ProForm Treadmills
ProForm Brand
ProForm is another company owned by the giant fitness manufacturer Icon Health and Fitness, that controls also NordicTrack, Healthrider, FreeMotion, Reebok, Image, Weider, Weslo, Epic, Gold's Gym and the iFIT workout technology.
At the beginning, ProForm produced treadmills only. After a few years, they expanded and included in their offer other fitness equipment (ellipticals, incline trainers, exercise bikes, strength equipment). From their diverse equipment offer, we also like the Ab Glider, the Activator and the Tour de France bike.
ProForm is a well known residential treadmill brand. They control this market niche because they have years of experience in the equipment manufacturing business and because they’ve always produced affordable treadmills, usually preferred by home users.
Reviews and Additional Info
ProForm treadmills are attractive and stand up with features that other brands do not offer for the same price. They are not the best treadmills, and they are not all built for intensive usage, but they are worth to be considered when you decide to purchase a residential machine.
You will certainly find common features with NordicTrack treadmills (because they are both produced by Icon), but in general ProForm has more machines under $1000 than NordicTrack.
In 2011, Icon launched new models with the iFIT LIVE interactive workout system, a feature that you can receive in the treadmill price, or compatible (compatible means you have to buy the module separately). They also started to add the decline option. You normally do not see these details on treadmills under $1000, but ProForm has them.
Main Strengths
Affordable: You can buy ProForm starting with $600, and you will find options up to $3000. The $3000 value is an exception for them. We believe it is only a marketing move to improve their image. In general, they have decent treadmills under $1000, which can support light training easily.
Diverse Cushioning: Our favorite cushioning systems are the FS2™ Full Surface Suspension (available with PRO 2500), and the ProTech™ Advanced Adjustable Cushioning (available on Trailrunner 2.0 and Trailrunner 4.0). All the ProForm treadmills that support these two advanced cushioning systems cost more than $1500, but they are highly effective during intense running sessions. We also tested the ProShox Elite 2™ Cushioning and the ProShox™ Lite Cushioning, which you can find on a low budget models. They are also, good, but for light running and jogging mostly.
Workouts Variety: In general, all Icon Fitness treadmills come with many workouts, ProForm included. Plus, you have the option to use the iFIT compatibility, which gives access to more preset workouts, that can also be personalized.
Folding Option with EasyLift Assist: All new models have the folding option with EasyLift Assist, which makes folding much easier now than 3 years ago. Now the folding can be done by one person. Three years ago 2 people were needed.
Warranty: You now receive a better warranty for parts and labor. For some models, you get up to 5 years for parts and 2 years for labor. The minimum you receive is 1 year for parts&labor, and this applies for $600 price treadmills.
Weaknesses
Not for Heavy Running: Most ProForm treadmills have the advantage to be quite affordable, but it comes with some loss in product quality. A $600 product will not keep up with heavy running, but, at the same time, it can easily support light jogging. The top range (above $1200-$1500) is appropriate for runners, although we do not recommend them for ultra running sessions.
Buying Tips
If you are interested in buying a ProForm treadmill it means you do not have, or you do not want to spend a lot of money on a cardio machine. Do not worry, your decision is correct. ProForm does not make the best machines in the world, but for sure they have the best economy treadmills you can find.
If you have a larger budget to spend (over $1500), your options broaden as there are stronger competitors to consider.
If you need help to buy a ProForm treadmill and you are not sure what is the best option, contact us anytime.