Freemotion T22.9 REFLEX Review: In-Home Commercial Greatness

Dimensions/Storability

The Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill has dimensions of 87” L x 34” W x 66” H. It is not a folding treadmill. Shoppers considering this treadmill should first and foremost determine if they have a permanent location for this machine.

The floor frame supports the deck. There are two wheels on the frame at the front of the treadmill under the deck. These wheels can be used to move the Freemotion, and they attach to the part of the frame that inclines the deck.

Considering the Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX weighs a whopping 619 lbs (!), we recommend having a space for it. It is incredibly challenging to lift up the back end to engage the wheels, so you’ll want/need a place for this treadmill to stay in your home or studio gym. It also is best to use on a ground floor due to its extremely heavy weight.

The easiest way for us to move this treadmill is to place a wheeled cart below the back end, but even with the cart, the REFLEX is still hard to move. When lifting up the backend to engage the front wheels to move the treadmill, it is recommended to incline the treadmill to 15% before moving. Otherwise, when you lift it, the bottom of the deck will hit the ground if you lift it too high.

Inclining it gives you more of a range to move it to keep the wheels engaged.

Even the 13″ high step-up height on the deck is on the taller side of other treadmills. The step-up height is measured when the deck is at a 0% grade from the floor to the top of the side rail. This step-up height means that some folks might have a harder time stepping on and off the deck.

With any large treadmill, we recommend making sure you have a high enough ceiling to use it, as well as enough floor space. Factoring in the step-up height, the incline range, and your height is a good idea to make sure your ceiling is tall enough. Treadmills with low step-up heights range from around 8-10″ high in comparison, like the Life Fitness Run CX.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

iFIT Overview

iFIT is a training platform with thousands of on-demand trainer-led workouts on the Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill. If you’re an iFIT member, you can log into your account and take running, walking, and hiking classes on the REFLEX Treadmill. Even if you’re not familiar with iFIT or have never taken a workout, you can try it on this treadmill without a subscription.

iFIT is also available on other home equipment from brands like NordicTrack and ProForm. Our team has spent years using iFIT and its features, so here’s an overview of what to expect with iFIT on the t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill.

Every iFIT class is led by an instructor who guides you through the workout, often providing motivation and insight along the way.

Classes are filmed in a professional studio setting, sometimes with other people in the background who are taking the workout live with the instructor. In these classes, the camera points at the instructor.

The other types of classes are the outdoor workouts, which is our team’s favorite.

These workouts are filmed all around the world, literally on every continent! In the outdoor workouts, a trainer takes you through each location, and the camera follows them as they hike up mountains, run along beaches, and walk through towns. Often in these workouts, the instructor will also mention fun facts and little tidbits about the location, too.

iFIT also compiles many of the workouts into different series. Each series consists of classes that usually are led by the same instructor(s), are filmed in the same area, and involve the same training goal. A series is meant to be taken over the course of a few weeks or months so you can focus on a goal and progress in your fitness.

If you want to create your own workouts and explore the world without a trainer, you can do so with the Google Map feature. This feature pulls up a map of the world that you can use to create your own routes. You can create routes in any location, and when you take the workout, Google Images of the location will pop up.

iFIT could improve its music. Currently, the music plays in the background, functioning like a radio with different genre stations. Each station consists of a preselected playlist of songs, updated regularly. It would be nice to have the music incorporated and selected by the instructor to add more energy to the indoor workouts.

iFIT requires a monthly subscription to use, but as I said, if you’re already a member, you can log into your account and track your workouts when you’re logged in on the REFLEX Treadmill.

Onboard iFIT Workouts

If you don’t have a subscription to iFIT, you don’t really need it on the Freemotion t22.9. When you first turn on the treadmill, a screen pops up with the options to log into iFIT, create an account, or start working out.

If you click “Work Out,” it takes you to iFIT’s library of workouts that you can access without a subscription.

The only difference between this mode and the iFIT subscription is that you can’t save any workouts with the Google Map feature, and it won’t save your previous workouts or workout stats without logging into your iFIT membership. With a membership to iFIT, you can save workouts, track your stats, and schedule workouts to take in the future.

The library and layout are pretty much the same whether you’re logging into your iFIT account or not.

With or without a membership, you can access iFIT’s treadmill, hiking, walking, jogging, and running workouts, as well as the Google Map feature. You can also search for workouts in the browse tab with the search bar and filters as you can with an iFIT subscription.

The treadmill automatically adjusts during workouts in the free version of iFIT. iFIT’s AutoAdjust feature is one of my favorite iFIT features. The treadmill automatically adjusts the speed and incline range throughout your workout to match the format and terrain of the class. You can also adjust the treadmill yourself, and it’s easy to do on the console, which I’ll get into in a moment.

