience from the comfort of your home and boy did they deliver!
The C900 treadmill offered an excellent user experience, from the luxurious QuadFlex cushioning system, which could reduce the impact on your joints by up to 30%, to the robust collection of 32 preset workout options.
Owners of the NordicTrack C900 would be pleased with the impressive folding treadmill full of features until NordicTrack inevitably upgraded the hardware and phased the C900 out of production. Today, the model is discontinued, replaced with numerous iterations of commercial-quality treadmills since, but it remains a great treadmill nonetheless.
Wanna know more? Here is our full NordicTrack C900 review.
We Know NordicTrack Treadmills
Our main mission at Garage Gym Reviews has always been to provide honest, straightforward information regarding the best, and sometimes the worst, fitness products and equipment on the market.
When it comes to treadmills, we’ve walked, jogged, and run on more than a handful, including a plethora of NordicTracks and other high-end treadmill brands like ProForm, BowFlex, Peloton, and more, and done hundreds of treadmill reviews to boot. Our testers boast a wide array of applicable accolades, including certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, nutrition experts, and more.
Looking for an Alternative to NordicTrack C900?
You won’t be able to buy a NordicTrack C900 from the manufacturer or Amazon since it’s discontinued today, but you may chance across a secondhand one in good condition. If you do, it’s definitely not a bad buy, but is there a better alternative?
Absolutely. If you’re not able to get your hands on a C900, it’s a great excuse to purchase the bigger, badder, better version—the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Like the C900, it boasts commercial quality from the heavy duty motor to the impressive cushioning that makes it a pleasure to run on. However, the NordicTrack 1750 also rolled in some lavish new features, including a 14” HD touchscreen, the ability to decline the running belt, and a free trial of iFIT and iFIT Live, too.
The rest of this NordicTrack C900 treadmill review will focus on the discontinued model so you can learn more about its specific features and how it compares to readily available models.
Best Alternative to NordicTrack C900
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Product Highlights
- Spacious running deck
- Compatible with iFIT
- 14-inch touchscreen
- Incline and decline training
- Financing available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compatible with iFIT
- 3.5 CHP motor
- Free trial of iFIT subscription with purchase
- Treadmill with incline and decline training
- Foldable to save space (EasyLift Assist)
- Run that feels similar to road running
- Financing options available through NordicTrack
- Generous speed range
- Wide running deck
- Cooling fan
Cons
- Big footprint
- Heavy and not the easiest to move
- Price is around $2,000
- Warranty is voided if the treadmill is used/stored in a garage
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to add a workhorse of a treadmill to your home gym, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
A Quick Look at the NordicTrack C900
The NordicTrack C900 brings commercial quality to your home gym. The 3.0 CHP DurX Commercial Pro Motor brings smooth and consistent power to the tread belt. Plus, it incorporates a great collection of extras to improve the user experience including built-in programming, external speakers, a fan, a heart rate monitor, and the ability to fold for easy storage.
It’s built to last through all your functional workouts while working in just a bit of luxury to the fitness experience, too.
Pros:
- Cushioned deck
- 1-touch speed and incline control
- 32 built-in workout programs
- iPod-compatible sound system
- SpaceSaver design with EasyLift assist
- AutoBreeze workout fan
- CardioGrip heart rate monitor
Cons:
- Wireless chest strap sold separately
- Small display screen
- Big footprint, heavy machine
NordicTrack C900 Specs
| Footprint | 75.3” H x 37.2” W x 81.5” L |
| Weight | 295 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Motor | 3.0 CHP DurX Commercial Pro Motor |
| Walking Belt | 20” W x 60” L |
| Display | 7” backlit display |
| Incline | 0% – 15% |
| Speed | 0 – 12 MPH |
| Programs | iFit-Compatible, 32 workout apps |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Warranty | Discontinued product (NordicTrack offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and the motor, a 3-year warranty on parts, and a 1-year warranty on labor) |
Key Features of the NordicTrack C900
If all you need is a functional treadmill for a straightforward calorie burn, the NordicTrack C900 is a strong contender for one of the best treadmills for your home gym. It includes a number of bells and whistles to make the experience above average, but the main selling point is the commercial-grade construction and powerful motor.
With some upkeep, it’s reasonable to expect your C900 to run for many years without issue.
