Proform 505 CST Treadmill Review
Meta: If you walk or jog, then owning a treadmill can help you stay in shape. Read this ProForm 505 CST Treadmill review to decide if it’s the right one for you.
Running can be a great way to get in and stay in good physical condition. However, running in bad weather, such as when it is raining or snowing, can be a miserable experience.
By running inside on a treadmill, like the Proform 505 CST Treadmill, you can still run but without getting wet or worrying about slipping on ice.
Types of Treadmills and How to Choose
If you’re thinking about buying a treadmill for your home, there are several things to take into consideration. However, there are different designs to consider as well. You can choose from:
- Manual treadmills
- Powered treadmills
- Treadmills for walking
- Treadmills for running
- Inclining treadmills
Manual Treadmills
The least expensive treadmill on the market will be one that runs manually, and they are the lightest as well. To use a manual treadmill, set the incline and for your weight before stepping onto the platform. Then, begin by taking a step and pushing back with your leg.
When you use a manual treadmill, you’re guaranteed to get a good workout because you’re the one acting as the engine to get it and keep it going. However, they are built strictly for walking, not running. So, if you wish to use a treadmill for running, you’ll need to purchase one that is powered.
Most manual treadmills fold for storage underneath the bed or in a closet. You can set-up the treadmill wherever you want to exercise, such as in your living room while watching television as you work out.
Powered Treadmills
A powered treadmill runs because it has an electric motor, so this piece of equipment needs to be close to an electrical outlet. While some treadmills run on 110-volts, most of them require 120-volt outlets for power.
When picking a spot for the treadmill, make sure the outlet you choose is grounded. If a malfunction occurred, a grounded outlet would keep you from getting an electrical shock. If you have a newer home, this probably isn’t going to be an issue, but if you have an old house, then make sure the power is grounded.
Although treadmills with motors are heavier, folding powered treadmills are available. If you use the treadmill in your bedroom or the family room, you can fold it after exercising to reduce the space it takes up when it’s not in use.
Treadmills for Walking
If you want a powered treadmill for walking, then you should consider those with a slower belt speed. If it is below five miles per hour, then that treadmill is okay for walking or slow jogging. These treadmills may also have a higher maximum weight limit for the user as they are usually sturdier.
Treadmills for Running
A treadmill for running will usually have an integrated motor so that it can reach speeds of up to eight to 10 mph. It will allow you to set it as you run, so you can warm up at a much slower pace and gradually increase it.
Inclining Treadmills
Almost all treadmills incline to challenge the user to walk or run harder and faster. Manual treadmills would need to be preset to the incline that you want to use for exercising before getting on it. However, with powered treadmills, the platform will incline or decline at the touch of a button.
If you use one of the preset workouts, the platform, also called the deck, will automatically incline and decline throughout it. The Proform 505 CST Treadmill provides a good cardio for its users because it inclines automatically, or you can raise or lower the incline as you’re walking or running.
What is the Proform 505 CST Treadmill and How does it Work?
Proform treadmills are made by a company called Icon Health and Fitness. They are based in Logan, UT, but their equipment is made overseas. Along with Proform, they are also the company behind NordicTrack, iFit, and equipment made for Weider, Gold’s Gym, and several other brands.
Proform Treadmill Motor
While many experts consider it an entry-level treadmill, it has many features that experienced treadmill users can appreciate. It runs on electricity with a 2.5 CHP, or continuous horsepower, motor. The size of the motor tells you how much power it can sustain over a long period of time.
A 2.5 CHP motor is the amount of power that is required for a treadmill for joggers. If you want to run faster, then the motor should be at least 3.0 CHP. So, with the Proform having a 2.5 CHP motor, it was made for joggers and not people who run or sprint.
Control Panel
Before stepping on the platform, you will want to turn on the machine to get the belt moving before you start walking or jogging. A treadmill’s control panel lets you turn it on and off, set the length of your workout, the incline of the platform, and it has several more options for customizing your work out.
The Proform treadmill has a five-inch display that shows the settings. It is backlit and set right in front of the user to make it easy to keep track of the time, speed, mileage, heart rate, and how many calories you’ve burned.
Connections for Devices
There is also a connection for an Android or iOS tablet on top of the control panel. By connecting a tablet, you can get access to the company’s iFit Coach Ready program, which is an additional service that you can buy. This program has instructional videos from celebrity personal trainers to help with motivation.
If you don’t want to pay extra for iFit, the treadmill comes with 18 preset workouts. Instead of just walking or jogging on your own, you can select a workout and follow it. It increases the level of difficulty as workout runs to help you get in better physical shape.
