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Since they set up shop over 30 years ago, ProForm has become known as one of the top names in the field of fitness equipment manufacturing. In particular, their evolving range of treadmills highlights their innovative approach to creating fitness products which give both advanced running enthusiasts, and amateur joggers the opportunity to train on state-of-the-art equipment. In this article, we are going to examine five of ProForm’s most popular treadmills. We’ll give you an overview of each one, plus highlight their pros and cons.
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ProForm Treadmill Reviews
ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill
This is a robust and compact treadmill which is ideal for both beginners who want to experience the fun of running on a treadmill, and more serious fitness enthusiasts who want to add indoor running to their exercise regime.
One of the things we loved most about the ProForm Performance 300i treadmill is how simple and clear the control panel is. It has extra-large buttons for start, stop, speed control and an incline adjustment which makes setting it to your preferred options very easy indeed. Add to this the clear LCD display, and you will be in complete control of your workout.
Speaking of controls, you have speed options of between 0 and 10 miles per hour and the incline can go as high as 10% so between them you can have an easy jog or a more intense run that really makes you push your energy limits. There are other options to run using pre-programmed workouts designed by a certified personal trainer, including one which focusses on weight loss.
Other features include a heart rate monitor that works by measuring the pulse in your hands as you grip the sidebars, and to ensure you are as comfortable as possible, the treadmill has cushioning under the belt to reduce the impact of each step on your joints.
Pros
- Simple controls
- Clear LCD display
- Pre-programmed workouts
- Cushioning to protect joints
- Pulse monitoring
Cons
- Belt only 16 inches wide
- Wiring caps don’t align
ProForm PFTL59515 Performance 400i Treadmill
The ProForm PFTL59515 Performance 400i treadmill has one of the easiest to understand control units we have seen, but this does not mean it has any fewer features. In fact, it has plenty of options and apps to make sure you get the workout that is just right for you.
The treadmill has 18 pre-programmed workout apps which allow you to set the challenge levels to Endurance, Peak, or Tempo, to make your running as tough or as gentle as you need, depending on where you are in your fitness regime.
On the other hand, if you just want to have a simple jog, you can also make adjustments to both the speed of the belt and the incline, using the one-touch buttons which means you can focus on your running rather than pressing multiple buttons.
Whether you are setting your workout manually or using the apps, you can see all the settings on the LED display, which gives you readouts on speed and energy burn plus you can also monitor your pulse.
A great feature is the ability to create your very own jogging routes using Google Maps and iFit. You can send them to your treadmill and it will recreate the terrains and inclines, so your run is as realistic as possible. You are able to view your progress on your smartphone display which can sit on the control unit.
You can also connect your iPod to the treadmill so that you can jog and get fit whilst you listen to your favorite music or audiobooks
Pros
- One-touch controls
- Pre-set apps for variable workouts
- Multi-function display
- iFit/Google maps compatible
- iPod connectivity
Cons
- Belt not always centered
- Considerable assembly required
ProForm 505 CST Treadmill
If you want a treadmill which doesn’t take up a whole room, or if the space you have available is very limited, the ProForm 505 CST Treadmill’s space saver design will appeal to you.
Although its belt is still a generous 20 inches wide, the angle at which the control panel supports have been set means it should be easier to set it up so that it fits into smaller rooms, or spaces. The frame also folds when the treadmill is not in use, giving you even more options in terms of where you can use it.
As for the functions, you have 18 pre-programmed settings for workouts which are easily accessed via the control panel and these workouts allow you to focus on different elements such as speed and stamina. There are also manual controls, so you can set speed and incline levels yourself, in order to create your own bespoke workouts.
If you like music playing in the background while you get your fitness levels higher, you can connect your iPod to the control panel and listen to your favorite sounds via the built-in speakers. You can also house your tablet or smartphone in the control panel for easy access and convenience.
The impact on your joints and muscles is reduced whilst you run by the patented ProShox cushioning technology which uses an air-based absorption system within the base and gives your running a more natural feel underfoot.
Pros
- ProShox absorption system
- Space saving design
- Folds away when not in use
- Pre-programmed apps
- Built-in music speakers
Cons
- Does not measure calories burned
- Speaker volume could be louder
Read Our Detailed 505 CST Treadmill Review Here
ProForm Performance 600i Treadmill
The ProForm Performance 600i is something that ticks the boxes for just about everything you would want to see on a treadmill, including easy storage, controls, display and cushioning.
First, the basic functions which go further than many other treadmills. For instance, the motorized incline goes as far as 12% versus the usual 10%, and the speed can go to 12 mph, as opposed to 10 mph.
The machine has 22 built-in workout programs that focus on different sorts of fitness training; some are designed to burn fat, others are geared towards a healthy heart, and as with all good treadmills, there are weight loss apps included too.
For more advanced workouts, if you have an iFit membership, you can link them to the treadmill and use any of the many programs they have for fitness running and jogging.
The display is a large, circular LED unit where you can monitor the various workout modes, plus more basic readouts such as your speed and the amount of energy you are using. You are also able to check your heart rate which comes from two pulse monitors mounted in the grips.
Underfoot, you have the benefit of ProForm’s own cushioning system called ProShox which reduces stress in joints such as your ankles, knees, and hips.
Another plus is when you have finished your workout, the ProForm Performance 600i treadmill can be folded and conveniently stored out of sight until your next fitness session.
Pros
- Large, clear LED display
- Enhanced functions for incline and speed
- 22 pre-programmed workouts
- Grip mounted pulse monitors
- Easily folded and stored
Cons
- The belt can move off-center
- Needs plenty of room
ProForm 705 CST Treadmill
The ProForm 705 CST Treadmill is going to be ideal for someone who wants a good range of training options, plus one or two creature comforts as well.
The first comfort to mention is the cooling fan which is housed in the main panel and provides a very welcome breeze as you build you up to your exercise. Next, there are the built-in stereo speakers that allow you to play music or audiobooks from your iPod as you work out. Your iPod, smartphone or tablet can both be housed in the holder at the top of the control panel.
The workouts themselves can either be manually inputted or set to one of the 16 pre-programmed routines which come with the treadmill. These include workouts covering a range of objectives including speed, endurance, and calorie-burn. You can also link your iFit Live membership for even more options.
Manual settings can adjust the incline between 0% and 12%, whereas the speed can vary be varied between 0 mph and 12 mph. All of these controls are accessed from the control panel, which has a very clear layout and is very easy to follow.
The ProForm 705 CST Treadmill has other excellent features such as the patented ProShox cushioning system designed to protect your joints and feet when you are running. Another is being able to fold the treadmill when you have finished exercising, so it can be conveniently stored.
Pros
- Stereo speakers
- Cooling fan
- 16 pre-programmed routines
- ProShox cushioning system
- Folds away for storage
Cons
- Very heavy when assembled
- Incline motor a bit noisy
Conclusion
From a distance, a lot of treadmills can look very similar, so it is not until you get up close, and more importantly check out their individual features, that you truly get an indication of their differences.
Having done that for these 5 ProForm treadmills it was still a tough call but having considered everything our top recommendation is the ProForm Performance 600i Treadmill.
It has a 60-inch long belt, so it can easily accommodate those runners with longer strides, which many others cannot.
Some great features include the large LCD display which means you can see all your settings and stats clearly. The grip mounted pulse monitor is a huge plus, as is the impressive 22 pre-programmed workouts.
Finally, it can be folded up and stored when not in use, which is yet another welcome benefit to add to the many others, which puts the ProForm Performance 600i Treadmill in our #1 spot.
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