Nautilus T616 Folding Treadmill | Perfect for Weight Loss or Cardio

The Nautilus T616 Folding Treadmill is a heavy-duty treadmill. It is ideal for walking, jogging, and running either for weight loss or cardio workouts. The built-in heart monitor program allows you to keep your heart rate constant as the treadmill adjusts the speed and incline for you.

The T616 features include a reliable 3.0 horsepower (hp) motor (continuous duty), which can reach speeds up to 12 miles per hour (in increments of 0.5 mph). The treadmill also features a motorized incline system that inclines between 0 (flat) to 15 percent.

The large deck is a 20″ x 60″ area for walking, jogging, and running — ideal for toning up, managing your weight, and improving your cardiovascular health. The deck suspension system of the Nautilus T616 supports users up to a maximum of 300 pounds in weight and features Nautilus’s StrikeZone cushioning system.

The T616 treadmill includes a folding frame with SoftDrop folding technology. This model provides Bluetooth connectivity so you can sync with the free RunSocial App or use the free Nautilus Trainer 2 App to track your progress. The T616 treadmill also has a USB Port, which can export your Workout Results to a USB Flash Drive to later upload to the Nautilus Connect website. You can again charge your devices with a USB port.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Nautilus T616 Folding Treadmill

Price: For a great deal on this treadmill, merely go here to Nautilus.com

Warranty: Frame 10 years / Motor 10 years / Mechanical 2 years / Electrical 2 years / Labor 1 year

My rating: 8.5/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As a Nautilus and Schwinn Partner Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in the post. Full disclosure

Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 77.2L x 35.2W x 57.6H inches (196L x 89.4W x 146.3H cm)
• Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 50.8W cm)
• Product weight: 215 lbs (98 kg)
• Max. weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Deck cushioning: StrikeZone, 6-cell
• Motor: 3.0 CHP
• Speed levels: 0-12 MPH
• Incline: Automatic, 0-15%
• Console: 26 workouts, Bluetooth enabled
• Amenities: Chest strap, sound system, cooling fan, USB charging port, 2x bottle holder
• Warranty: Frame 10 years / Motor 10 years / Mechanical 2 years / Electrical 2 years / Labor 1 year

T616 Frame const

Next to the motor, a treadmill deck is an essential part that requires thorough analysis before purchase. The Nautilus T616 features a 25 mm deck, extremely durable, which doesn’t overly flex, even if the user is close to the machine’s specified 300 lbs (136 kg) weight capacity.

However, the deck is not entirely rigid. It does integrate a cushioning system consisting of 6 hexagonal suspension cells (on each side). As opposed to the older T616 model, the cushioning cells are in the deck’s front and rear. Therefore, the deck will absorb up to 30% of the workout impact on your joints.

If you’re wondering, the deck supports running workouts, not just light jogging or walking. It also features a spacious running surface of 60″L x 20″W (152 x 51 cm), which makes this treadmill adequate for runners up to 6’6″ – 6’7″ (198-201 cm). A runner of this caliber should run comfortably without feeling that the belt is too short.

The machine uses a 2-ply belt, thicker and more durable than the Nautilus T614, which only features a 1-ply belt. In addition, the belt is (powered) by 2.5″ crowned rollers, which deliver an excellent grip and high-traction; they prolong the belt’s lifespan.

Folding design

The Nautilus T616 treadmill has a folding design. The deck folds up between the machine’s grips, locked into place by a hydraulic cylinder. This folding mechanism also acts as a soft-drop device, as it will slowly lower the deck when you unfold it.

With the deck unfolded, the machine has a relatively large footprint, taking 77.2″L x 35.2″W (196 x 89.4 cm) of floor space, dimensions to which you should also add the safety clearance space, on the sides and especially at the rear.

Therefore, it may not be precisely the most suitable fitness machine for a small room or apartment. However, with the deck folded up, its footprint will remain at 32″L x 35.2″W (81.2 x 89.4 cm).

