You’ve probably heard of Bowflex…maybe because you or someone you know owns the popular adjustable dumbbells or famous home gym. This brand has a reputation for making solid exercise equipment, and the treadmill is no exception.
In my role as Director of Nutrition & Fitness at Good Housekeeping Institute, I’ve had the opportunity to test dozens of treadmills. It’s incredible how far the industry has come, with some machines coming out better than the next, even in the past few years. But based on all the treadmills I’ve reviewed, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 is one of my favorites at the moment. We had two testers try out this model at home to confirm its long-term durability. Here’s everything you need to know about the T22 and whether this heavy-duty treadmill is worth adding to your home gym setup.
bowflex treadmill 22
Now 14% off
Credit: BowflexCons There is an additional membership fee for the full JRNY experience Difficult to assemble Touchscreen does not rotate from side to side Dimensions Length 85″ x Width 39.6″ x Height 70″ Folded Dimensions Length 44.5 inches x 39.6 inches wide x 70 inches high Maximum user weight 400 lbs Product weight 336 lbs
Shipping and assembly
T22 typically ships within 5 business days of your order. You will receive a notification from the delivery service and a call to schedule the best time for the actual delivery. Here’s the deal. This is a huge, heavy treadmill. Please read the details regarding shipping. We opted for shipping with assembly (an additional $349 charge, but well worth it). This includes delivery to the room of your choice, unpacking, complete assembly, and removal of packaging materials. The shipping process was smooth and I took all the packaging with me.
Stephanie Sassos
At-home testers expressed similar sentiments. “Delivery required two men and it took about 40 minutes to install and set up the treadmill.” If you live in a home or complex with multiple stairs, Bowflex may not be able to accommodate that. . So read the fine print carefully and keep all this in mind before purchasing. As always, make sure the machine is fully functional and operating properly before the technician leaves your home.
size
As mentioned earlier, this treadmill has a very large overall footprint of 85 inches long x 39.6 inches wide x 70 inches high. It is essential to check the dimensions of your space before making such a big purchase, but in this case, especially considering the T22, this treadmill has a very wide range of incline and descent, so the Bowflex actually offers , recommends measuring the minimum ceiling height of the user’s height + 16.1 inches. As you can see in these photos, at the highest slope setting, your head can barely get over the low basement ceiling.
This model is definitely larger than other home treadmills, but what impressed me is that it can be folded up, despite having both significant incline and descent capabilities. Stowed dimensions are 44.5″L x 39.6″W x 70″H to free up space when not in use, but to fold the treadmill fully upright, it must be Must be set to attenuation. We found it to be fairly easy to fold, especially considering the SoftDrop folding system where the deck slowly lowers at the end when unfolding.
The machine itself is quite heavy (weighs 336 pounds), so be careful not to move it around, as it’s not something you’ll be rolling around on a regular basis. “It’s a big model and takes up a lot of space, but is it worth it? I’ve never been so excited to drive,” said a tester.
Stephanie Sassos
One thing I always pay attention to is the maximum load capacity of the machine. This is not only to ensure that the equipment is comprehensive, but also because this indicator serves as an indicator of quality and durability. A higher load capacity means that the machine is usually made of stronger and more durable materials. This treadmill supports users up to 400 pounds, which is one of the best I’ve seen on this market.
Stephanie Sassos
Now, let’s talk about running paths. This model has a generously sized running belt of 22 inches x 60 inches, making it ideal for accommodating users of different heights. I’m 5’9″ tall and very comfortable on this, and my 6’4″ husband was able to easily run on it (though he barely missed the hair on the ceiling). It’s a little wider than what you would normally look for in a quality treadmill.
Incline, slope, speed
Stephanie Sassos
Stephanie Sassos
One of the things testers particularly liked about the Bowflex 22 is that the tilt and speed controls are located in different locations. Keypad under console, end of heart rate hand grip, and side rail of machine. Not only can this model run at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour, it also has both incline and descend capabilities to mimic real outdoor terrain. It also has a pretty wide range, with motorized slopes ranging from -5% to 20%, making it perfect for both leisurely walks and strenuous uphill hikes. The 20% incline is some of the highest I’ve personally seen on a folding treadmill.
