ProForm 705 CST Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline	Motor	Console
ProForm 705 CST Check Discounted Price	L:79" W:37" H:58.5"	325 lbs	Automatic, 0%-12%	2.75 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH	22 programs, iFit enabled, Telemetric

The ProForm 705 CST is a mid-range treadmill designed for home use, but for a home-use machine does offer an impressive range of features. For example, its console not only that it’s iFit enabled, it also offers 22 workout programs, along with several amenities.

The first ProForm 705 CST model was released at the end of 2010. However, this is the 2016 version, the PFTL80916. There’s a lot to be said about this trainer, and in this review, we’ll try to cover all of its features in detail.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 79L x 37W x 58.5H inches (201L x 94W x 149H cm)
• Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 51W cm)
• Assembled weight: 201 lbs (91 kg)
• Supported weight: 325 lbs (147 kg)
• Motor: 2.75 CHP
• Incline: Automatic, 0%-12%
• Deck cushioning: ProShox (3-cell)
• Speed range: 0.5-12 MPH
• Console: 22 workout programs, Bluetooth and iFit enabled
• Extras: Sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, accessory trays
• Warranty: Frame Lifetime/ Motor lifetime / Parts 2 years / Labor 1 year

Frame & deck

The ProForm 705 CST features a steel-made frame with a heavy construction; the fully assembled unit weighs approx. 201 lbs (91 kg). All this weight provides an excellent stability, and on top of that, its rear base has a set of adjustable stabilizers. The front base rests on rubber pads for a superior grip onto the floor, while the middle base is equipped with two transport wheels which facilitate the relocation of the unit.

Although this ProForm treadmill is a machine designed for home use, it’s still fairly large. It takes 79″L x 37″W (201 x 94 cm) of floor space, and on top of that, it requires at least a few feet of clearance at the rear and at least two feet of clearance on each side for safe operation.

The unit’s deck is foldable, though. You can lift it up and lock it with the latch on the left console mast. It’s important to mention here that it doesn’t have a “soft-drop” folding mechanism like the Schwinn 870 MY17, for example. So, when unfolding the deck, you have to hold it and lower it all the way down yourself. With the deck folded all the way up, the machine’s dimensions become 37″L x 37″W x 71″H (94 x 94 x 180 cm).

The treadmill’s deck features a really sturdy construction. First of all, it’s designed to support users up to 325 lbs (147 kg), which is pretty impressive for a home-use unit. The belt offers a running surface of 60″L x 20″W (152.4 x 51 cm). Therefore, it accommodates users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) promoting a natural stride.

The deck integrates 1.9″ precision-machined, non-flex, and crowned rollers which provide an excellent traction for the belt. They’re equipped with industrial grade ball bearings for a long lifespan and smooth operation.

Like other ProForm treadmills, such as the Performance 400i or the 505 CST, this one has the ProShox™ deck cushioning system. It consists of three spring cells on each side of the deck, which can attenuate up to 25% of the stress on the joints. This being said, a run or walk on this treadmill results in less workout-related pain and gives you the possibility to exercise for a longer period of time.

Last but not least, the unit’s frame features a durable, corrosion-resistant paint finish. The colors used are black for the base frame and gray for the console masts.

Incline & step-up height

The ProForm 705 CST features an automatic incline system. This means you can only adjust the incline of the deck if the unit is connected to a power source. The incline adjustment can only be done from the unit’s console. Also, if you use one of the exercise programs that involve incline, the console will auto-adjust the ramp of the deck according to each part of that particular program.

The incline system consists of a small motor and two levers, one on each side of the deck. When you select an incline level, the levers will lift or lower the front of the deck accordingly.

This treadmill’s incline range is 0%-12%. It can be adjusted in increments of 1%. The console offers buttons for gradual incline adjustment, but there also are quick keys from 0 to 12, covering all the incline settings.

The deck’s step-up height is approx. 8″ (20 cm). Also, with the incline set up at maximum, the front of the deck will provide an elevation of approx. 13.5″ (34 cm). Therefore, to avoid any issues, it’s recommended to place and use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 15″ (38 cm) higher than your own height.

Motor

The Proform 705 CST treadmill features a motor similar in capacity to the one on the Schwinn MY16 830. It’s a 2.75 CHP motor, designed to support running workouts, and providing a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. The motor features a small flywheel as well, an element which improves the rotation stability, also reducing vibration.

