NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Review
A heavy-duty home running treadmill that combines a spacious feel with NordicTrack’s connected training experience, without going straight to the top of the range.
Summary and Chapter Links
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy something, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you – this doesn’t affect my opinions and reviews. As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 quick verdict
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is a roomy treadmill for regular home running. The 152 x 55 cm (59.8 x 21.7 in) running area, 3.6 CHP motor and incline/decline range give it a strong base for steady runs, intervals and hill work.
The main question is whether you want the connected training side. If you do, the 1250 has plenty to offer. If not, I would look at treadmills with fewer connected features, where less of the price is tied to the screen and training platform.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 specifications
| Motor power | 3.6 CHP |
| Maximum speed | 20 km/h (12.4 mph) |
| Incline | 12% |
| Running area | 152 x 55 cm (59.8 x 21.7 in) |
| Maximum user weight | 182 kg (28 st 9 lb) |
| Frame type | Fold-Up Deck |
| Compatible apps | iFIT, Strava, Garmin Connect, Apple Health |
| Assembled dimensions (L x W x H) | 196 x 94 x 151.1 cm (77.2 x 37.0 x 59.5 in) |
Paid link
I judge the Commercial 1250 in the context of the job it is designed to do – regular home running with iFIT-led training.
I focused on how the main features affect real buying decisions rather than treating every line of the specification as equally important.
- Training suitability – belt size, speed, incline and the overall specification for the kind of running, jogging or walking the machine is aimed at.
- Build and practicality – machine weight, user capacity, frame type, dimensions, storage and how realistic it is to place and move at home.
- Technology and ownership – console or controls, app choice, warranty and recurring themes in model-specific customer feedback.
For this review I focused on motor power, running area, incline and decline, iFIT, size and warranty.
I use the current UK specification as the starting point and focus on how the main features affect real buying decisions. I do not assume an overseas version is identical to the model sold here.
Is this treadmill right for me?
Enter a few details and I will check them against the product information for this treadmill. Treat the result as a buying aid rather than a manufacturer guarantee.
Who is the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 best for?
The Commercial 1250 is a good fit if you run regularly and want iFIT, a roomy belt and both incline and decline.
If you do not want iFIT, need more than 20 km/h (12.4 mph) or want direct Zwift or Kinomap treadmill control, I would look at other models.
What Stands Out
Roomy running area – The 152 x 55 cm (59.8 x 21.7 in) belt gives you plenty of room for regular running.
Motor suited to regular running – The motor is well matched to steady runs, tempo work and intervals at home.
Incline and decline – The 12% incline gives plenty of scope for hill work, while the 3% decline can simulate downhill running.
iFIT automation – If you use iFIT, trainer-led workouts can adjust the treadmill automatically.
Strong home warranty – Lifetime frame, 10 years on the motor and two years parts and labour is good cover once registered within 28 days.
Things to consider
iFIT is central – A lot of the smart value is tied to iFIT, so include the ongoing membership in the buying decision.
Third-party apps are limited – Strava, Garmin and Apple Health are mainly for data syncing rather than direct treadmill training through Zwift or Kinomap.
Enough pace for most home runners – That is enough for most runners, but faster interval runners may want a higher ceiling.
It is a large treadmill – The 196 x 94 cm (77.2 x 37 in) footprint and 119 kg (262 lb) machine weight need a dedicated training space and some planning for delivery.
A CLOSER LOOK
How the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 performs in key areas
RUNNING COMFORT
Running area
The 152 x 55 cm (59.8 x 21.7 in) running area gives you plenty of room for regular running and should be long enough for taller runners too. That extra length matters more as pace rises because your stride opens up, so there is less need to shorten your gait to stay centred on the belt.
BUILD & CAPACITY
Build and user weight
The 182 kg (28 st 9 lb) maximum user weight is high for a home treadmill. At 119 kg (18 st 10 lb), the machine itself also has the sort of heavy-duty build I would expect at this level.
PERFORMANCE
Motor and speed
The 3.6 CHP motor and 20 km/h (12.4 mph) top speed are enough for regular home running.
If you need more than 20 km/h (12.4 mph) or expect particularly demanding weekly use, I would look at the 1750 and 2450.
HILL CLIMB TRAINING
Incline and decline
The 12% incline gives plenty of scope for hill work, while the 3% decline can simulate downhill running. With iFIT, SmartAdjust can change the gradient automatically during supported sessions. The incline lets you raise effort without always running faster, while the decline adds a different movement pattern for route-style sessions.
SPACE & STORAGE
Frame and storage
The running platform folds to cut the stored length to 112 cm (44.1 in), but the treadmill is still 94 cm (37 in) wide. Think of the fold as a way to reclaim floor length rather than make the machine portable. My folding treadmill guide explains the main folding designs.
