ProForm Trailrunner 4.0 Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

Run the World on Your Treadmill

ProForm is primarily known for value priced treadmills, but their two new Trailrunner models are breaking them out of that mold.  They are heavy duty machines built for runners and equipped with impressive features. These treadmills are similar to a couple of popular NordicTrack models.  In fact, both brands are built by Icon Fitness.

The concept behind the ProForm Trailrunner 4.0 is to build a treadmill  that can simulate running the great outdoors.  It does that through the use of iFit Live, a feature that allows the Trailrunner to communicate with the Internet. In addition, there is a 10" screen that has Internet browser capabilities.   

Note: The ProForm Trailrunner 4.0 treadmill appears to be out of stock since they doubled the price. Check out the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Built by the same company.

ProForm Trailrunner 4.0Treadmill Features...

iFit Live — iFit Live provides two important benefits.  If offers motivational workouts that can help you achieve your fitness goals.  It also has features that can take the monotony out of running in place.

Google Maps — Imagine running the Boston Marathon or Yosemite  in your home.  Well, with the ProForm Trailrunner 4.0 you can virtually run anywhere in the world.  The way it works is you plot a route on Google Maps and iFit Live will simulate the terrain by adjusting the incline. While you run you can visualize the route with the 10" touch screen. It is powered with Google's Android browser.  You have the ability to watch your progress with either the map, satellite, earth or street view of Google Maps.  When I tested iFit Live at the corporate headquarters, I was able to run through my neighborhood and view local sites, meanwhile the treadmill adjusted the incline to simulate the hilly terrain.

There is also a library of popular cityscape routes and trails through national parks that you can access.  

In addition to the Google Maps feature you can also get customized workout programs designed to help you achieve your fitness goals.  For example, let's say you want to lose 10 lbs. in three months or train for a marathon.   iFit Live will download personalized workouts designed by professional fitness trainers like Jillian Michaels.  The workouts are progressive in nature and include audio coaching.  After your workout, your stats are recorded to your personal account at iFit.com, where you can monitor your progress.  Studies show those who track their progress are more likely to reach their desired goals. 

Finally, you can compete in sponsored races. There are  scheduled races through predetermined routes. As you race you can view your progress in relation to the leader, the pack and the last person. Their recent race had 2,000 competitors. There are also a series of training routines for 5K, 10K, and marathon races.

Note: There is an additional cost for this feature, and you need a wireless internet connection.

3.8 Continuous Duty HP Motor — This is an excessively large motor for a residential treadmill. It will run effortlessly during your workouts, even at higher speeds or with very heavy individuals.

20" x 60" Running Surface — When I was out to visit the company they made it a point to tell me the 60" is the actual running surface. They mentioned that other companies advertising a 60" treadbelt may have a running surface as much as 4" shorter because part of the belt is covered by shrouds. This is an excellent length for speed and interval training.

10" Full Color Touch Screen with Google Android Browser — There are a number of benefits to this display.  First, it gives you full color and easy touch access for various programs that are included with the treadmill.  Second, you can connect online with Wi-Fi, listen to music through Pandora.com, and much more.  Finally, you can access  the full features of Google Maps on iFit Live without the need of a laptop or smart phone.

Speaker System with iPod/MP3 Player — You get two  3" high-excursion drivers (speakers) that has impressive sound clarity considering they are built into a treadmill console. You can plug in your iPod or MP3 player and rock out as you burn off those calories.

32 Workout Programs — You get a generous selection of installed workouts including  8 speed, 8 incline, 8 high intensity workouts, which combine speed and incline, and 8 calorie-burn routines.  I find changing workouts makes exercising more challenging and less monotonous.

Warranty — You get a lifetime warranty on the motor and 5-year parts and 2-year labor. Respectable coverage for the price.

Our Review — ProForm Trailrunner 4.0Treadmill

Running on  a treadmill is boring, there is no denying it.  I review treadmills for a living, and I still prefer running outdoors when the weather permits, or it is still light out.  My Australian Shepherd prefers it too.  The ProForm Trailrunner 4.0 addresses the monotony of running in place by providing a variety of motivational options.  There is iFit Live that allows you to run the world or have a virtual trainer.  You have a browser equipped display that allows you to watch movies, read the new, catch up on your email and more.  Finally you have a decent speaker system to listen to your MP3 music.

However, you don't want to overlook the fact that the ProForm Trailrunner 4.0 is also a heavy duty machine with a large motor, oversized rollers, extra long deck , and an impressive warranty to cover your investment.  It is designed to withstand the abuse of serious runners.

ProForm has dominated the $500 - $1,000 treadmill market, and now is aggressively going after the $1,000+ market.  Their success is based on the ability to offer treadmills that out spec the competition and include some of the most innovative features in the industry.  The ProForm Trailrunner 4.0 is a perfect example of why they will be carving out their fare share of this higher end market.

Go to www.ProForm.com to learn more!