ProForm PRO 5000 Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Motor	Apps	Warranty
ProForm PRO 5000 Check Discounted Price	L:77" W:39" H:70"	300 lbs	4.0 CHP, 1-12 MPH	38, iFit ready	Motor: lifetime Frame: lifetime Parts: 5 years Labor: 2 year

In the second part of 2016, ProForm has released several upgraded treadmill models. The ProForm PRO 5000 is one of them. To be more specific, in this review we will address the PFTL15116 model, the PFTL15115 being the older one.

The newer released model, although not far different from the older one in terms of specs, it does have a console with a different layout, with the workout fans unified under a single element, and placed at the base of the console.

The ProForm PRO 5000 has all the “ingredients” of a light commercial treadmill. It has a powerful 4.0 CHP motor, automatic incline and decline, online connectivity, and an extremely sturdy construction.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 77L x 39W x 70H inches (195.5L x 99W x 178H cm)
• Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 22W inches (152L x 56W cm)
• Product weight: 290 lbs (131.5 kg)
• Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Motor: 4.0 CHP
• Incline: Automatic, 0-15%
• Decline: Automatic, -3% – 0%
• Deck cushioning: 2-cell
• Speed levels: 1-12 MPH.
• Console: 38 on-board programs, iFit ready
• Amenities: Sound system, cooling fans, accessory trays, tablet holder
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 2 years

Frame and deck construction

Since it’s a treadmill in the light commercial range, the ProForm PRO 5000 has quite a heavy construction. It’s net weight is approx. 290 lbs (131 kg), therefore it requires at least two people for transport and assembly. But on the other hand, all this weight plays a very important role in its overall sturdiness and stability. Running on it feels like running on a professional, gym grade machine.

Since it’s a running treadmill, its footprint is rather large. It takes 77″L x 39″W (195.5 x 99 cm) of floor space, and with the tablet holder installed, it’s approx. 70″ (178 cm) high. Therefore, it may not be the most appropriate fitness machine for a smaller room, or in general, if storage space is an issue. But nonetheless, its frame has a folding design. The deck folds up, being secured by a hydraulic latch. This folding system also assists with the lowering of the deck, preventing it from dropping hard on the floor. With the deck folded up, the machine’s length is reduced to half.

Needless to say, the frame of the deck and the front sustaining frame of the machine, are made of steel. There are several PVC parts in the machine’s construction, but mostly, they fulfill a cosmetic or protective role. For example, the front lateral bases of the frame, as well as the rear feet of the deck have PVC protective covers. The side rails of the deck are also PVC made, but the frame right underneath them is evidently steel. All the machine’s steel parts feature corrosion resistant coating, black in color. The only silver painted parts are the upright bars that sustain the console.

The rear feet of the deck integrate adjustable stabilizers with rubber caps. The front bases of the frame are equipped with small wheels to facilitate the relocation of the folded machine.

The machine’s deck has an extremely sturdy construction. It’s built to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). It integrates 2.5″ balanced and precision-machined rollers for optimal belt tension, which reduces wear and tear. They also provide an excellent grip on the belt, without skipping.

The ProForm PRO 5000 treadmill offers a 60″L x 22″W (152 x 56 cm) running surface. This being said, its a machine that can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (195 cm) with no problem. It uses a 2-ply, heavy-duty belt, designed for many years of use. The deck also integrates two cushioning cells, which reduce at least 20% of the overall running impact. Therefore, a run on this treadmill is more forgiving than a run on asphalt or concrete, promoting longer and more consistent workouts.

Incline & decline

This ProForm treadmill is equipped with a motorized incline – decline system, consisting in a small motor and a lever both situated at the front of the treadmill. Evidently, incline and decline adjustments can only be done from the console of the machine, while it’s connected to a power circuit. Also, if you will be using one of the on-board workouts or an iFit workout that involves incline and / or decline, the deck’s angle will adjust automatically.

The machine offers 12 levels of incline, from 0% to 12%, and 3 levels of decline, from -3% to 0%. These adjust in increments of 1%. The console features keys for quick and gradual incline adjustment.

One last aspect to mention here, regards the machine’s overall step-up height. At 0% incline, the running surface stands approx. 9″ (23 cm) above floor level. The maximum incline setting will elevate by a few inches as well. Therefore, to avoid any ceiling height issues, make sure that the room where you’ll be using this machine has a ceiling height at least 20″ higher than your own height.

Motor

The ProForm PRO 5000 is equipped with a heavy-duty 4.0 CHP motor. This means it can withstand long-run workouts with not problem. Even if you’re close to the maximum weight capacity, and even if you use the highest speed settings, the motor shouldn’t overheat or lose performance. The motor is also equipped with a small flywheel, in order to provide a smoother and more stable motion.

The machine’s motor supplies a speed range of 0.5-12 MPH. Evidently, speed can only be adjusted from the machine’s console. Just as for the incline and decline, there are keys for gradual and quick speed adjustment. The arrow keys for the gradual speed adjustment are bi-functional. If pressed once, they will adjust speed by 0.1 MPH; if you press and hold a key down, the tread belt’s speed will adjust in increments of 0.5 MPH. The fact that you can adjust speed in increments of 0.1 is quite a plus, as you can easily find the most comfortable pace for your workout.

