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For daily motivation, rainy days, or recovery, the EXP 14i is a great treadmill for indoor workouts. Continue reading this review of the NordicTrack EXP 14i Treadmill review for my detailed take on this cardio machine.
Updated: September 15, 2023
The soft platform and 14” touchscreen display will make you forget you are researching home treadmills, not your new entertainment center. Be refreshed with a cool breeze from the AutoBreeze fan, and listen to some tunes on the powerful audio speakers. Runner’s Flex Cushioning makes every step easier than running outdoors, while iFIT’s trainer-led classes improve your motivation and assist you in reaching your goals. This review of the NordicTrack EXP 14i Treadmill uncovers all these features and more.
The NordicTrack EXP 14i is built on a steel, Z-shaped frame. The uprights are steel and joined with the treadmill arms, which are covered in plastic. The plastic is textured to improve grip while exercising. The build is sleek and simple, without an added crossbar between the uprights. The stability of the build is only minimally affected at high speeds by this construction.
The EXP 14i has a 3.0 CHP motor. This motor strength is suitable for walking and running. We recommend shorter or less frequent running. A stronger motor is more suited to heavy use, but the EXP 14i can handle a single runner doing lower mileage just fine. For multi-user households or longer distance training, consider a 3.5 HP motor or higher, such as the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
The NordicTrack EXP 14i has a 20” x 55” running surface. This is smaller than I prefer on a running treadmill. The width is okay, but 60” in length is more comfortable for users with longer strides, especially at higher speeds. For a 5’4” runner like me, I did not have a problem with the length, but other users may find a 60” deck more suited to their needs.
The belt is texturized. I never had to worry about my foot slipping while walking or running, even at a steep incline. The deck provides shock absorption for every step, so you can go further and faster! The EXP 14i and other NordicTrack treadmills have become some of my favorite treadmills for recovery running. They are much easier on my legs than other treadmills.
The NordicTrack EXP 14i is a folding treadmill. It folds compactly to minimize its footprint while not in use. The EasyLift Assist makes folding and unfolding easy with hydraulic technology. A hydraulic arm holds the deck in place when folded. Press the bar with your foot to release and push back firmly on the treadmill deck. When released, the treadmill slowly lowers itself to the ground. It moves faster for the first half of the lowering process but slows down to gently meet the ground.
There are two transport wheels to help with relocating the EXP 14i. Moving the treadmill on a hard surface is considerably easier than moving a foam or rubberized mat. You do have to tilt the treadmill to engage its wheels. This may only be feasible for some users.
There is no option to decline this treadmill. It inclines to a maximum grade of 12%. The incline transitions are smooth and so quiet you won’t notice that the deck has even moved until your calves start burning from the climb. I love iFIT’s ability to match real-world terrain as closely as possible. It adds to the immersive feel of the treadmill.
NordicTrack has perfected its delivery of iFIT’s premium content. The EXP 14i is no exception. Its large touchscreen and great volume create an immersive experience. I appreciate how the EXP 14i provides all the necessary features in a streamlined presentation.
The NordicTrack EXP 14i has an easily accessible console. Everything you need is right at your fingertips. You don’t have to worry about encroaching on the motor hood to reach the console’s buttons and storage.
The OneTouch buttons are arranged vertically to either side of the screen, giving you quick and easy access to the 14i’s entire speed and incline range. If you need a more precise selection, you can change the speed and incline by .1 and .5, respectively, using the +/- or ^/v buttons at the bottom of the console.
The NordicTrack EXP 14i has a 14” screen, as indicated by its name. The screen tilts to help improve the view for taller or shorter users. This adjustment is limited as some viewers will need to look up or down to view the screen. It does reduce glare from overhead lights.
Navigation of the screen is easy. When walking, I had no issues navigating the touchscreen. I occasionally missed the button I was trying to hit when I ran. Thankfully, the EXP 14i has physical speed, incline, fan, and volume buttons. These are much easier to use when running. iFIT also offers hands-free training by remembering past performances and adjusting the workout intensity to match. The more you train, the more accurate iFIT’s speed suggestions become.
