The best treadmill reviews you can trust
The 1250 proves itself a worthy contender for your next running treadmill by moving out of the shadow of the pricier NordicTrack 1750 and 2450.
Updated: May 13, 2025
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is the most affordable option in the prestigious Commercial Series. It retains many of the premium features of its sister machines, the 1750 and 2450. The 10” touchscreen gives you access to iFIT’s vast library. This treadmill is a first step onto NordicTrack’s soft cushioning and into the iFIT subscription platform.
I’ve spent a lot of time with NordicTrack treadmills, testing and reviewing them. Miles and miles of running and walking go into each review, but I have to admit, we don’t have the newest 1250 in our studio. We have the newest 1750 and the 2450, as well as the older 1250. I’m pulling from those three models and years of experience.
Keep reading to find out how I evaluate the 1250 as a runner and fitness expert.
The NordicTrack 1250’s frame has not changed much aesthetically. However, it now has a 400-lb weight capacity and is heavier. Based on our experience with the improved 1750 and 2450, the treadmill is sturdier than ever.
Although the handrails are short compared to many treadmills, the textured plastic makes them really count. Even when I was really sweaty, I had a good grip and could support myself on and off the treadmill. The crossbar is not textured, but the footrails are for better grip and balance.
A 3.6 CHP motor lets you run your little heart out. The 1250 is a residential treadmill, and it supports almost everything but commercial use. I only think you need a more powerful treadmill if your household has multiple users training daily and intensely. You should consider the 1750 or 2450 in that case.
The 1250 has a wide range of performance features, which allows for extensive training. You can run up to 12 mph, and the incline ranges from -3% to 15%.
If I can test the 1250 out in person, I will update this review with the results of our noise, incline accuracy, and motor responsiveness tests. Based on the older 1250’s performance and the current 1750 and 2450 treadmill test results, I expect the current 1250 to be quick for speed and incline adjustments.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 has a 22” x 60” cushioned deck. The 60” length is suited to most stride lengths, even at high speeds. On a treadmill deck this size, I never feel like I’m running out of room during workouts.
NordicTrack makes some of the softest feeling decks. Personally, I like a firmer treadmill, but this soft deck did not feel too bouncy or interfere with my running form. While cushioning does reduce shock, it is possible for cushioning to impact running form, so I pay careful attention to how my running form changes. I did not notice anything but a smooth transition from one foot to the other from the 1250.
With a higher weight capacity and wider deck, the 1250 got heavier. This treadmill has a folding frame, and lifting the deck to fold it feels like lifting around 40 to 50 lbs. It has hydraulic assistance, so letting the deck lower to the ground on its own is easy and convenient.
The -3% to 12% decline and incline is a nice range in a folding treadmill and about what you can expect from this price range. There is no limit on the speed during incline, but at a decline of -3%, you are limited to 8 mph or slower.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is outfitted with features to make using the iFIT platform even more seamless. The screen and storage compartments are easy to reach. I am always worried about accessing my water or phone and changing my speed or incline while running fast, but there is no problem with this on the 1250.
One of the NordicTrack 1250's most significant updates is the lack of console buttons. All speed and incline controls, as well as the rest of the buttons, are on the screen. I don’t mind this more minimal design for anyone using iFIT’s SmartAdjust and ActivePulse features.
Walkers and runners who want to train in manual mode with complete control over their speed and incline settings may find the new layout more difficult to use.
The 1250 has a 10” HD touchscreen, which is a built-in Android tablet. The screen is adequate for watching the iFIT content and does not feel clunky or difficult to navigate. The screen tilts to adjust for user height. At 5'4”, I find the screen positioning comfortable, but it may feel low to taller walkers and runners.
This treadmill has built-in speakers for ease of use when following along with any of iFIT’s premium training content. I suspect that the speakers are loud enough to be heard over the motor and each footstrike, as always with NordicTrack. The volume is adjustable through the touchscreen. You can even adjust the trainer and entertainment volume separately.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is Bluetooth-compatible. Users have the option to receive audio using headphones. Additionally, this treadmill can connect to a heart rate monitor like the SmartBeat Heart Rate Monitor to fully use the ActivePulse technology through iFIT.
This treadmill has two cup holders within easy reach of the user at the front of the console. A phone fits comfortably into these cup holders, but there is no dedicated tablet or phone rack. It would be tricky to view your own content while using the 1250. I suggest placing this treadmill near a TV if that is something you would like to do.
