ProForm Performance 600 Treadmill Review

   About Fred Waters

The ProForm Performance 600 treadmill is a new release for 2011.  It has many of the typical features you would find on other ProForm treadmills. In addition, you get iFit Live and Nike + iPod compatibility. 

When on sale (approx. $800), this treadmill is a good value, and in fact a prominent consumer magazine agrees with me. They gave the Performance 600 a "Best Buy" rating. It was only one of three treadmills to get their highest rating. It was rated "Excellent" for ergonomics and exercise range.

However, you should realize the Performance 600 falls in the upper end of the budget category and has some limitations.  This treadmill is best suited for walkers or light joggers who are of medium height and weight.

Note: The ProForm Performance 600 treadmill typically sells for $799 with shipping. Also they increased the parts warranty to 2-years. Go to ProFormTreadmills.com for the latest price.*

iFit Live

The problem with exercising on a treadmill is that walking or running in place is a bore.  Often, the minutes can drag by.   That is why many people watch TV or listen to music.  iFit Live is designed to not only alleviate the boredom, but more importantly, to motivate you to achieve your fitness goals. This is how it works...

You log into your iFit.com account and create a profile. Part of your profile is your fitness goals, such as losing a certain amount of weight during a given period. Based on your profile, iFit Live downloads a personalized workout routine designed by a professional fitness trainer.  In fact, several are created  by Jillian Michaels.  The programs control the speed and incline of your treadmill, while providing audio coaching to further motivate you.  These workouts are progressive, and when you quit, they pick-up where you left off.

Running Around the World with Google Maps

One of the most interesting features of iFit Live is the ability to Interact with Google Maps.  You can simulate exercising on trails or roadways throughout the world. With the use of a laptop or smart phone that you can place on the console, you can define a route on Google Maps, and your treadmill will simulate the terrain by adjusting the incline. There is also a map library with routes from around the world. You can have Jillian Michaels coach you through famous cityscapes, lakeside runs and popular mountain trails. As you run, you get visual photography of your location on your connected laptop or smart phone.

Note: There is an additional charge of $129 per year for iFit Live.

2.5 Continuous Duty HP Motor — Continuous duty is the rating of a motor that it can run at without straining. That is in comparison to peak performance horsepower. This motor will handle walkers and light joggers without straining.

20" x 55" Walking Surface — It is sufficient for average height individuals. Taller users may want to consider the ProForm Power 995 with a 60" surface.

Nike + iPod Compatibility — You are able to plug in your iPod, and I assume your iPhone, and download your stats to NikePlus.com, where you can track your progress. However, there is an additional cost for the module to connect online. I would opt for iFit Live instead.

Speakers and MP3 Input — The sound is decent and you can control the volume on the console.

Built-in Fan — It targets your core, which is the most important area to cool down.

Multi-Window LED Display — On the console of the ProForm Performance 600, you get a four window display that allows you to view your speed, time, distance, and calories burned simultaneously. In addition, there is an alphanumeric display that provides instructions.

16 Workout Applications — The ProForm Performance 600 comes with 16 installed exercise programs including 4 speed, 4 endurance, 4 weight-loss intervals, and 4 calorie-burn accelerator workouts.

Warranty — You get lifetime on the motor, 2 year parts, and 1 year labor coverage.  Not bad for a budget treadmill.

Our Review — ProForm Performance 600 Treadmill

Every year around this time, ProForm release its new models, and every year it continues to offer more for less. The ProForm Performance 600 is a perfect example.  They, along with their sister company NordicTrack, are the very best at packaging treadmills.  You get speakers, numerous workout programs, fan, 2-year parts coverage, and LED display, in addition to the iFit Live and Nike + iPod compatibility.  All this for not a lot of money. 

However, when it comes to the treadmill itself, it needs to be pointed out that this is not a heavy-duty running machine.  It is best designed for moderate use.  If you are a serious runner or plan to have multiple users, you probably want to spend an additional $500+.  But if you fit into the moderate user category, this is a good buy.

Go to ProFormTreadmills.com to learn more!