The motor itself does not produce a high level of noise. In fact, it’s pretty quiet. But just as for any other treadmill, your running cadence will generate some noise. Differently put, in an apartment building, your neighbors will definitely hear you running.

Last but not least, the treadmill requires a standard 120V circuit. It comes with a standard power cord with a grounding pin, for American-type outlets, not an AC adapter. It’s recommended the use of a surge suppressor, however this is not supplied with the box. The power cord plugs into the machine at the front base. There’s also an ON/OFF switch function.

Console

As we’ve mentioned above, the ProForm PRO 5000 PFTL15116 (the 2016 model) has a console with a different design from the PFTL15115. This console is quite a multifunction unit, offering an impressive array of features and functions. 

To begin with, it’s equipped with a 7″, multi-panel LCD display. This means it can show multiple workout metrics on screen simultaneously, so you don’t have to scroll through them all the time. The display also has blue LED backlight, which offers excellent readability.

The fitness computer indicates time elapsed, calories burned, distance, pace, pulse, and the number of vertical feet that you have climbed. Speed and incline levels are also displayed. The MyTrail function displays distance as a 400 m (1/4 miles) trail, keeping track of the laps you’ve covered. There also are goal setting functions for calories, time, distance and pace, which means you can setup a target value for each one of these metrics, and work your way up towards that value.

The console features 38 pre-set workout programs, which will automatically adjust speed, incline and decline. These pre-set programs cover workouts for users of all levels, including intervals, peaks, climbs, weight loss etc. However, the console is also iFit enabled. It integrates an iFit module, thus you can wirelessly sync it with your tablet, phone or laptop in order to connect to iFit. This way your workout data will transfer into your iFit account instantly; you’ll also be able to use iFit workouts, video trails from different places in the worlds, and even compete with other users.

Evidently, the console unit can monitor your heart rate. The front handlebars feature stainless steel pulse sensors. However, the console can read your pulse wirelessly via a Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitter, accessory which is supplied with the treadmill.

Apart from the fitness oriented features and functions, the machine’s console unit also integrates several amenities. Among these we can count: workout fan, sound system, tablet holder and accessory trays. The CoolAire fan actually includes two fans, situated at the base of the console, and angled upward. It has three speed settings, its controls being placed on the left of the console.

The sound system consists of a large speaker, right under the quick keys for incline and speed. This sound system is compatible with most smartphones, tablets or MP3 units, including Apple and Android devices. The quality of the sound rendered by it is quite impressive.

The machine’s dashboard has two trays molded in its surface, one on each side. However, there’s also an accessory tray that requires to be attached under the console, between the two upright masts. These offer a lot of storage space for your small accessories, water bottle etc. Finally, there’s a tablet holder that attaches to the top of the console, so if you place a tablet on it, it won’t cover the workout display.

Assembly and Maintenance

The most technical parts of the machine, such as the motors, along with the deck and belt, come ready assembled. Therefore, the assembly consists of adding the console masts and the console. Assembly itself is quite a straightforward task, as the supplied manual provides comprehensive instructions for it. An Allen wrench is included, but you will also need an adjustable wrench and a Phillips screwdriver for it. Also, for unboxing and assembly two people are required, as the machine is heavy.

Maintenance requires the periodic lubrication of the belt. Also, it’s recommended to keep the belt clean, free of fibers, sand or other objects that may be dragged into the motor.

The Pros

• Light commercial quality, sturdy construction;
• Folding deck, with a soft-drop assist mechanism;
• Cushioned deck;
• Motorized incline and decline;
• Commercial grade motor, 4.0 CHP;
• 60″L x 22″W running surface, being able to accommodate users up to 6’5″;
• Up to 12 MPH speed;
• Speed increments of 0.1 and 0.5;
• Large, crowned rollers, 2.5″ supplying a consistent and constant grip;
• 2-ply, commercial quality belt, stretch-resistant;
• 38 pre-set workout programs;
• Trail distance function;
• Goal setting functions;
• iFit enabled, which opens superior progress measuring possibilities, a wide array of custom workouts, running via Google Maps, competing with others, and more;
• Sound system compatible with most smartphones, tablets and MP3 devices;
• Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitter included;
• CoolAire fan included;
• Tablet holder included;
• Multiple accessory trays;
• Quiet machine;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty package.

The Cons

• iFit membership not included;
• Heavy machine, difficult to handle.

Summary

The ProForm PRO 5000 is a treadmill with a light commercial construction, equipped with a powerful, heavy-duty 4.0 CHP motor. It has a motorized incline / decline system, and an advanced console with 38 on-board programs, which is also iFit Coach ready. It’s a machine for users of all levels. It’s great for consistent cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina and strength training, intervals and of course, for losing weight. In fact, its on-board workout database includes several weight-loss oriented programs. Finally, considering that it’s a machine pretty close to the range of specs of commercial ones, but costs less than $1,500, it definitely has an excellent price / value ratio.