ProForm Sport 12.0ST High-End Treadmill
Overview
UPDATE: This model is no longer available as of 2016. You’ll find the latest ProForm treadmill reviews here.
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The Sport 12.0 ST is the top-of-the-line treadmill in the ProForm Sports series. It comes with an extensive collection of built-in workout programs, a more powerful motor, and longer warranty than its less expensive counterparts – the Sport 7.0 and the Sport 9.0.
Specifications
Click Specifications to see detailed model info
Speed : up to 12 mph
Incline : up to 15%
Decline : NA
Motor : 3.5 CHP Mach Z Commercial Grade
Tread Belt : 20" x 60"
Rollers : 2.5" balanced rollers
Cushioning : ProShox
Heart Rate Monitoring : Built-in EKG sensors in the handlebars for accurate heart rate measurement. The treadmill is also compatible with Bluetooth based wireless chest straps.
Display : 7" backlit display
iFit Compatibility : Yes
Foldable : Yes
Workout Fan : Included
Tablet Holder : – Included
Sound System : – IPod-compatible music system with integrated speaker components
Workout Fan : – Cool Aire workout fan with two speed settings
Weight Capacity : 350 lbs
Footprint : 59.5" x 37" x 81"
Warranty : Lifetime warranty on motor and frame, five-year warranty on parts, and two-year warranty on labor
Pros
Powerful Motor
The 3.5 CHP motor is very powerful and ideal for heavy use. It is made with world-class components and can support intense training sessions. It’s a step up from the ProForm Sport 9.0S, which offers a 3.0 CHP motor.
Comfortable Running Surface
No matter how powerful the motor is, heavy running could take a toll on your joints if the surface is not properly cushioned. The Sport 12.0 ST has solved this problem by cushioning the entire running surface, making it much easier to use. You’ll really feel the difference after a workout as you don’t have the usual discomfort.
ProForm’s patented ProShox cushioning reduces the amount of strain placed on your joints while you run. So, you will be able to train longer and recover from your training sessions faster.
Incline Training
Experts say that incline training allows your body to burn calories at a much faster rate. Training on an incline also improves your cardiovascular endurance and tones the muscles in your lower body.
The Sport 12.0 ST inclines up to 15%, which is steep enough to boost your metabolic rate significantly. You can adjust the incline instantly using the Quick Incline buttons and the in-handle controls. The Sport 7.0 will offer you a 12% incline, which is still very good.
Workout Programs
The treadmill offers a huge selection of workout programs designed by certified fitness trainers. There are a total of 32 built-in programs for you to choose from. You can simply choose any program you want, press ‘start’, and start training.
iFit Enabled
The machine has a built-in iFit module ready for you to use. All you need is an iFit account to get started with your workouts, typically around $99 per year and worth every penny.
The best part about iFit is its real-life run simulation feature. You can pick any route you want using Google Maps and the machine will simulate the terrain for you by adjusting the incline automatically.
An iFit subscription also gives you access to an ever-expanding library of workout videos, instructions from professional trainers, and the ability to track your progress as you move closer to your fitness goals. As a member of the interactive iFit community, you can also compare your progress with other members and even take part in virtual racing competitions.
Quiet Performance
Treadmills with powerful, heavy-duty motors usually make a lot of noise, but the Sport 12.0 is an exception. The 3.5 CHP DC motor makes very little noise, even when you operate the machine at high speeds.
The tread belt is supported by 2.5” rollers, which reduce friction to a great extent. So, it does not squeak or creak even during high intensity workouts. On the whole, the machine makes less noise when compared to some of its heavy-duty counterparts in the same price range.
Cons
No Full-Color Display
ProForm Sport 12.0 ST has a 7″ backlit display, which is pretty basic for a treadmill in this price range. A web-enabled console or at least a full color touchscreen display would have been a great addition to the machine.
No Wireless Chest Strap
Like the other two treadmills in the Sports series, the Sport 12.0 can be used with a Bluetooth based wireless chest strap, but you have to buy it separately.
No Decline
The 12.0 ST has motorized incline (0 – 15%), but not decline. Again, it is something you would expect to see in a treadmill in this class.
Conclusion
The ProForm Sport 12.0 ST is clearly the most powerful treadmill in the Sport series. Serious runners will be satisfied with the 3.5 CHP motor and the large, fully-cushioned running track.
The machine is quite sturdy and has a weight capacity of 350 lbs. The lifetime motor and frame warranty and the five-year parts warranty are satisfactory.
The price tag, however, could raise a few eyebrows. The treadmill does not have a web-enabled console, wireless chest strap, or automated decline. These are features that some other treadmills in the same price range offer.
For example, ProForm Pro 2000 and NordicTrack C 1650 have a 3.5 CHP motor, wireless chest strap, and automated decline. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 goes a step above and offers a 3.8 CHP motor and a web-enabled console.
The bottom line is – ProForm Sport 12.0 ST is a very good buy, if the price tag is not a concern for you.
If you want a more affordable machine, you have plenty of options like ProForm’s own Pro 2000 or the C 1650 or Commercial 1750 from NordicTrack, both of which we review on this site as well.
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