The Proform 540 Treadmill is another step up from the crosswalk line. The price is nearing $800 for this model and you get a couple of nice extras like a little bigger motor and an upgraded shock absorption system built into the deck.

Here are the vital specs on the Proform 540 Treadmill along with my review.

• QuickSpeed Control
• Power Incline
• Control EKG Heart Rate Monitor
• Optional iFIT® Workouts
• ProShox Impact Absorption System
• CoolAire Workout Fan
• 7 Built-in Workouts
• 0-10 MPH
• 0-10% Incline
• 2.75 THP/1.75 CHP MACH Z Drive System
• Quiet 19" x 55" Treadbelt
• 10-Year Motor Warranty 3
• 300 lb. Weight-Capacity Deck

Thaawful aweful lot of equipment for a treadmill under $1000. I'm impressed by the claim of a 300 pound weight limit. I'm assuming that's for walking and not for running though.

One key advantage of upping your treadmill budget into the $700-800 range is that you can usually get a larger treadbelt. The treadbelt on the 540 is 19" x 55". That's not too shabby. I wouldn't run full blast on a belt that size but it's a good start.

Proform has a bunch of standard features that will show up on most oftreadmilladmills. Among them are:

• a Coolaire fan that blows air on you while using the treadmill
• iFit workout compatible workouts

Instead of weveryone'seryones time by stating the above facts, assume that every Proform treadmill review has these two features and you'll be safe.

At $799 the Proform 540 is a good entry level treadmill with nice features. Better yet than the Proform X models I reviewed earlier.

Recommended (walking or jogging only)

Get details on the Proform Crosswalk LXS Treadmill at Proform.com

back to proform treadmill reviews

Treadmill Tips In The News!

I'm very excited to report that Treadmill-Tips.com has just been published in the Galveston Daily News on December 15th 2005! I have a link to the full article on the Galveston Daily News website, you can read it here. I think the article is only online for a month, so if you don't red it by December 26th 2005 you'll have to check on my website as I will put a copy of it there

I promise I won't get a big ego about it, I tried that yesterday and my wife quickly knocked me down a couple of pegs.

The updates will be starting again in full force, if there is a treadmill review that you don't see on the blog that you need, drop me a line and I'll put it on the list.

Proform CrossTrainer VX Review

The Proform Crosstrainer VX treadmill is a new twist on a conventional walking treadmill. It incorporates a handy free weight rack right into the console of the treadmill.

I've got to hand it to Proform for being out on the cutting edge of design and marketing.

Proform CrossTrainer VX Review Specs

• Competitor™ Control Panel
• QuickSpeed™ Control
• Power Incline™ Control
• EKG2™ Heart Rate Monitor
• IFIT Speed® Interactive Training
• ProTech™ Cushioning
• CoolAire™ Workout Fan
• 4 Workout Programs
• 0-10 MPH
• 0-10% Incline
• 4-Window LCD Display
• 2.5 THP/1.5 CHP MACH™ Drive System
• 18 inch x 50 inch Treadbelt
• 300-lb. Weight Capacity
• 3-Year Motor Warranty

Like the Proform Crosswalk models, the Crosstrainer is a little weak in the horsepower department. It only has a 1.5 hp continuous duty motor.

The rest of the package is pretty good with the requisite standard features like speed control, power incline and heart rate monitor all standard.

I also like the fact that Proform added iFit to this treadmill at a low price.

Although I like the Proform Crosstrainer VX at $599, I think you'd be better off spending an extra $50 and moving up to the Proform 727i instead.

Not Recommended (see Proform 727i instead)

back to Proform Treadmill Reviews

Get details on the Proform Crosstrainer VX Treadmill at Proform.com

Proform Crosswalk LXS Treadmill Review

The Proform Crosswalk LXS Treadmill is a step up from the Crosswalk X Treadmill found in my previous post.

The Proform LXS treadmill has some advantages over the before mentioned Crosswalk X that are worth taking a look at.

Here are the vital specs on the Proform Crosswalk LXS Treadmill along with my review.

