Nautilus T516 Treadmill Review
Nautilus T516 Treadmill Review
As someone who loves to exercise and is always looking for great fitness products, I decided recently to take a look at the Nautilus T516 Treadmill
What To Look For When Buying A Treadmill
Anyone looking to purchase a home treadmill needs to realize there are certain distinguishing features which will influence the use and performance of the machine. These are:
- Motor
- Dimensions
- Running Surface
- Workout Programs / Accessories
- Frame / Safety Features
- Warranty
Knowing how these features are incorporated in the treadmill you wish to purchase will give you a great advantage in finding the best treadmill while sparing you from buyer’s remorse. Here I will go through each of the features in detail as they relate to the Nautilus T516 Treadmill.
Power Counts!
The motor is the central component on a treadmill. The 3.2 horsepower continuous duty DC motor found on the Nautilus T516 Treadmill
Will It Fit Me And The Space In My House?
When searching for a treadmill, it is essential to find one that will be large enough for the user yet compact enough to fit in the room or space which will be its new home. The Nautilus T516 seems to satisfy both requirements rather nicely. The treadmill features a belt which is 58 in. long and 20 in. wide. This makes it long enough for a tall runner and wide enough for those people who tend to drift from side to side while walking or running. The treadmill itself measures 78 in. long, 34 in. wide and 54 in. tall. One of the great features of the Nautilus T516 Treadmill is the fact that it is a folding treadmill. The machine comes equipped with Nautilus’ SoftDrop folding technology. This technology uses a hydraulic lift which allows the treadmill to unfold slowly without aid. This is an especially great feature if you have children, as it eases the worry of having the treadmill fall on a little one. When folded the treadmill measures 41 in. x 34 in. x 65 ½ in. While it is a heavy 220.5 lbs, the treadmill features transport wheels on the bottom to assist in assembly and moving.
Running Surface
The Nautilus T516 comes with a cushioned running surface that reduces impact on many hard-hit joints such as ankles, knees, and hips. This feature is a huge asset for anyone who intends to use the treadmill regularly. Another often overlooked feature is the thickness of the running deck found on this Nautilus treadmill. The running deck is the platform on which the belt sits. The deck can get worn down with regular use, but the thick deck found on the T516 is an indication that the treadmill is sturdy and built to last.
Workout Programs & Accessories
Here is where we get to the fun part of the treadmill. The Nautilus T516 doesn’t skimp when it comes to providing a variety of workout choices. The treadmill comes with 26 preset workout programs. Workout programs are seen by many regular treadmill users as a great way to beat the monotony sometimes felt when using a treadmill. Some of the program profiles included are:
- 3 Challenge
- 3 Interval
- 3 Hill
- Calorie Goal
- 5K Course
- 10K Course
- Heart Rate Controlled
- Target HR
- 65% Max
- 75% Max
- 85% Max
- BMI (Body Mass Index)
- 3 Custom User Programs
The treadmill also comes with 4 customizable user profiles. A user profile allows you to save your workout data results, making it easy for you to track progress over time.
The Nautilus T516 has speeds that range from .5 – 15 mph and an incline feature that ranges from 0 – 15%. This is the fastest speed and highest incline found among treadmills in a similar price range. The machine includes preset speed and incline keys on the display board, along with speed and incline toggles conveniently located on the arms. Additionally, the T516 can accommodate weight up to 350 lbs, giving it the heaviest weight capacity machine in its class.
One of the best features of the Nautilus T516 is its heart rate monitor. Monitoring heart rate is one of the most accurate ways of monitoring the intensity of your workout. The T516 features both grip and telemetric monitors, and it also comes with a polar chest strap. The user manual comes with clear instructions on how to use the monitor along with a guide to appropriate heart rates according to age.
The T516 has a large backlit LCD display on the console. Display data includes workout measurements, results, user setup data, and console diagnostics. The workout measurements displayed during a workout include total time, distance, incline, pulse, calories and speed/pace time. One nifty feature included is the ability to switch from miles to kilometers. Also included on the console is a 3-speed built-in fan, water bottle holder, and magazine rack.
Frame & Safety Features
The Nautilus T516 is made with a steel frame, which is the sturdiest frame available on a treadmill. This solid frame means it won’t shake or rattle during a workout, something which is often a problem on many treadmill models. It also includes a safety key feature. This enables the user to stop the treadmill instantly. It can prevent serious injury and is a great asset as it prevents children from inadvertently starting the treadmill.
Does It Include A Warranty?
Yes, the Nautilus T516 Treadmill
What Are Users Saying
Consumers in Amazon have given this product a 4/5 star rating. Here are what some of them are saying about this treadmill:
- “This is an incredible machine for the price!”
- “I would recommend this product to a friend”
- “Worth the money”
- “Great treadmill”
Are There Any Complaints?
When researching this treadmill, I found that a few users had some minor complaints that had more to do with personal preference than the performance of the treadmill itself. One complaint was that it was difficult to quickly increase speed as the speed function only increase/decreases in increments of .1 mph. The treadmill does come with preset keys of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 mph, however users who may wish to run at a speed above or in between these preset speeds will have some button pushing to do. One user complained that the machine beeped after each minute when using the manual setting. Another user acknowledged the beep but said she easily tuned it out and it was not detrimental to her workout. Personal preference always plays a role in the treadmill one chooses, but it does not appear that there are any issues with the performance of the Nautilus T516.
Where Can You Buy The Nautilus T516 Treadmill?
The Nautilus T516 is available from several online retailers, however the cheapest price can currently be found onAmazon
Where Can You Read More Reviews?
More consumer reviews can be read at Amazon.com. Click Here
November 19th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
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