ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill: Read This Review First!

Dimensions/Storability

It has a low profile at about 10” when it’s at a 0% grade and should work well for most homes and ceiling heights. The ProForm Pro 9000’s dimensions are 77.3″ L x 35.3″ W x 59.6″ H when unfolded, but you will want to allocate a little extra clearance when you are walking or running for proper use.

To use the incline, I would recommend an 8’ ceiling clearance to be safe, though.

Another handy feature of the ProForm Pro 9000 is that the deck can fold up and down, and it can be moved. The two transportation wheels are on the front, so it can only be moved when it’s folded up. To move it, you tilt it back, gripping from the top of the deck, and once on the wheels, the treadmill wheels around easily.

We have no problem folding and unfolding the deck.

Related: Proper Ceiling Height for Treadmills: Why It Matters More Than You Think!

Onboard Workouts & Apps

iFit Subscription

When you purchase the ProForm Pro 9000, it comes with the fitness app iFIT free for the first month. iFIT has a growing library of over 16,000 classes. We highly recommend getting a monthly subscription to iFIT when you purchase the Pro 9000. That way, you’ll get full access to all that this treadmill has to offer.

When you take an iFIT class, you can choose from studio and outdoor content as well as live and on-demand classes. The studio classes are filmed in a studio with a trainer who provides direction as he/she works alongside you and other participants in the studio. The outdoor classes are also led by a trainer who guides you through scenic locations all over the world.

The camera follows the instructor as they take you around different areas and trails on every continent on the planet.

The camera also will pan to show you the surrounding landscape. Your trainer might even give you a few fun facts about the area where the class is taking place, too.

In addition to the countless live and on-demand classes on the treadmill, there are also classes in strength training, yoga, cycling, rowing, meditation, and more. iFIT offers plenty of choices for you to exercise your body in many different ways. New classes are added regularly. There’s even a search option where you can search and filter for certain classes.

There are also challenges and series. These usually include a group of classes all filmed in the same location or with the same instructor, or they might all just have the same theme. I recently did part 2 of the Ragnar Race, which was part of a real-life race that iFIT instructor Ashley Paulson took me through.

My favorite thing about iFIT is the AutoAdjust feature that changes the treadmill’s incline/decline and speed levels as the instructor cues them. You can override this by using the controls yourself, but I find it really handy to use. It’s important to note that you need a WiFi connection to use iFIT, and an iFIT subscription isn’t required to use the ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill.

Onboard Workouts

If you don’t want to pay for a monthly subscription for iFIT, there’s usually a free featured iFIT workout to follow. You will need WiFi to use this feature.

For the minimalists out there who just want to set a speed and run — there’s manual mode, which does not require WiFi. When in manual mode, the screen displays a white track to give you an idea of lap speed and distance. The white display bar stays at the top of the screen.

This simple mode doesn’t have accompanying audio, so it works great to keep track of your stats while you listen to a podcast or music.

A white display bar at the top of the screen provides a readout of incline, speed, time, distance, and calories burned. You can adjust these options to show the stats that matter to you. This display is shown when you’re using manual mode and when you’re taking any of the iFIT classes.

Related: The Great Debate: ProForm vs NordicTrack Treadmills – What’s Best for You?

Console

We love the large 22” touchscreen.

This screen really brings the iFIT programs to life. I personally love the hiking programs in iFIT, and the large screen makes such a difference when following a trainer in an outdoor location.

The screen is perfectly lit — not too bright, not too dim. It can also be tilted a bit to reduce overhead glare. I honestly felt like I was on the road as I ran along. An easy-to-read display bar at the top keeps track of calories, distance, incline, etc. You can toggle through several different display options on the bar and select those most important to you.

In all, I found the screen to be one of my favorite components on this treadmill. When running, however, there is a little bit of a shake with the screen and movement in the console. A steel crossbar under the console, in between the uprights, would possibly prevent this movement, and we think it could be a valuable addition to this treadmill.

