Nordictrack Commercial X22i Treadmill Review

Workout Programs and Control Panel

The Console

NordicTrack’s X22i incline trainer console is to-the-point and easy to use. Dominated by the 22” touchscreen, iFit programming is a highly immersive experience. Photo By: Oleksandr Kosheliev / FitRated.com

The X22i screen is so prominent, it’s part of the name. Measuring 22”, its size and vibrant color really make you feel like you’re right there when streaming iFit programming. Most treadmills on the market give you a 7 to 9-inch screen, so NordicTrack went above and beyond to give you an advanced user experience.

I like the clean-cut presentation of the console. The support beams are curved, and this is to consider your positioning at max incline. The curvature keeps the console close enough for interaction without interfering with your stride. On the right and left sides, you see OneTouch speed and incline controls that allow you to make quick changes during your workout. If you need more precise changes, the up and down controls allow you to transition incrementally by .01 MPH and 0.5%.

Accessories

The X22i accessory tray lives behind the console to allow room for the 40% incline. Photo By: Jessica Jones / FitRated.com

Since the 40% incline positions the deck so high, the accessory tray is placed behind the console. If you use it to place your water bottle, phone, or other belongings, they are less accessible, but this is an unavoidable inconvenience with an incline trainer. 

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to sync your headphones and other audio devices. If you prefer to listen to your music or iFit programming through the console, the two three-inch, digitally-amplified speakers produce very clear, crisp audio. If you’re a fan of using your phone or tablet during your workouts, there’s no tablet holder, so your entertainment options are limited to programming streamed from the 22” touchscreen. The only other option would be to place your treadmill in front of a television. 

Heart rate training using the included iFit Bluetooth chest strap is very effective. With a high level of accuracy, heart rate readouts are fed to your iFit programming, and the treadmill is able to auto-adjust to ensure your heart rate is maintained. Whether heart rate training, taking an iFit class, or working in manual mode, you’ll stay cool with dual AutoBreeze™ workout fans.

Compatibility with Fitness Apps

With a 22-inch touchscreen and remote trainer controls, users of the NordicTrack X22i can effectively immerse themselves in their workouts. Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / FitRated.com

To utilize all the features this machine offers, you will need an iFit membership. NordicTrack includes a 30-day trial with the cost of the machine. After that, membership is $39 per month. It’s a small price to pay for access to over 16,000 streamed workouts created by certified instructors with more being added every day.

Membership includes terrific personal training benefits that extend beyond just running. With the ability to program four users on your account, it’s excellent for families who want to get fit together. Just some of the many programs you can follow as part of your membership include strength training, yoga, balance, flexibility, mindfulness, nutrition topics, and even sleep coaching. You can learn all about our experience in our thorough iFit review. That said, the machine does work in manual mode, and users can still operate it without a subscription.

If you prefer a different fitness app, you won’t be able to use it on the X22i touchscreen. Furthermore, there’s no tablet holder, so it’s difficult to follow programming on your own smart device. If your primary feature of preference is the incline, plan on using it in manual mode if you won’t be purchasing an iFit membership. Otherwise, you may want to look at products that put a focus on allowing you to bring your own tech to the table like the Horizon 7.8 AT.

Speed and Incline

Using an incline as you walk or run is one of the best ways to dramatically raise the intensity of the workout without increasing impact on the joints. Incline training also allows walkers to achieve similar intensity as runners. Most treadmills that offer incline max out between 12% and 15%, and few offer decline. NordicTrack goes above and beyond with an extremely broad range of -6% to 40%. 

When walking on an incline, recruitment of posterior muscles like the glutes and hamstrings is enhanced. Photo By: Oleksandr Kosheliev / FitRated.com

Walking on an incline recruits the hamstrings and glutes more aggressively than walking on a flat surface. Not only will this amp up your caloric burn, but you’ll also tone those muscles, a great way to burn more fat long after your workout is over. When you switch to decline, muscle recruitment shifts to the anterior including quads, hip flexors, and knees. If you’re not sure how to incorporate effective incline training into your programming, iFit makes it easy. With remote trainer controls, your settings will auto-adjust to simulate the terrain you see on the screen. 

The NordicTrack X22i’s roomy deck allows for long strides during high intensity intervals. Photo by: Jessica Jones / FitRated.com

The NordicTrack X22i’s speed range of 0-12 MPH is pretty standard. Most people don’t train faster than this, and, when incline training, slower speeds are typically more effective.

