ProForm iSeries 660 Crosstrainer Review

  Treadmill Articles

Cross-training is a great way to get in shape and stay in shape.  Not only is it an effective way to lose weight and build lean muscle tissue, it improves overall performance and reduces exercise burn-out.

The ProForm iSeries 660 Crosstrainer is a treadmill that is designed for cross-training workouts.  In fact, unlike other treadmills, this one comes with 4 built-in interactive cross-training programs and a scrolling cross-trainer display that lets you know when it is time to do the cross-training exercises.  It’s kind of like having your own personal trainer beside you to guide you through the exercises and to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Note: This treadmill is no longer available. Go to ProFormTreadmills.com for the latest price.

The cross-training workouts on the ProForm iSeries 660 machine include cardio exercises as well as toning and muscle-sculpting exercises.  By following these workouts, you exercise the upper and lower body and get a complete body workout.  Results will be faster and more noticeable than results you would get doing only treadmill walking or jogging.

Now, as wonderful as the ProForm iSeries 660 Crosstrainer may seem, it certainly isn’t perfect.  Consider the affordable low cost and the one-year labor and parts warranty, and you’ll understand that this cross-trainer has some shortcomings.

The price, itself, suggests that cheaper parts were used to construct the iSeries 660 treadmill.  Cheaper parts generally require more maintenance, and they tend to break down easier and more frequently.  The life of this cross-trainer will probably be much shorter than that of a higher end treadmill.

Because this is a lightweight machine, the ProForm iSeries 660 probably won’t run as smoothly and as quietly as heavier, more expensive models.  On a positive note, however, the light weight of this machine means it will be easier to move around.

There ARE some nice features on the ProForm iSeries 660 Crosstrainer.  Among those features are:

• Individual weight input – This allows more accurate readouts from the console, because the calculation of calories burned is based upon the input of your actual weight rather than an average number of pounds.
• Carb counter – This is a nice feature for users who like to keep track of the amount of carbohydrates burned during each workout. 
• 2 lb. hand weights – The 2 lb. hand weights fit right on the console of this cross-trainer, so they are always within reach for those upper body workouts. Not an expensive add-on feature, but maybe having them in front of you will motivate you to use them.
• 4 interactive cross-training workouts – As previously mentioned, these built-in interactive programs provide workouts that exercise the entire body for maximum benefits.  Each program automatically controls the speed and incline of the treadmill during the workouts.  The user is also instructed to perform strength-training exercises at various intervals.
• 4 weight-loss programs – These programs were designed by a Certified Personal Trainer to help you burn calories and lose weight.
• Heart Rate Control – This is a normal feature on most treadmills today. Holding onto the handle bars for a reading while you’re in motion may be a bit awkward.  Nevertheless, it is nice to be able to monitor your heart rate so that you know if you are working in the desired training zone.
• Cooling fan – Built-in cooling fans have become popular features on recent fitness equipment.  They may not create a lot of cool air, but they can certainly provide a little cool relief during workouts.

Our Review—The ProForm iSeries 660 Crosstrainer

The fact that the ProForm iSeries 660 Crosstrainer was designed with cross-training in mind is what makes this treadmill unique.  The interactive personal training programs are intended to motivate and guide the user throughout each exercise session.  This is the next-best thing to having your very own personal trainer!

The 2.8 HP motor that comes on the ProForm iSeries 660 model is powerful enough to handle walking and, perhaps, light jogging.  However, hard-core runners and other more advanced athletes would do better with a higher-end, more powerful treadmill.  Pay attention to the 300 lb. maximum user weight, too!  I recommend keeping that maximum weight below 250 pounds for better treadmill performance. 

Because this iSeries 660 treadmill is made with inexpensive parts, it isn’t going to be all that durable.  You only get a one-year parts and labor warranty.  After that, the cost of maintenance and repairs could start to add up.

If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford an expensive treadmill, the ProForm iSeries 660 Crosstrainer does have some appealing features for an inexpensive machine.  Just be aware that it isn’t going to have the feel and stability of more expensive equipment.  It isn’t going to last as long, either.

Go to ProFormTreadmills.com to learn more!