Budget Treadmills
at Value Prices
 ProFrom is the largest selling brand of Icon Fitness,
which is the world's largest fitness equipment company. They also
sell NordicTrack, Epic, Weslo, Reebok and Image.
In the sub $1,000 price range, Proform offers
some decent value. Their specs match or exceed
their competition. However, when you buy a treadmill in this price
range there is some compromise.
Note: Also check out NordicTrack Treadmills . They are built by the same company, but often are a better value, especially the models on sale.
If you've read my recommendations, I suggest you
spend at least $1,000 for a walking treadmill, $1,300 for a jogging
treadmill, and $1,500 or more for a running treadmill. However,
what if you have a limited budget and your not sure your treadmill
will end up a clothes hanger? Then a ProForm treadmill makes sense.
 If
you plan to buy a ProForm treadmill, you need to realize they are
budget machines — designed for moderate use. They are not
designed for serious runners, multiple users or excessively overweight
individuals. In fact, ignore their suggested weight limits. Like
most treadmill manufacturers, they are grossly over exaggerated.
And ignore their suggestions that their components
are commercial grade. If you want a treadmill with commercial grade
components, you better be ready to dish out in excess of $3,000.
Reasons to Buy a ProForm Treadmill
Value — Considering how little most
ProForm treadmills cost you get some good value. Being the largest
fitness equipment company, you benefit from economy of scale. ProForm
reminds me of Hyundai cars. Their not the quality of a Lexus, but
they offer an excellent value to someone wanting loaded vehicle
at a value price.
 Innovation
— When I was at the Icon Fitness headquarters, they impressed
upon me how much they invest into research and development. That
is why, even their budget machines how some exclusive technology
designed to assist you in reaching your fitness goals.
A perfect example is their iFIT Technology.
iFIT is a series of programs that control the speed, incline and
duration of your workout. Each focuses on different levels of fitness,
with different fitness goals - wellness, endurance, weight loss,
body shaping. They include audio coaching and motivation.
In addition, you'll find reasonably priced models
with flat screen televisions, quality sound systems, and audio inputs
for MP3 and iPOD.
Our Review - ProForm Treadmills
Are ProForm the best treadmills made? Not by
a long shot. Are they the best-made budget treadmill? Probably!
If you are considering a ProForm treadmill, I have
some recommendations. Make sure you get at least a 2.0 HP continuous
duty motor. Anything less will strain if you are carrying a few
extra pounds, or you crank up the speed. Get at least an 18"
wide treadbelt, preferably a 20'. They have one model that is only
16" wide. That is a very confined space. If you are average
height or better, you'll want at least a 54" length treadbelt.
Most ProForm treadmills comes a very limited warranty,
90-days parts and labor. Spend the extra money to get at least one-year
of coverage.
Consumer Reports Review
CR rated the ProForm 750 as "Excellent"
for ergonomics and "Good" for quality. With the ProForm
1000S (No longer available), they rated it "Very Good"
for ease of use, quality and exercise range.
Customer Reviews
 Unbelievable
Treadmill for the Price!!!,
"I am 220 lbs and 6' 5" - and this
treadmill handles me at a full out run with no problems. It is
quiet too. The 8 pre set programs are amazing, and I can't believe
how fast this thing will go. WAY faster than I can run!!!! (Note
- This counterdicts my recommendation on not using these treadmills
for running, I tend to be on the cautious side.)"
 Close
but no cigar
"When looking at treadmills, you really
do get what you pay for. Though I really like the display and
controls of this treadmill, that's about all it has going for
it."
"The running deck is not nearly as sturdy
as on the more pricey models. The belt does not touch the deck
at all times but hovers a fraction of an inch above it- so that
when you land while jogging it yields a bit, giving a very unsteady
feel (Is this the cushion technology that they advertise?). Also
this machine does not feel nearly as steady when I jog on it-
I am 6'3" and 190 lbs."
"When deciding whether to go with discount
machine (under one grand) or a higher model, consider your size
and what you want to do with it. If you are small or are going
to strictly walk on it, these lower end machines are fine. But
if you are of significant size or want to jog/run, spend a little
more and get a more stable machine that will last longer."
 Good
Product
"Good product, works well, delivery was
prompt and the price was right. Assembly was fairly easy with
a little help and directions were easy to read. Fan is a little
noisy though and can be slightly distracting. Other than that
I would highly recommend this Treadmill."
Other
ProForm Treadmill Reviews:
ProForm
Perspective ES Review - with Flat Screen TV
ProForm 11.5 Competitor
ProForm
7.5 Distance Runner
ProForm
9.0 Competitor
ProForm
iLOG 750
ProForm CrossWalk 500 Review
ProForm
755 Review
ProForm
CrossWalk 300 Review
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