When you can find a treadmill with a MSRP under ,500 (,299 specifically) that offers a fleet of premium features, then that, in my view is reason to consider the treadmill a top pick.
This is the case with the ProForm 850T Treadmill. ProForm is a very well-known fitness equipment brand. Frankly, I don't rate all of their fitness equipment items as a top pick, but they do have some nice offerings, and the 850T is one of them.
Rating a treadmill boils down to looking at the feature-set. It's very important to understand that the features I find beneficial may not necessarily be beneficial to you. This is why I recommend trying different types of treadmills and knowing your fitness goals before purchasing.
The following are some of the key features offered by the ProForm 850T Treadmill. Again, you may not agree with my assessment because you value different features than I do. For example, I prefer treadmills longer running decks and more horsepower. However, you may not need the space and prefer a smaller, quieter motor.
ProForm 850T Treadmill Features
2.5 Continuous HP Commercial Grade Motor
The motor is a major highlight of this ProForm 850T treadmill review. A lot of treadmills selling in this price range don't offer a lot of power, but this one has 2.5 continuous HP backed by commercial quality. A commercial motor means the treadmill is designed to withstand more constant use and more intense workouts. If it is designed to stand up to repetitive foot traffic in a commercial setting, then you can rest assured it will hold up to the workouts you want to put it through.
Commercial motors are essential if more than one person will be using your treadmill or if it will be used for intense workouts on a daily basis. With the reasonable price tag on this treadmill, it is a great option for busy houses or intense workout goals.
Cushioned 55 Inch Tread Belt
This is a nice treadmill length for a model within this price range. You aren't going to get much longer unless you go into the higher price range for a 60" model. Most users can hit full stride when running and walking on a tread belt of this length and it is rather standard for treadmills selling in this price range.
The cushioning is a nice feature as it protects your lower body joints. You won't absorb as much of the pressure from your workout as you would running or walking outdoors on hard pavement. You can now get cushioning on most treadmills around ,000 and even on some lower priced treadmills, so this was expected when I did the research for my ProForm 850T treadmill review.
Incline and Speed: 12% and 12 MPH
This treadmill will go up to 12 mph and will rise to 12% incline. This is a respectable range of power and incline, especially when compared with that of other treadmills within this price range. This is more than enough speed and incline to ensure your workouts are effective and challenging. You will have room to grow in cardiovascular strength and endurance without outgrowing the limits of your treadmill.
20 Plus Workout Options
You get a nice variety of workouts programmed into the console, which ensures you won't get bored anytime soon with this treadmill. You can choose between workouts that burn a specific amount of calories, those that are timed, and those that are designed to cover a specific distance. These options can coordinate easily to your specific fitness goals.
iFit Live Module Compatible
You have the option of purchasing a separate module for iFit Live technology. The module connects to the console and allows you to connect your treadmill to your computer. What you do then is practically without limit.
Imagine stepping on your treadmill and walking or jogging through real pathways located all around the world. Imagine doing workouts designed by the best trainers, including the famous Jillian Michaels. Imagine connecting with Facebook friends and other iFit Live users for virtual races that help you train for an upcoming 5K or even a marathon.
All of this, plus more, is possible with iFit Live. Even though you do have to purchase the module separately, this is one of the biggest highlights of this ProForm 850T treadmill review. You will never again be bored through your at-home workouts! You will want to workout all the time.
Manual Heart Rate Tracking
You can track your heart rate through sensors located on the front handlebars. Just wrap your hands around the sensors and look to the consoles to see your heart rate readout. There are some treadmills within this price range that offer wireless heart rate monitoring, but they don't all come with the exceptional warranty that you will find through ProForm.
Warranty
ProForm is known for their great lifetime warranties and you do get that coverage on the frame. The motor coverage is for 25 years, which is still very impressive within this price range. You also get 1 year of coverge for parts and labor.
Note that iFit Live is not available for all treadmills on the market. If you're seeking this feature, you must specifically look for it. Fortunately, many treadmills offer iFit Live.
In my view the features I set out above are features that are good treadmill features given the price. When choosing a treadmill one must always consider price. In an ideal world one can buy a fully-premium-featured treadmill for under a ,000. However, that is simply no the case.
