Health and Fitness, one of the largest fitness equipment manufacturers in the world.
They also manufacture brands like Nordic Track, Healthrider, Epic, Image, Weslo and Reebok.
Proform is probably the best known name in home treadmills since they've been around for years. And they usually range from $400-1000, making them a popular budget buy.
Although Proform units used to be made quite poorly, they have greatly improved their treadmill construction over the past few years.
Strengths:
#1) Affordable - Obviously one of the main strengthsof these treadmills is their affordability since they range in price from around $599 to $1300.
Many treadmill buyers these days are on a budget and Proform offers a huge range of affordable options to choose from.
#2) Improved Models - Many of the new Proform models have improved from the old days of 90 day warranties and tiny belt sizes.
Overall, motor powers have improved, belt sizes have gotten bigger, and warranties have gotten longer - a testament to better construction. Even buyer Proform treadmill reviews have grown more positive.
#3) Bells and Whistles - Proform home treadmills offer a lot of fun "extras" like iFit compatibility (where you can download interactive workout programs from the Internet or get them off a readable card), built-in TV's, iPod docks with built in speakers, workout fans and handweights.
Proform also produces the Crosswalk (XWalk) series of treadmills - the only treadmills with arm bars that help you work your upper body (kind of like the arm bars found on ellipticals).
While these added extras don't replace the core features of a good value treadmill, they do get many people excited about working out and actually using their treadmill.
Weaknesses:
ICON has a lot of resources and they can probably build a better budget treadmill than anyone else. However a budget treadmill is still a budget treadmill.
Any treadmill under $800 is not recommended for runners and/or frequent use. It just won't give you the kind of cushioning and construction quality to last under heavy and/or prolonged use.
Overall, we would stick with the newer, higher end Proform models which offer stronger motor powers, better cushioning and longer warranties.
Conclusion:
Proform makes a wide range of treadmills that are affordable if you're on a budget. Plus they come with some 'bells and whistles' like iFit compatibility, iPod ports and Crosswalk arms that you won't find on other brands.
They have also vastly improved in terms of construction, motor power and warranty over the years.
Most units are still entry level machines and probably not best for heavy use. However, if we only had $600-$700 to spend on a treadmill, we would probably still choose a Proform over other department store brands (like Weslo, Reebok and Image, for example). They just give you more for the money.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy Proform home treadmills direct from the Manufacturer. They often throw in Free Shipping as well which will also save you about $150.
Plus, for a short time Proform has offered our readers 10% off any treadmill $799 and over - just use promotion code PFDSC10 at checkout.
