NordicTrack sounds like one thing, and it look like another. You might assume its a different company from ProForm. But it isn’t.
They’re both owned by same company. That company happens to be iFit, which for 20 years has been selling home fitness equipment. And the distinction between these two are not an engineering one.
It’s one of software and brand positioning. This helps explain why I think that when it comes to shopping, you’re really not deciding between two different philosophies. You’re selecting between two user experiences running on the same hardware.
Oftentimes the drive belts, motors, frames etc… Come from same supply chain. What matter is what you’re getting in terms of design and software ecosystem.
How NordicTrack and ProForm Differ Under Same Owner
ProForm High-Tech User Experience
And that’s what makes the ProForm experience so high tech: It goes all-in on its iFit connection. Purchase a ProForm treadmill? You’re not just getting a treadmill.
You’re also getting access to an entire online world. Big screens. The consoles is complicated.
It is a touchscreen adventure in place of your personal trainer. For those prone to boredom, this is a great fit. Motivation must come from outside their bodies, or they’ll never stay active.
NordicTrack Traditional Build Quality
NordicTrack is built to be tough. It’s more reminiscent of good old gym gear. Not so many bells and whistles at the entry level.
There is more emphasis on strong build quality. This connects with those looking for something straightforward. It is something that isn’t tied to an app.
For them it’s about the exercise, pure and simple. Hardware It’s obvious, though, that they’re similar in the hardware. A NordicTrack machine and a ProForm treadmill might share nearly identical components like belt decks and motor housings.
That way, both companies can sells them at more competitive prices. With either brand you get pro-level pieces of equipment. At the same level, they has a similar structural integrity.
Software Integration Differences
However, they differ in software integration. ProForm frequently includes iFit subscriptions with its machines. They assume that you prefer to have your incline adjusted automaticly.
NordicTrack provides this technology but makes it optional. This means that if someone want to have a NordicTrack machine and skips the digital options they can do so. For those concerned about their privacy, this is a nice feature.
Design and Aesthetics
The aesthetics matter, too. The design make a difference in how consumers view it. Does it fit with my house?
Clean lines or sharp angles? Dark or light color schemes? For example, NordicTrack tends to lean toward the former while ProForm tend to go for the latter.
After all, a treadmill is a big piece of furnitures. It belongs in your house; it should blend with it. Common ownership mean common service structures.
Customer Service and Support
Whether you choose ProForm or NordicTrack, you’ll receive the same level of response time. Availability of parts remain identical. Customer experience are uniform.
That eliminates some of the guesswork in your decision. Corporate support is equal across both brands. So, what’s it gonna be?
Do you prefer to interact digitally or manually? If so, then go with ProForm. If not, then NordicTrack.
Either way, they’ll assist you in getting fit. They has the same foundation. They have different branding.
