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Freemotion i10.9b Incline Trainer Review
Brian is a regular competitor and national qualifier in the National Physique Committee events of bodybuilding and classic physique. A veteran writer and editor of more than 24 years, he's published numerous articles on fitness, health, and exercise.
Read full bio >This Incline Trainer Could Be For You If:
- Price is not a primary concern.
- You’re a larger user seeking high weight capacity.
- You want a 5.0 CHP motor for long, hard workouts.
- You don’t mind using your own device.
- You want commercial-grade treadmill components and modern extras.
Fans of the brand Freemotion know the cost of quality. Priced at $8,699, the Freemotion i10.9b Incline Trainer is powerful machine for sure. It is remarkably similar to the i22.9 but without the 21.5-inch screen and lower max speeds. The incline trainer is a type of treadmill with more power and incline/decline function than the norm. Specs include a user interface which displays metrics including: Speed, time, incline/decline, distance, vertical feet, calories, calories/heart rate, heart rate, and pace. The machine is iFit-enabled and customers have the option of buying an 15.6-inch personal HDTV screen to go along with, or use their own device. Meanwhile, the unit comes with 44 preset programs in case you want to go without the apps.
The i10.9b measures 80 inches by 34.8 inches by 76 inches and weighs 731 pounds when shipped, nearly double the average. The machine handles up to 400 pounds in user weight, and it’s powered by a whopping AC 5.0 HP motor. All of this combines to provides users 1,500 pounds of lift force for 30% incline and -3% decline training. The speed tops out at 12 mph on a 21.5-inch x 60-inch running surface. This deck is nice, with a 1-inch double ply belt and 3.5-inch spin balanced rollers. Most competitors rollers are only 2.5 inches.
The great thing about iFit is its automatic trainer control features and live as well as pre-made workout videos around the world. Having used it extensively myself for treadmills, I can say no one will outgrow iFit. The i10.9b offers dual grip pulse sensors for heart rate training and comes with a Polar Wireless Receiver. iFit also offers integrated heart rate training programs which will alter the machine’s resistance to match a target rate. To read our review of the iFit app read here.
What We Like:
- Powerful Motor: An AC 5.0 HP motor is top of the line for sure and means you can run long and hard. Heavier runners and those who like hard hill climbs won’t have to worry about burning this up in a grueling session.
- Top Quality Parts: Everything on this machine is a little better than the norm. From 3.5-inch balance rollers as opposed to 2.5 to the double ply belt, the i10.9b is built to last.
- Great Incline/Decline: With a 30% incline and -3% decline capacity, the incline trainer lives up to it’s name.
- Smooth Track: The i10.9b provides a roomy 21.5″ x 60-inch deck with double fly belt and 3.5-inch rollers. This makes for a smooth and quiet run.
- iFit-enabled: The iFit package can travel as an app on mobile devices as well as the machine itself, tablets, or smart televisions. With live trainer-led workouts and a virtual library of more than 17,000 workouts around the world, the program also offers integrated heart rate training and programs ranging from strength to yoga for a cost of $39.99 per month.
- 44 Built-In Programs: If you’re not interested in subscribing to an app, the unit comes with enough pre-built programs that users can just listen to music or perhaps watch television.
- In-Handle Controls for Speed/Incline: The built-in controls make adjustments easy if you don’t want to rely on the automatic trainer controls.
- Convenient Display: Workout metrics can displayed across a bright user interface.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: The i10.9b offers dual grip sensors and a Polar wireless receiver. The iFit program comes with ActivePulse technology which can adjust the machine’s resistance to match targeted goals.
- Safety Features: The incline trainer comes with a safety key and clip for emergency stops.
- Extra Comforts: A three-speed automatic fan is built into the unit, which comes with a USB charging port, dual water bottle holders, phone holder, and removable inserts.
Freemotion i10.9b Incline Trainer Treadmill - Key Specs:
| Star Rating: | 3.0-stars |
|---|---|
| Motor: | 5.0 HP |
| Incline: | 0 to 30% |
| Running Area: | 22" x 60" |
| Folding: | No |
| Top Speed: | 12 MPH |
| Weight Capacity: | 400 LBS |
| Dimensions: | 80" L x 34.8" W x 76" H |
| Built-In Programs: | 44 |
What We Don’t Like:
- Price: Yes, it’s a solid model for sure with top-quality parts. But this might be too much for the average home user.
- Warrant: Given the price, 7 years for the frame and motor is a bit short considering most models offer 10 years or lifetime.
- Size: At more than 700 pounds, suitable flooring is a must and movement will be difficult.
- No Touchscreen: If the price were lower I wouldn’t mind using my own device, but not here.
- iFit Subscription: Granted, the machine comes with built-in programs, but you lose a lot of the value of iFit-enabling without the $39 per month program.
Our Verdict:
At $8,699, I’d offer this is as a great comparison model while shopping. The i10.9b serves as the lower-priced model to the i22.9 which comes with a large screen and television tuner included. I appreciate how well-built and durable this unit is and there’s no doubt you can run harder longer with an AC 5.0 HP motor, but there are just so many options out there in the $2,500 range. Unless you’re a personal trainer and have aspirations of using this for clients, I’d recommend checking out the NordicTrack Commercial X32i which sports a 40% incline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Freemotion i10.9b Incline Trainer weight?
Shipping weight is 731 pounds.
Is the Freemotion i10.9b Incline Trainer difficult to assemble?
Given the size, you'll need help with the process. It's not complicated, but the parts will be too large for one person to do alone.
Does this machine work without iFit?
Yes, there are 44 built-in programs one can use independent of an app.