ProForm XT 90 Treadmill Review

I've yet to try ProForm XT 90, so I am basing my review on the specs and details from the ProForm.com web site.  The ProForm XT 90 doesn't appear to be available at Sears, which means I would have to make a trip to the corporate headquarters in Logan, UT to actually try it.  Which may happen in the near future. 

I personally like the concept of incline training for a couple of reasons.  First, it gives you an intense workout, not unlike hiking a hill or mountain.  One of my favorite past times.  Second, walking at a steep incline in comparison to running results in less impact to your joints.  That translates into less stress and strain to your knees, ankles and your lower back, and reduced chance of injuries.

Note: The ProForm XT 90 and other ProForm models can be purchased direct at www.ProForm.com. All prices include free shipping.

I consider the ProForm XT 90 a budget incline trainer.  NordicTrack, which is a sister company to ProForm, offers several higher end models.  The NordicTrack versions are also featured on the "Biggest Loser".  These incline trainers go up to an intense 40% incline, and a couple of the models actually decline.  Which gives you the same effect as going up and down a mountain.

ProForm XT 90 Features

Incline — The ProForm XT 90 only allows you to set the incline at either 10% or 20%.  There is no in between and you cannot walk at a level surface.  To change to incline requires getting off the machine and making the adjustment manually.   When I incline train on a treadmill I like to make incremental adjustments.  I may kick up the incline to 15%, reach my cardio limit and drop down to 10%-12%.  You cannot make incremental adjustments with XT 90, nor can you make any adjustment while using the machine.  

2.0 Continuous Duty HP Motor — This is generally not a heavy duty motor for a treadmill, but since you probably won't be going faster than 5 MPH, it should be more than adequate.

18" x 55" Treadbelt — The length should be able to accommodate users up to 6", based on the fact that you would be walking.  However, an 18" wide belt is 2" shorter than your typical treadmill belt.  You may feel a bit confined with the limited space.

Shock Absorption — It appears the ProForm XT 90 uses gas shocks to absorb the impact.  If you watch the video you can see the shocks give with the impact of each step.  I like this concept since it can reduce the stress to your joints. And it further appears that you can adjust the level of shock absorption, so you can customize the cushioning to your preference.  

36 Workout Programs — ProForm is usually generous with the amount of installed workout programs.  In this case you get 4 weight loss, 4 timed, 4 distance, 4 performance and 20 personal trainer programs.  You have enough variety that you should never get bored.

iFit Live — iFit Live allows your treadmill and computer to communication through Wi-Fi.  You create a personalized account at iFit.com, and you'll get customized workouts from professional fitness instructors like Jillian Michaels that are downloaded to your treadmill.

With your iFit.com account you also get a nutrition and activity tracker, motivating text messages and emails, and workout videos available for download. In addition, through Google Maps you can simulate exercising on trails throughout the world. With the use of a laptop or Smart Phone that you can place on the console you can define a route on Google Maps and your treadmill will simulate the terrain by adjusting the incline. You can get a street, map or satellite view as you run the route.

Here is the problem with iFit Live and the ProForm XT 90.  First, iFit Live cannot control the incline since there is only two incline levels and they are adjusted manually.  Second, there does not appear to be slots to place your laptop on the console, so the ability to simulate walking or running routes on Google Maps is mute since you cannot place a browser based interface directly in front of you.

Our Review - ProForm XT 90

I like the concept of the XT 90, but have reservations about having only two incline positions that you have to change manually.   And I don't understand why they are offering the iFit Live feature when it is not compatible to the design of this machine.

What I do like is the ability to crank up the incline to 20%.  Most treadmills max out at 15%.  I also like the adjustable shock absorption, where you can customize the impact.  However, if the concept of incline training appeals to you, I suggest you take a look at the Incline Trainers from NordicTrack.  They are more money, but they offer the ability to electronically adjust the incline in incremental degrees. They are much more heavy duty machines. In addition, two of their models are iFit Live compatible and can take advantage of the full features.  The models and prices as of are...

NordicTrack X3 - $1,399

NordicTrack X5i - $1,599 (iFit Live)

NordicTrack X7i - $1,999 (iFit Live)