| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ProForm Boston Marathon 4.0 Check Discounted Price | L:73" W:37" H:64" | 400 lbs | 4.25 CHP, 0-15 MPH | 46 workouts, iFit enabled, Onboard marathon training, Android browser | Frame: lifetime Motor: lifetime Parts: 6 years Labor: 3 year |
Although the ProForm Boston Marathon 4.0 was released in 2014, it still is one of the best in the business. And for the price it comes with, it definitely offers a lot of value.
Whether or not you want to specifically train for the Boston Marathon, the ProForm treadmill with the same name will still offer you the complete runner’s setup for indoors training. This particular treadmill model not only that has just about all the belts and whistles that you would want from a fitness machine of this sort, it also has an extremely solid construction, top-quality internal components, and a cutting edge console.
Since it’s quite an inclusive treadmill, there’s a lot to be said about each and every feature and function that it offers. Therefore, within this particular post we’ll try to fully cover all of them.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 73L x 37W x 64H inches (185.4L x 94W x 162.5H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 62L x 20W inches (157.4L x 51W cm)
- Supported weight: 400 lbs (181.4 kg)
- Motor: 4.25 CHP
- Incline: Automatic, 0%-20%
- Decline: Automatic -6% – 0%
- Deck cushioning: Yes, adjustable
- Speed levels: 0-15 MPH, wireless speed control
- Console: 10″ display, Wi-Fi enabled, iFit enabled, Android browser built-in, Dual 8″ CoolAire fans, 3″ speakers
- Training programs: Onboard marathon training, 46 preset workouts, goal setting, iFit programs, Google Maps tracks
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 6 years / Electronics 6 years / Labor 3 years
Frame
Since it features a rather heavy deck, it goes without saying that the treadmill’s frame is also pretty solid, steel-made, coated with corrosion and scratch resistant paint. There are several plastic parts within the composition of the frame, such as the elements that cover the joints between the upright masts and the base of the frame. Evidently, these components only have a cosmetic role, without being important for the stability or sturdiness of the machine.
At the front, the base rests on two adjustable stabilizers, with round, rubber caps, while at the rear rests on two rectangular, non-adjustable feet. The front of the frame also integrates transport wheels, in order to facilitate the relocation of the assembled machine.
The ProForm Boston Marathon 4.0 treadmill doesn’t have an extremely wide footprint compared with other treadmills. It takes 73″L x 37″W (185.4 x 94 cm) of floor space. The frame doesn’t feature a folding design. It’s also a rather heavy machine, with a weight over 200 lbs. So, these being said, it’s for the best that this treadmill should be assembled in the place where it’s supposed to be used.
The design of this treadmill is quite a bit different from other similar fitness machines within this price category. And when it comes to the frame, the handrails are set aslant, not horizontally. This gives you more space for arm movement, and eliminates the possibility to hit your hands or arms on the handrails as you run.
A PVC molded accessory tray is also supplied with this treadmill. This part is supposed to be attached by the front part of the console, but you can choose to leave it unattached, in case you won’t be using it. This tray can serve as a holder for your water bottle, remote control, phone etc.
Deck and running surface
The ProForm Boston Marathon 4.0 offers one of the best decks that you can find. It’s a commercial standard deck, featuring 2.5″ balanced, precision-machined and non-flex rollers. Large rollers of this size diminish the tension of the tread belt, thus minimizing wear and tear. 
The rollers supply a superior grip onto the tread belt, while the noise generated by them is minimal.
The deck is furnished with the Runners Flex™ Impact Control. This is an adjustable cushioning system that allows you to control the hardness of your run. In other words, you have the possibility to train on asphalt hardness, off-road hadness, or simply train for comfort, with maximum cushioning. The suspension system can reduce up to 35% of the running impact on your joints, resulting in a much safer overall training.
The treadmill uses a 2-ply, stretch resistant, commercial grade belt. Due to the large rollers, and the powerful motor, you can be sure that the belt won’t choke, and function smoothly, even if you’re closer to the maximum supported weight of the machine.
The deck is designed slightly different than in other treadmills. It has a more compact, yet simple design. One of the most important aspects to mention here is the complete absence of the front motor cover, present in many other models such as the Sole TT8, ProForm 505 CST, or 3G Elite Cardio Runner. The simple absence of this part gives more freedom in running, eliminating the possibility to step on it, or developing bad running habits.
This treadmill offers a professional running surface of 60″L x 22″W (157.4 x 51 cm). This being said, the treadmill offers a comfortable running surface for runners up to 6’5″ (196 cm), or runners with an inseam up to 36-37 (91-94 cm). Differently put, the treadmills running surface is roomy, feeling also amplified by the extra elbow room, due to the handrails positioning.
Incline
The ProForm Boston Marathon 4.0 features a motorized incline / decline mechanism. This means it can only be adjusted via the machine’s console. Evidently, you can adjust the incline freely, as you run, but in case you use one of the on-board training programs, an iFit program, or a GoogleMaps route, the machine will adjust incline or decline automatically.
The maximum incline that can be reached is 20%, or approx. 12°. Decline can go to -6%, which is about 3.5°. The incline feature consistently broadens the workout spectrum that can be carried out on this machine. And to give you an idea of the consistency of workouts offered, a non-professional runner shouldn’t be able to hold up more than a couple of minutes, running at cca 10 MPH, with a 15% incline.