However, this extra movement in the console isn’t overly noticeable or distracting when viewing content on the screen. The console is easy to navigate. Just below the touchscreen are two rows of buttons for both speed and incline. These are easy to see and reach but a little wonky to use at first.

When I first used the Pro 9000, I accidentally hit one of the incline buttons when I meant to change the speed. We prefer the layout of the quick touch buttons on the NordicTrack 1750 and 2450 treadmills. The manual buttons are located on the lower pane. The manual button will increase or decrease your speed by .1mph and incline by .5%.

We are a little disappointed that a heart rate monitor isn’t included with the treadmill, though. Instead, you have to purchase the SmartBeat Forearm Heart Rate Monitor separately. With this heart rate monitor, you can get an accurate reading and sync it with iFIT to display your heart rate in real-time on the screen.

I’m impressed with how effective the fan is on the ProForm Pro 9000. With four power settings, you can select a suitable airflow for your workout. The fan sits at the bottom of the console and hits my chest and neck. I’m 5”1’ for reference. Even though it worked for me, it didn’t for our reviewer, Matthew, who is 6’5”. The air hit his torso, and he wanted another fan to cool off better.

The console also has enough storage for items like your phone and water bottle. There are two large pockets on either side of the screen. My water bottle rattles a little bit when I place it in one of the cup holders, but they’re large enough to hold more items if need be.

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Build Quality

In addition to some impressive features and functionality, the ProForm Pro 9000 has a solid frame and easy-to-use design.

Frame

Built on an all-steel frame, the Pro 9000 has a sturdy feel.

The uprights are also steel and connect directly to the console.

The steel components give this treadmill a stable feel, especially when running. We do wish it had the crossbar with maybe even a storage rack on top like the Horizon 7.8 AT and the Sole F85, just to make it feel even more sturdy and prevent shaking.

Motor

On a treadmill, the motor is the engine that drives the machine — and the 3.6 CHP motor in the Pro 9000 enables the machine to achieve and maintain a smooth pace with even incline adjustments. The motor performed well when I challenged it with multiple speed and incline adjustments. I didn’t lag during speed segments or slow down when adjusting the incline.

In a comparison test against the other treadmills, the Pro 9000 landed in the middle of the pack at about 23-24 seconds for it to go from 1 mph to 12 mph. The Horizon AT 7.8 was the fastest at around 18 seconds, and the Sole was the slowest at 40 seconds.

When you’re on the Pro 9000, the motor is really responsive and handles changes in the speed and incline well. It goes up to 12 mph and inclines up to a 12% grade. We like the -3% decline, too. Neither the Horizon nor the Sole offer decline options.

Using a treadmill on a decline lets you work the front part of your legs more.

The ProForm Pro 9000 is pretty quiet and straightforward to use overall. When we tested the Pro 9000, it performed well for us. All of our reviewers were able to walk, jog, skip, run, and sprint on the deck.

When each of us used it, the motor responded well to changes in the incline, decline, and speed. The motor remained quiet during every workout and during adjustments with the speed and incline levels, too.

This treadmill is a nice, well-rounded option for users of all fitness levels and abilities.

After using the Pro 9000, we think that it’s suitable for all fitness levels, from long-distance runners, sprinters, power walkers, gentle walkers, hikers, or anyone who wants to improve their training and fitness.

Related: Choosing Between Treadmill and Elliptical? Here’s What You Must Consider!

Deck

The 20” x 60” belt provides enough room for running. This is roughly on par with other folding treadmills. It is 2” narrower than the other treadmills we compared it to. This width difference doesn’t make any of our reviewers feel limited, but some users might want a little bit more room.

The 60” length offers enough forward step and kickback length, so even taller users should be able to get a full stride on the Pro 9000. There is also plenty of space for walking and hiking as well.