We’ve noticed when using iFIT (both free and subscription versions) on the Freemotion t22.9 that you can only access treadmill workouts on the screen. No mat classes like strength or yoga are available to take like you can on other iFIT machines. Also, the home screen layout is a little different. You only scroll horizontally instead of vertically on the Freemotion’s screen.

The last difference we’ve noticed is that iFIT times out after a few minutes of inactivity using the free version and when logged into an account. Plus, when you pause a workout, you only have 2 minutes before the workout ends instead of 10 minutes on other machines.

The short timeout makes sense because the Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill is a commercial treadmill for public gyms. I wish there were a way to bypass this feature when using the treadmill at home, though. It is annoying for a home user to have to re-login constantly.

Console

The Freemotion REFLEX’s console has a similar feel and layout to other commercial treadmills, minus the touchscreen. The 22″ touchscreen takes this gym-quality treadmill to the next level. We found it to be really easy to reach and responsive. Plus, it is a great size for viewing iFIT and tracking your workout metrics during classes and in manual mode.

The screen is clear; however, it doesn’t adjust.

Since there aren’t any mat classes available to take on this treadmill, we don’t mind that it doesn’t pivot to either side like some of NordicTrack’s treadmills. We were all able to see and reach the screen well.

Below the screen is a fan that has adjustable vents so you can direct the airflow to aim where you want it to. The fan has multiple settings and can be adjusted on the console and on the screen. This is probably one of the most powerful fans we’ve used on a treadmill.

I love how effective it is and that I can adjust the direction of airflow.

The REFLEX Treadmill doesn’t come with speakers, as using this in a public gym with speakers blaring would be distracting to others. Instead, you can plug in your own speakers or connect them through Bluetooth. It would be nice to have speakers if you plan on using this treadmill at home, though. There’s also a USB port to plug in your phone to charge it.

Below the fan is a tray where you can put your phone or another small item.

It’s nice to have a little bit of storage, along with the two cupholders on either side of the console. They hold my water bottle just fine, and everything stays steady without rocking or shaking.

The adjustment buttons, such as the incline, speed, start, and stop buttons, are directly in front of the front handle below the screen. This makes them really easy to reach. There are also quick-touch adjustment buttons to adjust to specific speeds and incline levels quickly.

The speed buttons are on the right side, and the incline buttons are on the left.

These are really easy to reach, especially while running and during interval training. Overall, I like how simple and easy this console is to use.

Check Best Price

Build Quality

The Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill is an extremely well-constructed treadmill. Of course, it is priced much higher than home treadmills because it is made to be used all throughout the day in commercial settings.

From our experience using plenty of commercial treadmills in gyms throughout the years, this treadmill is certainly comparable to others; however, it does stand out in terms of specific aspects of construction.

The REFLEX Treadmill has a 400 lb weight limit, which is usually the highest we see on motorized treadmills. This means that most users will be able to use it.

Frame

Instead of the upright attaching to the frame on either side of the deck and extending up to connect to the console, this upright is large and sits on the front of the treadmill in front of the motor hood and deck. The motor hood attaches to it.

The Freemotion has a steel frame and a singular upright; however, this is where it really differs from many home treadmills and other commercial treadmills.

The handles are clean and simple and really easy to reach. The side handles extend on either side of you when running, and the front handle is one continuous piece that’s easy to grab. So, if you have balance issues, this treadmill offers plenty of handles to use.

There are also two pulse grips built into the front handle to check your heart rate when you place your palms on them.

You can also connect a compatible heart rate monitor through Bluetooth to the treadmill. And, of course, the console and handles stay in place, as does the entire treadmill because it’s basically a tank. No screen wobble here.

Motor

AC motors are more powerful than DC motors that are found on home treadmills. This motor also requires more amplitude and a 20-amp 120-volt circuit outlet to use, so keep that in mind. AC motors are made for all-day use, which is the kind of foot traffic treadmills get in public gyms. The REFLEX has a 5.0 CHP AC motor.

The t22.9 REFLEX has an AC motor.

The Matrix T75 that we’ve tested has a 3.0 AC motor. This motor type isn’t as quiet as DC motors that treadmills like the NordicTrack Incline Trainers have. However, if you’re looking for durability and longevity and to use the t22.9 for hours per day, this motor is what you want. It isn’t overly loud by any means; it just sounds like a treadmill you’d use at the gym because it is one.

Another aspect that sets this motor and the Freemotion REFLEX Treadmill apart is the 15 mph max speed. Most high-end home treadmills that we test have a 12 mph max speed. Even the Matrix T75 only goes up to 12.5 mph. 15 mph is more than enough speed for most people, so if you want to do some high-speed intervals, this one is a good choice.

