Bowflex Treadmill 22 Review
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is the flagship model in Bowflex’s cardio lineup, designed for users who want premium features, a massive screen, and an immersive, tech-driven workout experience. With a high-performance motor, a spacious deck, and a stunning 22-inch HD touchscreen, it’s tailored for serious runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts who want both physical performance and visual engagement. This in-depth review covers everything from specs to real-world performance, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your home gym.
Key Features of the Bowflex Treadmill 22
This treadmill stands out in a crowded market with its commercial-level specs and deep integration with Bowflex’s proprietary fitness content.
- Motor Power: 4.0 CHP
- Speed Range: 0 – 12 mph
- Incline/Decline: -5% decline to +20% incline
- Running Surface: 22″ x 60″ Comfort Tech™ deck
- Display: 22″ HD touchscreen with Wi-Fi and app support
- Workout Programs: JRNY® app integrated (free trial included; subscription required afterward)
- Folding Design: SoftDrop™ folding system for easier storage
- Max User Weight: 400 lbs (181 kg)
- Bluetooth: Supports heart rate monitors, speakers, and headphones
- Extras: USB charging port, fan, media rack, transport wheels
The Bowflex 22’s standout feature is clearly the massive touchscreen, offering an unmatched level of interactivity in this category.
Pros and Cons
Let’s take a closer look at where the Bowflex Treadmill 22 shines — and where it might not be perfect for everyone.
Pros:
- Massive 22” HD touchscreen delivers an ultra-immersive experience
- Commercial-grade 4.0 CHP motor supports high-intensity and long-duration workouts
- -5% decline to +20% incline range simulates real-world terrain
- Ultra-wide 22″ x 60″ deck supports long strides and serious running
- JRNY app delivers adaptive workouts, scenic routes, and entertainment integration (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
- Excellent shock absorption system for joint protection
- 400 lb user weight capacity suits a wide range of users
- Folds easily with hydraulic assist
- Highly stable and quiet even at max speeds or inclines
Cons:
- Expensive — among the most costly treadmills for home use
- Heavy — over 330 lbs assembled; not easy to move
- JRNY subscription required to unlock full touchscreen functionality
- Screen can occasionally lag during app transitions or video loading
- Assembly is time-consuming and may require professional help
- Fan is underpowered compared to other features
- Requires a dedicated space due to its large footprint
Best for Tech-Lovers, Runners & High-End Home Gyms
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is ideal for users who:
- Want to bring the connected, immersive gym experience home
- Need a long, cushioned deck for running
- Prefer workouts with adaptive coaching, scenic routes, or entertainment
- Have multiple users in the home needing a high-weight capacity treadmill
- Are building a dedicated, full-featured home gym
It’s less suitable for people with limited space or those who just want a basic treadmill for walking.
Performance and Daily Use
The Bowflex 22 delivers exceptional performance across the board. The motor feels smooth and powerful at all speeds and inclines. Transitions between incline levels are quick and fluid. The Comfort Tech™ cushioning offers a springy yet stable feel that reduces impact significantly, especially during longer runs.
The JRNY app is the heart of the machine’s smart features. It tailors workouts to your fitness level, tracks progress over time, and gives you access to trainer-led videos and virtual routes. You can also stream Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more — a huge plus for users who prefer distraction-based cardio.
Without a JRNY subscription, the touchscreen becomes limited to basic functionality, so it’s best used with the full membership.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Despite its massive size and feature set, the Treadmill 22 is user-friendly. The interface is intuitive, and the quick-access buttons for speed and incline make in-workout adjustments simple.
Maintenance is standard: occasional lubrication, belt centering checks, and regular cleaning. The build quality is excellent, so long-term maintenance is minimal if used properly.
Durability and Build Quality
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is built like a tank. Its steel frame, thick running belt, and commercial-grade components give it the durability you’d expect at this price. It feels solid and stable underfoot — even during sprints at max incline.
It’s designed to handle daily use for years without the squeaks, wobbles, or breakdowns found in cheaper models.
Portability and Storage
Though foldable with the SoftDrop™ assist, this treadmill is heavy and large — over 330 lbs and 85” in length unfolded. It’s best suited for a dedicated fitness space where you don’t plan to move it often.
The folding mechanism is smooth and stable, but don’t expect to roll it out of a closet every day.
Final Thoughts on the Bowflex Treadmill 22
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is one of the most impressive home treadmills on the market. From its ultra-large screen to its powerful motor and incline range, it’s built to deliver a commercial-quality workout in your home.
While it’s not cheap, and the JRNY subscription is practically essential, the value is undeniable for serious fitness users. If you want the best in connected cardio equipment — and don’t mind the footprint — the Bowflex 22 is an outstanding choice that rivals treadmills from NordicTrack and Peloton in both features and feel.