The 1.9” rollers pull the belt along the running surface and then underneath the deck. When the roller diameter is large, less belt tension is necessary because there is additional surface area to grab the belt and move it along. In machines with smaller rollers, the belt must be strung very tight, which wears out the belt and increases foot drag.

The ReBound Pro cushioning claims to reduce foot impact by 30% as opposed to outdoor surfaces, which means running doesn’t have to be painful. I like this cushioning and didn’t have any discomfort in my legs, even after running a race on it. It doesn’t feel as soft as the NordicTrack treadmills we compared it to, but it doesn’t feel quite as firm as the Sole F85 either.

Warranty

ProForm offers a nice 10-year warranty for the Pro 9000’s frame, a 2-year warranty for parts, and a 1-year warranty for labor. Even though it isn’t as extensive as the lifetime warranties offered at Horizon and Sole, the 10-year frame warranty backs up the solid construction of the ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill.

Should You Buy the ProForm Pro 9000

The ProForm Pro 9000 is one of our favorites and definitely a best buy.

We like the large 22” touchscreen, which makes a huge difference in the overall experience on this treadmill. If you are looking for something that folds up to save space, the Pro 9000 is a good option since it has a 20” wide and 60” long deck but will fold and lock into place when you’re finished. The deck is soft, providing a cushioned landing for every walker and runner.

The free, 30-day iFIT subscription with running, walking, hiking, and strength training workouts enhance the value and interactivity. Those in the market for a quality treadmill with a crisp 22” touchscreen will enjoy the ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill.

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Looking for more options? Take a look at our list of top-rated ProForm treadmills

ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill Q&A / FAQ

Can you watch TV on the ProForm Pro 9000?

You cannot watch TV on the ProForm Pro 9000. The 22” touchscreen is designed to showcase iFIT content only. There are thousands of outdoor trainer-led classes and studio classes. You can create your own routes on Google Maps for even more training options. We would love to see iFIT add streaming apps in a future update.

Can I use the ProForm 9000 without iFIT?

Yes! With WiFi, you can access one sample iFIT class. You can also train in manual mode, which shows a 400-meter track, with and without WiFi. You can manually adjust the speed and incline however you would like.

Is ProForm better than NordicTrack?

ProForm has many of the same features as NordicTrack but at a lower price point. However, NordicTrack also offers more premium features like rotating screens, even softer cushioning, and a sleeker design. NordicTrack also offers two incline trainers with ranges of -6% to 40% incline.

ProForm is a great choice for walkers and runners who want all of the iFIT features at a more affordable price. ProForm offers AutoAdjust, ActivePulse, Bluetooth connectivity, and all of iFIT’s content (with a subscription), just like NordicTrack.

What motor size is the ProForm Pro 9000?

The ProForm Pro 9000 has a 3.6 continuous horsepower motor.

Does ProForm have Bluetooth?

ProForm has Bluetooth. You can connect most Bluetooth heart rate monitors to train with ActivePulse. You can also connect Bluetooth headphones to listen to the training content quietly. The speakers are not Bluetooth. However, ProForm is equipped with Feed.FM radio, so you can listen to one of their frequently updated genre radio stations.

Is your ProForm Pro 9000 review a paid review?

No, our ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill review is not a paid review. We are happy to share a little about our process with you.

Generally, brands will send us equipment for free, but sometimes we buy equipment ourselves. Regardless, the brands’ input into our reviews ends there unless we have specific questions we need answered to conduct our review. Brands do not have a say in our testing and review process. Our opinions are our own.

We work with most major home fitness brands, like ProForm, NordicTrack, Bowflex, Horizon, Sole, and more. This keeps our reviews honest because we don’t have a stake in which brand you decide to go with.

How do we keep reviewing, then?

Well, you might have noticed the links that we include throughout the page. These are affiliate links, so when you make a purchase, we may earn a commission from the brand. This does not increase the cost of the equipment for you at all. We appreciate everyone in our audience who has supported and continues to support us by using our links.

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