Smart-Response Drive System

The time it takes your treadmill to change speed and incline is a difficult piece of information to find as you’re researching a product. I’m a big fan of high intensity interval training, so I took a moment to gather this information. When it takes too long for a treadmill to slow down after a sprint interval, your break time is disrupted. Conversely, a long lag as you enter a sprint interval can diminish the benefits of HIIT. Here’s what I found:

• 0 to 20 mph= 20 seconds
• 0% to 40% incline= 20 seconds

Push Bar and Sled Grips

The X22i sled grips allow you to add upper-body training into your treadmill regimen. Photo By: Jessica Jones / FitRated.com

The NordicTrack X22i has long handles that seem a little bit oversized. However, you need them to be longer than average for a comfortable reach during max incline training. Furthermore, they’re more than just handles. Instead, they’re sled grips that allow you to power through incline intervals to incorporate upper body strength into your treadmill training. Combined with the push bar and incline options, you can effectively achieve a full-body workout on your treadmill.

NordicTrack X22i Motor

You always want to consider a treadmill’s motor power, especially when you plan on putting such heavy demands on the machine like extreme incline. NordicTrack’s X22i is powered by a self-cooling, 4.25 continuous horsepower motor, which will keep you going no matter how fast or hard you choose to workout. This is essential for families since multiple users may engage in exercise on the machine on any given day. If the motor is not up to par, it becomes hard to run continuous workout sessions over time.

Housed underneath the rear of the deck, the 4.25 CHP motor is powerful and capable of sustaining extreme incline training. Photo By: Jessica Jones / FitRated.com

Most treadmill motors are located at the front of the deck, but NordicTrack put their X22i motor in the back. This strategic positioning makes the massive incline capabilities possible while freeing up additional space for your foot strike.

Noise

With a powerful motor often comes more noise, and you don’t want to disturb others in the home during your workout, so let’s take a look at the results of my sound test. 

• 3 mph- 40 decibels, comparable to normal conversation
• 6 mph- 51 decibels, comparable to the sound of a dishwasher
• 9 mph- 52 decibels, comparable to the sound of a running car
• 12 mph- 61 decibels, comparable to the sound of a vacuum cleaner

NordicTrack X22i Belt and Deck

The 22”W x 60”L belt is very spacious and capable of meeting the needs of tall runners and those who run at fast speeds. Photo By: Jessica Jones / FitRated.com

The X22i’s belt is spacious at 22”W x 60”L. Belt size makes a big difference. If you only plan on walking on your treadmill without an incline higher than 15%, paying more for a roomy deck doesn’t make financial sense, and I recommend you check out our favorite walking treadmills. However, if you’re over 6’ tall and/or plan on running at higher speeds and incline, more space is essential. 

Cushioning

NordicTrack’s spring system produces their most cushioned deck, significantly reducing the impact on joints with each foot strike. Photo By: Jessica Jones / FitRated.com

NordicTrack’s X22i model uses spring cushioning that reduces the blow of each stride. Noted as the company’s “most cushioned deck,” the springs produce flex with each footstrike, and you can see that shock-absorbing feature in action in the video above. You can’t turn cushioning on and off like you can with some products. If you’re training for a road race, it’s a good idea to do some of your training under more realistic conditions in the days leading up to your competition.

Storage, Folding, and Transport

The NordicTrack X22i isn’t a space-friendly treadmill. If you have limited space to work with, a folding treadmill might be a better option. Non-folding treadmills like the X22i are typically more sturdy, which is exactly what you want in an incline trainer. 

The X22i has a footprint of 70”L x 39”W x 72.5”H, but that only considers floor space. Vertical space, especially on a product capable of 40% incline, is crucial to factor in. You’ll need to consider the height of the tallest user, step-up height, and max incline height. 

• Step-up height= 14”
• Max incline height= 33”

If your tallest user is six feet tall, you’d need to add 33” to determine the ceiling height required to accommodate training at 40% incline. In this case, that would be almost nine feet. On top of that, add some leeway for the up-and-down bobbing that naturally occurs when using a treadmill. A ceiling height of 10-12 feet is ideal for the NordicTrack X22i treadmill.

