ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 Treadmill Review | Personalized Workouts

Dimensions/Storability

The ProForm Carbon Pro 9000’s dimensions are 73.2” x 34.6” x 60.7”, and it folds to reduce its footprint. When we receive the new 9000, I will add the folded measurement. I expect the treadmill’s length to decrease by 30 to 40%.

A hydraulic arm assists the folding process, allowing the deck to softly lower once released from its upright position. The deck has a higher weight capacity than before, so the deck may be heavier to lift than the previous model due to deck reinforcement. I will confirm this in a future update.

The treadmill has transport wheels and must be tilted to activate them. It should be fairly easy to roll along a hard surface but thick carpet or softer treadmill mats may be harder to manuever the treadmill over. It weighs over 200 lbs, so I do not recommend moving it up or down stairs if possible.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

iFIT Subscription

iFIT is a fitness platform with thousands of trainer-led classes. It is fully integrated into the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000, so you need an iFIT membership to unlock most of the training features on the 9000. We love working out with iFIT and think this treadmill is perfect for anyone who wants a quality subscription training platform.

All iFIT’s treadmill workouts are available on the touchscreen display. A coach guides the workout through trails or along road routes in locations all over the world. The treadmill speed matches the coach’s instructions, while the incline replicates the real-world terrain as closely as possible.

iFIT workouts don’t just follow preset levels. With SmartAdjust and ActivePulse, the workouts will adjust to your fitness level.

SmartAdjust accounts for any adjustment you make to iFIT workouts. It will adjust the rest of the workout and future workouts accordingly, making them harder or easier. The more you train with iFIT and override the presets, the more accurate SmartAdjust becomes.

ActivePulse works with a Bluetooth heart rate monitor. Simply pair a Bluetooth HR monitor to the treadmill and turn on ActivePulse. The treadmill speed and incline will adjust to keep you in the heart rate zone prescribed by the workout. You can calibrate your heart rate zones in the settings for more accurate training.

The third way to personalize iFIT is to use the iFIT AI coach, Tailor. Once you are invited to the AI Coach program, Tailor will text you. After evaluating your goals, Tailor schedules appropriate daily iFIT workouts. Your next workout will show on the Carbon Pro 9000’s screen.

iFIT workouts are often available as part of a series. You can join a series and take consecutive workouts to progress along a training goal or explore a location. iFIT also has training challenges to encourage you to make regular progress.

If you ever want an alternative to these iFIT classes, you have options. The “Create” tab allows runners and walkers to set target workouts for distance, time, or calories. You can also make an interval workout with custom speed and incline settings. While custom heart rate training isn’t available, it is a feature I would love to see iFIT add.

iFIT previously offered Google Maps training. This feature allowed users to create a workout on Google Maps on the treadmill screen. Then, you can set your speed and train while watching a slideshow of Google Street View images of the route. The images progress faster if you increase your speed. The treadmill incline matches the real-world terrain as well as possible.

For runners and walkers who want more entertainment, the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 has three entertainment apps: Netflix, Prime, and Spotify. You can use these apps in manual training mode, a custom workout, or an iFIT class. They require an iFIT subscription to access. These apps have greatly impacted my training, especially for long runs!

The ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 has Feed.FM radio, in addition to Spotify. This radio gives you multiple genre stations with new music. You can skip up to six songs per hour.

Onboard Workouts

Without an iFIT membership, you can access the manual training mode, an iFIT featured class, and a few structured workouts. You need a free iFIT account, but if you previously subscribed to iFIT, you should retain free access to your account. Without iFIT, you can use manual training mode without connecting the treadmill to Wi-Fi.

Console

The ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 has fewer buttons on its console. iFIT machines now have a more streamlined look, with most of the buttons appearing on the touchscreen instead. The buttons at the bottom of the console include the fan, volume, incline, and speed adjustment buttons. There are also treadmill start and stop buttons with a safety key between them.

The screen is 16 inches. We have seen some increased glare with the new iFIT tablets, but we can’t be sure of the Pro 9000’s quality until we test it. However, we have also seen improved loading times and good responsiveness to touch. Overall, the tablet quality seems to have improved.

Bluetooth enables the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 Treadmill to connect to heart rate monitors and headphones. Connecting a heart rate monitor is essential for the ActivePulse feature. My Garmin connected easily, but Apple watches do not connect to iFIT treadmills, unfortunately.

