Looking for a treadmill that can handle anything from a gentle jog to a serious sprint without making a dent in your living room space? The BowFlex BFX T9 Folding Treadmill, affectionately nicknamed “the beast” by some users, might just be what you’re looking for. Currently discounted by £500, dropping from £2299 to £1799, it represents a significant saving for a high-performance home treadmill.
Worth the Hype
But is the BFX T9 really as good as everyone says, or just another expensive piece of exercise equipment? With some five-star reviews and others being a bit more cautious, it may well be worth taking a look at its attributes, simplicity to use, and value before making up your mind.
Key Features
BowFlex BFX T9 fits both serious runners and fitness enthusiasts, with power, connectivity, and convenience. The machine has a strong motor that allows for up to 20 kph speeds, aided by a 30-level incline that can replicate challenging terrain for varied workouts. The running deck is 152 cm by 56 cm, which is sufficient space for most users to run comfortably.
App Integration
Probably the most striking feature of the treadmill is its app connectivity and integrations. The BFX T9 works seamlessly with JRNY, Kinomap, and Zwift, allowing riders to explore trainer classes, adaptive training, or scenic Explore the World excursions. Additionally, data can be streamed to Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch for real-time tracking, and Bluetooth speakers provide effortless entertainment while exercising. Dual integrated fans circulate cooling air, with fast-dial controls allowing quick, on-the-fly adjustment.
Foldaway Storage
For convenient storage, the treadmill folds and comes with transportation wheels for easy relocation. Safety and monitoring are not overlooked with an auto-stop function and hand grip and wireless pulse sensors. Despite its 128 kg weight, the BFX T9 is designed for home assembly and daily usage.
Customer Reviews
BowFlex BFX T9 Folding Treadmill has impressed consumers considerably for its fitness studio-quality performance, connectivity, and complete features. It is widely praised by customers as a serious machine for all fitness levels from leisurely walkers to intense runners. Its robust construction, with a variety of programmable workouts, has established it as a feature-packed home treadmill that accommodates users of various ages and fitness levels.
Gym-Quality Performance
Customers always refer to the treadmill's durability and shock-absorbing features, describing the motorized running belt as impact-efficient, a feature especially appreciated by older runners or those who don't want to stress joints. The 20 kph peak speed and 30-degree incline provide sufficient test for intensity training, with adaptive and preset programs allowing customers to personalize sessions based on specific goals, such as hill sprint, fat burn, or general endurance.
Commercial Grade Feel
The 128-kg weight and 128 cm length of the treadmill offer a solid, commercial-grade feel. While this means setup occupies space and maybe extra sets of helping hands, most users find it worth the trade for stability and longevity during incline or speed workouts. The fold feature minimizes footprint, but the treadmill itself remains large enough that it is best placed to be in a workout area all its own.
Technology and Connectivity
One of the stand-out features of the BFX T9 is integration with fitness app and smart devices. JRNY, Zwift, Kinomap, and Peloton support allows for immersive workouts, scenic rides, and trainer-led classes. Users can also connect their Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch to measure real-time heart rate, calories burned, pace, and distance. The treadmill comes with Bluetooth audio support, enabling connectivity from tablets or phones and music streaming through its speakers. Users appreciate the dual tablet holders, enabling simultaneous utilization for apps and entertainment, though others find slight vibration with the top holder.
Intuitive and Detailed Console
The console itself is well-praised for simplicity and comprehensiveness, displaying crucial workout information at a glance and providing easy-to-use on-the-fly quick dial controls for speed and incline. Though extremely powerful, some users comment that it is limited to connecting only a single Bluetooth device at a time, which might potentially limit simultaneous multi-device use.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Various features are created to provide user comfort and convenience. The two integrated three-speed fans prevent users from getting hot while working out intensely. Some of the additional features include hand grip pulse sensors, safety auto-stop clip, water bottle holders, and USB charging ports, all created to make the workout experience convenient and smooth.
The treadmill has multiple users, with guest entry and customizable programs, making it ideal for households where two or more individuals will be utilizing the machine. Folding transport wheels provide some mobility, but the treadmill itself is extremely heavy and would be best located in a permanent position.
Ease of Use and Assembly
Customers are generally able to assemble quite easily, especially if they utilize online and printed instructions. But due to its weight and size, two people are suggested for assembly in most instances. The treadmill is simple to use once assembled, with users noting favorably how easy it is to start, change, and monitor workouts. A "soft drop" fold feature is added convenience during storage, but the treadmill itself is big when folded and will require a considerable freestanding space in the home to put it into.
Motivation and Variety of Workouts
The users mention that the wide variety of pre-set workouts, adaptive workouts, and app integration makes them engaged and active in the long run. The new users like progressive plans like the "My First 5k" program that builds up endurance gradually over a period of weeks. The hill sprints, high-intensity intervals, and fat-burning exercise programs are enjoyed by experienced users. The combination of high-tech features, interactive apps, and body exertion makes it difficult to get tired of, with the users noting that they look forward to their exercises every day.