• 4-Window LED
• 2.25 HP Motor
• 0-10 MPH
• 1.5-10% Incline
• 17"x 50" Treadbelt
• One-Touch™ Speed Control
• Power Incline™ Control
• Adjustable Resistance Upper-Body Arms
• EKG™ Grip Pulse Sensor
• 4 Built-in Workouts
• CoolAire™ Fan
• SpaceSaver® Design
• 3-Year Motor Warranty

The Crosswalk LXS has some nice upgrades over the Cosswalk X.

For starters, you get an upgraded 4 window lcd console which tracks more information and looks lots nicer than the Crosswalk X.

Then there's the addition of a Cooaire fan that keep sweat to a minimum. Throw in a larger treadbelt (17" X 50") and 4 built-n treadmill workouts and you can see why the LXS is a far superior deal to the X.

At $499 the Proform Crosswalk LXS is a better value than the Crosswalk X

Recommended (walking only)

back to proform treadmill reviews

Get details on the Proform Crosswalk LXS Treadmill at Proform.com

Proform Crosswalk X Treadmill Review

The Proform Crosswalk X Treadmill is a new model from Proform that's their lowest price treadmill with dual action controls (meaning you can workout your upper body while walking). The Crosswalk X comes in at $399.

Like most low price treadmills, the Crosswalk X is geared toward the very casual user.

If you're looking for a treadmill to do a very light and infrequent workout with, then you could consider the Crosswalk.

Here are the vital specs on the Proform Crosswalk X Treadmill, along with my review.

Proform Crosswalk X Review Specs

• 3-Window LCD
• 2.25 HP
• 0-10 MPH
• 1.5-10% Incline
• 16"x 45" Treadbelt
• One-Touch™ Speed Control
• Power Incline™ Control
• Adjustable-Resistance Upper-Body Arms
• EKG2™ Thumb Pulse Sensor
• ProTech™ Cushioning
• SpaceSaver® Design
• 3-Year Motor Warranty

The Crosswalk treadmill is really a budget level walking treadmill geared towards casual walkers only.

The treadbelt is small at 16" X 45". That's just not enough room to even consider running on this machine.

On the plus side, the Crosswalk offers adjustable resistance upper body arms that will provide an upper body workout. Compared to the entry level Proform Pacetrainer Treadmill, the Crosswalk X is better choice for the fact that it has the ability to perform the upper body workout.

Not Recommened (see Crosswalk LXS instead)

back to proform treadmill reviews

Get details on the Proform Crosswalk X Treadmill at Proform.com

Proform Pace Trainer Treadmill Review

The Proform Pace Trainer Treadmill is a new model from Proform that's their lowest price treadmill in the current line-up coming in at a modest $399.

Before I give you my review of the Pace Trainer, I want to be clear about my feelings on low price treadmills.

I don't recommend investing under $1000 on a treadmill unless you are VERY gentle (slow walking only), and are very light weight (under 140 pounds).

The problem with cheap treadmills is that they aren't made to last. You just can't build a quality deck, flywheel and components for that kind of money.

With that said, here are the vital specs on the Proform Pace Trainer Treadmill, along with my review.

Proform Pace Trainer Review Specs

• 3-Window LCD
• 2.25 HP Motor
• 0-10 MPH
• 1.5-10% Incline
• 16" x 50" Treadbelt
• 3-Year Motor Warranty
• QuickSpeed™ Control
• Power Incline™ Control
• EKG2™ Thumb Pulse Sensor
• CoolAire™ Fan
• SpaceSaver® Design

The Pace Trainer is about as cheap a treadmill as you'll find price wise. It's got some bells and whistles like incline and folding, but lacks a good heart rate sensor (thumb) and doesn't have any built in treadmill workout parameters.

The treadmill belt is small on the Pace Trainer at 16" x 50" and is not meant to be run on. There is also a question about shock reduction in the deck - the Proform Pace Trainer isn't equiped with it, and that can be brutal on your knees.