CONNECTED TRAINING
Apps and subscriptions
iFIT is NordicTrack’s main connected training platform, with guided workouts and automatic treadmill adjustments during compatible sessions.
SmartAdjust and ActivePulse are the main connected features to look at. My smart treadmill guide explains what those features actually do.
iFIT can also sync workout data with Strava, Garmin Connect and Apple Health.
EVERYDAY USE
Console and controls
The 10-inch pivoting screen is large enough for trainer-led workouts without taking over the whole treadmill. If you want a bigger display, that is one of the clearer reasons to move up to the 1750 or 2450.
iFIT can also sync workout data with Strava, Garmin Connect and Apple Health.
PEACE OF MIND
Warranty and after-sales cover
The warranty is lifetime on the frame, 10 years on the motor and 2 years parts and labour when registered within 28 days.
That is strong home-use cover. Make sure you register the treadmill within the 28-day window.
SPACE CHECK
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 dimensions and space required
The Commercial 1250 folds to reclaim some floor space between sessions, but folding does not remove the need to plan for its full width and the room required to use it safely.
| Dimensions in use | 196 x 94 x 151.1 cm (77.2 x 37.0 x 59.5 in) |
| Running area | 152 x 55 cm (59.8 x 21.7 in) |
| Frame type | Fold-Up Deck |
| Maximum user weight | 182 kg (28 st 9 lb) |
| Machine weight | 128.7 kg (284 lb) |
Although this treadmill has transport wheels, you still need to be comfortable lifting or tilting part of it to get it onto the wheels before you can move it.
Because the treadmill’s boxed weight will be over 80 kg, couriers will not take it up any stairs during delivery.
TREADMILL COMPARISON
Compare the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 with other treadmills
Use the selectors below to compare the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 with up to three treadmills I have reviewed. The first column stays fixed to this model.
Choose at least one treadmill above to show the comparison table.
| Feature | NordicTrack Commercial 1250 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor power | 3.6 CHP | |||
| Maximum speed | 20 km/h (12.4 mph) | |||
| Incline | 12% | |||
| Running belt | 152 x 55 cm (59.8 x 21.7 in) | |||
| Maximum user weight | 182 kg (28 st 9 lb) | |||
| Frame type | Fold-Up Deck | |||
| Compatible apps | iFIT, Strava, Garmin Connect, Apple Health | |||
| Assembled dimensions | 196 x 94 x 151.1 cm (77.2 x 37.0 x 59.5 in) |
The table is there to make the differences easier to scan. I would still judge each treadmill in the context of the training it is designed for rather than treating one higher figure as automatically better.
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 final verdict
The Commercial 1250 is a strong option for regular home running if you want iFIT and a roomy 152 x 55 cm (59.8 x 21.7 in) running area. The 3.6 CHP motor gives it enough power for steady running and interval work.
The 12% incline and 3% decline add more variety than incline alone, with the decline giving you a way to simulate downhill running.
The warranty is strong once registered, but iFIT needs to be something you actually want. The smart side is too central to ignore when looking at value.
If guided training and automatic adjustments appeal to you, the 1250 works well. If you want open third-party treadmill apps or more than 20 km/h (12.4 mph), I would look elsewhere.
Paid link
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 FAQ
Is the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 suitable for tall runners?
Yes, the 152 x 55 cm (59.8 x 21.7 in) running area is spacious and should suit many taller runners and longer strides. It is one of the stronger parts of the specification.
Is the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 suitable for heavier users?
The maximum user weight is 182 kg (28 st 9 lb), which gives it a high capacity for a home treadmill. If the heaviest user is close to that figure, I would look at a higher-capacity treadmill for regular use.
Is the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 suitable for daily running?
The 3.6 CHP motor, spacious running area and heavy-duty build make it a suitable option for frequent home running. The main question is whether the iFIT-led setup also suits the way you want to train.
Can I use the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 without an iFIT subscription?
Core treadmill use is still possible, but iFIT is a major part of the connected experience and automatic workout adjustments. If you mainly use manual Quick Start, some of the features you are paying for will matter less.
What warranty does the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 have in the UK?
The warranty is lifetime on the frame, 10 years on the motor and 2 years parts and labour when registered within 28 days. I would treat registration as part of the setup process.
What is iFIT?
iFIT is the main connected training platform used by NordicTrack. It provides guided workouts and can adjust treadmill speed and incline or decline automatically during compatible sessions. The full connected features depend on the current iFIT membership.
Author: Ian Smith For the past five years I’ve worked in marketing for one of the UK’s leading fitness equipment brands. During this time I’ve learnt a thing or two about fitness equipment: what’s out there and commonly asked customer questions. I also regularly used the equipment myself and would help test out new products. LinkedIn profile