The Carbon Pro 9000 has front-facing speakers. They do not connect to your phone for Bluetooth audio, but they do play any of the onscreen content, including Spotify, loud and clear. We have had no trouble hearing the audio over the noise of the motor or our foot noise.

There are two cup holders on the treadmill console. You could place your water or other small items inside. There appears to be a tablet rack similar to the ProForm Carbon TLX, but we are skeptical about the screen blocking access to the rack. You may be able to place smaller devices, like a phone, here. We will investigate further.

There is a USB-C charging port to keep your devices charged, though you may have to store them in a cup holder.

Lastly, the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 has a fan. The fan has multiple speeds and should be strong enough to cool you off.

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Build Quality

The ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 has a very similar build to the ProForm Carbon TLX. I liked the build on the TLX, so I expect similar quality from the Pro 9000. One thing I will be looking for in the Carbon Pro 9000 is how stable the frame can keep the console to reduce shaking during running. I’ll update this review with my results.

Frame

The frame is steel. That includes the uprights, handles, stabilizers, and deck reinforcements. The footrails are plastic and textured. I like the plastic footrails more than steel or aluminum ones because they are not slippery. The uprights should be sturdy enough to support you as you step onto the treadmill, and the footrails should provide room for standing.

The Carbon Pro 9000 has a 350-lb weight capacity. This capacity is above the industry standard.

Motor

The motor is 3.6 continuous horsepower. We look for a motor with a 3.0 horsepower rating or higher for running. A motor above 3.5 HP should be even better for long-distance running. The Carbon Pro 9000 will support everything from easy walks to long runs. Households with multiple serious runners might consider a more powerful treadmill with a 4.0 HP motor or higher.

ProForm’s sister brand, NordicTrack, received quieter and faster motors in the latest updates. We will measure the noise level and motor responsiveness when we are able.

The ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 has a maximum speed limit of 12 miles per hour. It has an incline range of 0 to 12%. It does not decline like the previous Pro 9000. If that is a must-have feature for you, I recommend checking out the NordicTrack Commercial series treadmills.

Deck

The belt is 20” x 60”. The length is adequate for training at the full speed range. Whether you have a long stride or a short one, you shouldn’t run out of room on the Carbon Pro 9000. Motorized residential treadmill belts come in one of two widths: 20 or 22 inches. The 20” width of the Carbon Pro 9000 should be comfortable for most.

While the ProForm Pro series has provided moderately soft cushioning in the past, I think the new Carbon Pro 9000 might be firmer. The ProForm Carbon TLX was firmer than its predecessor, and the 9000 looks similar. Unfortunately, I won’t know for sure until I test it out.

Warranty

The ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 has a 10-year warranty on the frame, a 2-year warranty on the motor and parts, and a 1-year warranty on labor and repairs. This warranty length is pretty standard.

Should You Buy the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000?

The ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 Treadmill combines a solid build with a smart training platform for walkers and runners. iFIT is essential to the Carbon Pro 9000, providing all of its onscreen training and entertainment content. iFIT perfectly complements the treadmill’s 0 to 12 mph speed and 0 to 12% incline range with automatic adjustments, preset or tailored to you.

The Carbon Pro 9000 is a folding treadmill with a steel frame and cushioned running deck. It has a 350-lb weight capacity and a 20” x 60” running surface, making it suitable for most walkers and runners.

iFIT’s thousands of trainer-led videos guide your training on the Carbon Pro 9000. iFIT further enhances the treadmill with Netflix, Prime Video, and Spotify apps. So, whether you want to be coached or entertained, this treadmill is a solid choice.

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ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 Q&A / FAQ

Can I use the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 without iFIT?

Yes, you can use the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 without iFIT. I recommend that exercisers who don’t want to use iFIT not connect their treadmill to Wi-Fi. You can then access a manual training screen. If you create a free iFIT account, you can connect to Wi-Fi, login, and access a few preset and featured training classes.

Can you play Netflix on the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000?

You can play Netflix on the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 if you have an iFIT membership.

How long do ProForm treadmills last?

ProForm treadmills’ longevity depends on following the treadmill maintenance schedule, which includes lubricating the belt and keeping the area around the treadmill clean. A treadmill’s life will vary due to how often it is used, what kind of use it sees, user weight, and more. We have seen ProForm treadmills last over ten years, but your experience may vary.

Does the ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 have built-in workouts?

The ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 has built-in workouts. Without an iFIT account, you can access the manual training option only, but if you create a free iFIT account, you get additional featured iFIT classes and preset programs.

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