Sturdy, powerful and forward-thinking, the 2010 NordicTrack Commercial 1500 Treadmill combines all the features a hard core treadmill user could want, and then adds a few high-tech extras that make it really fun to tone and strengthen to muscles and get a great cardiovascular workout.

One of NordicTrack’s models updated for 2010, the Commercial 1500, is getting overwhelmingly great customer reviews and selling at a price that makes it an incredible value for the features it includes.

While not a truly commercial grade treadmill, it has very commercial qualities for a residential machine. With a weight capacity of a whopping 350 pounds, the NordicTrack 1500 can accommodate larger than average people. Not only is the deck’s weight bearing capability a plus, but it is also built with a 20" wide x 60" long tread belt that allows for the longer strides of taller users.

The DuraStride cushioning is adjustable, and reduces running impact up to one-third of comparable running on pavement. It allows for different runners to choose their ideal preference for degree of firmness. The increased weight of this buffed up unit provides increased stability for every runner. A 3.0 continuous horsepower Commercial Pro Motor allows for speeds from 0 to 12 miles per hour, which can be set on the easy to reach console buttons, and the treadmill deck can adjust to inclines of up to 15% with a simple touch.

The attractive Grafixx LCD display can switch between showing multiple fields for information at a glance and showing a single large display up to an inch tall. You can track your personal fitness history, visually represent the intensity of your workout and even simulate yourself racing against a competitor. It comes with 6 memory workouts and 28 performance workouts built-in. The heart rate monitor operates via sensors in the hand grips to measure your heartbeat as you work out.

A couple of other very cool aspects of the NordicTrack 1500 are the compatible music port and the iFit module. The music port allows you to plug in your iPod or other MP3 player and listen to your favorite tunes via the powerful built-in Intermix Acoustics sound system.

The iFit module allows 12 months of free access to iFit.com through an existing wireless system. Google Maps’ iFit Live lets you run on trails all around the world and see how you progress and simulates the terrain by automatically adjusting the treadmill’s incline. You can also customize your personal fitness program, and work out with Jillian Michaels or compete against Facebook friends in races. This feature only works if you have wireless internet access, however, so don’t expect iFit to magically appear if you are not equipped with the service.

The treadmill folds vertically for compact storage, which is a great attribute for a large, heavy machine. In fact the only real complaint stated by customers has been that the NordicTrack Commercial 1500 treadmill is so heavy, making it somewhat a chore to get into place the first time they set it up. All in all it is considered a very highly rated, top quality treadmill.