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Freemotion i22.9 Incline Trainer Review
Brian is a regular competitor and national qualifier in the National Physique Committee events of bodybuilding and classic physique. A veteran writer and editor of more than 24 years, he's published numerous articles on fitness, health, and exercise.
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Serious Runners
Incline TrainersThis Incline Trainer Could Be For You If:
- Price isn’t a primary consideration.
- You need an AC 5.0 CHP motor that supports long distance running, interval training, and hill training.
- You need a higher user weight maximum.
- You like the iFit workout app.
- You have room for a machine this size.
Forget bells and whistles, the new Freemotion i22.9 Incline Trainer brings sirens and a song. But, only if you’re into serious cardio or own an exercise studio. Priced at $10,899, the iFit-driven machine offers a solid engineering and the chance to really earn a burn with incline running. Incline trainers are a special class of treadmills with more powerful motors and heightened incline ranges. Bigger units, they’re built to help you burn up to 3.6 times the calories as a normal treadmill.
The i22.9 is designed to work with iFit, bringing a nearly unlimited number of live and video-based instructor workouts, Google Maps technology, as well as strength, Yoga, and more. For a read of my hands-on review of iFit for treadmills, check here. The unit comes with a 22-inch HD capacitive touchscreen and built-in television tuner. Entertainment and exercise programming options are augmented by HDMI, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and Bluetooth technology. That said, users are recommended to have an Ethernet connection.
A beast for sure, the i22.9 measures 82 inches in length, 34.8 inches in width, 75.3 inches in height, has a step-up height of 15.5 inches, and weighs 750 pounds. The good news is it supports up to 400 pounds in user weight. And that’s what you need when you have a 5.0 CHP Commercial AC motor. The speed range is 0-15 miles per hour, with an elevation system spanning -3% decline to 30% incline.
iFit-enabled machines such as Freemotion, NordicTrack, and ProForm all bring them automatic trainer controls. This means live trainers can adjust the machine’s elevation and speed to match the workout. This also works with programmed routines as well. Great cushioning features and top-flight heart rate monitoring also come with. If you’re serious about hard core cardio, read below for more.
What We Like:
As an indoor cardio enthusiast myself, I see a lot of positives with the i22.9 Incline Trainer. Some of the benefits it brings to the table include:
- Powerful Motor: Having an AC 5.0 CHP Motor means you can run long and hard here. This kind of motor is capable of providing 1,500 pounds of lift force.
- Great Monitor: Measuring nearly 22 inches, the HD screen features a television tuner and HDMI technology.
- Spacious Deck: Measuring 21.5 inches by 60 inches, the 1-inch double sided deck is cushioned for comfort and support. This rides atop 3.5-inch spin balanced rollers.
- Incline and Decline: With -3% decline and 30% incline, runners can hit the virtual hills year-round.
- Top Speeds: With a maximum speed of 15mph, runners won’t outgrow this incline trainer.
- High Weight Capacity: The machine can handle up to 400 pounds in user weight.
- Cool Runnings: The incline trainer has a three-speed, adjustable fan.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: With EKG Pulse Sensors built-in, the incline trainer is also ANT+ and Polar compatible.
- iFit Programming: In addition to thousands of existing programs, the iFit program brings live trainers into the home for workouts as diverse as running, biking, strength, and Yoga. Automatic trainer control means either the machine or trainer can adjust the resistance per the workout.
- Higher Intensity: Studies continue to demonstrate the difference incline running makes. In addition to burning more calories it can offer a strength-building workout for the glutes, quads, and hamstrings. At 27% incline and above, glutes activate at 100%, hamstrings 73%, and calf muscles at 90% versus a flat surface.
- Bonus Features: With the Freemotion i22.9 Incline Trainer, users also get a phone and accessories tray as well as USB port for charging.
Freemotion i22.9 Incline Trainer Treadmill - Key Specs:
| Star Rating: | 4.2-stars |
|---|---|
| Motor: | 5.0 HP |
| Incline: | 30% |
| Running Area: | Double ply |
| Folding: | No |
| Top Speed: | n/a |
| Weight Capacity: | 400 LBS |
| Dimensions: | 82" L x 34.8" W x 75.3" H |
| Built-In Programs: | iFit |
What We Don’t Like:
In our review the Freemotion i22.9 Incline Trainer high marks all around. Here are a few potential drawbacks:
- Price: At $10,899, this undoubtedly a high-end piece of home equipment.
- Size: Weighing in at 750 pounds, customers should plan on solid flooring.
- Assembly: Assembly will certainly take assistance with a unit this size. We recommend paying extra to avoid setting up this product yourself. This will save you a headache in the beginning and could also help you avoid problems down the line.
- App Required: Like the rest of the iFit-enabled machines, the i22.9 Incline Trainer will work in manual mode without iFit, but users lose nearly all the benefits of the programs. The iFit membership typically runs $39 per month.
- Warranty: For the price, I see a frame and motor warranty of seven years as a bit low. The parts and console are covered for two years, with labor for just six months. Lower-priced units offer 10 years or more on the frame.
Our Verdict:
The i22.9 Incline Trainer is a luxury machine and it does bring serious incline and stability. With an AC 5.0 CHP Commercial motor you can run long and hard for sure. The biggest issue is the price, but if you’re training clients in a home studio this would certainly be a more durable unit than a lower priced model. If you’re just looking for an occasional jog uphill, keep looking. Given that it weighs 750 pounds, you can understand why it’s so durable, and a big part of that weight is in its ability to incline up to 30%. If price is barrier, read here to see our review of the best high-end treadmills for other options, particularly the NordicTrack Commercial 2450.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Freemotion i22.9 Incline Trainer weigh?
The machine weighs 750 pounds. I'd strongly advise a ground-floor location with solid support for this machine.
Can I assemble this myself?
Having assembled a treadmill or two, I'd recommend having help with this incline trainer. The size of it will make two people a minimum when moving it into location. Otherwise, putting the pieces together is relatively simple and the instructions are easy to read.
Can I perform High Intensity Interval Training on this machine?
Absolutely! The Freemotion i22.9 Incline Trainer is built for HIIT with a 30% incline and -3% decline option. The automatic trainer control also helps as the machine will adjust resistance to match the program.