NordicTrack A2550 Pro
Sixteen Preset Workout Options
The NordicTrack A2550 Pro model comes with a decent array of 16 pre-programmed workout routines. Each built-in workout routine has predetermined incline and speed settings designed to mix up the workout routine and allow users to relax and focus on their fitness goals, enjoy music or television without having to worry about manually setting any of the controls while exercising.
Four of the preset fitness routines are geared toward performance enhancement. Designed by Certified Personal Trainers, these settings are for people who want to take their workouts to the next level in speed and endurance.
Another four of the built-in fitness routines are for specific distance lengths. Choose from 1 mile, 10 miles, 5K or 10k runs. This is great for comparing progress and improving times over the same distance and for training at one distance while preparing for the challenge of the next length up. It's also a focused way to get ready to run a completive length race or prepare for a neighborhood or charity fun run.
Time is another factor runners and walkers use to measure progress in their workouts. Four of the automatic workouts built into the A2550 are time-based. Set-it-and-forget-it for an easy measured run or walk, or use the time setting to try to increase distance in the same time period. And like the pre-programmed distance settings, the timed workouts can be used to graduate from shorter to longer runs and levels of fitness increase.
Finally there are the ever-popular weight loss routines. The NordicTrack A2550 has four weight loss programs built in and at the push of a button the treadmill computer calculates speed and incline settings ensuring maximum calories are burned. This is great for people who might otherwise be tempted to set lower settings to take it easy on themselves.
Comfort Shox Cushioning
The A2550 has the Comfort Shox cushioning system to help reduce the pound of bone and joints that naturally happens with running indoors and out. The way that NordicTrack lessens impact in this machine is with plastic and air cushions in the gap between the top and bottom sections of the tread deck.
Graphic Display
It's an updated keep-it-simple design for the treadmill's readout display on the A2550. The console's lighted display windows feature black graphics against a green background to tell time, distance, calories and other typical workout data. An enhancement is that the display has actual graphic abilities that look nicer and are easier to read instead of the old style pre-formed bars and figures that get illuminated (think of the square red numbers on an old digital clock, for example).
Space Saving Design
Like most of the their other models, the NordicTrack A2550 tread deck can be lifted vertically to be stored upright between the armrest. This frees up a lot of floor space, which makes a big a difference for home user allowing even those with only a little workout space a chance to put in exercise equipment.
Tread and Tread Deck Specifications of the A2550 Pro
Because the A2550 treadmill is in the entry level category, it does have a smaller tread deck footprint at 20 inches wide by 55 inches long than some of the more advanced models. However, the 20" width is the same as NordicTrack's top model but at 55" the length is a little shorter than the 60" to 62" lengths seen on other treadmills.
The treadmill belt itself is the basic model, but it should be noted that NordicTrack states that the it meets tread essentials in terms of safety , length, and relative quiet, or what they call the "3 S's" ("Security", "Stride" and "Sound").
With a good grip on the top surface and a low-friction underside NordicTrack is able to offer a durable, smooth and quiet running tread.
Missing Features
Again, this model if for those who don't need a lot or don't want to pay lot in their home workout machine. Therefore, there are a couple things absent from this model. There are no speakers for sound output. There is a place in an iPod on the console. Also, there are no built in workout fans to keep users cool. Other NordicTrack treadmills have fans in the unit but this one does not.
iFit Live Compatible
The machine will accommodate the iFit live module and has brackets on the console to hold a laptop computer if a buyer wishes to purchase the sold-separately iFit Live component and service. iFit has many workout tracking and enhancement features. It requires a wireless internet connection to function.
NordicTrack A2550 Pro Specifications:
Tread size: 55" x 20"
Motor size: 2.5 CHP (continuous horsepower)
Footprint: 74.5" L x 37.75" W x 67" H
Warranty
Lifetime warranty on motor and frame and two years on parts and one year on labor on the other components. Within the first year, NordicTrack will send a technician to the home to service the machine under warranty.
Visit the official NordicTrack website for more information.