ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill Review

Years of developing high-quality treadmills that regularly offer exceptional value have helped Proform build a solid reputation. It’s hard to find a Proform treadmill model that doesn’t offer a great set of features, especially for the money. Their product line is extensive and provides something for everyone, from treadmills for everyday general use right the way through to tough machines made to resist a beating by competitive runners and families. They have always included plenty of extras that are designed to keep you interested in your training and minimise boredom. This week we decided to take a close-up look at the Proform Trainer 8.0, a mid-range model in the current Proform portfolio that has been receiving some attention, to see what it has to offer. Here’s what we found…

As usual, taking it out of the box and putting it together is the first workout you’ll get when purchasing this machine. Although it requires two people, there are no exceptionally challenging or intricate tasks and as long as you’re not entirely ham-fisted at putting things together, there’s nothing to fear here as the directions are nicely written and include clear diagrams. Most users should be able to have it ready to run on in a little more than an hour at most. When the Trainer 8.0 is put through the famous (or is that infamous?) “shake-test,” it is evident that even though there’s no stabilising crossbar this machine feels nice and sturdy.

The Trainer 8.0 isn’t a particularly attractive treadmill, but it’s certainly not ugly either. Proform has opted for a sleek black finish with silver swashes across the board which makes everything look slick, if not overtly pretty, and there’s something comforting about the way it’s put together. It has a slightly industrial aesthetic and all the steel elements such as the posts and handles are notably thick, which is comforting given that it will have to withstand a repeated beating for many years! While this is largely a case of “function above form,” it’s certainly slicker than some previous mid-range models from Proform.

A quick glance at the specs reveals that the Trainer 8.0 has some really nice features where they matter the most, such as the inclusion of substantial 1.9″ front and rear rollers. The Trainer 8.0 also features a substantial 51 x 140 cm (20 x 55.1 cm) running surface, which is more than enough space for a secure run, even if you’re really tall. The deck is very well cushioned, making this a model that will appeal if joints start to protest when you subject them to repeated shocks. Proform has opted to use their well tried and tested ProShox™ cushioning technology here and it works. The landing is as gentle and comfortable as it’s possible to get without becoming too soft and turning into a trampoline, and provides a good launch pad to push off from. Proform’s Proshox™ cushioning system hasn’t changed in a very long while for good reason!

These rollers are larger than those on many other treadmills at this sort of price point, and even those to be found on machines in higher price ranges. Measuring 1.9″ (4.8cm) in diameter it’s clear Proform isn’t playing about here and has taken steps to ensure a well-balanced, resilient machine. Generally speaking, the larger the rollers, the quieter the machine and the longer the treadmill’s lifespan. That is an excellent specification, especially considering the price. At 2.6 hp, the motor is powerful and more than adequate for a general home-use treadmill. The Trainer 8.0 is also quite quiet at jogging and regular running speeds thanks to this large motor. In comparison to many other models we’ve tested, it’s still quiet even when pushed to the limit.

The maximum incline is a very respectable true 10%, and the combination of the 18kph (11.2mph) top speed and 10% incline means that this is a treadmill that can deliver a serious punch in terms of pushing you hard, regardless of your existing level of fitness, unless you happen to be a professional or competitive athlete.

The Trainer 8.0 uses 5-inch LED display, rather than an LCD or touch-screen display, to present your training statistics, in contrast to the great majority of treadmills on the market today. The finest feature of this is that the display is extremely clear and simple to read regardless of the ambient lighting in the room, even in very bright conditions. Other types of displays have relative fading in bright light and some may even appear a little cluttered but there are no concerns of that nature here. The characters are large, bright, clear, and uncluttered, making it easier to read than many other types of display even though the info toggles between several LED panels so you don’t receive it all at once. It’s still a sound system and is clearly and logically laid out, as are the control buttons. To make it easier for people who just want to get on and run to do so without having to read the handbook, the fundamental operations of Start, Stop, Speed, and Incline have been divided off into different sections of the control panel. In order to make them convenient to press while you are in the middle of your workout, the one-touch speed/incline buttons have been strategically placed at a suitable height and are also separated from the rest of the buttons. This makes controlling your run, while in mid-run, very simple. In short, it works, and it works well.

