Nordictrack Commercial 2450 vs TrueForm Runner

This is a comparison between the Nordictrack 2450 treadmill and the TreuForm runner. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the TrueForm runner

The TrueForm Runner comes in at $5695 - $6195. In this article you will learn more about the product itself, its Pros and cons and alternatives you might want to consider. This article has originally been published in the overview "Which conditioning equipment to buy from Rogue".

Overview of the trueform runner

The TrueForm runner is the latest and greatest in the treadmill industry. Compared to other treadmills it has the advantage that it is not motorized and propelled by your own weight. In addition, the surface you run on is curved so the impact of your footfall is not as hard as on a flat surface. This dynamic is achieved by a conveyor belt that runs on bearings. Think of the conveyor belt at the airport but moved by your own bodyweight. It has been used at the CrossFit games and has gained popularity since then. The dimensions of the TrueForm runner are:

Height 57’’
Width 36’’
Running surface 54’’ x 17’’
Weight 325 LB

You can choose from two different options, Enduro and Performance. Both options come in at the same price and with the same dimensions. The performance model provides a higher railing. This is especially useful when you have athletes who run very fast on the machine.

Apart from this, you can pay $500 extra to get grass or track and field topping on the running surface. If you use the TrueForm runner to train track and field or football athletes you might want to go with one of these options.

Pros of the TrueForm runner

There are several pros to the TrueForm runner

Better posture
Easier adjustment of speed
No power supply needed
No programming needed
Less impact
Good resell value
Low maintenance

Based on the setup of the Trueform runner it actively helps your clients and athletes to have better running form. If you strike with the heel the curve of the machine will help to remedy and correct this over time as you push the belt from the front to the back.

With the Trueform runner, you can adjust the speed at any given time yourself without worrying about faceplanting. Doing interval training on motorized treadmills can be really annoying as the acceleration and decelerations come in jumps rather than continuously when you program them in at the start of your workout. If you adjust them while exercising it is almost impossible, especially at high speeds.

If you deploy a whole row of these (10 - 20 machines) you might also be pleased that you do not need to plan for cabling when the gym is built and powering these treadmills all year around.

As mentioned before you can free run on these machines to your hearts contempt. No buttons or panic stops needed. Just slow down and the belt slows down with you. You will not be catapulted into the wall behind you.

The curve will also be helpful to have less strain in the ankles and knees from the impact of the food. This helps you to train longer for harder.

As with most things which are "hip" and high price you usually get a higher resell value out of them than for the lower range options. While this is mostly less important for individual buyers it can be important for a chain that regularly closes off unprofitable subsidiaries and wants to shuffle equipment around.

As there are no motors which can break down you will also have fewer maintenance needs. Although you are probably more likely to need a welder rather than an electrician when this beast breaks.

Cons of the TrueForm runner

The cons of the TrueForm runner are in my opinion:

Hard to do pace training
Not for beginners
Price tag
A big piece of equipment
Poor monitor

When I prepared for my marathons there was one thing I liked about treadmills, you could set an exact pace for some of your long runs. This is actually a strength rather than a weakness of a motorized treadmill. For me, it was handy to plan my splits and hit my target time as the pace I chose was slightly challenging. I would do one of these a week slightly above the planned pace for the marathon and add distance each time. The rest of my training would be outdoors. This raised my confidence to reproduce the exact pace I needed on race day. With the TrueForm Runner, it would have been hard to have that reference, but it would have been better to do Interval runs indoors.

Tell me what you want but this thing is not for beginners. This is designed for people who want to go like cheetahs and could not do it properly on normal treadmills. Fast acceleration and breaking are where this is at home. Not for beginners or someone who is wobbly on their feet because they do rehab or are overweight. A slow motorized treadmill is the better option here.

With $5000 a piece, this is a steep price. If you want to signal to your clients that you are doing well and justify the membership of $300 a month, this is a strategy. For two of these, you can get a 10 pack of concept 2 rowers, skiergs or bikes. 10 x $100 in membership fees from a spinning class is more than 2x $300 with a bigger spread of risk in your income.

Last but not least these are big. If you have a garden or basement gym I would almost consider this no option unless you live in a mansion. If you want to maximize floor space in your commercial gym this is also not the way to go. CrossFit boxes might like this, especially if they are in the middle of a busy city.

The monitor is poor compared to some of the concept 2 options where you have leaderboards implemented to keep yourself motivated.

Alternatives to the TrueForm runner

There are the following alternatives to the TrueFrom runner:

The assault air runner is one alternative to the TrueFrom runner if you still want a self-propelled treadmill. The assault air runner comes in at a lower price point than the TrueForm runner. The mechanics are also a little different which makes running easier on this one.

The Versa Climber is often referred to as one of the hardest things you can do in endurance on a machine. It simulates climbing a steep wall with a good grip. It comes in at about half the price and takes up less footprint than the TrueForm runner. If you want a good machine for your home to knock you out this is can be a great pick. For a commercial gym, you might not have the uptake as many people just want their treadmills.

