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Editor’s Note: The NordicTrack T 8.5 S Treadmill is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill as the best alternative, or view our Best NordicTrack Treadmill roundup for more options.
As new treadmills are released into the fitness equipment market, older models must be retired or discontinued to make room. Such was the case with the NordicTrack T 8.5 S treadmill, which was discontinued by NordicTrack. It may no longer be in production, but as of January 2023, it is still available on Amazon, and may still be in some retail stores for purchase.
Whether you get your hands on a new one or buy one second hand, a NordicTrack T 8.5 S treadmill review is needed, and Garage Gym Reviews has you covered. We’ll talk about the pros (there are several), the cons, and share the details that may matter most to you if you’re looking for a treadmill to help you make the most out of your workout room.
We Know Fitness Equipment
Whether it’s treadmills, ellipticals, weight training equipment, or anything else home-gym related, the testers at Garage Gym Reviews know a lot about them and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with people who can benefit from it. Our various certified personal trainers, CrossFit-L1 trainers, nutritionists, and other experts study, research, and use the equipment that you’re looking to purchase. So, when you read one of our reviews, you can be assured that you know exactly what you’re getting when you hit the “order” button.
Looking for an Alternative to the NordicTrack T 8.5 S Treadmill?
Best Alternative to NordicTrack T 8.5 S
NordicTrack T 6.5 S
Product Highlights
- Entry-level foldable treadmill
- iFIT-compatible
- 20 on-board workouts
- 2.6 CHP motor
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Space-saver/folding deck
- 20 on-board workouts
- iFIT- and iPod-enabled
- 300 pound weight capacity
- Affordable
- Cushioned running deck
- Incline capability
- One-touch controls
Cons
- Requires a separate viewing device to take advantage of the benefits of iFit
- Small 5-inch display
- Customers consistently report that the T 6.5 S is very noisy
- Motor will not support sustained running
Bottom Line
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is a value purchase with some notable features. WIth a foldable design and compact footprint, it is a great choice for those with small spaces looking to dive into the world of cardio.
The NordicTrack T 8.5 S may be discontinued, but you can still find a high-quality treadmill that will serve you well. We suggest you take a look at the NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill, which is another, somewhat more affordable, model in the entry-level T series. It has OneTouch controls, a Smart Response motor, and also comes with NordicTrack’s signature FlexSelect cushioning deck.
A Quick Look at the NordicTrack T 8.5 S
The NordicTrack T 8.5 S could be considered an entry-level machine. In other words, beginners could learn to use it easily and make the most out of their cardio. The complimentary 30-day iFIT membership could help them learn new workouts that could challenge them along the way.
There are a variety of built-in workout programs that can challenge fitness enthusiasts of all levels, and the running surface is both wide and supportive. It will support user weight up to 300 pounds. The bottom line is this could be a beneficial home treadmill for many garage gym owners.
Pros:
- Quiet and strong motor
- Budget-friendly
- 10” HD touchscreen
- 1-month iFIT subscription included
- Wide and long running platform
- EKG Grips for heart rate tracking
- SpaceSaver design makes it foldable
- Great for beginners
- 50 on-board workout programs
- Bluetooth audio capability
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy training
- No heart rate chest strap
NordicTrack T 8.5 S Treadmill Specs
| Footprint | 78.5” L x 35.5” W x 59.4” H |
| Weight | 239 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
| Display | 10” HD touchscreen |
| Belt size | 20” W x 60” L |
| Incline range | 0-12% |
| Maximum speed | 12 MPH |
| Programming | 50 on-board workouts |
| Warranty | 10-year frame warranty, 2 years parts warranty, 1-year labor warranty |
Key Features of the NordicTrack T 8.5 S
The first feature that should be recognized is the FlexSelect cushioning on the deck. People who may have trouble running on concrete or hard surfaces can still train hard on this machine. It will provide less impact on the joints, tendons, and ligaments while still allowing you to burn calories and train hard. It also has storage pockets for small towels or smartphones.
The treadmill comes with a 3.5 CHP motor. It’s quiet and will support most users’ efforts, but it may not be strong enough to support extra long or hard workouts. If you’re a seasoned runner or sprinter, you may want to consider another option such as the NordicTrack EXP 10i.
Footprint, Portability, and Durability
You’re going to need a lot of space to keep this one, and a high ceiling wouldn’t hurt, either. At over 6 feet in length, it will be a good choice for taller users, but you don’t want to cram it in a tight space. You will also have to step up on the machine, and it inclines up to 12%. If the room has a low ceiling, you may want to set it up somewhere else.
The good news is that it can be folded and it has two wheels on the front. So, it can be out of the way if you want to do something else in that space.
Ergonomics
There is a safety key included on the display area that can either be connected directly to you or you can simply pull if you need the machine to stop quickly. The back of the treadmill has larger feet that will help keep it in place while you’re using it. If needed, you can also hold the handles on the sides, which have EKG grips to track your heart rate. The anti-slip tread belt will help you focus on taking the next step without concern for slipping.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The T 8.5 S has a workout fan to keep you cool while you’re working, and the 3.5 CHP commercial plus motor is also self-cooling. The iFIT workouts will challenge you and you can set up five different user profiles so each member of your household can customize and track their workouts. The 10-inch Smart HD touchscreen can help you track metrics such as distance, calories burned, and time.
Final Verdict of Our NordicTrack T 8.5 S Treadmill Review
The T 8.5 S may not be available for much longer, so if you have a chance to get your hands on one, you would be making a solid investment. Amazon has them listed at $1,599 while they are still in stock. Considering what you’re paying for, it would be a great choice for people who are looking for a treadmill to help them lose weight or start training for running. Advanced athletes or people who need a machine for multiple users may want to consider other machines in the NordicTrack family, but this is a solid option for most people.
NordicTrack T 8.5 S Rating
NordicTrack T 8.5 S
If you’re interested in an alternative to the NordicTrack T 8.5 S, check out the NordicTrack T 6.5 S
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 699
Product In-Stock: InStock
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NordicTrack T 8.5 S FAQs
How much does the NordicTrack T 8.5 S weigh?
The T 8.5 S weighs 239 pounds when assembled. It’s a big machine, but it will withstand a lot of use. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, so many people can use it for performance or weight-loss transformations.
Can you run on the NordicTrack T 8.5 S?
Yes, you can run on the T 8.5 S up to a top speed of 12 miles per hour. It also has an incline setting up to a 12% grade, so you can run flat or simulate running on a hill. With a 60-inch wide deck belt, you should feel comfortable jogging for an extended period of time. You may want to keep sprints limited, however.
Does the NordicTrack T 8.5 S fold?
Yes, this NordicTrack treadmill can be folded when it’s not in use. This makes it convenient to store or at least have out of the way if you need the training space for something else. You grab the bar at the base of the deck and lift until you hear it lock in place. To release, hold your foot against the release lever while holding the bar and it will unfold.
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