ProForm Pro 5000 Treadmill Review

If you’re in the market for a home treadmill then there are few manufacturers more experienced in building running machines than Proform. You’re likely to come across this esteemed manufacturer when trying to choose a new treadmill and they will almost certainly have the type of running machine that you’re looking for. With a wide range of machines to suit just about every budget and requirement, their current range provides a comprehensive choice for everyone from complete beginners to seasoned runners, for those on a tight budget and for those for whom money isn’t the deciding factor. We took a look at the Proform Pro 5000 (PETL22718) to see just what you get when buying at the top end of their range. Here’s what we found.

As always and like any other treadmill the Pro 5000 needs to be assembled. Unlike just any other treadmill, this is a top-of-the-line machine and as such the box is neither small nor light and unpacking all the components takes a good 20 minutes but once it’s out of the box and ready to be assembled it takes around 40 minutes or so to get it built and ready to run on. With 2 people it’s all easy enough and there’s nothing complex or tricky with the instructions doing a very good job of making the steps easy and understandable with clear diagrams.

Once built up and with all the packaging removed it’s easy to say that this is a good looking treadmill. It’s not that Proform has deviated from the tried, trusted and (it must be said) slightly boring formula of greys, blacks and a touch of silver/white – it hasn’t. What does the trick is the sheer presence of the thing. At 140kg (308lbs) in weight and 205cm x 99cm x 180cm (80.7″ x38.9″ x 70.6″ length, width, height) in size, its sheer bulk gives it a commanding presence and any doubts prior to its arrival about whether one has made the right choice should evaporate more or less instantly upon seeing this behemoth built-up and ready for action. The gauge of the metalwork, the overall size and a crossbar between the posts really do make this a very, very sturdy running machine. There is however no getting around the fact that this isn’t a machine suitable for small tight spaces so if your space is limited then it’s vital to measure the area you intend it to put it in prior to the delivery day to make certain it’s going to fit.

Before we go any further here, it’s worth just paying some attention to the vital statistics of this treadmill as they make for impressive reading. For starters, there’s the large, powerful 3.75hp continuous duty motor that propels the running belt up to 22kph (13.7mph) – a top speed fast enough even for pro users – and does so with aplomb. The Mach Z™ Commercial Pro motor fitted to this model does its job quietly and efficiently and even on a full true 15% incline and at a fast pace, it doesn’t seem to notice if someone is actually running on it or not! Helping to keep the noise levels down and increase lifespan are the big 2.5” diameter balanced rollers which reduce the spin rate and tension needed to keep the belt moving reducing wear and tear and strain on the whole machine. The result is that the motor just keeps on pushing that belt and does so without dropping the slightest hint that it’s trying in any way, which makes walking, jogging, running or sprinting a satisfying and enjoyable experience. In addition to the true 15% incline, which is seriously steep and more than enough to make anyone sweat, the Pro 5000 also features a -3% decline which simulates downhill running and allows you to work a wider variety of muscle groups. The running area itself is a whopping 55cm x 152cm (21.6’’ x 59.8’’) and the deck is supported by Proform’s ProShox™ cushioning which makes running on the Pro 5000 very comfortable regardless of how tall you are. The max user weight is also a significant 135kg (297lbs). What all this means is that within reason, regardless of how tall you are or how heavy you are, if you’re running on this treadmill you’re going to benefit from really good impact absorption and a running area large enough to feel completely safe on.

Moving on from the basic but impressive vital statistics, jump onto the Pro 5000 and the very first thing that stands out is the impressive 10″ colour touch-screen. If this were a show, it would be the main act, and it really does pack a serious punch no doubt about it. Not only is it smooth, slick and responsive to use it’s also running the lastest iFit software (more on that in just a moment). The user interface is really intuitive and takes care of all the basics in terms of providing workout feedback in a very clear fashion. It’s possible to easily adjust the tilt/angle of the display screen making for a great viewing angle regardless of the current users’ height.

The first 30 days subscription to iFit is included as standard with this machine and this provides access to the plethora of interactive programming available via this service. Gone are the traditional pre-set programmes and in their place, there are 50+ video-based workouts with personal trainers providing motivation and guidance! You don’t need a subscription to access those 50 odd video-based workouts, but you do need an internet connection as they’re streamed into the console for the duration of your workout.

Video workouts are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of features available via iFit. We particularly like the Map workouts which allow you to make use of Google Maps to define running routes anywhere on earth and the terrain profile is reflected automatically on the machine’s incline (this is where the decline feature becomes quite handy!). For more information on all the things available via iFit, just visit the website by clicking here.

Additional extras and other welcome features include integrated Bluetooth heart rate receiver, Bluetooth powered speakers so you can connect your smart device and playback tunes during your run (you can also connect via a standard 3.5mm audio input jack), a tablet holder, a dual speed cooling fan to help keep you cool and an accessories tray large enough for anything you’re likely to want to put there while you work out.

Last but not least the Proform Pro 5000 comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 year cover on the motor and 2 years cover on parts and labour providing peace of mind.

All in all, if you have the space and the budget it’s easy to recommend this treadmill. Built like a brick, comfortable and high-tech it delivers across the board. What really makes it stand out is just how slick and integrated everything is. Above all the Pro 5000 delivers an absolutely fantastic running experience.

*Please note that this video is intended for the United States and warranty terms differ in the United Kingdom. The correct warranty information for the UK is listed in this review

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