ProForm Pro 9000 Review

Editor's Rating: 9.4 /10

While browsing online for a home treadmill, it’s hard to miss the Pro 9000 by ProForm Fitness. The Pro 9000 mixes a high-capacity 3.6 CHP motor with one of the flashiest displays you’ll see on a treadmill, as well as a 22″ wide high-definition touchscreen that affords connectivity with the iFit training package. Whether by way of live trainers or on-demand programs, the treadmill equipped with automatic trainer control and can adjust resistance to meet the workout’s needs. Other highlights of the new ProForm Pro 9000 are a foldable frame, an electronic incline with range from -3 percent to 12 percent, and 2″ built-in speakers.

The Pro 9000 treadmill is meant to satisfy serious runners and it’s also a good option for households with several trainees. To support heavy training this machine is equipped with the same Mach Z Commercial Plus motor that powered the popular ProForm Boston Series treadmills, which were especially designed for marathon training. The treadmill also features a built-in CoolAire workout fan with adjustable breeze levels and single-button controls.

Bluetooth-enabled, the treadmill can work with wireless heart rate monitors including the ProForm brand which allow for ActivePulse Technology, where the machine can adjust resistance keep you at a particular cardio level. In terms of programming, it’s hard to beat iFit. Purchase of the treadmill comes with a 30-day trial period but after that the program costs $39 per month for the family plan. The treadmill does work in a manual mode without iFit, but the screen loses a lot of value frankly as it doesn’t work with other programs.

If your cardio training needs aren’t heavy-duty, you could be happy with a cheaper alternative that has a smaller motor, such as the Pro 2000. Or, if you’re not into a particular paid app like iFit, consider one of the Horizon treadmills which don’t lock you into a program by way of a large screen.

Full price for the new Pro 9000 treadmill is $2,299 but you can expect to find discounts during some online sales.

PROS
  • The ProForm Pro 9000 has a terrific 22" screen.
CONS
  • Without iFit, the screen loses a lot of value.

New for 2021:

  • The Pro 9000 comes to users this year with a significantly upgraded 22″ Smart HD Touchscreen to help bring workouts with iFit come to life. This an upgrade from the 10″ screen included in years prior.

New for 2022:

  • The Pro 9000 has updated its iFit offerings and automatic trainer control features.

 

The ProForm SMART Pro 9000 works for walkers and runners alike.
Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

What We Like:

  • Motor: The ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill is powered by a high quality 3.6 CHP Mach Z Commercial Plus Motor that can handle long runs, interval training and heavy use in general.
  • Large Track: The Pro 9000 workout surface measures 20″ wide and 60″ long, so it’s a bit more spacious than the standard treadmill track for runners. Just about everyone can get enough elbow room and take long running strides.
  • Incline and Decline: Compared with standard treadmills, treadmills with inclines and declines can help you to get fit faster and prepare for outdoor workouts. Pro Series treadmills have maximum 3% decline and maximum 12% incline with electronic controls.
  • Cushioning: Pro Series treadmill decks use ProShox cushioning to help make exercise safer and more comfortable than running on concrete or asphalt. Cushioning on the Pro 9000 reduces impact by up to 28%. This cushioning system is air based: when you step down an air chamber in the deck compresses to reduce impact.
  • iFit Ready: Purchase of the machine comes with a 30-day iFit Family Membership. The Pro 9000 treadmill can run iFit on its 22″ screen using your home’s wireless Internet connection. The most widely advertised benefit is virtual outdoor training. Using Google Maps technology, you can draw a real world route and then experience its highs and lows with help from the treadmill’s automated ramp. When Google Street Views are available, they can show on your monitor. Some other benefits of iFit are wireless stats logging, an HD video library for exercising with celebrity personal trainers, and the option to download a new and personalized workout every day.
  • Foldable: A SpaceSaver treadmill, the Pro 9000 can easily be folded for storage. Shock-assist helps you move the deck into a vertical position to save floor space, and the deck gently drops back to the floor when unlocked for the next session.
  • Heart Rate Monitors: The Pro 9000 Treadmill is sold with two heart rate monitoring systems. You can choose wireless telemetry (a chest strap is included) or use grips on the handlebars.
  • Audio: Music is an ideal companion for exercise, so the Pro 9000 has 2″ speakers to let you move to your music.
  • Warranty: The Pro 9000’s warranty includes 10 years of coverage on the frame, 2 years on the parts, and 1 year on labor.

The ProForm SMART Pro 9000 comes iFit-ready.
Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill - Key Specs:

Star Rating:4.7-stars
Motor:3.6 HP
Incline:-3 to 12%
Running Area:22" x 60"
Folding:Yes
Top Speed:12 MPH
Weight Capacity:300 LBS
Dimensions:77.3" L x 35.3" W x 59.6" H
Built-In Programs:iFit
What We Don’t Like:

  • Quality Control: Quality control seems to be inconsistent and due to the high volume of machines they produce, replacement parts aren’t always readily available. A minority of customers wind up very grouchy when their machine breaks down and they have to wait quite a while for ProForm to fix it.
  • Return Policy: ProForm gym equipment is sold with money-back guarantees, but customers could be responsible for return shipping expenses and may be charged a 10 percent restocking fee.

See ProForm’s Promotional Video of the PRO 9000

Our Verdict:

The Pro 9000 is an outstanding package for anyone from the average runner all the way up to the elite marathoner. We like that this machine comes equipped with iFit compatibility but doesn’t require a subscription. If you want a little more treadmill than the average, but don’t want to pay big ticket commercial fitness equipment prices, look no further than the ProForm Pro 9000.

Check Price

Recent Updates

  • July 22, 2021: Updated retail offerings.
  • October 6, 2022: New photographs from hands-on work and updated specs.

ProForm SMART Pro 9000 FAQs

How much does the ProForm Pro 9000 weigh?

The shipping weight of the ProForm SMART Pro 9000 is 300 lbs.

Do you have to set up an account to use Google maps on the ProForm SMART Pro 9000?

In order to use the Google Maps feature, you need to have an iFit account. iFit Coach memberships start at $9/month.

Is the ProForm Smart Pro 9000 a quiet treadmill?

The ProForm SMART Pro 9000 is a quiet <a href="https://www.treadmillreviews.net/best-treadmill/for-home-use/">treadmill suited for home</a> use. It is equipped with a 3.6 CHP Mach Z Commercial Plus Motor that stays cool, creates high levels of inertia for a smooth feel, while promising a quiet experience.

How is ProForm's customer service?

In fairness to all manufacturers, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered protocols for all businesses. We've noticed an uptick in consumer complaints about service since the quarantine was first issued due to work-remote regulations and factory slow-downs. We advise customers to keep that in mind when reading these reviews with any tech support.

Does the ProForm SMART Pro 9000 work without iFit?

Yes, the treadmill works in manual mode.