It also has a connection for an iPod or other MP3 players, so you can listen to the music you’ve downloaded while jogging or walking. The tablet connection is also Bluetooth compatible, so you can record your heart rate and send it to a smartphone app to monitor it.
Heart Rate Monitor
There is nothing to hook up to when you want to monitor your heart rate while exercising. Instead, by gripping the handles on the treadmill for at least two seconds, the sensor picks up your pulse and displays your heart beat on the monitor.
Inclining Platform
The control panel lets you set the incline of the platform while exercising. Before beginning your walk or run, you can set the platform to a lower degree, then change it as you work out. If you use a preset workout, the platform will raise and lower automatically as programmed.
The platform moves from being flat to a 10 percent incline to make your walk or run more difficult. Increasing the difficulty of a walk or run allows you to build stamina, it works out your heart and lungs, and shapes and tones your leg muscles. Also, you will burn more calories and fat.
What Makes the Proform 505 CST Treadmill Unique
The fitness industry makes billions of dollars every year, with treadmills accounting for 40 percent of the $3.4 billion industry. With so many treadmills on the market, having unique features can be difficult to accomplish.
The unique feature of this treadmill is the iFit Coach Ready program. Even though it costs extra, it can provide users with more advanced workouts from personal trainers like Jillian Michaels and others.
It also uses Google Maps, so it allows users to select a route to walk or jog from anywhere in the world. The terrain of each route has been programmed into the system, so when you’re using it, the incline and speed automatically adjust to mimic the path.
Folding Treadmill
Another important feature it possesses is the ability to fold to make the machine smaller when it’s not in use. You can place it in a bedroom, family room, or your home office and lower the platform when you’re ready to use the machine. After you’re done, it can be folded to allow for the use of the space.
Platform with Give
The platform provides users with cushioned deck to protect the knees, hips, and legs. Whenever a user steps down onto it while walking or jogging it gives the platform some spring. Along with protecting your joints, their ProShox cushioning is designed to allow for faster recovery times, which means you can get back on the treadmill without having sore joints.
Good Warranty for Frame and Motor
The frame of this treadmill has a lifetime warranty, so if you’re the original owner and the frame becomes damaged, you can contact the company for repairs or replacement. The motor has a 25-year warranty, plus it comes with one-year parts and labor warranty.
Pricing for the Proform 505 CST
This piece of equipment is considered an entry-level treadmill by industry standards. As such, it is very affordable because it has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, MSRP, at $999 on their website. However, if you shop for one at major retail outlets, then you should be able to buy one for $599.99 or less, including delivery.
If you shop online for it, then you may find it at an even better price and save a few extra dollars. However, you can search for this treadmill online and find the best prices for it between online retailers and brick and mortar stores. For instance, both Sears and Walmart list this treadmill for $549.99.
Public Perception of the Proform 505 CST
Walkers and runners who have bought this Proform treadmill seem to like it. On some online sites, users have rated it four out of five stars. Many of the users’ testimonials like it for what it is, an entry-level treadmill.
Other sites where the treadmill is sold have it rated as 4.2 and 4.5 out of five stars. Most customers are happy with their purchase and think that the treadmill is a great buy.
There were some complaints about machines that were not put together correctly, but when a large company makes and sells hundreds, if not thousands, of machines per year, there are going to be problems with some of them.
How it Compares
The closest competitor for this Proform treadmill is the NordicTrack T6.7S. The NordicTrack model, which is made by the same manufacturer, has many of the same features as the Proform. The motor is slightly more powerful, but only by 0.1 HP. Instead of a 2.5 HP motor, the T6.7S motor is 2.6 HP.
The platform size, the type of display monitor, and the 10 percent incline ability are the same as well. However, instead of 18 preset workouts, the NordicTrack offers 20. The price is about the same at $599.99 on most online sites, but some of them sell it for $50 more without any discernable differences between the two machines.
Another competing treadmill to the Proform is the Marcy JX-663SW. While this is sold in the same price range at $549.99 on sites like Amazon and has many of the same features, the platform is narrower at 17.7” compared to the Proform’s 20” width.
Also, it just has 10 preset programs with which to use for working out. While the motor is the same at 2.5HP, it reaches nine mph and can only hold someone who is 245 pounds. The Proform treadmill is rated for people up to 325 lbs.
What We Think
If you want a good entry-level treadmill for your home, then the Proform 505 CST Treadmill may be just what you want. It has the features of a good quality treadmill, the platform folds up out of the way when it isn’t in use, and the price is competitive with other treadmills in the same category.
It is also rated for larger people who want to walk or jog to get back into shape by exercising and losing weight. Since most retailers provide delivery for the treadmill at no charge, you can have it delivered to your house and get started on a new exercise routine right away.