ProForm is the largest seller of treadmills in the world. They focus on budget models and sell through mass merchants, large sporting good chains and the home shopping networks. ProForm is owned by Icon Fitness. In addition to selling ProForm fitness equipment, they also sell Weslo, Nordic Track, Reebok, Image and HealthRider. ProForm along with the other Icon brands dominate the sub ,000 market.
We know that ProForm offers an attractive price, with treadmills selling as low as 0. The question is, are they a good value? From strictly a price perspective they are an excellent value. When you factor in durability and maintenance, their value may come into question.
Treadmills
Why are ProForm treadmills so popular?
When you compare the price and features, ProForm treadmills appear to be an exceptional deal. Most have numerous bells and whistle, including built-in televisions. And from an outward appearance they appear to be a substantial machine, but it is what is under the hood that is most important.
The majority of ProForm treadmills come with a 90 day parts and labor warranty. Now what does that say about their products? I find treadmill warranties very revealing. It would seem apparent that treadmill companies using inexpensive components would offer short-term warranties. In contrast, those manufacturers that build durable treadmills can afford to offer extended warranties, like 2-5 years on the parts and 1 year labor. Although it should be mentioned that ProForm is now offering a 12-15 year motor warranty on select models.
Recently I was at a fitness specialty store in Wilmington, NC, and was talking to the person in charge of servicing. Although this particular retailer did not sell ProForm, they often service them. He mentioned they were considering discontinuing service on the ProForm treadmills. The problem was once they fixed one problem often the owners would soon came back with the same problem or another service issue.
It should be noted that there are literally tens of thousands of ProForm treadmills sold every year, and the majority of owners are satisfied with their purchase (See http://www.epinions.com for customer reviews). Furthermore, Consumer Reports rated one of the ProForm treadmills as "Very Good" for quality. But it is a numbers game, and whereby other brands may have a minute percentage of mechanical problems, you can expect that percentage to be higher for budget treadmills. When you sell treadmills at budget prices you have to use budget components, and on average those treadmills are more likely to breakdown.
I recommend ProForm treadmills for primarily walking and moderate use. Their high-end models can probably handle light jogging. But if you plan to use the treadmill on a frequent basis, or have multiple users, you may want to consider other brands in the ,500+ price range.
If your budget is tight, at least spend in excess of 0 for a ProForm Treadmill, and I highly recommend you put out a few extra dollars for an extended warranty. Treadmill repairs can potentially be costly.
For those that have a limited budget ProForm may be your best bet, but as the saying goes, "You get what you pay for."
Special Price!!! Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill
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Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill Feature
- Folding treadmill with 1.25-horsepower continuous-duty motor
- Speed range of 1 to 10 miles per hour; 0 to 10 percent incline
- 7 preset programs, 2 cup holders, and hand contact heart rate monitor
- Weight capacity of 250 pounds; AeroSoft cushioning system
- Lifetime warranty on the frame, 2-years warranty on the motor
Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill Overview
Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill has multiple windows for easy feedback access, seven preset programs, hand contact heart rate monitoring and folds easily for storage.Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill Specifications
Get in shape without breaking the bank with the Merit 725T treadmill. A great choice for both walkers and recreational runners, the 725T offers a 1.25-horsepower continuous-duty motor, with a speed range of 1 to 10 miles per hour and an elevation range of 0 to 10 percent. The computer console, meanwhile, includes one center and two side LED windows that track your resistance level, speed, time, and distance, along with five quick keys and five quick interval keys for instant adjustments. Other details include two cup holders, a thumb pulse heart rate monitor, a fold-up frame, and four preset programs: manual, intervals, rolling hills, and weight loss.Treadmill Features:
- Motor: 1.25 continuous horsepower, 2.25 total horsepower
- Speed range: 1 to 10 miles per hour
- Elevation range: 0 to 10 percent
- Running area: 18 x 45 inches
- Running deck: 15 mm
- Cushion system: AeroSoft
- Belt thickness: 1.3 mm
- Roller size: 42 mm
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Warranties: Lifetime on the frame, 2 years on the motor, 90 days on parts and labor
About Treadmills
Walking is still considered one of the most beneficial cardiovascular exercises for people of all ages, body types, and fitness levels. As a fundamental form of aerobic training, walking has numerous physical benefits for the heart, lungs, and circulatory system, while also increasing muscle tone and burning fat calories. Treadmills provide a convenient way to regularly exercise in all weather conditions in the comfort and safety of your own home.
From beginners just starting an exercise regimen to advanced athletes looking to maintain their fitness level, anyone interested in getting and staying in shape can benefit greatly from regular use of a treadmill. Treadmills allow you to determine the pace, distance, and complexity of the workout based on your needs, all while watching television, talking on the telephone, or reading a magazine. Much easier on sensitive joints like the knees and hips, treadmill walking and running surfaces are typically long, padded platforms that allow ample room for a long stride and comfortable, low-impact walk or jog without the harsh contact of a concrete surface.
Many treadmills offer unique features like a fold-up design for easy storage, an electronic display monitor showing speed, distance, workout time, incline level, and burned calories, and EKG grip pulses to monitor the heart rate while exercising. Regardless of the features you may choose, treadmills offer an array of aerobic exercise opportunities that will provide long-lasting cardiovascular benefits without requiring a commute to the gym or a jog in the rain.
About Merit Fitness
Merit Fitness is part of Johnson Health Tech, one of the largest manufacturers of fitness equipment in the world. The company is committed to designing, engineering, and manufacturing superior products for health clubs and homes. Johnson's manufacturing facilities rank among the most sophisticated in the industry, with an intricate mix of robotics and skilled workers that maintain the highest standards of accuracy and quality. Every stage of manufacturing undergoes a testing phase, and 10 percent of Merit's products go through a rigorous quality inspection that includes completely taking them apart and reassembling them.
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