The deck also inclines to 15%, so you have plenty of training options for great workouts.

Keep in mind that the deck doesn’t decline, but many commercial treadmills don’t offer this feature.

Deck

This width and length are best for pretty much all users’ strides. Similar to other commercial treadmills and higher-end home treadmills, this deck is an appropriate size for all levels, stride lengths, and treadmill activities.

The deck is spacious at 21.5″ wide and 60″ long.

One of my favorite aspects of the REFLEX Treadmill is the cushioning. Normally, most commercial-grade treadmills I’ve used in gyms have firm cushioning that feels similar to running outside on concrete. Of course, the decks have a little give, so they do provide some shock absorption, unlike the concrete outside.

The Freemotion REFLEX, however, feels very forgiving. It actually reminds me of the NordicTrack X32i and X22i Incline Trainers. These treadmills have some of the softest cushioning we’ve tested, and the Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX feels very comparable underfoot.

I do think the Freemotion feels slightly firmer, but it’s very hard to tell. On the Incline Trainers, the deck can feel bouncy at higher speeds, but the Freemotion REFLEX Treadmill didn’t feel bouncy running at higher speeds.

I think if you have joint issues or if you are concerned about lessening the impact on your joints when running, the t22.9 is an excellent choice. It is one of my favorite treadmills to run on because I prefer softer cushioning, personally. If you prefer running on firmer surfaces, you might want a treadmill with less forgiving cushioning.

Other components of the construction that we noticed are the large 3.5″ rollers and the thick belt.

They definitely help contribute to how durable and long-lasting the REFLEX Treadmill feels to use. An aspect that we found to be interesting is that the side rails are made out of rubber rather than steel.

They definitely feel flexible, and while watching each other run, we noticed that they accentuate how flexible the deck cushioning is, too. You can see the flexion in the side rails when someone is running on the deck. Of course, the deck under the belt is firm and non-rubberized.

The Orangetheory Treadmill

As I mentioned, the Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill is the treadmill you’ll find in most Orangetheory studios. Orangetheory Fitness is a full-body group workout in a studio that involves strength and cardio training. This fitness franchise uses heart rate training during its high-intensity interval workouts.

Orangetheory and Freemotion have a partnership where the fitness franchise actually collaborated with the equipment manufacturer to tailor the REFLEX Treadmill to work best for Orangetheory workouts. Two of the main standout features that make this treadmill especially great for Orangetheory are the quick-adjusting “1-Step Controls” and the “REFLEX” Deck.

I definitely think the deck is one of the highlights of this treadmill, and it pairs really well with the high-quality construction.

Of course, the REFLEX Treadmill is pricy, especially compared to most home treadmills. Commercial treadmills are usually priced around $10k or more, so the Freemotion is priced accordingly. For most home users, it is probably overkill, but if you’re looking for a treadmill for your studio gym or if you have the budget, the Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX is worth it.

Warranty

A 7-year warranty for the frame and a 3-year warranty for parts and labor with the purchase of the Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill is included. With how large this treadmill is, we recommend having a dedicated space for it, but if you need to move it, we suggest at least two people.

Should You Buy the Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill

The Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill is a commercial treadmill that has thoughtful features. Its powerful 5.0 AC motor, large non-folding size, and incredibly durable and heavy construction make it comparable to other commercial treadmills.

Its 22″ touch screen, iFIT streaming features, and flexible cushioned deck make it something more. Not only is the Freemotion REFLEX Treadmill easy to use with its streamlined design and quick-adjusting buttons, but it’s also interactive with iFIT’s content, which you can use with or without a subscription.

Its running surface is comfortable and challenging, with a 15 mph max speed and 15% incline. If you are looking to fill your studio gym with high-quality treadmills or are just looking for a commercial-grade treadmill for your home, we strongly urge you to consider the Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill.

Check Best Price

Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX Treadmill Review Q&A / FAQ

What is the top speed of the Freemotion treadmill?

The Freemotion t22.9 REFLEX treadmill has a top speed of 15 miles per hour. Most residential treadmills top out at 12 mph, so the t22.9 is certainly a step up.

Who makes Freemotion?

iFIT makes Freemotion treadmills. iFIT also manufactures NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills.

What treadmill do gyms use?

Gyms use commercial-grade treadmills. Commercial treadmill brands include Freemotion, Matrix, True Fitness, Life Fitness, Vision Fitness, Precor, and more.

What brand of treadmills does Orangetheory use?

Orangetheory uses the Freemotion t22.9 RELFEX treadmill, which is available for home use. Some Orangetheory locations also use other treadmill models and brands.

Check Best Price