ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill Review, Tested by Our Fitness Experts

When building out your home gym, it can make sense to start with one of the best treadmills given their consistent performance and common integration with digital training platforms for engaging workouts. In terms of tech-heavy profiles that can power you through training, though, few compare to the ProForm Pro 9000 given its massive 22-inch HD touchscreen, spacious 20-inch by 60-inch running deck, powerful 3.6 constant horsepower motor, and compatibility with the iFIT platform for access to over 17,000 live and on-demand courses.

Across our experience testing over 40 different treadmill silhouettes, we’ve come to understand what makes for a worthwhile cardio machine for different needs. In our opinion, this large Pro 9000 unit can be most suitable for avid runners given the incline and decline capabilities, longer running surface, and larger motor that can withstand the rigors of more intense sprints and runs. However, the features and performance may be overkill for some, so let’s get into our findings in this ProForm Pro 9000 review and determine whether this tread is a top pick for your training space.

Main Takeaways

• The 3.6 constant horsepower motor can continuously withstand high outputs across the speed and incline range, making it a good pick for high-intensity training or longer mileage.
• This treadmill has both quick-control toggles for speed and incline, as well as AutoAdjust capabilities when streaming trainer-led workouts.
• A strong internet connection is required to unlock the digital conveniences of this connected treadmill.

ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill Highlights

The ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill — which we think is one of the best ProForm treadmills — measures in at 77.3 inches long by 35.3 inches wide by 59.6 inches tall, equating to a footprint of 18.95 square feet. For reference, that’s less than the floor space required to house your standard 3-seat sofa, which takes up 23.75 square feet. (1)

In addition to those dimensions, this Pro 9000 treadmill carries a 263-pound overall weight and can support athletes up to 300 pounds. In testing, we appreciated the front transport wheels that made getting the machine into position an easier endeavor, but we do wish they were somewhat larger. “I found that the wheels would catch easily over carpet, and the treadmill’s weight is one you don’t necessarily want to have in-hand for a while,” added our tester, a certified personal trainer.

The Pro 9000 also stands out for its running capabilities thanks to the spacious 20-inch by 60-inch tread belt. We’ve found that 60 inches is a worthwhile running deck length for higher intensities, as it gives you more space to open up your running gait without feeling like you need to compromise your steps to stay atop the machine. 

Speaking of the deck, we also enjoyed how this folding treadmill can shrink its storage footprint for more convenience thanks to the SpaceSaver design.

Looking at the heart of this Pro 9000, you’ll find a 3.6 continuous horsepower Mach Z motor, which can power your running experience to speeds up to 12 miles per hour and inclines between -3 and 12 percent.

When searching for a treadmill, we often recommend looking at treadmill motors measured in CHP rather than regular horsepower (HP). Horsepower metrics showcase the motor’s capacity at peak operation, whereas continuous horsepower indicates how much intensity the motor can put out at a continuous pace. This can be especially beneficial for runners looking to tackle longer sprint sessions or extended runs over five miles.

Like other treadmills from ProForm, the Pro 9000 is compatible with the iFIT training platform, which can be excellent for keeping training regimens fresh and intriguing day after day. The platform boasts over 17,000 workouts based in running, strength training, yoga, HIIT, and other disciplines. 

Plus, the iFIT compatibility unlocks AutoAdjust technology, which can keep your settings in-tune with your trainer-led sessions. Rather than pausing your progress to toggle your speed and incline accordingly, the machine automatically does it for you.

Access to the iFIT platform requires two prerequisites — a $39 monthly subscription and a strong internet connection. We recommend thinking through your financial standing (and Wi-Fi strength) in order to ensure you can afford the monthly costs and the price tag for the machine alone.

[Related: iFIT Review]

Lastly, the ProForm Pro 9000 also features other conveniences beyond the digital realm. For example, the front console is equipped with a CoolAire fan that can be helpful in keeping conditions comfortable mid-training. “For a running treadmill, I recommend looking for at least one fan, but ideally two, with multiple power levels,” adds Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer.

