AFG 5.3AT Electric Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Motor	Console	Warranty
AFG 5.3AT Check Discounted Price	L:77" W:35" H:64"	350 lbs	2.75 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH	14 programs, Livetrack	Frame: Lifetime Motor: Lifetime Parts: 5 years Labor: 2 years

Since it’s not a “Sport” model, such as the AFG Sport 5.5AT, the 5.3AT treadmill from Advanced Fitness Group offers quite a bit more. It has a more powerful motor, a larger running surface, and a higher weight capacity. However, it does not have the tablet-like console such as the AFG 7.3AT. It’s a well-built running machine, with a deck construction similar to some of the commercial models. So, if you’re looking for a sturdy and versatile treadmill in a budget under $1,000, this may be one to put on your list.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 77L x 35W x 64H inches (196L x 90W x 163H cm)
• Assembled weight: 260 lbs (118 kg)
• Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (153L x 51W cm)
• Maximum user weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
• Motor: 2.75 CHP
• Incline: Automatic, 0%-15%
• Deck cushioning: MaxComfort™
• Speed levels: 0.5-12 MPH
• Console: 14 workout applications
• Amenities: Sound system, cooling fan, accessory trays, tablet tray
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 5 year / Labor 2 years

Frame and deck construction

The machine’s frame construction shares many similarities to the AFG 7.3AT. To begin with, it’s a heavy-duty, all-steel frame, coated with a corrosion resistant and scratch resistant paint finish. Its deck offers a running surface of 60″ x 20″ (153 x 51 cm). This means that user with a height up to 6’5″ (195 cm) should be able to run at full speed without feeling restricted by the length of the belt. The deck is also rated for a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs (159 kg), similar to many commercial grade treadmills.

The deck incorporates large crowned rollers to supply smooth traction for the belt. Each roller is equipped with high-grade ball bearings, delivering a smooth operation. The crowned design of the rollers also promotes a longer lifespan for the belt. The belt itself is a 1.4mm, 2-ply heavy-duty, high-traction model, resistant to stretching, and easy to adjust in case it is required.

Since the treadmill features a 60″ x 20″ running surface, it goes without saying that it’s not exactly a small fitness machine. When fully assembled, it is 77″ (196 cm) long and 35″ (90 cm) wide, which pretty much means it won’t fit well in a small room. Also, Advanced Fitness Group recommends leaving at least three feet of clearance on its sides and at least seven feet of clearance at the rear for optimal safety. However, you should still be able to use this treadmill in a smaller area.

On the good side, though, the AFG 5.3AT treadmill is a foldable unit. The deck folds up and locks onto the left console mast. The folding mechanism integrates a hydraulic cylinder which assists with the unfolding of the deck to prevent it from sustaining damage. With the deck folded up, the length of the machine is reduced to 46″ (117 cm), and it gains a few inches in height as the folded up deck will exceed the top part of the console.

The front base of the frame is equipped with two adjustable stabilizers. These allow you to perfectly level the machine on any type of flooring. Stability shouldn’t be a problem for this treadmill, though, as it weighs over 250 lbs, and this weight adds a lot of stability. The rear and the midsection of the frame have wheels which facilitate the relocation of the machine if needed.

The deck of the AFG 5.3AT is equipped with the MaxComfort™ cushioning system which consists of four shock absorption elements on each side of the deck. The running impact is considerably diminished, which results in less workout-related pain. This can give you the possibility to undertake longer workouts, with a lesser risk.

Incline and step-up height

This AFG treadmill features a motorized incline system which consists of a small motor and a lever, situated at the front of the deck. Evidently, since it’s a motorized incline system, the ramp of the deck can only be controlled from the console unit. As you select an incline setting, the lever will slowly elevate or lower the front of the deck.

The machine offers an incline range between 0% and 15%, which is not bad for a model in this price range. Running at 10-12 MPH with an incline of 15% is quite a consistent workout which not many users can sustain for more than several minutes.

The incline can be gradually adjusted from the + / – controls incorporated in the left handle of the treadmill, or you can quickly select an incline setting from the quick 1-15 keys on the left of the console. In case you’re wondering, the gradual incline adjustment increments are 0.5%.

Evidently, some of the onboard programs of the machine use the incline. Therefore, by using one of these programs the deck auto-adjusts its incline depending on the current segment of the workout.

The deck step-up height is approx. 9″ (23 cm), and the incline will add several inches to the total elevation. Therefore, to avoid any ceiling issues, add at least 20″ (51 cm) to your own height and compare the result with the ceiling height in the room where the machine will be in use.

Motor

The AFG 5.3AT treadmill is equipped with a heavy-duty, 2.75 CHP motor, powerful enough to sustain long running sessions, without overheating or losing performance. It integrates a small flywheel which adds balance to the rotation motion, resulting in a smoother movement of the tread belt.