Not recommened

back to proform treadmill reviews

Get details on the Proform Pace Trainer Treadmill at Proform.com

Proform Treadmill Reviews

If you've been searching for a treadmill for any amount of time, you've probably considered a proform treadmill as a purchase option. Proform treadmill models are manufactured by Icon Fitness, the same company that makes NordicTrack, Weslo, Image and Reebok.

Proform Treadmill Basics

Proform treadmills are considered entry level models in the treadmill market. They range in price from $399 for the Crosswalk, up to $1899 for the Proform 1800 treadmill.

Proform Treadmill Models & Reviews (by price - lowest to highest)

Proform Pace Trainer Treadmill Review
Proform Crosswalk Performance X Treadmill Review
Proform Crosswalk Performance LXS Treadmill Review
Proform CrossTrainer VX Treadmill Review
Proform CS15E --> Model Discontinued
Proform 995 SEL --> Model Discontinued
Proform 540 Treadmill Review
Proform CS11E --> Review underway
Proform 930i --> Review underway
Proform Caliber --> Review underway
Proform 5 Star Interactive Trainer 1200 --> Review underway
Proform 5 Star Interactive Trainer 1800 --> Review underway
Proform Pacetrainer --> Review underway
Proform Pacetrainer --> Review underway
Proform Pacetrainer --> Review underway
Proform Pacetrainer --> Review underway

The Proform Treadmill reviews listed above should help you get the information you need to make a good choice.

If you're not sure that a Proform Treadmill is the right choice for you, you can check my treadmill reviews on the main site.

***You can see the whole line of Proform Treadmills at Proform.com

Sears Treadmill Guide

While at the mall, many people stumble upon sears treadmills, usually while shopping for other household items like power tools, appliances or electronics.

Should you buy a Sears treadmill? The answer to that question depends on what type of treadmill you need for exercise.

Sears treadmills range from the absurdly cheap - like the Proform 495 treadmill at $400 - all the way up to the new Nordic Track Viewpoint Treadmill.

One thing you'll notice about the Sears treadmill line-up, is that they gear their treadmill selection toward the lower end of the price range.

You'll find a range of models from Proform ( 495, Crosswalk, 400, Crosswalk Advanced, and 542 treadmill). They range inprice from $399 for the Proform 495, up to $699 for the Proform 542 treadmill.

The Proform Sears treadmills are entry level, and should only be considered by people that need a very basic machine for light walking.

If you're willing to invest a bit more for a better treadmill, Sears offer some nice models from Nordic Track including the NordicTrack C2050, N2050, C2270, C2420, E3000 and the NordicTrack Viewpoint at the top end.

NordicTrack treadmill models at Sears are better machines than the Proform models. They have larger more powerful motors, better cushioning, nicer displays and stronger frames.

If you're going to buy a Sears treadmill, please do some homework before you go, as some of the sales staff in the fitness area may not have all the answers you need.

Here's a link directly to the Sears Treadmill area of their online store.

As always, if you have any questions about shopping for a Sears treadmill, please post a comment or go to my main website and get all the free information you need to make
a smart decision.

back to Treadmill main website.

Bret

Home Treadmill Basics

If you've been searching for the right home treadmill, here are some quick tips to help choose the right model for your home.

There are 7 key components to check out on any home treadmill you may be considering.

1. Motor - Opt for 2 horsepower minimum

2. Flywheel - A heavier flywheel makes for smooth operation, especially for running.

3. Rollers - Heavier rollers will keep stress off the motor and flywheel.

4. Frame - Most are steel, aluminum is better. Avoid plastic!

5. Belt - Minimum size of 20" x 55" for running. Check construction and number of ply's.

6. Deck - Get a shock absorbing deck. Spend a bit extra here, you're knees will thank you.

7. Display Console - Minimum of distance, calories and elapsed time at a bare minimum.

Buying the right home treadmill can be easier with education, if my tips listed above didn't answer your question you can post a comment here on the blog, or go to my home treadmill design guide on the main site.

Bret