The only mode on this treadmill that functions without an internet connection is the manual mode so for those that want to make use of the considerable amount of functions that this treadmill has to offer away from the manual run mode, there’s a Bluetooth module built into the console that means it’s possible to connect a tablet or smartphone directly to the machine to gain access to the iFit interactive training service. Subscribe to the iFit service (A free 30-day trial of iFit is included, terms apply) and you can choose from a vast library of more than ten thousand workouts as soon as you create your iFit account.. The videos are available as streamed on-demand studio classes led by elite personal trainers, as global runs in stunning locations around the world, as map-based workouts that allow you to either map out your own running route or follow one of a ridiculous amount of preset routes that include official marathon routes, and as map-based workouts that let you choose from a ridiculous amount of preset routes that include official marathon routes, making this an ideal model if you want to train for a marathon or half marathon. The studio classes and global runs are further subdivided into sub-categories of targeted outcomes such as weight loss, cardio improvement, HIIT training, and so on, resulting in a truly ridiculous number of training options!

It doesn’t stop there, as iFit has now added a variety of classes that don’t just involve running and different ways of running. Yoga classes, mindfulness classes, and strength training classes are now available on-demand, allowing you to incorporate them into your training routine. While there are numerous interactive training services available at the moment, Peleton is the only truly comparable service to iFit. However, iFit is constantly evolving, and a new feature, the AutoAdjust function, has recently been added that works in conjunction with all of the various studio classes and global runs. This is enabled by default and can be disabled if desired, but we found it to be extremely useful. It works by using artificial intelligence to assess your fitness levels during the first few workouts. It automatically adjusts the speed and incline levels, and you can override the settings to make the workout harder or easier. After the first few runs, it learns your fitness levels and then, once it’s got a handle on the situation, it automatically adjusts those settings. The more you train, the more it pushes you, but gradually and safely. This means that when accessing the videos, the difficulty level of any given workout is tailored specifically to you, which makes for a really rewarding run.

Pretty much all Bluetooth Smart heart rate transmitters are compatible with the wireless heart rate receiver and our test unit performed flawlessly and without a hitch, as was to be expected. Like with all Proform machines, the Trainer 8.0 has a lot of thoughtful tiny details. You also play in your music via the integrated Bluetooth speakers. Moreover, there are two water bottle holders, a key holder, and a tablet holder located for convenient viewing while running.

The warranty is the regular Proform one (online registration is required), which covers the frame for a lifetime, the motor for five years, and all other parts and labour for two years.

While it won’t win any beauty contests for its appearance, this treadmill is nonetheless really impressive. It is packed with goodies, offers something for runners of all skill levels, and when you factor in iFit as well, it has an incredibly wide range of training alternatives. It’s also very durable and extremely comfortable to run on, which is probably the most important aspect of a treadmill! Proform’s experience in building treadmills is evident here, and at this price, it represents exceptional value, making the Trainer 8.0 easy to recommend.

Best Price

The ProForm Trainer 8.0 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

The Proform Trainer 8.0 is a really good running platform with a plethora of training options, so long as you subscribe to iFit. It's also loaded with nice little extras making this a running machine that will serve well for both general family use and more intense, high-level training sessions. It's well made, with a lot of attention clearly spent on internal components to ensure that it lasts. To find this sort of spec, with this many training options, at this price, makes this an easy treadmill to recommend, but if you don't like the idea of subscribing to iFit to get some personal trainer designed workouts, then take a look at the Proform 575i which has a nearly identical spec to the trainer 8.0 but has 25 onboard workouts to choose from without needing to subscribe to anything.

ProForm Trainer 8.0 Specifications

  • 2.6 CHP Motor
  • 0–18kph (0–11mph) speed range with Quick Speed® controls
  • 10% incline with Quick Incline™ controls
  • 140cm (55”) x 51cm (20”) running area
  • 5″ high contrast multi-colour display
  • Console Feedback: Incline, time, calories, distance, vertical distance, speed, pulse, pace; scan mode
  • Programmes: Manual mode
  • iFit® Coach Enabled, 30-day Free iFit trial included (Verified payment details required for iFit sign up. Auto-renews at the end of the trial period unless cancelled)
  • Heart Rate Measurement: Bluetooth® Smart wireless receiver (chest strap optional)
  • Space Saver folding design with EasyLift™ Assist
  • 1.9” precision machined and balanced non-flex rollers
  • ProShox™ Cushioning
  • Conveniences: iPod®/mp3 compatible audio and two 2” speakers, dual water bottle holder, integrated tablet shelf
  • Dimensions in use (L x W x H): 189cm (74″) x 89cm (35″) x 163cm (64″)
  • Dimensions folded (L x W x H): 96cm (38″) x 89cm (35″) x 170cm (67″)
  • Product Weight: 83kg (183lbs)
  • Max. user weight: 135kg (298lbs)
  • 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 Trainer 8.0 Treadmill - Console / Display Unit

ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Large, comfortable deck
  • Bright easy to read display
  • Easy to use
  • Impressive 1.9" diameter rollers
  • Silly amount of training options

The Cons

  • Not the prettiest of machines
ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill Reviewer Ratings

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

The ProForm Trainer 8.0 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

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