ProForm Power 990 Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

The ProForm Power 990 treadmill is one of three new 2010 releases that is iFit Live capable.  For the most part, most of the components are from earlier versions of these treadmills, which is a good thing, since they have a service track record.

What is unique about this new generation of treadmills is iFit Live: an interactive feature that allows your treadmill and the Internet to communicate through a module that is inserted in your treadmill.  There is an extra charge for this feature, but this is some impressive technology.

Note: The ProForm Power 990 treadmill is no longer available. Go to ProFormTreadmills.com for the latest models.*

The problem with exercising on a treadmill is that walking or running in place can be boring.  The minutes can drag by.  That is why many people watch TV or listen to music.  In fact the ProForm Power 990 treadmill has built-in speakers and an iPod/Mp3 player. 

iFit Live can alleviate the boredom, but more importantly, it can motivate people to achieve their fitness goals.  This is how it works...

You log into your iFit.com account and fill-out a profile.  Part of your profile is your fitness goals, such as losing a certain amount of weight during a certain amount of time.   Then you begin the process of your treadmill communicating with the resources of iFit Live.  Here are some of the benefits...

"... iFit Live allows you to experience trails and roads all over the world as if you were outside. Now you can customize your own fitness program, receive automatic workout downloads with audio coaching, manage your profile online and work out with Jillian Michaels. You can also add competition to your workout with 5k races against your Facebook friends. Other features include a nutrition and activity tracker, motivating text messages and emails, and workout videos available for download."

Running Around the World with Google Maps

One of the most interesting features of iFit Live that may just change the way we workout on treadmills, is the ability to Interact with Google Maps.  You can select trails or roads on Google Maps and simulate running on them.  Your treadmill will mimic the incline of the terrain.  You can view your progress either with a street view, if available, or by the map or satellite view.  For example, I am told you could run the Boston Marathon or the Great Wall of China. 

Note: There is an additional cost for this iFit Live. You need a wireless internet connection, and to utilize the Google Maps feature, you need a browser-compatible machine like a laptop or smart phone. There are slots in the console to fit your laptop.

ProForm Power 990 Features

3.0 Continuous Duty Motor — This motor is sufficient for both walking and jogging.  It comes with a lifetime warranty, which means it is built to last.

20" x 55" Treadbelt — They use the term "treadbelt" rather than "running surface".  Of the 55" of length, you may have a few covered with a shroud.  Regardless, the length is adequate for most individuals to walk or jog.  If you are excessively tall, you should consider a treadmill with a 60" belt.

Speakers and Fan — As I mentioned, you have built-in speakers, and you can plugin your iPod or MP3 player.  There is also a fan that is optimally positioned to get the most relief.  It won't blow you away, but it does help.

16 Workout Programs — If you don't opt for the iFit Live, you have a generous selection of installed exercise programs that can provide a variety of challenges.

Warranty — Lifetime motor and 1-year parts and labor.  You may want to consider an additional year or two to protect your investment.

Our Review - ProForm Power 990 Treadmill

With any of the three Power treadmills from ProForm, the issue is which model is currently on sale.  They change prices on these models weekly, and from one week to the next, the price can almost double or drop in half.

For example, at the time of this review the Power 990 typically sells for $899 with shipping, which is a good value. They were selling the Power 995 for $1,099 last week and now it is selling for $1,999.  Watch for the sales or check my reviews.  I try to keep up with the prices and will let you know if it is a good value. 

Also, compare these models to the NordicTrack A2550 PRO and the NordicTrack A2750 PRO.  They are built by the same company and are very similar in features and components.

Overall, both ProForm and NordicTrack build some decent treadmills in the $800 - $1,500 price range.  Because they are built by the largest fitness equipment company in the world, you tend to get more for less.

Go to www.ProFormTreadmills.com to learn more.