Stephanie Sassos
Stephanie Sassos
comfort and convenience
Bowflex has thought through the key features of this machine to make your workout even more enjoyable. First, there’s a built-in fan with three speeds under the console to keep you cool during long runs (it’s small but surprisingly powerful). Storage space is plentiful, too, with multiple holders for water bottles and a storage bar under the console for small items. The textured console comfortably fits your phone, baby monitor, large water bottle, and headphone case.
Stephanie Sassos
The T22 also features a ComfortTech deck cushion for a supportive, light workout, and is relatively quiet for a treadmill of this size and power. However, while Bowflex does not disclose the size or horsepower of the motor, some reports online claim it to be as high as a 4.0 CHP motor, which is designed for continuous and repetitive heavy use. means that it has been “Feels very grounded when going full speed,” said a tester.
Stephanie Sassos
special features
I definitely looked forward to every workout I did on this machine. Most importantly, thanks to smart features and the JRNY platform itself. You don’t need to be a member of JRNY to use this treadmill, but it will definitely help you get the most out of it. To access all of JRNY’s content, you’ll have to pay an additional $19.99 per month, but it’s well worth it. This gives you access to trainer-led workouts and virtual scenic runs in beautiful locations around the world. With a JRNY membership, you can also stream your favorite shows and movies from services like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video at the same time as your workout (but to access these services on the platform, (requires active subscription).
“This machine has changed my workouts,” said our tester. “It’s so high-end that it makes training for a half marathon fun even when you can’t get outside. Plus, on long runs you can stream Hulu or your other favorite service to kill time, which really helps .”
The good news is that with JRNY All Access Membership, you can have 6 users on one subscription. One of the best features is the adaptive workout. This will automatically adjust over time as you progress. This was perfect for creating personalized workout plans to keep running challenging and interesting. JRNY itself is very easy to navigate on the platform, with hundreds of classes to choose from. I personally prefer some of the trainers on the iFIT platform on the NordicTrack device, but the JRNY trainer is still experienced and engaging.
Stephanie Sassos
The 22-inch HD touchscreen is high quality and provides an immersive workout experience, but it was disappointing that it didn’t swivel from side to side. JRNY’s content includes classes beyond the treadmill, like strength training, and it’s great that the screen pivots when you’re working out off the bike. At this expensive price point, it’s what you would expect from a premium treadmill like this. However, the screen tilts up and down a bit to remove glare.
financing and guarantees
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 costs $2,799 (currently on sale for $2,399), making it a great investment. This is definitely a premium product, more expensive than the NordicTrack 1750, but cheaper than the Peloton Tread+, which costs almost twice as much. Bowflex offers a 15-year warranty on the frame, 5-year warranty on mechanical parts, 1-year warranty on electronics and HD touchscreen, and 2-year warranty on repairs. A JRNY membership costs an additional $19.99 per month after a free trial, and one JRNY membership includes up to six user profiles.
Stephanie Sassos
Is the Bowflex Treadmill 22 worth it?
If you’re looking for a premium treadmill to motivate you to work out at home, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a solid choice (as long as you have the space). With its robust construction, sophisticated design, and impressive special features, this machine is undoubtedly the best in its class. Stream your favorite shows and movies, access instructor-led classes, and more, making this treadmill something you look forward to running on a regular basis.
That said, if you’re not looking for built-in class content and you already have a TV with streaming capabilities in your home gym, the T22 likely isn’t worth it and you should go for something with a simpler design. You can choose. However, the high-quality workout programming and substantial construction make this one of the best folding treadmills on the market right now.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Stephanie Sassos has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Women’s Fitness Specialist, she uses her expertise and knowledge of exercise science to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute. From vigorously testing exercise equipment and apps to curating workout plans for GH readers, Stephanie is passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. Masu. After giving birth to her child, she was unable to walk outside in the cold season, so she actively used the treadmill at home to ease her postpartum fitness back. Stephanie is particularly fond of folding treadmill models that save space in your home and are a practical addition to your home gym.
Stephanie (she/her) is a registered dietitian, NASM certified personal trainer, and director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, which is responsible for all nutrition-related content, testing, and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University. She is also the Good Housekeeping staff fitness and exercise expert. Stephanie is dedicated to providing her readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her healthy Greek family.