Right away, I feel drawn to the console on this treadmill. The handrails are short, bringing you right in toward the screen, which I was initially worried about. Surprisingly, I had no issue hitting the motor hood while running, which can be a big problem for me. The 1250 performed well in this area, even while I was close to the console and running fast.
If you are subscribed to iFIT, you are first brought to the login screen to select your profile. However, you still have some program options, including manual activity, without iFIT.
From the home screen, you can start a manual activity, create your own route, or browse one of iFIT’s numerous programs. I think the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 shines when using the iFIT content. The speed and incline automatically adjust to the program you have selected. Following the instructor’s cues is easy, thanks to the good screen and speaker quality.
As a midfoot striker, I had no problems with the console shaking while running or sprinting. I did notice that my experience changed entirely once I switched to a heel-striking gait. It seems footstrike was the key factor in whether the console rattled. Considering that over two-thirds of runners are heel strikers, I think NordicTrack could improve upon this.
That said, the cushioning on NordicTracks feels great regardless of footstrike. On one occasion, I used this treadmill the day after a long run on the road. My feet were feeling pretty sore, but the soft cushioning was super forgiving on my feet.
As previously mentioned, you can access the full speed range at the highest incline. At the lowest decline of -3 %, the speed goes to 8 mph or slower. 8 mph converts to a 7:30 mile, so it should be sufficient for a wide range of runners. If you were hoping to train for a downhill race or trying to replicate bombing downhill, this might be a detractor from the 1250.
The only time I had any issue with it was while running on a route I created in the Google Maps integration. The decline adjusted to -3% to replicate the terrain while I tried to run at a higher speed.
Overall, the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is a great treadmill. I highly recommend using it with the iFIT content. While the treadmill is functional without an iFIT subscription, it detracts from the experience to go without it. I feel motivated and excited to use this treadmill for both the content experience and the nice construction.
Please note: I am using images of the NordicTrack T Series 10 in this section since I do not have access to the 1250. The screen size and content are the same. In fact, the consoles are very similar.
iFIT is one of the more impressive subscription content platforms, with thousands of classes. Your training is not limited to your treadmill, as the iFIT app is available on smart devices through the Apple or Google Play app stores.
The user experience is customizable and tailored to your fitness abilities with SmartAdjust and ActivePulse technology. Your pace and incline will automatically adjust as you follow along with one of the many programs. If you wear a compatible heart rate monitor, the ActivePulse will keep you in the right heart rate zone.
You can create a course on the integrated Google Maps app to follow any route you choose. I love this feature and use it to run on courses I am familiar with but too far away to run right now. The treadmill’s incline automatically adjusts to the grade of the real-world terrain.
Navigation of the content feels quite intuitive. There was a learning curve for me when I first started using other content platforms, but iFIT was easy. There are plenty of options to filter the multitude of content to find what you want. If you start a training series, workouts from the series are recommended first, along with any classes scheduled in advance. Series content builds upon itself, providing structure to your training experience.
For those of you following a training plan like I am, iFIT allows you to train manually or program a workout in the “Create” tab. You can design an interval or target program. From any of the activity options, you have several metrics you can scroll through on the screen to assess how you are doing. It was no trouble to swipe through the screen options while I was exercising.
If you need more help finding iFIT classes that are appropriate for reaching your goals, you can enable the AI Coach feature. AI Coach Tailor texts you to learn your goals and provide training advice. Tailor’s most helpful feature is scheduling classes for you. It takes the guesswork out of your training.
With iFIT, you can access entertainment apps. You can watch or listen to Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, Pluto TV, Audible, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio while in any of the workout options, including an iFIT class. However, they are not available without an iFIT membership.
If you prefer not to subscribe to iFIT’s platform, you can still use the NordicTrack Commercial 1250. With a free iFIT membership, you can access a few featured trainer-led classes and onboard programs. Without an iFIT account, you can only use manual training mode.
At a lower price point than the 2450 and 1750, the NordicTrack 1250 serves as a great introductory model for the line. I really like it for anyone looking to be immersed in the iFIT platform. This premium-feeling option would be great for almost any household with its spacious deck and powerful motor.
Like every NordicTrack treadmill, iFIT provides an immersive training platform with ample entertainment options from Netflix and other apps. iFIT also has innovative features that tailor the workouts to your training level.
My preferred word for this treadmill is dialed-in. The soft cushioning and minimalist build will keep you focused on your workout and coming back for more, especially when paired with the maximalist iFIT platform.
