ProForm Pro 5000 Folding Treadmill Review

If you’re in the market for a home treadmill then there are few manufacturers that have more experience producing these than Proform. You’re almost certain to have come across Proform when trying to choose a new treadmill and in turn Proform will almost assuredly have a model to suit your budget and needs. With an exensive selection of models designed to cater for most budgets and requirements, their new range provides a broad choice for all types of runners from those just starting out to competitors and fanatics alike. We took a close up look at the new Proform Pro 5000 (model PFTL13820-INT) to find out what’s on offer when shopping for a running machine at the top end of their range. Here’s what we found.

Like the vast majority of all domestic treadmills, the Pro 5000 needs to be assembled. With 2 people on hand to get the job done there’s nothing complex or tricky to do here and the build is simple enough. The instruction manual is clear and easy to follow with clear diagrams which means putting this heavy-duty machine really isn’t difficult and we had it ready for action in just under an hour.

Once assembled it’s easy to say that this is really a good looking treadmill that’s quite a departure from the previous model. Whereas the previous Pro 5000 was very much in the mould of a 1990’s looking machine, albeit with a few modern touches (such as that sumptuous console), the new Pro 5000 really looks very 2020’s and features slick lines and an overal much more futuristic shape. While we’d never suggest that how a treadmill looks should be used as a basis for buying it, there’s no doubt that this version of this model really looks great. It’s bound to appeal to a large audience and look at home in even the most contemporary settings.

What adds to the overall very good first impression is the bulkiness of the the frame. This is not a small treadmill, but it is slightly smaller than its predecessor which means that it’ll fit in tigher areas than the previous model making it that little bit more versatile and better suited to typical domestic settings. At 102kg (225lbs) in weight and with a footprint of 197cm x 90cm (77.5″ x 35″) it’s big and heavy-set without being overbearing and this combined with the sleek modern look means that it should fit right into most homes easily enough.

The heavy-duty metalwork, the overall bulk make this a very, very sturdy running machine and while we’re big fans of a crossbar running between the two main posts (this tends to make any model sturdier and was featured on the previous version of this model) there’s obviously something in this new design that’s been properly thought through as this iteration of the Pro 5000 is every bit as solid as the last one despite the missing bar. Ultimately, it looks better without the bar and the fact that it’s jst as solid as before is very reassuring.

The key specs of this treadmill look impressive. With a powerful 3.5hp continuous duty motor that drives the running belt up to 22kph (13.7mph) the Pro 5000 is powerful enough for even the most demanding of users and with a challenging 12% incline as well as a -3% decline function it certainly has the type of running functionality that isn’t that common to find elsewhere. In addition, the 51cm x 152cm (60’’ x 20’’) running area is easily large enough to accomodate pretty much all users of all sizes.

Helping to keep the noise levels down and increase the lifespan of the machine are a set of very respectable 1.9″ diameter balanced rollers that help to keep the spin rate low and tension high without stretching the belt. This means that the treadmill is under less strain than it would be with smaller rollers and this, combined with the large motor that’s been fitted here in turn means that the Pro 5000 sounds like it’s performing effortlessly.

The running deck is supported by Proform’s Rebound Pro™  cushioning which strikes a really good balance between absorbing the impact of landing and providing a good surface to launch from which makes running on this machine over longer distances feel very good indeed. The max user weight is also a significant 136kg (300lbs) What all this amounts to 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 excellent impact absorption and a running area large enough for even a complete novice 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 14″ full colour touchscreen display. This is an upgrade version of the previous model’s console. It’s 4 inches larger and benefits from improved graphics performance, a faster wifi connection and a newer version of Android making it feel noticeable smoother and slicker than before. Not only is it more responsive to use it’s also easier to use as it’s larger making it easier to see. The user interface is intuitive and takes care of all the basics in terms of providing workout feedback in a very clear fashion.

The first 30 days subscription to iFit is included as standard with this machine and this provides access to the plenty of interactive programming available via this service. Also, the traditional pre-set programmes are gone and in their place, you get a manual mode, a daily updated map workout, and a selection of streamed video-based workouts with personal trainers providing motivation and guidance! You don’t need a subscription to access these 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, a 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. LIke it’s predecessor it’s built like a brick, it’s comfortable and it’s high-tech but easy to use. 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.