The ProForm XT 90 Treadmill – Don’t Buy the Hype

The ProForm XT 90 treadmill features iFit Live programs, ProShox™ Intensity technology, and a manual adjustment for a 20% incline.

It's a nice upgrade from the XT70 but still not the greatest machine in the world.

Let's take a look and see what it's all about...

The Machine

The LCD Grafixx™ display shows multiple information fields for your time, distance, calories, speed, and vertical feet.

The iFit® Live module and a 1-year web subscription to iFit.com are included.

The specs on the ProForm XT 90 treadmill include:

• 2.0 CHP Mach Z™ Motor
• 1 - 10 mph QuickSpeed™
• 10% - 20% 2-position Incline
• 18" x 55" Tread Belt
• 20 workouts
• iFit® Live module & 1 yr subscription included*
• MP3 plug-in
• Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0 Speakers
• 24 ProShox™ Intensity Positions
• 325-lb. User Capacity
• Warranty: Lifetime frame & motor, 2 years parts, 1 year labor

*Wireless network required.

The Buzz

UPDATE:  The ProForm XT90 is no longer available for sale.  You can check out our latest ProForm treadmill reviews here.

Just like with the base XT70 model, the closest current treadmill would be one of the Performance Series models; the 400i or the 600i.

Both of the Performance treadmills have more features and capabilities than the XT90, yet the price is about the same, give or take $100 dollars.

You'll see an increase in the number of built in workouts, top speed, incline as well as warranty.  The newer models also come with the latest version of iFit Coach, ICON Fitness' special program that features on-demand workouts, Google map locations and nutrition/sleep recommendations for you.

So if you like the specs of the XT90, you'll be more than happy with the ProForm 400i or 600i.  Check them both out to see which one appeals to you.

On the Proform XT90 treadmill both the incline settings (10% and 20%), and the 24 intensity positions are adjusted manually.

ProShox™ is an air-based shock absorption system that responds to each step, keeping your muscles tense throughout the motion. The user selects a setting from firm to soft.

On the downside, the shocks make a distinctive whoosh-whoosh-whoosh sound as the deck pumps up and down with each stride. That makes the treadmill noisy, negating the quiet drive system, and it causes the frame and console to shake a bit as well.

Treadmill reviews on the iFit Live technology have reported problems with the interface with Google Maps – a training tool that lets you run “virtually” on many trails all over the world. 

The streets view portion is not active yet (as of spring 2010), and the iFit Live system itself has had a number of glitches since its debut in 2009. The technology will be very cool once it is fully developed, but until then, don’t buy the hype.

ProForm XT90 - Bottom Line

Currently selling for an introductory offer of $899, the Proform XT 90 is an interesting concept that is about two years ahead of its time.

The iFit Live is going to rock someday, and a 20% manual treadmill incline burns a ton of calories for those who like hill climbing during their workout sessions, but this frame isn’t sturdy enough.

We would advise you to skip the Proform XT 90 treadmill and get a better quality, better designed treadmill.

Editor's Note:  As this model is no longer being sold look at the Performance Series treadmills from ProForm.  They are much newer, better and give you quite a bang for the buck.