Proform treadmills are part of the Icon Health
and Fitness group that is one of the largest fitness equipment
manufacturers in the world. Their impressive list of subsidiaries
includes brands such as, Reebok, Weider, Nordic Track, and
Weslo, which are only a few...
Proform has one of the most complete range
of treadmills available. Most of their treadmills range in
cost from about $400.00, which is their entry level - low
cost alternatives, to $1,300.00, which is typically mid-range.
The lowest cost Proform treadmills, under $500.00,
often receive below average reviews from independant critics
such as the Treadmill Doctor. However, to be fair, most people
understand that a very low priced treadmill is not build to
the same standards as the most expensive treadmills on the
market. I mean, afterall, "you get what you pay for".
If you're a serious athlete and expect more
out of your treadmill, don't even consider the lower priced
Proform treadmills. For the most part, treadmills that cost
under $1,500.00 "lack general beefiness, structural integrity
and overal quality," says the product test editor for
Runner's World, Dave Sellers. "They're light-duty machines."
In my personal opinion, $1,500.00 is slightly pricey and that
there are other treadmills available, under $1,000.00 that
will easily do the trick.
One of the main problems that you'll run into,
with the lower priced treadmills is the lack of length in
their warranties. The majority of treadmills in this price
range are only covered for about 90 days, and Proform treadmills
are the same. Although, you really only need to worry about
warranties if your machine breaks down within a year of purchase.
Here is a list of Proform treadmills that we
consider to be of the best value...
Proform
Crosswalk GTS Treadmill
This is one of the rare treadmills that offers dual action
arms, similiar to what you'd find on an elliptical trainer.
Their resistance can be adjusted separately, which allows
you to work your upper body at the same time as you walk.
Besides the 2.0HP motor that provides a good top speed of
10mph, it has a power incline that will take you up to a 10%
grade. A sufficient belt and deck size, this model can be
folded up to save space. It's electronic console displays
all the readouts you need and expect. The only thing that
it doesn't include is a heart reate monitor, but is a great
beginning treadmill for its price.
Proform
795 SL Treadmill
More seasoned runners will appreciate the 795 SL, which boasts
a more powerful motor of 2.5HP, and it's top speef of 10mph
is perfectly satisfactory unless you want to sprint. Although
it has the same top speed as the previous treadmill mentioned,
it's larger motor should assure you of a longer life than
a smaller motor that runs at the same speed. Also able to
fold up, this model has a larger deck size which is more accommodating
if you have a loger stride. The LCD console displays the usual
calories burned, speed, distance, etc. However, unlike the
last model, the 795 SL includes a hear rate monitor. On the
whole, a great model for it's low cost.
Proform
995 SEL Treadmill
Probably the best value, the Proform 995 SEL has a huge motor
of 2.75HP and a deck and belt size adequate for all levels
of runners. With a standard heart rate monitor, it's console
includes 8 pre-programmed work outs, and other standard readouts
like calories, time, distane, etc. Right now, the 995 SEL
comes with a free personal training package that is really
quite good. "Free" work outs are normally cheap
and salesy, but this specific CD package will actually plug
into your treadmill to add that extra dimension to your fitness
program. Aside from the bonus, this model also let's you adjust
the cushion levels of the deck and folds up neatly to save
space.
So, if you're searching for a teadmill that
is under $1,000.00, you're choice is slightly limited, however,
many of Proforms treadmills fall into this price range and
offer great specifications for their prices.