At 0% incline, the deck will give you an elevation of cca 14″ from the floor level. Therefore, it’s best to add this to your own height, plus a couple more inches, in order to determine the required ceiling height for the room where you will be using the treadmill. At maximum (20%) incline, the front part of the treadmill is cca 24″ from the floor level. However, at maximum incline you won’t be at the deck’s highest point, so your overall height on the treadmill won’t be increased by a lot. To put it differently, a 6′ (183 cm) user should still have 10″ of head clearance in a room with a standard 8′ ceiling height.
Motor
The motor equipped on this ProForm running machine model is a 4.25 CHP Maxh Z™ model. It’s a commercial grade motor, quite powerful and resistant, made to withstand prolonged use, at high speeds without heating up. As the product’s name suggests, it’s a treadmill designed to offer the training setting required by a marathon runner.
It offers a speed range from 0 to 15 MPH. Just as the incline, speed can be adjusted manually, but in case you’re using a preloaded or downloaded workout routine, it adjusts speed automatically.
The motor is also quiet compared with the motors supplied with other treadmills. Even if the user is close to the maximum supported weight (400 lbs), it should not manifest any decrease in performance, speed, or overheat.
Console and other accessories
The Boston Marathon treadmill is furnished with a cutting edge console, quite similar with a tablet featuring a 10-inch, color display. Actually, the console incorporates an iFit module, and comes with an Android browser app, making Internet connection and web browsing available, 
via WiFi connection. Evidently, since it’s iFit enabled, you can connect to the iFit database to upload your results, measure your progress, compete with other iFit members, download custom workouts, or run anywhere in the world with customizable Goolge Maps tracks. The console also gives you the possibility to watch high-definition videos with simulated workouts.
The console comes with an impressive database of built-in workout programs itself, including 10 calorie workouts, 10 intensity workouts, 10 incline workouts, 10 speed workouts and 6 iFit demo workouts. It also gives you the possibility to setup goals for your workout, involving time, distance or calories.
The console’s display covers the following information regarding your workout: current incline and speed setting, calories burned, calories per hour, distance, time, number of vertical feet climbed, pace per mile, and heart rate. There is also a running track function representing distance in 1/4 miles (400 m), the console indicating the current lap number.
The speed can be adjusted from the keys on the console, but there is also the possibility of wireless speed control. The treadmill comes with a small remote (SpeedRing™) device which you can strap onto your fingers and adjust speed as you run, without touching the console, and without altering your workout routine. The speed keys on the remote control and console are both short and long press functions. A short press will adjust speed in increments of 0.1 MPH, 
while a long press will adjust speed in by 0.5 MPH. The same goes for incline.
The treadmill’s console is compatible with ANT+ heart rate transmitters, and HR is exclusively measured via such a device. A HR transmitter is supplied with the box, with two, adjustable straps, of different sizes.
Apart from the features and functions mentioned, the console also integrates a sound system, which is compatible with most MP3 devices, tablets or smartphones. The sound system actually features 3-inch speakers, which supply decent quality sound. The sound, music track and other elements are adjusted from your own plugged in device.
Last but not least, this treadmill also has a CoolAire™ fan system, featuring 8-inch fans, attached to the console upright bars. Given the placement of the fans, the air current generated by them is directed to your thighs and core, actually cooling the most important muscles involved in a running workout. The fans feature two speed settings.
Assembly and Maintenance
Putting together this treadmill is far from being a complicated process. The included manual provides clear instructions for it. However, since the machine is heavy, it may require 2-3 people. The treadmill’s deck comes already assembled and attached to the base of the frame. So, basically all you need to do is attach the upright bars of the console, the console itself, and connect the wires. This should take 30 minutes, tops.
Once the treadmill is assembled and fully functional, it’s important to go online and register it with ProFormService, in order for the warranty to be activated, and to be notified in the future about software updates or offers.
Maintenance requires the periodical cleaning of the tread belt with a damp cloth. Lubrication may be required every 5-6 months, if the treadmill is consistently used. But the belt is coated with high-performance lubricant, so its lubrication should last for a long while.
The Pros
- Commercial quality, sturdy construction;
- Streamlined design, aiming to offer more arm space, and eliminating the huge motor cover, many treadmills have;
- 400 lbs weight capacity;
- Adjustable cushioning;
- Motorized incline and decline;
- Commercial grade motor, 4.25 CHP;
- Up to 15 MPH speed;
- Wireless speed adjustment;
- Large rollers, 2.5″ supplying a consistent and constant grip;
- 2-ply, commercial quality belt, stretch-resistant;
- Touchscreen console, similar to a tablet
- Online connectivity, Android browser;
- iFit enabled, which opens superior progress measuring possibilities, a wide array of custom workouts, running via Google Maps, competing with others, and more;
- Onboard marathon training;
- 46 onboard programs;
- Sound system – featuring two 3″ speakers;
- Cooling system – featuring two 8″ fans;
- Quiet machine;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Consistent maintenance package.
The Cons
- When using the browser, the keys for the fan, speed, incline, and volume will still function, but the workout keys won’t;
- iFit membership not included;
- No USB charging port.
Final Word
The ProForm Boston Marathon 4.0 is indeed a treadmill that stands up to its name. It can provide the training setting for a professional marathon runner, but nonetheless, it’s a treadmill for users of all levels. It combines top-quality components, with a streamlined, minimalistic design, giving the runner a lot of movement freedom. On top of that, it’s furnished with a state-of-the-art console, with online connectivity, and a wide array of programs. Needless to say, it’s a machine great for cardio, muscle toning, interval training, stamina building, and of course, for losing weight. And finally, for what it offers, we can safely say it comes with an excellent price.