There are also multiple cut-outs that can house your training essentials, such as a water bottle, towel, or smartphone. The Pro 9000 also features two heart rate monitor pads along the side rails, although our tester recommends opting for the additional forearm or chest strap monitor for better accuracy. “In my opinion, palm-centric EKG monitors are wonky and inaccurate. I’d rather trust an on-body sensor for these key read-outs,” they stated.

Training With the ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill

For our trials, we got hands-on with the ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill for a number of cardio workouts at varied inclines and paces. We also took our time across the 22-inch smart HD touchscreen to get a feel for its haptics and available library through the iFIT workout platform.

We used a multi-point methodology to rate the ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill in categories such as overall footprint, available tech, dynamic programming, durability, and more, scoring them on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). For further information on how we trial and test products for our online content, be sure to read the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology page.

Adjustability

One of the biggest perks we found in testing the ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill was its adjustability across workouts. Having a treadmill that can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour and inclines between -3 and 15 percent is nice, but it can be rendered useless if the toggles are a nuisance. 

Thankfully, we enjoyed the branded Quickspeed buttons across the front console that allowed us to quickly toggle between incline and speed settings while training in manual mode. “The quick-adjust buttons allowed me to seamlessly change my settings mid-workout,” added our tester, a certified personal trainer, who rated the adjustability at 5 out of 5. “I think these features can be especially beneficial for interval training where you don’t want to waste time toggling between circuits.”

When taking in a trainer-led workout through the iFIT platform, we also found the adjustability to be worthwhile thanks to the AutoAdjust technology. This component automatically changes your incline and speed in cadence with your onscreen instructor, so there’s little delay between the virtual commands and your running experience as a whole. This is a staple of the best treadmills with iFIT, so we always appreciate the added convenience when testing a profile from this category.

In-Training Comfort

In addition to the available adjustments atop the Pro 9000 treadmill, we also enjoyed the available cushioning strewn across the running deck. While we were far below the maximum user weight, we were still able to reap the benefits of the ReBound pro cushioning system that easily absorbed our strides for less impact across our joints.

“Even while pacing at a full sprint, I could feel the lessened impact across my ankles and knees,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. “It made for a far more comfortable and enjoyable training experience than I’ve had with other treadmill silhouettes over the years.”

We also rated the overall training experience at 4.5 out of 5 given the larger running deck dimensions. The 20-inch wide and 60-inch long tread belt proved to provide more than enough room for our home treadmill workouts, allowing us to easily open up our gaits for longer strides that are commonly associated with fast-paced running and sprinting. 

If you’re an athlete that favors these high-octane workout disciplines, we recommend searching for a treadmill with a running deck no shorter than 60 inches.

Workout Versatility

The best treadmills with screens offer an engaging workout experience, so we were happy to report the positive experience we had with the iFIT platform across this Pro 9000 silhouette. The workouts were plenty engaging, and navigating across the smart HD touchscreen to find our desired workout programs was a breeze. “The touchscreen was sensitive enough to track my desired toggles, but not so much that it interfered with my overall experience,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer.

We also liked how the Pro 9000 treadmill integrated with iFIT for non-treadmill training needs. There are a ton of sessions dedicated to non-running endeavors, leading to our dynamic programming rating of 5 out of 5. 

However, we do wish that the 22-inch HD touchscreen would pivot more for better off-treadmill viewing. In its current setup, you need to place your workout mat directly behind the Pro 9000 profile if you want a clear view of the screen. This could be more of a challenge for athletes training in tighter quarters that may not necessarily have the available floor plan.

What to Consider Before Buying the ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill

From the running deck dimensions to the motor size, available programming, and more, here are the factors we recommend considering before adding a treadmill to your list of home gym equipment. 

Speed and Incline Ranges

While going fast is always an enjoyable training experience, the same cannot be said when training atop a treadmill that cannot support your maximum speed. Studies report that the average male athlete can run 5.9 miles per hour across a 5-kilometer route. (2) Still, you can reach faster paces in quick sprints, so it helps to have a treadmill that can support such paces without much lag or wear and tear across the motor.