Two transport wheels located at the front of the deck allow you to move the NordicTrack X22i treadmill. Photo by: Jessica Jones / FitRated.com

In the event you need to move your treadmill, the X22i has two transport wheels located in the front. The machine is heavy, so it takes some manpower to lift it, and it’s easiest to move along uncarpeted floors. Considering the sizable investment being made in an incline trainer, it could be worth it to upgrade your home gym flooring before you receive your treadmill. 

Durability Expectations

When you’re thinking about investing $3,000 in a treadmill, you’d do yourself a disservice by overlooking durability expectations. Let’s take a moment to examine some metrics that are indicators of a treadmill’s ability to stand up to the test of time.

Warranty

Warranties across the NordicTrack brand have been standardized recently from top to bottom and include a 10-year frame warranty, 2 years on parts and electronics, and 1 year on labor.

The warranty is a good way to see how confident a company is in their product. At this price point, we’d like to see improvements in this area. High-quality treadmills typically feature 30+ years on the motor, some even providing lifetime coverage.

Material Makeup

Treadmills are typically made either of steel or aluminum. The X22i is constructed using reinforced steel that’s welded instead of bolted. It’s a solid machine capable of sustaining the heavy demands of extreme inclines. Keep in mind, steel can rust, so it’s important to wipe it down after each use to remove sweat.

Weight Capacity

For a treadmill of this caliber, I’d like to see a higher weight limit. Max user weight for the NordicTrack X22i is 300 lbs. This may seem fine as most people using it are below this limit, but keep in mind this can be a determinant of stability. If you’re close to that 300 lb. mark, you may notice the machine feels a bit shaky and less stable. This can be especially true at peak incline. 

Generally speaking, the higher the weight limit, the sturdier the treadmill will feel, so it’s always nice to see machines that go up to 350 to 400 lbs.

Belt and Rollers

The rollers on the X22i are 2.5”, a size more capable of keeping your belt running cool and staying on straight than products with 1.6″ rollers. Photo By: Jessica Jones / FitRated.com

The treadmill belt wraps around two rollers, one at the front and another at the back of the deck. Since the roller is one of the most commonly damaged parts on a treadmill, it’s important to take a look at its diameter as a larger roller is more durable. 

The X22i belt is supported by 2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers. This size is the industry standard for good durability. You can expect them to keep the belt running cool and staying on straight. 

A 2-ply belt is one made of rubber with an added layer on the bottom typically made of material like cotton or polyester. This type of belt is preferable over 1-ply and 3-ply because it reduces heat buildup, is quiet, lasts longer, and requires less maintenance. 

Note on Foldability and Durability

Although non-folding treadmills take up more space, they score much higher on the durability scale than their folding counterparts. The NordicTrack X22i is a solid, heavy piece of machinery. You definitely want to set it up where you plan on keeping it for the long-term, and you can expect that long-term to consist of a decade or more with proper care and maintenance.

Care and Maintenance

The NordicTrack X22i treadmill is a machine just like your car. This means there’s regular maintenance that needs to be performed to make sure it lasts as long as possible. For starters, make sure you set it up on a flat surface, and wipe it down after each use. From there, recurring maintenance includes:

• Weekly- Vacuum the area around the treadmill, and check for abnormalities like an uncentered belt and loose nuts and bolts.
• Monthly- Inspect the power cord and emergency stop key.
• Quarter-annually- Lubricate the belt, and vacuum the motor enclosure.

If something goes wrong with your treadmill, you don’t have to buy a new one. Instead, purchase any X22i replacement part you could possibly need.

Additional Options

When you order the NordicTrack X22i, you’ll have the ability to bundle and save when you buy certain accessories. These change, but currently, you can save:

• $72 on treadmill maintenance kit
• $57 on a yoga kit
• $89 on strength and recovery kit

If you don’t see the accessories you need included in the special offers at checkout, NordicTrack offers plenty of add-ons to round out your home gym experience. My personal favorite option is the Select-A-Weight dumbbells to balance out your strength and cardio needs without taking up too much space. You’ll also have the option to sign up for white glove delivery for $299 if you don’t feel like setting up the 417 lb. machine yourself.

A Look at the Incline Series

NordicTrack offers three series of treadmills, and the X22i falls in their Incline Series. If you’re interested in weighing all options, check out our NordicTrack buying guide. When incline is what you’re looking for, there are three other options in the Incline Series you can consider.