The peed range offered by this running machine is 0.5-12 MPH (0.8 – 20 km/h). Just as the incline, the speed can be adjusted gradually, from the controls integrated into the right grip, or you can quickly select a speed setting from the 1-12 (MPH) keys on the right side of the console.

The starting speed point is 0.5 MPH, but above it, there are 0.1 MPH increments available. This is quite a plus as you can easily find the pace that fits perfectly to your own height.

The motor itself is fairly quiet, the level of noise produced by it shouldn’t interfere with your TV, the music played through the console or your personal sound system. Most of the sound that you will hear during your running, is the sound of your cadence.

Control unit

The AFG 5.3AT features a pretty advanced console, but as we’ve mentioned above, it doesn’t have the “tablet-like” display of the 7.3AT model. It has an 8.5″ LCD display with blue LED backlight, which monitors time, distance, speed, incline, calories, and pulse. Distance is also displayed as a 1/4 miles (400 m) track divided into segments of 50 m, while the right side of the display shows how many laps you have completed.

The unit can monitor your heart rate via the ERGOfit™ contact grips found in the front handlebars of the unit. The console also integrates a wireless HR receiver and can monitor your pulse via an HR chest strap. The HR chest strap is not included, though.

The console doesn’t have online connectivity. Therefore, you won’t be able to track your progress, share your results with others, or compete with others online. However, it has the LiveTrack function which is essentially an integrated workout journal which allows you to track your fitness progress over time without the need of other apps. LiveTrack shows you your personal best for various onboard programs, the results of our last 5 workouts, workout totals etc.

In terms of workout programs, the console unit of the AFG 5.3AT offers 14. These are Manual, Weight Loss, Muscle Toner, Strength Builder, Speed Intervals, Peak Intervals, 5K / 10K, Trail Run, Trail Climb, The Tour, Max Cardio, and two custom programs. Each one of these programs has its own specifics. Some of them aim to improve your overall endurance, others are for weight loss or specifically designed for improving your fitness level etc. Most of them have several levels of difficulty. And of course, the Custom programs give you the possibility to craft your own desired program. The programs are easy to use and adjust. Each one has its own key on the console.

The machine’s console unit also has several amenities. Among them, we can count a cooling fan, sound system, tablet shelf and two accessory trays. The sound system consists of two Sonic Surround™ speakers and is compatible with most smartphones, tablets and MP3 players. The cooling fan is placed at the top of the console. It’s not a very large fan but can provide a bit of cooling if needed. The tablet holder consists of a small ledge under the main keys of the programs. It’s long and large enough to accommodate any tablet.

Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s deck with its motors, belt, rollers and other parts comes pre-assembled. So, the assembly only requires you to add the front console masts, the console and connect the wires. This shouldn’t take longer than 20-30 min. The included manual provides all the necessary tips for assembly. Also, the tools required for the task.

Maintenance requires the deck to be lubricated every six months (or after every 150 miles), in order to deliver and maintain optimal performance. Apart from that, it is recommended to periodically vacuum under the deck and wipe the tread belt in order to prevent any textile fibers or small objects to be dragged into the motor and cause damage to it.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame construction, similar to commercial models;
• Solid deck, being able to support users up to 350 lbs;
• Folding frame, space-saving design;
• MaxComfort™ deck cushioning system designed to alleviate a part of the running impact;
• Motorized incline, 0% – 15%, with increments of 0.5%
• 2.75 CHP motor, speeds up to 12 MPH;
• Speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout; 
• EGK pulse sensors integrated into handlebars;
• Wireless HR receiver built-in the console;
• 8.5″ LCD display, with backlight;
• 14 workout programs;
• Goal setting functions for time, calories and distance;
• 2 user profiles;
• Integrated performance tracking via the Livetrack app;
• Various amenities such as sound system, cooling fan, media holder or reading rack, accessory trays;
• Quiet operation;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No online connectivity;
• Cooling fan is not too powerful;
• A tablet or magazine placed on the tablet holder may cover the controls of the console.

Summary

The AFG 5.3AT is a treadmill a light-commercial construction, offering a motorized incline, a 0.5-12 MPH speed range, and a 2.75 CHP motor designed to withstand prolonged workout routines. It’s equipped with a versatile console, featuring a large LCD display with backlight, 14 workouts with several levels, and various other applications such as calendar, clock, the Livetrack progress tracking app etc. It’s a machine for users of all levels, great for cardio, strength, stamina, intervals, weight loss, but also for muscle toning or recovery training. Finally, considering its range of features, versatility, construction quality and the fact that it’s priced for less than $1,000, we can safely say that it offers an excellent value for the price.