Bowflex Treadmill 22
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a heavy-duty residential incline trainer designed to compete directly with NordicTrack's X22i, offering a massive -5% to 20% incline range and a locking 22-inch HD touchscreen.
Community Intel
“Mixed. Users universally praise the 'tank-like' hardware and stability but frequently complain about software glitches, 'white screen of death' errors, and poor customer service response times following the brand's bankruptcy filing.”
Positives
- Industry-leading incline/decline range (-5% to 20%)
- Massive 400 lb weight capacity indicates a reinforced frame
- 22" x 60" running deck is wider than the industry standard
- Heavy 336 lb build weight prevents shaking at high speeds
Negatives
- Short 1-year warranty on electronics (the most common failure point)
- JRNY software is often reported as buggy or laggy by users
- Requires a subscription to unlock most screen functionality
- Difficult assembly due to extreme machine weight
Technical Data
01 // Unique Features
The headline feature of the Treadmill 22 is undoubtedly its incline capabilities. While standard treadmills top out at 15%, this machine elevates to 20% and declines to -5%. This makes it a direct competitor to the NordicTrack X22i, allowing for serious hill training that recruits different muscle fibers than flat running. Unlike many competitors, it also includes a Bluetooth heart rate armband in the box, a small but appreciated value add.
02 // Performance
In terms of raw mechanics, this machine is a beast. With a reported 4.0 HP motor and a 22-inch wide belt (2 inches wider than the standard 20"), it accommodates larger runners easily. The sheer weight of the unit (336 lbs) ensures it remains planted during sprints, lacking the wobble found in cheaper folding treadmills. The Comfort Tech™ cushioning is firm but supportive, leaning more towards road-feel than the bouncy suspension of a NordicTrack.
03 // Technology
The 22-inch HD touchscreen is locked to the JRNY platform. While JRNY offers streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ (a feature iFIT lacks), the execution is mixed. The user interface can be sluggish, and you cannot pivot the screen for off-treadmill workouts. Furthermore, without a paid JRNY subscription, the screen's utility is severely limited to basic manual modes, effectively turning a giant HD tablet into a simple digital readout.
04 // Build Quality & Reliability
This is a tale of two machines: the hardware and the software. The steel frame, deck, and motor are commercial-grade quality, supported by a 400 lb weight limit that far exceeds the 300 lb residential standard. However, the electronics are a known weak point. Community reports frequently cite console failures and software bugs. Crucially, the warranty only covers these electronics for 1 year—a disappointing term for a machine at this price point compared to the 3-5 years offered by competitors like Horizon or Sole.
05 // The Verdict
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a hardware powerhouse let down by its software ecosystem and warranty terms. If you are a heavy runner seeking stability and extreme incline training, the mechanics of this machine are nearly unmatched in the residential space. However, the recent financial instability of the parent company (Nautilus/Bowflex) and the short electronics warranty make it a riskier purchase than a Sole F85 or Matrix T50. Buy it for the hill training, but strongly consider an extended warranty.