The starting speed for the belt is 0.5 MPH, but up from this point, the console offers adjustment increments of 0.1 MPH. This is actually quite a plus because it gives you the possibility to find the perfect pace for your workout.

The gradual adjustment speed controls on the console have dual-function. By pressing them shortly, the speed will adjust in increments of 0.1 MPH, and by pressing and holding, the speed will adjust in 0.5 MPH increments. Just as for the incline, the console offers quick keys for speed adjustment from 0 to 12 MPH.

In case you’re wondering, the level of noise generated by the motor is minimal. However, just as for any treadmill, your cadence will generate noise, especially if you engage in a running workout. However, even so, running on this treadmill shouldn’t cover the sound of your TV or sound system.

Control unit

The treadmill’s console is up to a point similar to the one on the ProForm PRO 5000. It’s equipped with a 5″ LCD display with blue LED backlight, which considerably improves its readability. The display covers all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, number of vertical feet climbed, speed, incline, calories, and heart rate. It also has an intensity bar which indicates the approximate intensity level of your workout. And of course, the mid-section of the display shows the grid of the workout program in use.

There are both metric and imperial unit settings available for the speed and distance calculation. Distance traveled is also indicated in the My Trail tab as a 1/4 mile (400 m) race track, which counts the completed laps.

The console is telemetric. It can track your pulse rate via a Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitter. The console is compatible with all Bluetooth Smart heart rate strap monitors. An HR strap is not included, though, but you can still monitor your pulse by using the EKG sensors in the front handlebars.

The console is iFit enabled. This means you can sync it with any smartphone, tablet or laptop that has the iFit app installed, in order to directly stream your workout data to your iFit account. An iFit membership is not included with the treadmill, though.

There are 22 workout programs on the machine’s control unit. They’re divided into four categories, each category having its own button. The categories are Incline, Speed, Intensity, and Calorie. Each workout program is displayed as a segmented grid. One speed setting and one incline setting are programmed for each segment. During the workout, the profiles on the speed and incline tabs show your progress.

In terms of amenities, the unit’s console integrates a sound system, a cooling fan, a tablet holder and two accessory trays. The sound system consists of two large speakers, one on each side of the unit. The console has an audio jack input so you can connect it to your phone, tablet or MP3 player and listen to your music through the integrates speakers. There are also volume controls available on the console.

The cooling fan is placed at the bottom of the unit. According to various users, this cooling fan is considerably more powerful than for the previous unit. It has several intensity settings.

The tablet tray is placed at the top of the console unit. It has an adherent surface to prevent your tablet or phone from sliding off. It’s large enough to accommodate any tablet. And finally, the two accessory trays are placed one on each side of the console. They’re fairly large so they can store a wide array of hydration bottles, or other small accessories.

Assembly and Maintenance

The treadmill’s deck, with the incline motor, drive motor, belt, and rollers, comes already assembled and attached to the front metallic base of the frame. Therefore, the assembly only requires you to add the console masts and the console, connecting the cables. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 min. Hex keys for assembly are included, but you will also need your own adjustable wrench and a Phillips screwdriver. Also, the manual provides excellent step-by-step instructions.

For maintenance, it’s recommended to periodically check the machine for loose bolts and parts, and retighten them if necessary. The tread belt must be kept clean, free of any textile fibers, dirt or any other objects that may be caught in the motor. As for lubrication, the deck comes pre-waxed from the factory and shouldn’t require any further lubrication for a long period of time.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame construction;
• Solid deck, being able to support users up to 325 lbs;
• Space-saving design (the deck folds up);
• ProShox cushioning, with three suspension cells on each side;
• Motorized incline with a range between 0% – 12%;
• 2.75 CHP motor offering 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;
• Telemetric console – can read pulse from any Bluetooth Smart HR chest strap transmitter;
• Bluetooth and iFit enabled;
• 22 workout programs;
• Sound system included;
• Cooling fan included;
• Tablet holder included;
• Accessory trays included;
• Quiet operation;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No user profile settings;
• An iFit membership is not included;
• HR chest strap is not included.

Summary

The ProForm 705 CST is a mid-range, motorized treadmill. It’s equipped with a 2.75 CHP drive motor, it offers 12 automatic incline settings and has 22 programs on the console. It’s Bluetooth Smart and iFit enabled, so you can directly stream your workout data online. It has a sturdy construction and a folding frame. In all, it’s a machine for home use, for light to intense cardio workouts, weight loss, interval training or stamina development. It’s not the most affordable running machine but does have an excellent price/quality ratio.