The deck rests at the rear on two small feet equipped with caster wheels. However, the steel base of the frame at the front also features wheels. Once assembled, the machine is transportable with the deck folded up by leaning it on its metallic base wheels. Again, a person should lift approximately — 50 lbs (23 kg) to fold the deck up.

And finally, another extra feature that the T616 has over the older model is the bar that connects the two main console masts. You can attach a custom tray to place other accessories, or you can hang a towel on it to have it close by during your exercising sessions.

Incline and step-up height

This Nautilus treadmill features a console-assisted, motorized incline system. It supplies 0%-15% incline, which is pretty fair for a treadmill made for home use. Differently put, it doesn’t offer a 30% incline or more incline, like most commercial grade treadmills, but still, the supplied slope can diversify your workouts by a lot.

Running at 8-10 MPH, with a 15% incline, for example, it’s quite a challenge, even for users with a decent level of fitness.

Since the incline is motorized, it is only adjustable from the machine’s console. And for that, there are gradual and quick adjustment keys. In addition, if you are using one of the console’s preset programs that involve incline, the treadmill will adjust it automatically.

The deck’s step-up height is approx — 9″ (23 cm). Also, when set at a maximum incline, it will gain approx. 6″ (15 cm) more. Therefore, to determine the required ceiling height for you to safely use this machine, add at least 20″ (51 cm) to your size.

T616 Motor

The Nautilus T616 uses a 3.0 CHP industrial motor. It’s a continuous-duty motor made to perform well without overheating or slowing down during prolonged workout sessions. It performs excellently even if the user is close to the maximum allowed weight and engages in top-speed workouts. The motor also uses a small flywheel, which also adds to the rolling motion’s overall stability.

Speed is adjusted exclusively from the console. Just as for incline, you’ll find gradual and quick adjustment keys for speed. The speed adjusts in increments of 0.1 MPH. Thus, giving you the possibility to see the perfectly suited pace for each workout.

The machine comes with a standard U.S. 3-prong plug, not an adapter. It requires a 120V 15A power circuit. It’s advisable to connect the treadmill to a dedicated power circuit to avoid surges. It’s not a bad idea to use a surge suppressor to prevent any damage to the motors or console if a surge happens.

Console

The console features two main LCDs with a blue LED backlight. The top, smaller one shows your fitness score, your goal, and the current user. Above it, there’s also a suggestive pacer icon.

The bottom, the larger display, shows a wide array of workout metrics, including time average, number of laps, heart rate, calories burned, speed level, incline level, and the profiles of the program in use.

Also, as opposed to the console of the older Nautilus T616, this one features a small LCD at the top of the unit, which indicates the Bluetooth connection, the USB stick connection, and whether or not the audio system is in use.

The Nautilus T616 console can track distance, time, heart rate, calories, and pace for fitness-oriented functions. It also indicates the current speed and incline settings. The distance can be measured in miles or km, while speed is in MPH or km/h.

There are also Time-per-Lap and Lap-Count functions. Differently put, a lap measures 0.25 miles (400 m), and you can view how many laps you have completed and your time per lap. The console also offers goal tracking functions, allowing you to set up goals for distance, calories, and time and observe your progress during your workout towards those goals.

Last but not least, this machine’s console is telemetry enabled, meaning that it can read pulse via a chest strap transmitter, which (is included) with the box. However, there are also EKG sensors integrated into the machine’s front handlebars.

Workout Programs

This console unit features 26 in number in terms of fitness programs, including 1 Quick Start, 1 Goal, 18 Profile Programs, 2 Fitness Test, and 4 Heart Rate. In addition, there are four unique User Profile settings, a great feature to have if multiple persons use the treadmill or if you want to alternate between different goals.

A User Profile program will require you to input data such as name, gender, height, weight, and age, provide accurate tracking for your calories, and better interpret your fitness level.

When it comes to workout data transfer, the console is Bluetooth enabled. Therefore, it can sync with another Bluetooth device, which has the Nautilus Trainer fitness app. This way, your workout data will automatically save into your account. On the other hand, listening to music on the machine’s speakers via Bluetooth is not possible.

Nautilus includes a free version of their Explore the World app, which allows users to walk or jog through any of 29 locations throughout the world in real-time with other runners.

