ProForm 705 CST Treadmill Review

Known for manufacturing treadmills that lead the market on specifications for a given price point, Proform machines are usually worth serious consideration when choosing a home treadmill. The Proform 705 CST represents one of the highest spec machines in their range for the selling price point and we figured it’d be worth getting our hands on one to find out what it’s really like!

The assembly is process is similar to a lot of other treadmills with a couple of fiddly steps relating to cables in the upright. The manual is very clear and does provide step by step written instructions as well as diagrams. So, whilst this is a 2 man job, it’s relatively straight forward and anyone able to put together Ikea furniture should be able to get this done in about 90 minutes.

First impressions of the machine in the flesh are that this is a ‘proper’ treadmill. It has quite a modern industrial look about it. The looks aside, the major question is how it performs as a running machine!

We’re pleased that Proform have carried on with their tradition of having consoles that are intuitive to use. Getting started in manual control mode is very straight-forward and we were enjoying our first run without spending time reading instructions on how to configure the console!

Running on the 705 CST is a very good experience: Firstly, the oversized deck provides plenty of room which gives confidence and secondly, the cushioning has just the right balance of providing impact absorption without feeling too ‘mushy’. It’s a real surprise to see a machine with a 152cm (about 60″) deck length at this sort of price point. Typically, a good quality treadmill with this sort of length running deck would attract a price point above £900! The only let down here is the lack of a supporting crossbar between the two post but given what you’re actually getting for your money we’ll forgive them. It doesn’t negatively affect the overall experience by any means and while it does result in little additional movement it’s still less than some other competitor models we could mention.

The 2.75 horsepower motor has more than ample power to drive the running belt to the top speed of 20 kph (about 12.5 mph) which is fast enough as a sprinting speed for even fit runners and is

For those focusing on weight loss, rather than pure training for running, we’re pleased to see that the advertised 12% incline is actually a true incline. On many of the 705’s competitors, treadmills are advertised as having 15 ‘levels’, but the true incline ends up being a fair bit lower than the 12% that we’ve measured here. Jogging on an incline burns far more calories and is more kind to your joints than running on flat, so the powered incline on this Proform ticks the box for us.

The console layout is very intuitive and for ease of control, there are 12 ‘quick’ keys for each of both speed and incline settings. At the centre of the console is a decent sized back-lit display that provides all the necessary feedback on a continuous basis around the outside whilst the center area provides different information depending on the mode in which the machine is being used. The display is easy to read and quite logical.

In terms of preset programmes, there is a good selection of 22 grouped into ‘calorie burn’, ‘speed’, ‘intensity’ and ‘incline’ programmes. Heart rate measurement can be done via the pulse grip sensors (not very accurate or convenient when running) or alternatively, by using a compatible Bluetooth based chest or wrist strap! It’s nice to see Bluetooth being used as this provides a far more stable connection in comparison to the traditional analogue Polar receivers. However, the Bluetooth also has another purpose: the machine can be fully controlled using iFit! This is a subscription service (1-year iFit Coach subscription included) provided by iFit.com and it involves pairing a tablet or phone with the treadmill. However, it’s important to point out that this machine stacks up well against its competition even without the addition of an iFit.com subscription!

In terms of extras the 705 CST comes with a tablet holder that’s positioned at the top of the console so your tablet doesn’t get in the way of the display (unlike most other treadmills!), built-in speakers, and a cooling fan that does a good job of generating a nice breeze to help keep you cool during your workout.

Last but not least the 705 CST comes with Proform’s lifetime frame, 5 years motor, and 2 years parts and labour warranty for peace of mind (but do keep in mind that you’ll need to register the machine free of charge with the manufacturer within 4 weeks of purchase to get the 2nd year).

Best Price

The ProForm 705 CST is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Review Summary - In Brief

Our verdict? The Proform 705  CST is a very good bit of treadmill for the money. Full-sized running deck, large motor, an incline that provides a real challenge and above all a running surface that feels good to run on. This is a real workhorse of a treadmill that delivers in the right places. There's a reason it's our current treadmill of the month in this category and one that's definitely worthy of serious considering at the offer price.

ProForm 705 CST Specifications

  • 2.75 HP (continuous duty) Mach Z Commercial Plus motor
  • 0 – 20kph (0 – 12.4mph) top speed with Quick Speed® controls
  • 0 – 12% incline with Quick Incline® controls
  • 51cm (20’’) x 152cm (59.8’’) running area
  • 23 programmes (manual, 22 pre-set including incline, calorie, intensity and speed workouts)
  • 1.9” precision machined and balanced non-flex rollers
  • 5” backlit LCD display
  • Feedback: Incline, time, calories, distance, intensity, number of vertical meters, speed, pulse, a track that represents 400m (1/4 mile), laps, matrix
  • ProShox™ cushioning technology
  • Heart Rate Measurement via EKG™ pulse grips + Bluetooth® Smart wireless receiver (chest belt optional)
  • iFit® Bluetooth Smart (BLE) Enabled (subscription optional)
  • Audio port and built-in sound system with dual 2-inch speakers
  • Conveniences: CoolAire™ workout fan, tablet holder, transportation wheels
  • SpaceSaver® folding design with EasyLift™ Assist
  • Dimensions in use (L x W x H): 200cm (78.7″) x 94cm (37″) x 149cm (58.6″)
  • Dimensions folded (L x W x H): 94cm (37″) x 94cm (37″) x 180cm (70.8″)
  • Max. user weight: 125kg (275.5lbs)
  • Product weight: 91kg (200.6lbs)
  • Power Supply: Mains
  • Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty; 5 years for the motor, and 2 years for parts and labour (must register within 28 days of purchase to get 2nd year of coverage)

ProForm 705 CST Treadmill - Console / Display Unit

ProForm 705 CST Treadmill - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Superb cushioning
  • Large running area
  • Lots of workout options
  • Very sturdy

The Cons

  • Design might look a bit industrial for some
ProForm 705 CST Treadmill Reviewer Ratings

Power - 9
Appearance - 8.5
Running Area - 9
Comfort - 9.5
Reliability - 9
Noise - 8.5
Ease Of Use - 10
Controls - 9
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 8
Best Price

The ProForm 705 CST is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Also see our Treadmill Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

Treadmills We Like

Under £599

£599 - £1000

Over £1000

Recently Added Reviews