The Heavy-Usage Option- Elite 22 

Weighing in at 505 lbs, the Elite 22 treadmill is a sturdy, solid piece of machinery. The added $1,000 investment could prove worth it if you expect heavy usage from multiple users.

• 3.6 CHP motor
• -5% Decline to 40% Incline
• 300 lb. weight limit
• 22” Touchscreen
• $3,599

The Family Programming Option- Elite 32

The Elite 32 is very similar to the Elite 22 but weighs an additional 15 pounds and features a 32” touchscreen. The machine’s impressive stability and immersion makes it the perfect addition if you plan on subscribing to the Family iFit Membership.

• 3.6 CHP motor
• -5% Decline to 40% Incline
• 300 lb. weight limit
• 32” Touchscreen
• $4,499

The Immersive Experience- Commercial X32i

Offering all the same great features as the X22i, the NordicTrack X32i has a 32” touchscreen for a more immersive iFit experience.

• 4.25 CHP motor
• -6% Decline to 40% Incline
• 300 lb. weight limit
• 32” Touchscreen
• $3,999

Conclusion

The X22i Commercial treadmill is a top-of-the-line treadmill and the least expensive option in the NordicTrack incline trainer series. Photo By: Jessica Jones / FitRated.com

The NordicTrack Commercial X22i is a fantastic treadmill for walkers and runners alike who want to try out a number of new workouts and take their performance to new levels.

With a whopping 40% incline, you can expand your potential for fitness development. Running on a flat surface can be quite a burden even with good cushioning, but walking on an incline is much easier on the joints. The innovative iFit programming allows you to change things up and locate workouts designed for your specific goals.

The X22i’s luxurious HD touchscreen coupled with iFit capabilities like remote trainer controls and heart rate training makes it seem like you’re doing a live workout right in your living room. I love the improved speaker quality. It goes a long way in enhancing the immersive experience.

Aside from the 300 lb. weight limit, which is low at the $3,000 price point, the NordicTrack X22i is a fantastic machine that has a lot to offer just about every user imaginable. Whether you are beginner or advanced, you will find your place with this treadmill.

Rating: 97/100

What’s Changed for This Year

New for 2022 (January 2021 release)

• Improved HD Touchscreen: New features include the ability to tilt and pivot the screen, as well as new 30-watt speakers in the sound system.
• Faster Incline/Decline: New AutoAdjust Technology makes the jog up and down hills smoother.
• Better Heart Rate Options: The new ActivePulse Technology brings interactive heart rate training to the game.
• Better Delivery Options: The company now offers better in-home assembly as well as delivery options. This is definitely a plus considering the size of the unit.
• Increased Motor Power: Motor power changed from 3.6 CHP to 4.0 CHP.
• Increased Incline/Decline Range: Decline max changed from -5% to -6%.

New for 2021 (November 2020 release)

• Updated HD Touchscreen: Improved processing and dual-band WiFi compatibility will ensure a more seamless video experience when following along to live or streaming workout classes.
• New Mobile App: iFit is now also available as a mobile app for your smartphone.
• Quiet Drive Incline Tech: The incline drivers on the X22i are smoother and quieter than ever, and allow for more precise control during instructor-led classes. Quieter is always better, especially when you need to follow guidance/instruction.
• Bluetooth Upgrade: Previously you could use Bluetooth to pair your phone to your treadmill, allowing you to listen to your own playlists while working out. Now, you can pair your Bluetooth headphones to your treadmill, so that you can listen to your instructor without disturbing the whole house.

Recent Updates

January 5, 2023- Hands-on review performed. Entire article was updated to include images, step-up height, speed and incline transition rates, quantitative noise levels, and more. 

December 7, 2022- Updated specs and price. Added new changes for 2022. Updated photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you watch YouTube on the NordicTrack X22i?

The NordicTrack X22i screen is designed to work only with iFit programming.

How heavy is the NordicTrack X22i?

The machine weighs 417 pounds in-box.

How do you use the NordicTrack X22i?

With a 0-12 mph speed range and -6% to 40% incline, the NordicTrack X22i can be used for any cardio need from slow walking to marathon training.

Is NordicTrack X22i worth it?

For an incline trainer, the $3,000 price tag is much lower than other products on the market offering a 40% incline. 

What is the difference between the NordicTrack X22i and X32i?

The X22i sports a 22″ screen whereas the X32i brings a 32″ device and a larger running deck. 

Does the NordicTrack X22i screen move?

No