In this NordicTrack X22i Treadmill review, we will cover everything you should know before you decide to buy. NordicTrack’s new 2022 lineup of updated treadmills are among the best available. And, the X22i is the best among them. Read below to get the full scoop.
Table of contents
NordicTrack X22i video review
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A quick overview of the NordicTrack Commercial X22i
The NordicTrack X22i is an incline specialized treadmill that connects to iFIT classes on the included 22″ HD touchscreen. With the capability to quickly adjust inclines from as low as -5% to as high as +40%, this treadmill offers an incredible range.
Included is a touchscreen capable of rotating 360 degrees, built-in fan, and an ultra-comfortable running suspension system — this is one of the best treadmills ever made for your home.
NordicTrack X22i Treadmill specs
| Weight | 505 lbs |
| Max User Weight | 300 lbs |
| Dimensions | 81” L x 39” W x 76” H |
| Running Surface | 22” W x 60” L |
| Incline | -5% decline to 40% incline |
| Max Speed | 12 mph |
| Motor | 3.6 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor |
| Touchscreen | 22″ tilt and pivot HD touchscreen |
| Auto Adjust | Yes |
| Speakers | Premium 30 W audio speakers |
| Warranty | 10-year frame warranty 2-year parts warranty 1-year labor warranty |
Using the Nordictrack X22i
FlexSelect suspension deck
One of my favorite things about running on a NordicTrack treadmills is their FlexSelect suspension system. Running on these belt treadmills feels extremely comfortable and forgiving.
For me, the extra cushion allows me to run much longer longer than I could otherwise. Having spent lots of time recently testing out treadmills by Peloton and Echelon, the difference has become even more noticeable.
Speed and incline
The Nordictrack X22i treadmill has a max speed of 12 mph and an enormous range of -5% decline to 40% incline. While this incline range is great, equally impressive is how quickly it can be adjusted. For reference, here is how long the X22i and other treadmills take to change from 0 to 12 degrees in incline:
- Nordictrack X22i: 10 seconds
- NordicTrack 2450: 15 seconds
- Peloton Tread: 21 seconds
- NordicTrack EXP 14i: 34 seconds
- Echelon Stride-5s: 43 seconds
When going from 0 to 40% incline, the X22i only takes a total of 33 seconds.
This huge incline range adds a lot of value to the iFIT hiking workouts. When you start climbing up a steep hill, it actually feels like a hill. I often found myself burning more calories with a higher heart rates on these hikes than I do from some interval workouts!
Another thing I really like is how easy it is to change the speed and incline. The screen is surrounded by buttons, allowing most adjustments to be made with a single press. These buttons can even be used to get to an exact speed by pressing one after another (press 6 then 3 to change your speed to 6.3).
Additional fine-tuning of your speed and incline can also be made by pressing the large + and – buttons in front of the screen, though you may not need to use them often because of the included auto-adjust features.
Smart Adjust and ActivePulse
Whenever you take a class on the Nordictrack X22i treadmill, the incline and decline will automatically adjust relative to the current terrain on the screen. With Smart Adjust selected, your speed will also be automatically adjusted throughout the workout to match your current fitness level.
An alternative to Smart Adjust is a feature called ActivePulse. ActivePulse uses your heart rate data to determine when and how much to adjust your speed based on the current suggested heart rate zone. This, of course, does not work on all workouts since some do not have a suggested heart rate.
Both of the auto-adjust features work exceptionally well. Personally, I prefer using Smart Adjust for most of my workouts. I find the ActivePulse is best used for longer endurance runs where adjustments do not need to make made as frequently.
Touchscreen and speakers
The Nordictrack X22i comes with a 22″ HD touchscreen. Not only does this screen look great, but it also is able to be tilted up and down, as well as be rotated 360 degrees. This is perfect for taking strength, yoga, or bootcamp classes that take you off the treadmill.
I did notice that the screen on the X22i shakes a bit more than other NordicTrack treadmills. Whether this is true for everyone, or if it is because of how mine was put together, I am not sure. Though it does not hinder the experience (it shakes less than my Peloton Tread), I feel it should be noted.
The two 30-watt speakers are also fairly nice. Though, without much bass, they do not sound great at the highest volumes. There is also a well designed volume adjustment system that allows the volume of the music and instructor to be changed independently.
AutoBreeze fan
Additionally, the Nordictrack X22i comes with an AutoBreeze fan which is well placed underneath the touch screen. This fan has three speeds to choose from and a fourth “auto breeze speed” which will adjust based on how quickly you are running.
The highest fan speed is fairly strong and feels great when you start to heat up during a hard workout.
iFIT workouts
A Nordictrack X22i Treadmill review wouldn’t be complete without a look into the fitness program it uses: iFIT. iFIT has a large library of high quality content for its membership. A membership which costs $15/month for an individual plan or $39/month for a family plan (up to five accounts).
While there are five to seven daily live studio workouts available, the best part of iFIT is the instructor-led scenic content. The scenic runs are easily the best of any connected fitness platform and, alongside the auto-adjusting incline, are a lot of fun.
In fact, the 18-part hiking series “Everest: A Trek to Basecamp” was the first connected fitness program to be nominated for an Emmy.
Another thing to note is iFIT’s focus on dedicated programs. Other connected fitness platforms, like Peloton and Echelon, provide a buffet-style line-up of workouts with typically no overarching focus or progression.
iFIT does the exact opposite with almost all of their scenic runs being part of a larger program with a specific goal in mind. Some programs are built to improve your 5K, 10K, or even help you build up to a marathon.
There is a ton of variety here – from runs to walks to hikes – and more than enough fresh content added each month to ensure you always have something new to try.
Nordictrack X22i x 2450 x EXP 14i
The X22i is one of NordicTrack’s most premium incline treadmills. However, there are two other treadmills that, while not having as large an incline, are more space efficient. Both the 2450 and EXP 14i are easily foldable, making them better options for smaller spaces.
The 2450 has the same quality, screen, and feel as the X22i. But if you need to save a little money, you can go with the lower cost EXP 14i, which is still very nice for the price.
Connect the Watts’ Take
The Nordictrack X22i treadmill is currently my favorite home treadmill for 2022. With the huge incline range, comfortable running deck, and auto-adjusting features, it is well worth the premium $3,999 price. Highly recommended.
Related articles:
- NordicTrack EXP 14i Folding Treadmill review – updated 2022 model
- NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill review – updated 2022 model
- Review: NordicTrack iSelect dumbbells
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