ProForm Treadmill

   About Fred Waters

ProForm is the largest selling brand of Icon Fitness, which is the world's largest fitness equipment company. Their other brands include NordicTrack, Epic, Weslo, Reebok and Image.

For years ProForm has dominated the budget treadmill market. Recently they have aggressively expanded into mid-priced treadmills ($1,000-$2,000).

There are two reasons why a ProForm treadmill is so popular. First, you get more for less. Second, they has the most innovative technology in the industry. Icon Fitness devotes considerable resources to cutting edge motivational technology.

Note: You can buy ProForm Treadmills direct with free shipping. Go to ProFormTreadmill.com to view their models.

ProForm — A Company in Transition

Over the last four years I have made three visits to the Logan, UT headquarters.  What I have witnessed during that time is a company in transition.  Previously, ProForm had a reputation for producing budget treadmills that were not that durable.  In addition, their customer service was subpar. 

Fast forward to 2011.  The quality control of ProForm products has improved significantly. Equally important is the improvement to their customer service.  When I met with the head of their customer service back in 2006, he mentioned that they were investing several million in upgrading the system. The results!  I have received a couple of complaints for all of 2010.  That is from a company that sells tens of thousands of products a year.

Reasons to Consider a ProForm Treadmill

Value — Being part of the largest fitness equipment company in the world, ProForm has the advantage of economy of scale.  They purchase massive amounts of components and consequently that drives the price down.  Consequently, just about all their treadmills will out spec the competition. In general, they'll have treadmills with larger motors, longer decks, and more features. 

For example, in the budget category you have the Performance 400 treadmill, that usually sells for $599 with shipping, which is not a lot of money for a cardio machine.  It has a 2.25 HP motor, 20"x 55" running surface, decent sound system with MP3 input, 15 workout programs, workout tracking through Nike+, 25-year motor and 1-year parts and labor warranty, and it is iFit Live compatible. Compare that to other $599 treadmills in the market.

Innovation — The unique features found on a ProForm treadmill and a NordicTrack treadmill are what distinguishes them from the competition.  They have an entire department devoted to R&D. Even their budget machines have patented 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.

iFit Live — The newest release of the iFit technology is iFit Live. It allows your treadmill to communicate through Wi-Fi with the Internet. You create your own personal account online and define your fitness goals. Customized workouts with audio coaching is downloaded onto your treadmill. In addition, you iFit Live tracks all of your specs and progress and defines the data in your personal online account.

However, what makes this feature rock is the interaction with Google Maps. You can define trails or roadways that you want to walk or run on Google Maps, and iFit Live will simulate the terrain with the incline feature. Furthermore, you can place your laptop on the treadmill and see either a street, map or satellite view of the route you are running. (The ProForm Performance 1450 includes an Internet browser display).

Furthermore, ProForm sponsors group races where you compete against others with iFit Live. You are able to see your position in relation to the leader and the pack. One of their last races had over 2,000 participants.

You can get iFit Live on the Power 995, Performance 400, Performance 600 and Performance 1450. (Note: There is an additional cost for the subscription.)

Other Unique Features...

10" Full Color  Touch Screen Display with Android Internet Browser — Found on the ProForm Performance 1450 treadmill and the ProForm TrailRunner 4.0, the display allows you to access your email, catch up on the latest news, view your favorite web sites, listen to music on Pandora.com — all while you burn away those unwanted calories. 

Nike+ Tracking — You can download you workouts on you iPod and then upload them onto your account on NikePlus.com.  This gives you the ability to track your progress.  It is proven that individuals that monitor their workouts are more likely to achieve their fitness goals. Found on the Performance 400, Performance 600, and the Power 995.

Superior Sound Systems with MP3 Input — I have an elliptical trainer with speakers and the sound is so poor  I can't listen to it.  Icon Fitness equips their cardio machines with some of the best sound systems found in the industry. 

Built-in Fans — The fans on most ProForm treadmills actually offer relief.  They are designed to point at your core, which is the most important part of your body to cool off.   They have a couple of models where the intensity of the breeze is based on the level of your exertion.

Our Review - ProForm Treadmill

ProForm treadmills are all about value, and getting the most for you money.  That means getting the largest motors, the longest decks and the most innovative features for your dollars.  But it should be noted that on their site they change prices weekly. In fact, they will literally double the price of a treadmill one week and reduce it to its' sales price the next.  I try to keep up-to-date on what is a good value.

Regarding some of their least expensive models.  Although they may be some of the best deals in the industry, these treadmills do have their limitations.  I recommend these machines primarily for walking and not for individuals that are excessively overweight.  I feel that ProForm, like many other treadmill manufacturers, overstate their weight limits.

You'll find that both ProForm and NordicTrack use many of the same components and technology.  They tend to take models and mix and match features.  I suggest you review both brands to find a treadmill that has the right features for your needs, and that is also available at the best price. 

Furthermore, determine your fitness goals and your physical attributions, and you'll be able to target the model that is right for you.  For example, if you are a runner, you probably want a treadmill with a larger motor and longer deck.  If you feel the need to be motivated, you may want to consider models that include iFit Live.

One final note, I was talking to one of the Icon Fitness managers.  He mentioned that they sell considerably more NordicTrack treadmills online. However, he pointed out that some of the best values available where through their ProForm brand. 

ProForm Treadmill Reviews:

(Prices as of 9/13/11) - There are several models that are currently mark down. Go to ProFormTreadmills.com to view all models.

ProForm Power 995 Treadmill - $999 - Value Buy

New - ProForm Performance 600 Treadmill - $799

New - ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill - $599

ProForm 590T Treadmill - $999

New ProForm Performance 1080 Treadmill - $1,299

New ProForm Performance 1450 Treadmill - $1,499

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!!!!

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."

Available at Dick's Sporting Goods:

ProForm ZT5 Treadmill Review