In addition, we also recommend seeking a treadmill profile capable of both incline and decline settings, as these toggles can better mimic the on-road conditions you’re likely to encounter on race day. “You’ll undoubtedly encounter hills in the outside world, even in generally flat regions,” adds Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer. “Look for incline capabilities reaching 9 percent or higher. For decline, look for ranges negative 2 to 5 percent.”

[Related: How to Run Faster]

Product Dimensions

Fitting any cardio machine into your space can be a trial in itself, so it helps to understand just how much flooring you can sacrifice to meet your fitness goals. The ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill features a footprint of 18.95 square feet, which is less than your standard 3-seat sofa. (1) However, the footprint can be rearranged when not in use thanks to the SpaceSaver Design that features a foldable running deck.

In addition to the overall footprint of the machine, we recommend paying close attention to the running deck dimensions, especially if you plan on sprinting or taking on high-intensity workouts atop your treadmill of choice. Sixty inches should be lengthy enough for most heights, so you should be fine to stretch out your running gait with this impressive, durable tread from ProForm.

[Related: Best Compact Treadmills]

Dynamic Programming

Let’s face it — running can become monotonous rather easily, especially when pacing along indoors without any changing scenery. As such, Capritto states, “The best treadmills for running are compatible with a workout app you can stream on-screen, or on your own smart device that rests in a device holder on the machine. At the very least, look for five to 10 built-in workouts to choose from.”

The ProForm Pro 9000 is compatible with iFIT, which we’ve previously ranked as one of the best fitness apps. The service has a plethora of training modules available, making it a great solution for cross-training, too. 

However, we always recommend looking at the subscription cost of your digital training platform before purchase, as the monthly charges could put a treadmill’s overall price out of reach. Currently, iFIT memberships cost $39 monthly, but you can also choose year-based bundles to potentially save you some cash in the long run. iFIT family memberships are also an option. 

Other Conveniences

You should also look for a treadmill that features conveniences that match your training preferences. These can vary from athlete to athlete, but we often recommend at least some form of storage compartment to better house your water bottle or smartphone during sessions, as well as a workout fan for better temperature control during sprints and longer runs. It can also be helpful to ensure that your treadmill is Bluetooth-compatible so that you can pair your headphones, smartphone, or heart rate monitor to the console.

ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill Vs. The Competition

After testing more than 40 different treadmills over the years, we understand what separates a good home treadmill from one of the best treadmills for running. The major components include a spacious running deck, resilient motor, incline and decline capabilities, and (if possible) a compatible training platform — paired with a high-definition display — that can increase engagement from one workout to the next.

We’ve outlined a handful of comparable treadmills below that we think match up similarly to the Pro 9000 — the Commercial 1750 from NordicTrack, the Sole F63, and the BowFlex Treadmill 10.

	ProForm Pro 9000	NordicTrack Commercial 1750	Sole F63	Bowflex Treadmill 10
Price:	$2,299	$2,299	$1,199.99	$1,999
Incline Range:	-3-12%	-3-12%	0-15%	-5-15%
Max Speed:	12mph	12mph	12mph	12mph
Motor Size:	3.6 CHP Mach Z	3.5 CHP	3.0 HP	4 HP
Weight Capacity:	300lbs	400lbs	325lbs	400lbs
Product Dimensions:	77.3” L x 35.3” W x 59.6” H	80” L x 38” W x 65” H	77″ L x 35″ W x 67″ H	85″ L x 39.6″ W x 65.3″ H
Display Size:	22”	14”	6.5”	10”
Warranty:	10-Year Frame, 2-Year Parts, 1-Year Labor	10-Year Frame, 2-Year Parts, 1-Year Labor	Lifetime Frame, Lifetime Motor, 2-Year Deck, 2-Year Parts, 2-Year Wear Items, 1-Year Labor, 90-Day Cosmetic Items	15-Year Frame, 5-Year Mechanical Parts, 2-Year Labor, 1-Year Electronics and HD Touchscreen

One of the easiest comparisons to this ProForm 9000 silhouette is the Commercial 1750 from NordicTrack. Both are compatible with the iFIT platform, are available at a similar price point, and share similar speed and incline ranges — there’s a reason we’ve previously ranked both amongst the best incline treadmills. The Commercial 1750 features a higher weight capacity, though, which could be beneficial for heavier athletes or those that need a treadmill for their entire family.

