NordicTrack is owned by iFIT Inc, a Utah based fitness technology company formerly known as ICON Health and Fitness.
NordicTrack equipment is not made entirely in the USA, with most components manufactured in China alongside some domestic production.
Nearly every current NordicTrack machine also requires an iFIT subscription to unlock its full range of interactive training features, a business model the company has built up over the past decade.
This article covers who owns NordicTrack, where its equipment is actually manufactured, how the iFIT subscription works, and its founding history.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns NordicTrack?
NordicTrack is owned by iFIT Inc, a privately held fitness company headquartered in Logan, Utah. Current models are shown on NordicTrack’s official website.
iFIT was previously known as ICON Health and Fitness before rebranding in 2021 to reflect its growing focus on interactive training technology rather than just hardware manufacturing. iFIT also owns other fitness brands including ProForm and FreeMotion.
iFIT raised a 200 million dollar growth equity investment from Pamplona Capital Management in 2019 to help fund the expansion of its streaming fitness platform alongside its hardware business.
Where Is NordicTrack Made?
NordicTrack equipment is not entirely made in the USA. Most components, including motors, belts, and frames, are manufactured in China, though iFIT retains some manufacturing operations in Utah.
NordicTrack’s Incline Trainer line has historically been most closely associated with any remaining domestic production, though buyers should not assume every current model is built the same way, since manufacturing details can vary across NordicTrack’s treadmill, elliptical, bike, and rower product lines.
iFIT operates internationally as well, with offices and operations across the US, Canada, Mexico, and several European countries supporting NordicTrack’s global distribution.
How Does the iFIT Subscription Work?
Most current NordicTrack equipment requires an iFIT subscription to access its full range of interactive training features, including trainer led workouts, automatic incline and resistance adjustments, and real world running routes.
The iFIT platform syncs with services like Strava, Garmin, and Apple Health, and integrates entertainment options such as Netflix and Spotify directly into newer NordicTrack touchscreen displays. Basic manual operation of the machines is possible without a subscription, though many advanced features remain locked behind iFIT.
iFIT has settled patent litigation with rival connected fitness company Peloton over remote control and leaderboard technology, reflecting how central the software side of the business has become to NordicTrack’s overall value proposition.
When Was NordicTrack Founded?
NordicTrack was founded in 1975 by Edward and Florence Pauls in Chaska, Minnesota, after Ed Pauls invented the original NordicTrack ski machine in his garage to train for a local cross country ski race. More on the company’s history is documented on Wikipedia.
NordicTrack filed for bankruptcy in 1998 and was acquired the following year by ICON Health and Fitness, which later became iFIT. The company introduced its now signature Incline Trainer in 2009, capable of reaching up to a 40 percent incline.
NordicTrack remains one of the top selling treadmill brands in the United States today, continuing to build on its original ski machine heritage decades later.
Are NordicTrack Treadmills Good Quality?
Specialist fitness reviewers rate NordicTrack’s engineering highly.
Garage Gym Reviews, staffed by certified trainers who test dozens of treadmills, gave the flagship X24 a strong overall score for its sturdy frame, powerful 4.25 CHP motor, and lack of wobble even at high inclines, while the budget focused T Series 10 earned a near perfect value rating.
General consumer review sites tell a rougher story. NordicTrack averages closer to 2 to 3 stars on sites like PissedConsumer and Top Consumer Reviews, with common complaints centering on delivery delays, missing parts, unreliable Bluetooth connectivity, and touchscreen or button malfunctions on some units.
The company’s 10 year warranty is frequently cited as a genuine strength when things do go wrong.
A recurring source of frustration has nothing to do with the hardware: many of NordicTrack’s touchscreen features, including entertainment apps and automated trainer control, stop working without an active iFIT subscription, which some buyers feel is not made clear enough at purchase.
Overall, the machines themselves are generally well built, but buyers should budget for delivery hassles and factor in the ongoing iFIT cost when comparing NordicTrack to other treadmill brands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Makes NordicTrack
Is NordicTrack made in the USA?
Not entirely. Most NordicTrack components are manufactured in China, though iFIT retains some manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Logan, Utah.
Is iFit required to use a NordicTrack treadmill?
No, basic manual operation is possible without an iFIT subscription, but most of NordicTrack’s interactive training features, including trainer led workouts and automatic incline adjustments, require an active iFIT membership.
Did ICON Health and Fitness change its name?
Yes, ICON Health and Fitness rebranded as iFIT Inc in 2021 to reflect its shift toward interactive training technology alongside its traditional hardware business.
Who founded NordicTrack?
NordicTrack was founded in 1975 by Edward and Florence Pauls, who built the original ski machine in their garage in Chaska, Minnesota.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.