| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ProForm 400i Check Discounted Price | L:73.25" W:35.5" H:59.75" | 300 lbs | 2.50 CHP, 1-10 MPH | 18 workouts, Bluetooth and iFit enabled | Frame: Lifetime Motor: 25 years Parts: 1 year Labor: 1 year |
As its number suggests, the ProForm Performance 400i treadmill is placed between the 300i and 600i models in terms of specs. It’s a machine intended for home use. It can support running, not just walking or jogging, and features a motorized incline system. It’s also one of the best treadmills that you can find at the moment in this price range. Also, in case you’re wondering, this is the ProForm treadmill with the part number PFTL59515.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 73.25L x 35.5W x 59.75H inches (186L x 90W x 152H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 55L x 20W inches (140L x 51W cm)
- Shipping weight: 200 lbs (91 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Motor: 2.50 CHP
- Incline: Automatic, 0-10%
- Deck cushioning: ProShox (2-cell)
- Speed range: 0-10 MPH
- Console: Bluetooth and iFit ready, 18 programs
- Amenities: Sound system, tablet holder, accessory trays
- Warranty: Frame Lifetime/ Motor 25 years / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year
Frame and deck
The ProForm 400i is slightly smaller than the 600i model. But still, it’s a fairly large fitness machine, taking 73.25″ x 35.5″ (186 x 90 cm) of floor space. On top of that, you’ll have to add the clearance space required for the proper use of the machine, which is at 
least 3′ at the rear, and at least 2′ on each side. The deck can fold up, though, which reduces its length by approx. half, making providing better storage possibilities. Its folding mechanism doesn’t include a soft-drop hydraulic element, so when lowering the deck it’s recommended to safely lower it yourself. When folding it up, the deck locks onto the left console mast with a latch pin. Also, as a general idea, in order to lift and fold/unfold the deck, you should be able to lift 45 lbs.
Even though it’s a mid-range treadmill, it’s still a fairly heavy machine. Its assembled weight is close to 200 lbs (91 kg), which means that its assembly requires two people. However, once it is fully assembled, its relocation can be done with ease, as its front base integrates transport wheels. On the other hand, this heavy-weight can also be a plus. It renders the machine more stable, performing better during running workouts.
Evidently, its frame is made of steel, actually being rated for a maximum user capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg). All its steel elements feature a black powder coating, resistant to corrosion, this being the only color available for this particular model.The side rail covers are made of PVC though, along with several other protective covers (i.e. motor cover, joint covers etc).
The ProForm Performance 400i treadmill offers a running surface of 55″L x 20″W (140 x 51 cm), being able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’1″ – 6’2″ (185 – 188 cm). It’s powered by a heavy-duty belt, resistant to stretching. It integrates 1.9″ balanced and precision machined rollers, with sealed ball bearings, designed to last for many years of use. It also has 2 ProShox cushioning cells (on each side), which absorb up to 20% of your workout impact. This results in less pain during training and longer workouts.
Incline and step-up height
This ProForm treadmill is equipped with a motorized incline system, which means that its incline can only be adjusted from the control unit. Its incline system consists of a small lift connected to the front base of the frame, which is powered by a small motor. When 
adjusting incline, the front part of the deck will slowly elevate.
The machine’s incline system provides an incline range between 0%-10%. It’s not an extreme incline range as for commercial gym machine, but this feature allows you to put a lot of diversity into your workouts. Some of the onboard workouts, as well as some of the iFit available workouts, involve incline. Therefore, if you choose to exercise by using one of these workouts, the machine will adjust its incline automatically.
The control unit features keys for the gradual adjustment of the incline, placed on the left of the safety key. However, it also integrates controls for quick incline adjustment, for the levels 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
The deck has a step-up height of approx. 7″ (17 cm) at 0% incline, and will raise by a few inches when the incline is set at 10%. Differently put, in order to avoid any ceiling height issues, before ordering this ProForm treadmill make sure that the ceiling height in the room where you will be using it, exceeds your own height by at least 17″ – 18″.
Drive motor and speed range
The Proform Performance 400i treadmill is equipped with a drive motor similar in capacity to the one on the AFG Sport 5.5 AT. It’s a 2.5 CHP motor, designed to support running workouts, and providing a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 10 MPH. The motor features a small flywheel as well, an element which improves the rotation stability, also reducing vibration.
The drive motor itself does not generate a lot of noise. However, just as for any treadmill, the cadence does generate the characteristic “thumping” sound, 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.
The starting speed for the tread belt is 0.5 MPH, but the machine offers the possibility to adjust the speed in 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 incline, the console also features quick speed controls for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 MPH.
Console
The Proform Performance treadmill 400i is equipped with a console similar to the one on the 600i model. It features an LED-type display and can track watts, pace, calories, distance, time, also indicating the selected incline and speed levels. Speed can be 
calculated in both MPH and km/h, while distance can be tracked in miles or kilometers. The console is set by default to track these metrics in MPH and miles.
The console unit is iFit enabled and features Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can sync it with your smartphone, tablet or laptop in order to directly transfer your workout data to your iFit account, and also access the iFit Coach app. Just as the other new models, the console includes the iFit module which makes the connection between the treadmill’s console and your device. However, the treadmill does not include an iFit membership. Via iFit, you can also access loads of virtual trails from Google Maps anywhere in the world. It also gives you the possibility to virtually compete with other users, or benefit from custom workouts. The iFit Coach app will actually send you one brand new workout daily.
But even if you won’t use the iFit feature, this ProForm treadmill still has 18 workout programs to choose from. They’re divided into two categories, 9 Tempo Workouts, and 9 Interval Workouts. A Recovery Test is also included. And of course, you can still use the Manual Mode, and adjust the speed and incline as you like, during your workouts.
The control unit is telemetry enabled. Not only that it can track your pulse via the EKG grip sensors integrated into the front handlebars, it’s also compatible with HR chest strap transmitters. The console is actually compatible with all Bluetooth smart heart rate monitors of this sort.
When it comes to amenities, this treadmill doesn’t have a cooling fan. However, it still has a sound system, a tablet holder, and two molded cups into its dashboard which can host small accessories, such as earplugs, TV remote, keys etc. The sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets. Its jack is right above the safety key, along with the volume controls. The tablet holder attaches to the top of the console and can accommodate most full-size tablets.
Assembly and Maintenance
The treadmill’s deck, the incline, and drive motors, belt and rollers come already assembled, and attached to the front 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;
- Folding deck, space-saving design;
- ProShox cushioning, with two suspension cells on each side;
- Motorized incline, 0% – 10%;
- 2.50 CHP motor, speeds up to 10 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;
- Telemetry enabled console;
- 18 pre-loaded programs;
- Various amenities such as sound system, tablet holder, accessory trays;
- Bluetooth and iFit enabled;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- iFit membership not included.
- HR chest strap not included.
Bottom Line
The ProForm Performance 400i treadmill is a fitness machine intended for home use. It’s equipped with a 2.5 CHP drive motor and motorized incline. It offers a speed range between 0.5 and 10 MPH, and an incline range between 0%-10%. Its console is Bluetooth-enabled and iFit ready, but also has 18 onboard workouts. In all, it’s a treadmill with an excellent price/value ratio, perfect for muscle toning, light to intense cardio training, building stamina, intervals and weight loss.