Minor Drawbacks
While highly positive, there are a few limitations stated by customers. The size and weight of the treadmill are hard to move, even with transport wheels. The top tablet holder tends to shake while running, though the bottom one is okay. Other customers note the limitation of being able to connect only one Bluetooth device at a time and app subscriptions may be required for some of the guided sessions.
Despite these minor issues, the BowFlex BFX T9 is renowned as a solid, long-lasting treadmill that offers a premium, gym-quality experience at home. Its combination of performance, technology, and comfort always receives praise and is a strong contender for those ready to invest in a home treadmill that is among the best on the market.
Pros for the BowFlex BFX T9 Folding Treadmill
- High-Performance Motor – supports up to 20 kph with a 30-level incline, perfect for serious athletes and intense training.
- Gym-Quality Build – 128 kg solid construction increases stability and durability, equal to commercial treadmills.
- Cushioned Running Deck – powered belt for impact absorption, reducing stress on joints and making longer exercise sessions more comfortable.
- Wide Connectivity – connects to JRNY, Zwift, Kinomap, and Peloton, and syncs with Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch for live tracking.
- Interactive Workouts – customizable training programs, guided classes, and interactive scenic rides ensure workouts are never dull.
- Entertainment-Friendly – double tablet brackets, Bluetooth speakers, and connectivity through apps make it easy to watch shows or listen to music while exercising.
- Cooling Fans – integrated dual fans with three speed levels ensure users remain cool while working for extended periods.
- Supported for Multiple Users – offers individualized profiles and guest mode, ideal for use by multiple users in a household.
- Handy Features – hand grip pulse sensors, safety auto-stop clip, water bottle holders, and USB ports improve comfort and convenience.
- Space-Saving Capability – "soft drop" fold helps save space during storage, supplemented by transport wheels for easy manoeuvrability
- Ample Running Area – 152 cm by 56 cm deck provides ample room for most runners.
Downsides of the BowFlex BFX T9 Folding Treadmill
- Cumbrous and Heavy – 128 kg measurement is heavy to move; requires special space and at least two people to install.
- Upper Tablet Holder Vibration – the upper tablet holder shakes a bit under use, which could affect device stability.
- Bluetooth Limitation – can only pair one Bluetooth device, which could be inconvenient for others.
- Subscription Requirements – some apps, like JRNY, necessitate a paid subscription for unlimited access to workouts.
- Size Even When Folded – although foldable, it takes up a large space and may not be best suited for small homes.
- Delivery and Setup – large packaging and heavy pieces make it challenging to deliver and set up without help.
Who it is For
The BowFlex BFX T9 Folding Treadmill is perfect for serious runners, fitness enthusiasts, and consumers who value technology and want to have a home gym-quality treadmill. Its wide range of speeds, 30-degree incline, cushioned running belt, and app integration with JRNY, Zwift, and Kinomap are ideal for users that need diverse, exciting workouts. Families or households with multiple users will also appreciate its guest and profile options, while anyone that enjoys entertainment during exercise time will be delighted with the dual tablet holders, Bluetooth speakers, and in-console fans.
Who it is Not For
This treadmill is not suitable for small homes or apartments as it occupies much room even when folded and weighs 128 kg, hence difficult to shift. First-time runners who prefer simple, minimal treadmills may be intimidated by the number of features and connectivity options. Users on a budget should also consider that, while reduced by £500, it is still an expensive purchase. Additionally, anybody who needs to move their treadmill constantly from one room to another may find the size and weight to be an issue despite the folding feature and wheels for mobility.
Final Verdict – Is It Worth Buying?
If you’re looking for a treadmill that truly earns the nickname “the beast,” the BowFlex BFX T9 delivers in almost every way imaginable. From its gym-quality construction and powerful motor to the cushioned running deck and 30 levels of incline, this machine is built to handle serious training without compromise.
Tech Features
Connectivity and technological advancements are also noteworthy. Syncing with Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch, connecting to JRNY, Zwift, or Kinomap, and listening to music through built-in Bluetooth speakers makes the workout entertaining, engaging, and enjoyable. The water bottle holders, tablet stands, and dual fans are little but appreciated add-ons that make things even better.
Large Space
Yes, it's bulky, heavy, and occupies space but these are the concessions to a home treadmill that simulates a commercial gym machine. Otherwise, it's difficult to discover any actual flaws. All the features, from adaptive programs to fast dial controls, look to minimize discomfort, demotivate you, and reduce output.
Tech Packed
For anyone serious about running, health, or simply wanting a treadmill that'll serve for years to come without cutting back on quality, the BFX T9 is a no-brainer. It's solid, tech-packed, and just flat-out enjoyable to use. Overall, we can't find any faults worth giving a second thought to—and that's the reason why we happily give it a 5 Stars.
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 – Highly Recommended)
Because sometimes in life, you come across a machine so powerful, so consistent, and so capable, that you just can't help but respect it… and perhaps even dub it as a beast.
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