The Sole F63 can also be a suitable treadmill for runners featuring a more robust warranty and slightly higher weight capacity. Despite the lower price tag, we’re more inclined to recommend the Pro 9000, though, given that the F63’s motor is measured at 3 horsepower rather than continuous horsepower. This indicates the peak performance as opposed to what the tread can effectively maintain for longer sessions.

Lastly, we think the BowFlex Treadmill 10 is one of the best treadmills for tall runners we’ve tested given the large product dimensions that can easily support even the longest running gaits. Despite the boosted weight capacity and wider incline range, though, this may not be a suitable pick for some given the massive space required to house such a machine

Places to Buy the ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill

The Pro 9000 treadmill is available online directly from ProForm. Additionally, you can find this home gym equipment available on third-party retailers, including Amazon, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Scheels, and others.

Customer Experience

Unlike other treadmills we’ve encountered over the years, ProForm offers three varying delivery services, each at their own price:

• Standard Delivery: Free
• Room of Choice Delivery and Assembly: +$199
• Delivery, Assembly, and Disposal of Old Equipment: +$298

We opted for the standard delivery to get a better feel for the assembly process, but always appreciate when a brand offers white-glove services for added convenience. Plus, the fact that ProForm will haul away your old treadmill is a unique experience that could be worth the $298 upcharge on its own.

As far as assembling this Pro 9000 profile, we found the process to be simple enough taking roughly one hour from unboxing to finish. However, the heavier components and stretched silhouette of the treadmill itself do warrant a helping set of hands. We could not put this treadmill together single-handedly, so it may be wise to call a spouse or training partner in for assistance before tackling this build.

Warranties

In addition to the 30-day return policy, ProForm offers a substantial warranty package with the Pro 9000 treadmill, covering the frame for 10 years, parts for two years, and labor for one year. The brand offers a three-year extended plan for an additional $199.99, too. A five-year maintenance plan is also an available add-on, providing 10-year frame coverage and five-year support for parts and labor as well as an annual 15-point maintenance check that can be scheduled upon your request. 

Company Information

ProForm is part of the ICON Health and Fitness Group — a global leader in personal fitness equipment that also owns such brands as NordicTrack and iFIT. ProForm, as a brand, offers many mainstay silhouettes for home gym enthusiasts, including treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, rowing machines, strength equipment, and more.

To reach ProForm for any inquiries, the best method is to visit the brand’s Contact Us page, which has multiple pathways for specific questions regarding order status, parts and manuals, returns, and more. There is also a Live Chat option on the ProForm site for quick inquiries.

In Conclusion

The ProForm Pro 9000 features a high-powered motor, well-cushioned running deck, and is compatible with one of the best workout apps available in iFIT. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our experiences atop this impressive machine, although we feel it may be overkill for those just wanting a dedicated profile for quick jaunts and daily step counts. Plus, the monthly iFIT subscription (while not entirely required) may be too much for some when thinking of the overall costs.

If the ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill is on your radar, there are a few specs we recommend considering. For one, we always advise that you measure your available space to ensure the tread can actually fit within your floor plan. Additionally, confirm your internet strength, as weaker signals can lead to lagging on-screen instruction and unnecessary troubles within the iFIT platform. With these two prerequisites accounted for, you can be well on your way to creating a training environment as performance-laden as your regular outdoor routes.

FAQs

References

1. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
2. Cronkleton, E. (2020, October 21). How fast can a human run? plus, how to run faster. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-fast-can-a-human-run