Footprint, Portability, and Durability
The NordicTrack C900 is commercial-grade, meaning it’s basically what you’d expect to encounter in the big box gyms. They don’t seem colossal in an expansive space like a fitness center, but they might really eat up square footage in your garage quickly.
The C900 is not massive, but it’s not a small machine either. Fortunately, the SpaceSaver design and the hydraulic lifting mechanism helps mitigate the footprint by allowing you to fold it up and stash it in a smaller space when it’s not in use.
In terms of durability, the C900 delivers big time. The 3.0 CHP motor really packs a punch, and the treadmill will support up to 350 pounds of user weight. For this reason, it’s a great treadmill for both lean running machines and heavier individuals looking to take the first steps back toward a healthy lifestyle.
RELATED: Best Treadmill for Heavy People
Ergonomics
Nothing beats the convenience of the 1-touch speed and incline controls. This function is incredibly useful when you’re engaged in HIIT workouts and need to jump between a walk and a sprint seamlessly.
And when you do choose to sprint, that QuadFlex cushioning system really shines, absorbing the brunt of the impact and saving your joints from abuse. Compared to other treadmills of the same price point, the C900 feels a little cushier thanks to this included design element.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
In terms of technology, the NordicTrack C900 is a mixed bag. It makes sense considering it was originally designed more than ten years ago. Nonetheless, most of the features hold up today.
We’ll start with the good: The NordicTrack C900 is iFIT compatible. You’ll need to purchase a separate subscription but, once you get it set up, you can stream all of the iFIT content and workouts straight to your treadmill.
Related: The Best iFIT Treadmills
Moving on to the “not so good,” we have that 7-inch backlit display.
The C900 advertises its screen as “oversized,” but it’s relatively small. While this was forgivable in 2011, the newer models today feature screens of 12 inches and more. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750, for example, features a 14-inch HD touchscreen, making it far superior to the C900’s dinky 7-inch display.
Let’s make a compliment sandwich and end on a high note; the AutoBreeze workout fan is delightful and the two external speakers are very convenient. While the C900 is great for your no-nonsense workouts, features like these insert a hint of decadence into the user experience.
Related: Cool It: 5 Best Treadmills With Fans (2024)
Final Verdict of Our NordicTrack C900 Review
With great commercial-quality and a few lavish perks, the NordicTrack C900 was likely the best treadmill on the market for a great period of time circa 2011, but there are too many superior options today to keep it in the top ranks.
If you manage to find a used C900 in good condition, we can confidently recommend it, but you’re probably better off going with something newer and more comprehensive like the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
Related: Best Commercial Treadmill (2024): Advanced Options For Zoomin’ At Home
NordicTrack C900 Rating
NordicTrack C900
Although this product is discontinued, we give a full NordicTrack C900 review as well as a great alternative you can purchase today.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 2499
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.7
NordicTrack C900 FAQs
What’s the difference between the C900 and the C900 Pro?
We reviewed the C900 above, but NordicTrack also manufactured a C900 Pro, which was released around the same time. On the whole, they’re very similar, but the NordicTrack C900 Pro treadmill did boast some additional design features left out of the original model, including a larger console, longer handrails, and quick speed and incline controls on the front handlebars.
Are NordicTracks worth it?
We think so! NordicTrack treadmills are often sold at a higher price point than the budget options, but they’re well-made and offer great warranties. Overall, it’s an excellent investment for your home gym.
How long do NordicTrack treadmills last?
According to the manufacturer, the lifespan of a NordicTrack treadmill is approximately 10 years. However, with regular upkeep and lubrication of the tread belt, you should be able to extend that projection.
Which NordicTrack treadmill is best?
We haven’t been shy about our love for the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 in the review above, but we have a whole list of our favorites. Take a look at our picks for the 5 best NordicTrack treadmills.
Further reading
The Smith machine deadlift proves you don’t need free weights to do this quintessential compound exercise. Check out our expert guide right here! Read more
Our Titan Wall Mounted Pulley V3 review examines this budget-friendly functional trainer to let you know if it’s right for you. Read more
In our Gold’s Gym GG480 review, we break down this now-discontinued treadmill and offer alternatives. Read more
In our Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells review, we see if these budget-friendly adjustable dumbbells are the best for a low cost. Read more