The Explore the World app must be downloaded on your smartphone or tablet and placed on the console tablet shelf. Besides, users can subscribe to any number of external 3rd party apps.

Amenities

The console of this treadmill is quite a multi-functional unit. Along with a consistent array of fitness features and functions, it also offers several amenities. So, we’ll start with those. For this matter, the machine provides a 2-speaker sound system, 3-speed cooling fan, a media shelf, a USB charging port, and two bottle/accessory holders.

The sound system is compatible with most MP3 devices, smartphones, and tablets. It gives you the possibility to keep your music close without using earbuds, which may be inconvenient when you run. The sound rendered is not super-quality, but it’s pretty crisp compared to a tablet or phone speaker.

There are no volume adjustment keys on the console, though. You will have to adjust the volume from your device. There is, however, an On/Off setting for the sound.

The cooling fan offers three-speed adjustment settings. It’s a relatively small fan, though, and may not suffice if you undertake long-distance runs. But it can still provide some cooling if needed.

The media shelf sits above the console displays, between the speakers. Thus, placing a tablet or a book on it won’t cover your fitness readings. On the other hand, the media shelf is wide enough to accommodate just any tablet in a landscape position.

The console also features a USB port for workout data transfer. In other words, you can save your workout data on a USB flash drive and copy it into your NautilusConnect or MyFitnessPal account to keep better track of your progress.

However, the USB port also acts as a charging port. You can connect your phone or tablet to it via USB cable and charge it while you run.

T616 Assembly and Maintenance

This treadmill weighs approx. 215 lbs (97.5 kg) and goes without saying that transport and assembly require at least two people. It’s best to assemble it in the place where it will be in use. Placing it on a rubberized mat can help prevent any damage to the floor and maximize its stability if it has irregularities.

The assembly process itself is not very complicated. First, the deck comes fully assembled, with motors, rollers, and the belt in their places, connected to the metallic frame’s front part. Next, you will need to attach the console masts and the console, which shouldn’t take more than one hour — tools and assembly manual (are supplied).

Maintenance requires keeping the belt and deck clean, free of any objects caught by the belt and dragged into the rollers. The belt should also be (lubricated) with a silicone-based lubricant after every 25 hours of use.

Pros

• Sturdy overall construction;
• Able to support users up to 300 lbs, even for running sessions;

  

• Foldable deck;
• Deck cushioning, which absorbs up to 30% of the workout impact on your joints;
• 3.0 CHP motor, for prolonged workouts;
• Speed control in increments of 0.1 MPH, offering the possibility to find the pace that fits perfectly to you;
• Automatic incline, 0% – 15%;
• 26 workout programs;
• A USB port for charging your tablet or phone, and for workout data transfer;
• Bluetooth enabled;
• Various amenities, such as sound system, media shelf, 3-speed fan, bottle/accessory holders;
• Pulse sensors and telemetry enabled console;
• An HR chest strap comes with the treadmill;
• Reasonably easy to assemble;
• Smooth operation;
• Little maintenance required;
• Consistent warranty plan.

Cons

• Heavy and bulky machine, rather difficult to transport and handle;
• The cooling fan is not exactly the best.

Nautilus T616 Folding Treadmill Summary

The Nautilus T616 is an affordable folding treadmill that features Strike Zone cushioning in the deck, reducing joint impact and discomfort. As a result, you can work out longer due to reduced muscle fatigue. The T616 also inclines to 15% to provide hill training and incline resistance. A maximum speed of 12 mph should challenge even the fastest runners, although this treadmill is best suited for walking or light jogging.

A 3.0 horsepower motor is quiet with smooth speed and incline adjustments. The console features dual LCD screens with various workout metrics and 26 preloaded programs. The Nautilus T616 is perfect for users who want a simple console with the option of additional apps via Bluetooth, which you can view on your tablet.

There are many training options here for a very reasonable price which makes the Nautilus T616 a viable option for anyone who wants to walk or jog comfortably in the safety of their own home.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have anything you’d like to share or opinions about the content on my website, please speak up. I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.