The NordicTrack A2550 Pro Treadmill – Solid Value

Working out with Jillian Michaels on the NordicTrack A2550 Pro treadmill using the advanced iFit® Live training mode is a sure way to get your butt in gear and lose excess pounds. Along with the ability to get fitness tips from The Biggest Loser trainer, the A2250 Pro offers unexpected cushioning, a quiet motor, great programming, and solid value for your money.

The Machine

The new 2010 NordicTrack A2550 Pro treadmill features a high-resolution Grafixx™ Display with 2 LCD windows tracking speed, time, distance, pulse, and calories burned. You can do your workout in manual mode, or punch a button and you’re ready for one of 16 pre-programmed workouts that automatically adjust the treadmill’s incline and speed. Programs include 4 Weight Loss, 4 Timed, 4 Performance, and 4 Distance (1 mile, 5K, 10K, and half marathon).

The full specs on the NordicTrack A2550 Pro are:

• 2.5 HP DurX™ Motor
• 0-12 mph 1-Touch™ Speed
• 0-10% 1-Touch™ Incline
• 20" x 55" Tread Belt
• ComfortShox™ Cushioning
• 16 Workouts
• iFit® Live Compatible*
• Compatible Music Port for iPod®
• Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0 Sound System
• CardioGrip™ Heart Rate Monitor
• 350 lbs User Weight Capacity
• SpaceSaver® Folding Design
• Warranty: Lifetime motor & frame, 1-year parts and labor

*iFit ® Live Module & annual plan sold separately. Wireless network required.

The Buzz

UPDATE:  The A2550 treadmill is no longer being sold.  For a comparable machine check out the newest NordicTrack treadmills here.

This NordicTrack A2550 Pro treadmill is an upgrade from the popular A2550 model which got rave reviews for quality and performance. This Pro model has improved styling on the console, mast, motor cover – in fact, everything about the aesthetics changed dramatically for the better.

Under the hood, NordicTrack included hefty 2.5" precision machined rollers, put in a slightly larger self-cooling drive motor, and added a new deck cushioning system.

Let’s get some of the naggling issues with treadmill reviews out of the way: the sound system is overrated and not particularly good, the heart monitor is inaccurate (as are most under-$1500 treadmills most of the time), and NordicTrack is going through a period of unsatisfactory customer service.

The service and parts warranty is only one year, but you have the option to extend the warranty for about $89/year when you order a machine. Now let’s focus on the good things of the NordicTrack A2550 Pro, like the increased user weight capacity of 350 pounds, the upgraded motor, and the solid deck and rollers.

They added plenty of endurance programs (while dropping the iFit cards), so you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on an iFit Live device and annual subscription.

What We Say

The MSRP on the NordicTrack A2550 Pro treadmill is $1299, a $400 decrease in price from the A2550 model. To make the deal even sweeter, the online sale price of this Pro model has been as low as an eye popping $799.

If you can get it at that price, or for anything less than $1000, and even with the occasional spotty customer service, this treadmill is a Good Buy.