Onscreen content feels intuitive. iFIT’s fitness classes are adequately labeled, and the previews give even more information to help you understand the type of workout you are selecting. The manual activity button is located in the top right corner, so you can easily bypass iFIT’s library if you wish. Other interfaces require more time to get used to, but most people should not have a problem with iFIT’s layout.
There are two small cup holders on the console (one to either side). These cup holders are sized for small to average water bottles or can fit a phone. Your items stay secure within the cup holders whether you walk or run.
The EXP 14i has an AutoBreeze fan. The fan is powerful enough to produce a cooling breeze even on its lowest setting. There are three fan strengths. The fourth setting places the fan on auto, allowing it to speed up or slow down as you do. It hits my face and neck while running. For reference, I am 5’4”.
A device rack sits just beneath the touchscreen. It is suitable for placing a phone or tablet. The touchscreen is partially covered by any device placed on this ledge. The touchscreen should be placed in its flat, neutral position to keep your device stable. The screen is large enough that a smartphone can be placed in the device rack without making it unusable.
The speakers are plenty loud. Helpful onscreen controls adjust the trainer and music volume independently. You can control the master volume from the physical buttons on the console. Pressing them will also bring up the audio and volume controls on the screen.
The EXP 14i is Bluetooth enabled. You can connect a heart rate monitor or headphones to the EXP 14i. You can use your headphones' built-in audio controls to adjust the sound. The quality is great, and connectivity is as easy as putting your device in pairing mode and selecting it from the settings menu.
The EXP 14i is a great recovery run or easy run treadmill. The shorter deck makes it not ideal for larger or long strides at high speeds, but petite users should be able to run at the EXP 14i’s full speed range. The cushion is gentle on your legs, as it is noticeably softer than road running or firmer treadmill decks like the Sole F85. Speed and incline adjustments are fluid, so your workout progresses without interruption.
The motor is right at our threshold for consideration of a treadmill as a running treadmill. It is ideal for daily walking, low running mileage, or infrequent hard runs. The EXP 14i is better for a single user if use is frequent.
The console shakes at higher speeds, particularly if you land on your heels. Fortunately, the tablet rack keeps your phone or device stable despite the shaking. The screen is also large enough that your viewing experience is minimally impacted.
The NordicTrack EXP 14i comes with 30 days free of iFIT. Afterward, a monthly or yearly subscription is required to continue using all of the EXP 14i’s content and features. iFIT has thousands of classes and over a hundred different trainers. You are practically guaranteed never to get bored. Their videos take you around the world for all kinds of content. The 14-inch screen showcases the worldwide content well, so you will be planning a destination race in no time. If the global content iFIT offers isn’t enough, the Google Map integration lets you create a route almost anywhere. The incline will adjust to replicate the real-world terrain as closely as possible.
iFIT is more than a treadmill training platform. It delivers other cardio content for bikes, ellipticals, and rowers. There is also strength, yoga, and mind (meditation) content for workouts with and without equipment. iFIT does not require a separate subscription for use across other devices. Your account can be used on other iFIT-compatible equipment or accessed through the smartphone app available through Apple or Google Play apps store.
Without iFIT, the treadmill is still functional with some restrictions. There are a few onboard programs that follow basic structures like hill workouts and intervals. There is also a sampling of iFIT’s premium content available. These featured classes rotate so you can get a taste of the paid content before committing.
The NordicTrack EXP 14i treadmill is a great low-mileage running treadmill or dedicated walking treadmill. It has a 14” touchscreen, great for viewing iFIT’s beautiful content and easy navigation. It has a compact deck size and folds for a low footprint when not in use. The deck is also very cushioned, making it a great option for recovering from harder activities or building your cardio routine up. The design is sleek and simple, with everything kept within reach and fully functional features.
