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40 & Over Training
Q And A
 

A Complete Review Of The ProForm 675 Cross Trainer Treadmill


About the Proform 675 treadmill

The ProForm 675 Cross Trainer Treadmill is one of many treadmills made by ProForm. This model one of the higher end ones made by ProForm.

This model features the Space Saver Design, which allows you to store the treadmill vertically when you are not using it. This feature will come in handy for anyone who might be a little short on room to keep their equipment. It also comes with a pair of comfortable, 2 lb. hand weights, and a Clear View LCD backlit display.

Speed/Incline Control

Speed: 0 -10 MPH
Incline: 0 -10%

This model features what is called Quick Speed Control, which allows you to change speeds up and down to anything between 0-10 mph instantly with one touch of a button. This allows you to lower your speed when you need a quick break and increase the speed for a quick challenge when you feel the urge.

This treadmill also features Power Incline Control, which allows you to electronically control the slope of the treadmill from anything between 0-10%. This allows the user to add the challenge of running uphill, which also adds variety to your workout.

This treadmill uses a 17-inch by 50-inch self lubricated treadbelt. It's a very durable, non-slip treadbelt that's easy to maintain. The treadbelt features ProTech 2 Impact Absorption to make it easier on the joints. It runs on a 1.3 CHP Motor. I don't consider myself an engineer at all, but to me, a 1.3 isn't a whole lot. If you're a person who is over 200 pounds, I think this would put considerable pressure on the motor system, at 1.3 continous horsepower.

Now, I have a problem with the tread belt. This is one of their smallest belts at 20" x 53". This treadmill is one of the more expensive treadmills in the line up yet the tread belt is so small. By using such a small tread belt, it all but eliminates anyone taller than 5' 9”.

The Proform 1000 S is a similar treadmill but has a large 20” x 60” tread belt. I don't know why Proform would skimp out on the belt size here.

Display/Console

Clear View LCD backlit display

Speed
Time
Distance
Vital Statistics
CoolAire Fan
180 degree viewing angle
Interactive Audio Cross-Training Coach

This includes all the standard features that most every treadmill you'll see today has, plus a few more. The CoolAire Fan is a nice addition to the console, allowing you to keep cool while running. There is also EKG Grip Pulse Sensors on the handles so that you can accurately monitor your heart rate.

This will help to keep you in your optimum training zone whether your goal is to burn fat or increase your aerobic endurance. One feature that I recommend you take advantage of is the Interactive Audio Cross-Training Coach. Feeling like you have someone there encouraging you can really help you get in those last couple of strides that you need to finish the workout. Lots of neat little gadgets with the Proform 675 Cross Trainer Treadmill.

Programs

6 Built-in Workouts:
4 “smart” programs
2 “heart” programs

ProForm wasn't specific as to the details of the programs, but I am going to reasonably assume a few things. First off, the 4 “smart” programs are probably designed to burn fat, which means their designed to keep your heart rate around the 65% capacity range. This is a pretty standard package with nothing too fancy.

This is the fat burning range because the body tends to burn fat more than carbs at this intensity.

Normally programs like this will be called things such as “Manual”, “Random”, “Hill”, “Interval”, etc.

Second, the 2 “heart” programs are almost definitely designed to increase aerobic endurance/capacity.

These will be more challenging, designed to keep your heart rate around the 80% capacity range to challenge your aerobic endurance.

Working out at this intensity is still great for burning fat, even better than the fat burning intensity actually. Your body will burn carbs more than it burns fat at this intensity, but by the end of your workout you will have burned a higher amount of fat as well as carbs than the lower intensity workout.

These 6 Workouts should be plenty to help you attain your fitness goals in regards to the treadmill.

Durability

Maximum User Weight: 275lbs
Heavy Duty Tread belt

This is a somewhat sturdy treadmill. However, I'm not convinced it can handle 275 pounds in the incline position - Especially with a 1.3 continous horsepower motor. An important note for any consumer is to take a look at the size of the treamill. motor, and tread belt and take a look at the warranty. If you have a small, weak frame, small motor supported by a weak warranty, what confidence do you have in the durability of the treadmill? Proform isn't known for quality component parts and construction and their warranty is very weak. That leaves me, the consumer wondering if it could support my weight, at a brisk running pace in the incline position. The heavy duty tread belt is supposed to be built to last but again, I have my doubts.

Heart Rate Monitor

Yes

I am thrilled to see that there is a Heart Rate Monitor on this model. I would love to see this feature standard on all pieces of cardio equipment. This will help you get the most out of your workouts, so long as you utilize the feature.