The Rogue Echo bike is a solid choice for the home gym that wants to kick your butt. Combined to the Versa Climber and the TrueFrom Runner it comes in at a fraction of the cost. A good air bike workout will still challenge you and is highly recommended.

Summary for the TrueForm runner

This is a well-built piece of equipment which is worth the price if you have the need and space for it. Athletes who know how to pace themselves, have balance and want every workout to be as challenging and adaptable as possible will love this.

For the average gym with average clients it is probably a bit too intimidating and high performance. I do not see overweight stay at home moms or retired manly beer bellies stepping on the TrueForm runner first thing through your gym doors.

Overview and review Nordictrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill $2299 - $2999

This is a review of the NordicTrack 2450 model which was originally published in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

Overview Nordictrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill $2299 - $2999

The 2450 Nordictrack treadmill comes with an extra big running surface, cushioning and 300 lbs. capacity. You can run at a top speed off 12 miles an hour and vary your running from 15% incline down to a 3% decline. This treadmill folds and comes with a 14 inch HD touch screen. The screen can be tilted to avoid glare depending on the light fall and the size of the user. With all of this, the 2450 is a mid-range option from Nordictrack which can be used commercially or in a spacious home gym. It can be folded up to save space and securely put back for action. The full list of features includes:

14” Smart HD Touchscreen
1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)**
Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
Two 3” Digitally-Amplified Speakers
Runners Flex™ Cushioning
22” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
Integrated Tray
0 – 15% Incline
0 – 3% Decline
0 - 12 MPH Speed
OneTouch® Controls
4.0 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
300 Lb. User Capacity
EKG Grip Pulse
SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
50 On-Board Workout Programs
81.2” L x 39.2” W x 69.9” H Footprint
10-Year Frame Warranty
2-Year Parts Warranty
1-Year Labor Warranty

This is a good option out of the Nordictrack portfolio but might be a little too expensive for making a compromise. I am personally not a great fan of the higher prices mid-range options like the 2450. I either want everything and pay for it or save as much money as I can to fit as much fitness equipment in a tight budget. But that is just me.

Pros of the Nordictrack 2450 treadmill

The pros of the 2450 are:

Big surface
Good cushioning
Interplay with Ifit
Strong motor

The 2450 is a great option if you have space and money. I personally would say that I would recommend this as a bulk buy option for a commercial gym as the motor is a bit more powerful and durable than other midrange options from Nordictrack. This will bring maintenance down long term without breaking the bank for other 4 CHP models out of the Nordictrack range.

Cons of the Nordictrack 2450 treadmill

The cons of the 2450 treadmill are:

High price for compromising
Relatively small touchscreen for the price
Big treadmill

I get the business idea behind the Nordictrack. Take our meh screen and our meh incline and put a strong motor and frame on it. The 2450 probably was the high end when it came out, but compared to other models I just think the value for money does not add up. If you want a big screen and do not need the full incline range, go for the Nordictrack 2950. If you want the incline but do not want to pay for the screen real estate, go for the Nordictrack X11 incline. If you want the value for money workhorse to go for the 1750. I just think that the 2450 is too much compromise for too much money. In addition, it is still quite big for someone who buys on a budget for their home gym.

Alternatives to the Nordictrack 2450 treadmill

Alternatives to the NordicTrack 2450 are:

If you are looking at the 2450 I assume that budget is playing more into your considerations than for clients who look at the 32i and the 22i. If you are looking for an incline treadmill the X11 is the best option to save some money and still get the 40%. It still costs more than the 2450, but at least you have maxed out one feature of relevance to you. INcline treadmills are in my opinion for trail runners who want to be able to train all year round or at any time of the day. Especially if you live too far away from the actual trails you want to run. If you need such a steep incline to maximize your calories burned per minute, there are better and cheaper options than a 40% incline treadmill to achieve this.

If your thought process was to get a good value for money option from Nordictrack without thinking too hard, the 1750 is your best bet. You get the midrange feature for everything while not breaking the $2000 barrier. If you are budget conscious, but still want to good stuff, this is the treadmill for you.

The true form runner is an alternative treadmill that is self-propelled. Instead of using a motor, it sits on bearing and you propel it like a hamster wheel. This makes it a great treadmill to start and stops or sprints. Most treadmills with an electric motor are not great at this kind of training as quick stops or acceleration usually break your ankles, the machine or catapult you off the belt. The desired outcome depends on your weight and prowess. The closer you are to an NFL athlete's physique, the more likely it is you break the treadmill. The smaller you are, the more likely it becomes that the treadmill turns into your catapult. If you are looking for an alternative treadmill for sprinters or sports athletes, the true form runner is a great alternative. The commercial gym will also not have to pay as much for maintenance and power as you do not have the electrical motor.

The Rogue Echo Bike is my personal favorite for calories burned per second. Yes, there is also the Jacobs ladder and the VersaClimber which do more for your coordination in case of the Jacob's ladder and burn more calories per second for the VersaClimber, but they are way more expensive than the Rogue Echo bike. If you wanted a cardio machine simply to burn calories, get the Rogue Echo bike. It is better, faster, cheaper than most options out there for a calorie-burning machine.