NordicTrack X9i Incline Trainer Review

Our Rating

Rating: 93.8/100. The new NordicTrack X9i with touchscreen, web browser and optional iFit Coach is the middle of three Incline Trainer Series treadmills for the 2017 model year. This high quality unit falls between the entry-level X7i and the top-of-the-line X11i. The X9i is our favorite Incline Trainer treadmill for shoppers interested in serious calorie burn through walking. The X11i is better for those also planning to run on a regular basis. Key specs for the X9i include an incline/decline range of -6 percent to 40 percent, a 22” x 60” treadbelt surface, and 44 workout apps.
The 7” touchscreen for the new X9i console is high definition, web-enabled with an Android browser, and able to show video workouts and other programming from iFit Coach. Other useful dashboard features include iPod-compatible speakers, an adjustable-angle tablet computer holder, and workout fans that adjust to your exercise intensity.

Full price for the new X9i is $2999 but we’ve seen sale prices under $2K online. Free shipping is included when you buy it direct, plus the manufacturer provides a great warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee.

Pros:

• Enables rapid calorie burn
• Allows lower impact on joints/ligaments compared with traditional treadmills
• Dramatic incline/decline range (-6 percent to +40 percent)
• Long and extra-wide track (22″ x 60”)
• Commercial 3.0 CHP motor
• 7″ full-color HD touchscreen with Android browser
• 44 built-in workout apps
• iFit Coach enabled
• Adjustable shelf for tablet computer– Sound system (iPod-compatible, 3” speakers)
• On/off cushioning
• WhisperQuiet™ noise reduction for the deck
• Five-year parts and electronics warranty
• Easily assembled

Cons:

• Costs more than a traditional NordicTrack treadmill with comparable horsepower
• Compared with the X11i, is less suitable for high-speed training
• NordicTrack customer service gets poor reviews

Introduction

On the weight loss reality show The Biggest Loser, NordicTrack Incline Trainers are praised as providing “the fastest way to lose weight.” You can expect success quickly, even without training at high speed. Essentially the new X9i Incline Trainer is a high quality treadmill for walkers that’s enhanced with a serious incline/decline to recruit muscles differently. As the incline for your walk increases up to a maximum of 40 percent, you can burn calories as quickly as if you were running! More than 40 workout apps are included to help you train at an appropriate challenge level. This unit also has a 7” high-def touchscreen that can access the iFit Coach app. Additional features are described below.

Workout Programs

Make the most of exercise time with support from 44 workout apps. The Incline Trainer Series workout collection was designed by a fitness professional to target four objectives: calorie burn, heart rate control, incline training and speed training. Each app can adjust the X9i’s speed and track incline to help you reach your goals efficiently.

For unlimited workout variety the NordicTrack X9i is enabled for iFit Coach. Demo programs are built into the console as encouragement to get a household iFit Coach subscription. iFit Coach benefits range from automated stats logging to custom-tailored advice about your workout programs, diet, sleep and more. As for iFit workouts, there are three main options. 1) Download a new personal trainer workout anytime. Benefit from the customized programming created by iFit’s team of fitness professionals. 2) Use the iFit library of high-def workout videos created by famous personal trainers. This library is ever-expanding. 3) Create an infinite variety of Google Maps workouts. With Google Maps workouts the X9i adjusts its incline/decline to replicate mapped topography. You can choose routes with Google Street View to get an even better virtual outdoor training experience.