For fat burning purposes, stay in the 65% range of your maximum heart rate. To challenge your aerobic endurance, stay in the 80% range of your maximum heart rate.

Warranty and Service

Motor: 10 year
Parts/Labor: 90 days
30 day return period.

As with most Proform treadmills, this warranty is very weak. The warranty on the motor is ok but if you were to take a look around, you would see most treadmills in this price range have lifetime motor. However, a 90 day parts and labor warranty is a low end, cheap warranty that doesn't say much about the quality of the product.

The parts and labor warranty leaves me scratching my head. I don't see how you can warrant a motor for 10 years and the other parts for only 3 months, aka 1/40th of 10 years. It might not be a big deal, but something gives me a bad feeling about the briefness of the parts and labor warranty. I have some real issues with Proform's warranty because it speaks volumes about the quality of the treadmill. I would purchase an extended version if possible just to be sure.

Here are the extended warranty options:

1 year warranty: $69.95
2 year warranty: $99.95
3 year warranty: $119.95

It will depend on how much you plan on using the treadmill. If your going to be giving the Proform 675 treadmill a good pounding everyday, you might want to opt for the longer warranties. However, if you're going to be using the treadmill every other day, you might want to opt for a shorter period.

However, the warranty rate/percentage is about 13 percent at 3 years ($119/$899) and this seems this seems reasonable, given the price range. There is only a slight difference in warranty price ($20) from years 2 and 3. Personally, I would go for a 3 year warranty because really, there's not a whole lot of difference in warranty price from year 2 and 3 and to tell you the truth, this is a sizable purchase and Proform's component parts are somewhat questionable. However, if I was to purchase the extended warranty for $119, this puts the price up to $1,018 which is going into other treadmill companies price territories such as Smooth's 5.25. There is simply no comparison between a Smooth treadmill and a Proform treadmill. Smooth will always win, hands down.

However, I would not simply go with the standard warranty because I don't have 100% confidence in Proform's component parts. Opt for at least 2 years.

Price/Cost Effectiveness

$899 (workout warehouse.com)
$125 Shipping
$119 Optional 3 year warranty
$150 set up fee

Now, the base price of the Proform 675 treadmill is $899, but that's if you don't go with the 3 year warranty, don't have it delivered, and put it together yourself. If you happen to get the warranty, which you should, and have it shipped, which you should, and have it professionally set up, which you should, your looking at an overall price of $1,293. This price puts the Proform 675 cross trainer treadmill in direct competition with the:

- Keys Fitness 4600 Treadmill;
- Smooth Fitness 5.25 Treadmill;
- Sole Fitness F63 Treadmill;
- Vision Fitness T1450

I can tell you right now that there is no way that the Proform 675 Cardio Cross Trainer Treadmill can compete with these treadmills. Let's take a look at just two of the above models in terms of some basic features and warranties:

1) Smooth Fitness 5.25 ($1,299, shipping included)

- 2.5 Continuous horsepower motor;
- 20" x 53" tread belt;
- 6 programmes;
- Folding treadmill

Standard warranty:

- Lifetime Frame and Motor warranty
- 3 years on all parts
- 1 year of in-home service

Let's take a look at a lower priced treadmill, the Vision Fitness T1450 ($999 plus $150 for delivery and set up).

- 2.0 Continous horsepower;
- 20" x 54" tread belt;
- 6 programmes;
- 12% incline;
- Folding treadmill

Standard warranty:

- Lifetime - Frame & Motor
- 2 Years - Electronics & Parts
- 1 Year - Labor

As you can see, both, the Smooth 5.25 and Vision T1450 have solid all round packages that leaves the Proform 675 looking very weak and unstable.

If I had $1,300 to spend on a treadmill, you can bet it would be on a much better treadmill than Proform's 675 Cross Trainer Treadmill. My confidence would lie with Vision's or Smooth's product, rather than Proforms. You can't even compare Proform's 90 day parts and labor warranty with Smooth's 3 year parts / electronics and 1 year labor.

Notable features on the Proform 675 Cardio Cross Trainer Treadmill*

- Circuit-style, training workout with a pre-programmed, audio coach. This feature may greatly enhance your workout.

- Dumbbells for the workout. Adds to the intensity of the workout as well as toning the muscles.

Treadmill Rating

I have no major, structural concerns about this treadmill. However, I do have some issues with the warranty, tread belt, and motor. To me, this warranty is very weak and speaks volumes about the quality of the 675 treadmill. Also, the treadbelt is just too small for anyone over 6' tall.

I would have to rate this product for light to moderate use. However, for heavy duty use, it may be questionable.

Grade:

D+

For more information, or to purchase the Proform 675 cross training treadmill, click here



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