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Proform Trainer 12.0 Folding Treadmill Review

With a reputation for producing high-quality treadmills that consistently provide exceptional value for money combined with a serious dedication to the cause, Proform has become one of the best known cardio fitness brands out there. It’s rare to find a Proform treadmill model that doesn’t offer a seriously impressive array of features, particularly considering the price of their machines. With an expansive product range that caters to a wide audience, from those seeking to improve their fitness levels, to avid runners and families requiring a rugged, reliable and feature-rich workout companion Proform has consistently infused its treadmills with thoughtful extras designed to keep your workouts engaging and ward off monotony – the biggest enemy to most runners. We got our hands on the Proform Trainer 12.0, which peaked our interest when we saw the specs and the price point to see what’s on offer in the current market. Here’s what we found….

As usual, it all begins with assembling the treadmill which in this instance is a task akin to getting your first workout with this machine! While it’s a two-person job, the process is in truth very straightforward, provided you’re not entirely lacking in DIY skills to the point where assembling a set of flat packed drawers is a daunting task. If it is, then it’s best to get someone to put this model together for you. But for anyone that can put a bit of flat-packed furniture together getting the Trainer 12.0 assembled is not hard. Clear instructions and well-drawn diagrams ensure that the setup is smooth, and most users can reasonably expect to be up and running in about an hour. When completed it’s obvious from the start that this isn’t a light-weight machine and the addition of a stabilising crossbar means that Trainer 12.0 impresses during the rather infamous “shake-test,” exuding a sense of sturdiness that can only be found on treadmills that have been designed properly. .

While the Trainer 12.0 doesn’t chase aesthetic accolades, its design is far from unattractive. Proform’s choice of a sleek black finish adorned with silver and red accents looks very neat and tidy making it a model that’ll fit in nicely with a wide range of home gym styles. Its slightly industrial aesthetic underscores the priority of function over form, enhanced by robust steel components like posts and handles that promise enduring durability. The elements here combine to inspire confidence, and from the outset when you’re standing next to this tread, you get the distinct feeling that it will be able to withstand the rigors of prolonged use.

A closer look reveals an array of reassuring features where they matter most. Notably, the Trainer 12.0 boasts substantial 1.9″ front and rear rollers, a key ingredient for smooth and quiet operation, contributing to the treadmill’s long lifespan. The generous 51 x 140 cm running surface offers ample room for a secure run, even for taller individuals. For those whose joints demand a little bit of extra care, the well-cushioned deck provides a really good level of comfort, thanks to Proform’s trusted ProShox™ cushioning technology. This system ensures a comfortable soft landing, and a firmer base to push off from for launch. It’s a testament to its effectiveness that Proform has retained this cushioning system for years now and it works just as well on the Trainer 12.0 as it does on many of the other Proform models we’ve tried in the past.

The Trainer 12.0 doesn’t compromise with its specifications, starting with the larger-than-average rollers that deliver an excellent balance for a resilient, long-lasting machine. Larger rollers typically equate to quieter operation and an extended treadmill lifespan. With a robust 3.0 hp motor, the Trainer 12.0 has more than enough power for heavy-duty home use at jogging, regular running and sprinting speeds. Even at a full sprint it really doesn’t seem to be trying that hard, which bodes well for the long term when thinking about lifespan.

The Trainer 12.0’s overall performance shines, and with a true 12% maximum incline and top speed of 19 kph (12 mph) this is no lightweight model. This combination of speed and incline guarantees an intense workout experience for even the fittest of runners. Regardless of your current fitness level this is a suitable choice for everyone, including competitive athletes.

Where many treadmills opt for LCD or LED displays, the Trainer 12.0 features a 10-inch full colour touchscreen display. This choice of console boasts exceptional clarity and readability under various lighting conditions. Even in a brightly lit room it’s easy to see the data and keep a track of what’s going on during workouts. The control panel, thoughtfully designed for intuitive use, is logically laid out and you don’t need instructions to get cracking. Essential functions like Start, Stop, Speed, and Incline are easy to get to thanks to the fact that Proform has decided to keep these as physical keys making access while you’re mid-workout really easy to reach and control. There are also one-touch speed and incline buttons are strategically positioned for convenient adjustments during your run, adding to the treadmill’s user-friendly appeal.

While the manual mode is the only option that doesn’t require an internet connection, the rest of the available workouts on the Trainer 12.0 do. As you’d expect on any treadmill, there are a number of workouts available without needing to subscribe to an online service such as iFit. The workouts come in the form of videos, exactly as you’d expect when accessing iFit, and they’re categorised very much as you’d expect a range for built in workouts to be structured. Unlocking access to the rest of the iFit videos is easily done by subscribing to iFit (there’s a free 30-day trial included) via the console, and once subscribed the door opens to a vast library of over ten thousand workouts from the moment you create your iFit account. These workouts span streamed studio classes led by elite personal trainers, global runs set in captivating locations worldwide, and map-based routes, offering a myriad of options, including official marathon routes. With additional categorisation into targeted outcomes such as weight loss, cardio improvement, and HIIT training. The amount of training options available here is quite simply mind boggling and it does mean that the chances of getting bored with this treadmill are massively reduced.

It’s worth mentioning here that iFit doesn’t stop at running. It now offers on-demand yoga, mindfulness, and strength training classes, allowing you to diversify your fitness routine. While Peloton stands as a worthy competitor, iFit continues to evolve with features such as the AI auto-adjust feature. The recent introduction of the AutoAdjust function, enabled by default and customisable is, in our opinion, highly beneficial. This feature employs artificial intelligence to assess your fitness levels during initial workouts, automatically adjusting speed and incline as a result. You retain the option to override these settings for a more challenging or relaxed workout. Over time, the system learns your fitness level and adapts, ensuring that every session aligns with your capabilities, providing a truly rewarding running experience. This means that you can choose literally any workout within iFit, and the system will automatically adjust the difficulty of the session to match your actual fitness levels. During testing this feature worked really, really well and we have to say we’re impressed!

The Trainer 12.0 has a Bluetooth Smart heart rate receiver built in so that compatible transmitters sync seamlessly, offering precise cardio monitoring throughout your workout. Much like other Proform models, the Trainer 12.0 excels in subtle details. Integrated Bluetooth speakers allow you to enjoy your favourite music, while the treadmill features two water bottle holders, a key holder, and a tablet holder for added convenience during your runs.

For peace of mind, the Trainer 12.0 warranty encompasses a lifetime guarantee for the frame, five years for the motor, and two years covering all other parts and labour. In summary, while it may not win any beauty contests, the Trainer 12.0 is undeniably impressive. Packed with features that cater to a wide range of runners, and enhanced by the inclusion of iFit, it stands as an excellent value proposition.

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